Empuriabrava - Sun Sand and Sky-Diving

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

The Delightful Resort of Porto Colom Mallorca

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

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.

A Brief Guide to Figueres Costa Brava

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

The North and East of Ibiza

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

Malta

The Republic of Malta is an archipelago of seven islands situated centrally in the Mediterranean Sea, around 93 kilometres south of Sicily and 288 kilometres north of the African coast. The three main islands are Malta itself, Gozo and Comino, the total population is about 420,000 quite high for its relatively small area of just 316 square kilometres. Boasting 7,000 years of captivating history, Malta is a great location for culture hounds who will find plenty to interest and amaze them, sun lovers will also not be disappointed with Malta weather being wonderfully sunny and dry for most of the year, hot summers, followed by mild pleasant winters, beach lovers are also well catered for as Malta’s 200 kilometres of coastline is studded with beautiful sandy beaches. Most impressive of Malta’s attributes is its friendly population, who always have a smile and a warm welcome for visitors to the island. Malta Map.

Algarve Resorts – Albufeira

Around 35 kilometres west of Faro on the Algarve, Portugal, the town of Albufeira used to be a traditional fishing village, typical of the area. In recent years it has grown into one of Portugal’s main tourist destinations, resulting in much development and growth in the town. You can still find much of the original fishing village, with narrow winding streets and alleys, lined with whitewashed houses and cottages. Many visiting today would think it a modern resort, but Albufeira can trace its origins back to Roman times and beyond when Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians stopped off here on their travels around the coast. The Romans called the town Baltum and there are still some remains of aqueducts and walls, built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The Moors developed the area for agriculture and also a significant fishing industry flourished over the ensueing centuries. 1755 was a bad year for Portugal and for Albufeira in particular, as a huge earthquake rocked the region and virtually destroyed the town. The main attraction these days are the fine sandy beaches and luxury hotels, where visitors can relax and enjoy the wonderful Albufeira weather in preparation for a night out along the famous “Strip”, located in the Montechoro district of the town. Albufeira boasts over 170 hotels of all standards many are aparthotels such as the Ondamar Aparthotel Albufeira which offers a good standard of accommodation in relaxed surroundings, and would be an ideal choice for your Albufeira holidays. If beaches are your thing, then you will not be disappointed by Albufeira, as there are at least 20 wonderful beaches within easy reach of the resort, two of the best being Praia de Oura and Praia de Gale, others include Praia do Castelo, Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Evaristo. Albufeira can be easily reached from Faro airport which is about 40 minutes drive away. You can view a map of Albufeira here: Map of Albufeira.

Resorts of the Costa Adeje Tenerife

Located on the west coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain, are a couple of popular holiday resorts which attract thousands of visitors each year. On a stretch of coast known as the Costa Adeje, Playa Paraiso and Playa Fanabe, though close together are somewhat different in nature. Playa Paraiso (translates as Paradise Beach), despite its name hardly has a beach, but this does not put off holidaymakers as this is more than made up for by the superb saltwater lido around which life in the resort revolves. Playa Paraiso is a built for tourism destination and is an all year round resort enjoying a fabulous climate, even during the winter months. A little to the south of Playa Paraiso is the town of Fanabe and its coastal area, Playa Fanabe, now Playa Fanabe is in distinct contrast to Playa Paraiso as it has a wonderful beach, wide and sandy, with plenty of water sports facilities and a good selection of bars and restaurants. So if you like the beach and area a fan of the sand Playa Fanabe may be your first choice from the two, if you hate the sand and the sea, you may prefer to head for Playa Paraiso, just 2 resorts to consider on a trip to Tenerife, a little further south is the huge resort of Playa de las Americas, but that is another story!.

Lanzarote’s Capital Arrecife

One of the largest cities in the Canary Islands, Arrecife became the capital of Lanzarote in 1852 and today has a population of 127,000, though this can increase considerably during the busy season, as Arrecife is a prime destination for tourists to this popular island. Arrecife is the location of Lanzarote’s International Airport, which I situated about 3 kilometres from the city centre in an area known locally as Guacimeta. Arrecife has a number of interesting places to visit and we shall start with El Charco (often called ‘The Puddle’), a lagoon near the centre of the city, which is a popular place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Some narrow little streets run from El Charco and from here you can reach the San Gines church sitting in an attractive square, which is also the site of many a fiesta and celebration, nearby is the fish market. Arrecife boasts 2 castles, constructed during the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries to defend the city against attacks by Barbary pirates, the Castillo de San Jose is now an art museum and the older Castillo San Gabriel also houses a small museum. The main shopping area is centred around the Calle Leon y Castillo precinct, located to the north of El Charco. Arrecife’s beach is known as Playa del Reducto and the promenade behind the beach can now be followed all the way to the busy resort of Puerto del Carmen. Arrecife enjoys a wonderful all year round climate, with the most pleasant weather experienced during the UK’s winter months. Map of Arrecife.

The Northern Towns of Mallorca

Starting in the extreme north of Mallorca at the Cap de Formentor, located on a long headland at the northern end of the Serra de Tramunana mountains, the Formentor Peninsular is an area of steep cliffs rising to a height of 1,300 feet. From here you can enjoy some breathtaking views of the sea and coastline, you may even catch a glimpse of the neighbouring island of Menorca on a clear day, you can also enjoy the varied birdlife, many species nest in this rugged and remote area. Some of the best views can be enjoyed from the Mirador des Colomer, look out for the Talaja de Albercutx, a 16^th century watchtower built to look out for invading pirates.

The historic town of Pollensa (Pollença), situated in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana, was founded by the Romans, it is still relatively unspoilt and retains much of its traditional Mallorcan charm. Worth a visit in Pollensa is the parish church of Nostra Senyora dels Angels, originally built by the Nights Templar in the 13^th century, the Municipal Museum, houses in the former Convent de Santo Domingo, the Plaça Major (Main Square) where you can enjoy a coffee in one of the many traditional cafés, the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), leading to the El Calvari chapel and the Ponte Romà, claimed to be a Roman bridge but probably much later. Pollensa itself is an inland town, placed to protect it from raiding pirates, its coastal limb being Puerto Pollensa, these days a busy holiday resort, attracting families to its excellent sandy beach and attractive harbour.

Another of the northern town of Mallorca and probably one of the oldest is Alcudia, originally a Phoenician settlement, it was rebuilt by the Romans and called Pollentia and subsequently became the capital of Mallorca until sacked and destroyed by the Vandals in 456 AD. The present name Alcudia originates from the Arab occupation, when their fortress Al-Kudia was built there. Worth a look in Alcudia is the port area, the 13^th century Gothic church of Sant Jaume, the remains of a Roman theatre from the 1^st century BC (the smallest Roman theatre in Spain), the Porta de Moll gateway and the Museu Monographic, with some interesting exhibits from the Roman occupation.

Also worth visiting whilst in the north of Mallorca is the Monastery of Lluc, a place of pilgrimage for over 800 years, the Natural Park of S’Albufera, an important area of wetlands to the south of Port d’Alcudia and the agricultural town of Muro, dominated by the huge Gothic church of Sant Joan Baptista.