The ancient Spanish city of Cartagena is located in the province of Murcia in the south-east of the country and is a coastal city on the section known as the Costa Calida. Cartagena has a history going back to the times of the ancients when it was founded by the Carthaginian general Hasdrubel in around 227 BC. After Hasdrubel died he was replaced by the famous general Hannibal who made Cartagena into his very own Iberian capital. When the Romans arrived after the Punic Wars they made Cartagena into a major trading centre, making use of its strategic natural harbour and its extensive mineral deposits located in the neighbouring mountains. There are a wealth of Roman monuments still remaining in Cartagena today and they form part of the city’s rich heritage. Visitors today can see the remains of the Punic Ramparts and also the Augusteum both of which are impressive locations. The port of Cartagena has always been important for Spain and its navy and it became the headquarters of the Spanish Navy’s Maritime Department of the Mediterranean during the 18th Century, it is still a major naval port today. One of the exhibits on show at the port of Cartagena is the first submarine, built by a Cartagena citizen called Isaac Peral in around 1884, this submarine can be viewed at the quayside. Cartagena lies a little south of the Mar Menor, the largest salt lake in Europe. The Mar Menor boasts some of the finest seaside resorts in the region including the renowned golf and sports resort of La Manga. Cartagena is currently undergoing some major refurbishments and the increase in property development in and around Cartagena is bringing increased wealth and interest to the area. Cartagena property is much in demand as is property along the neighbouring Mar Menor. If you are visiting southern Spain in the near future and are in the area of Cartagena be sure to take time to visit this ancient city and enjoy some of its many attractions. Cartagena Map.
August 31, 2009
Callosa de Segura Costa Blanca
The traditional Spanish town of Callosa de Segura lays at the foot of the Sierra de Callosa just back from the Costa Blanca coastline of south-eastern Spain. Having a population of around 17,000 it is a medium sized town with an interesting history. Above the town stands the Sant Roque Hermitage and way above that the ruins of an ancient castle in a seemingly inaccessible place, the hermitage is built on the spot where Saint Roque supposedy appeared. Amongst surrounding buildings but easy to spot from the hermitage is the large Saint Martin’s church, built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries and containing some significant gold pieces by Miguel de Vera. Other interesting places to visit include the Archaeological Museum, the Hemp and Agricultural Museum, the Holy Week Museum and the Fiesta Museum. Callosa de Segura can be accessed from the AP-7 motorway junction 733.
Calahonda Andalucia Spain
Located on the Costa del Sol coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella, the custom built urbanization of Siteo Calahonda is a low-rise development which is so large that it has become a town in its own right. Renowned for the high build quality, Calahonda is regarded as a prime real estate area, and properties here are in great demand. Running gently up undulating hills from the coast, Calahonda was formerly the site of a fort-house, built to defend local citizens from assaults by Barbary pirates, the fort was in two colours, for the purpose of camouflage. Calahonda was developed from the 1960’s as a blend of rural and coastal life, there are plenty of green areas planted with pines and other trees. This stretch of the Spanish coast benefits from a lovely climate and Calahonda weather is perfect for holidays throughout the year. Calahonda is located about 35 kilometres from Malaga airport. Calahonda Map.
Los Delfines Cala n Blanes and Cala n Forcat
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. Cala n Blanes Map.
Cambrils Costa Dorada
Located at the southern end of the Costa Dorada, Spain, the pretty town of Cambrils is a rare example of a holiday destination that has not yet been spoiled by tourism. Boasting wonderful sandy beaches and some of the best seafood restaurants in the region, Cambrils is certainly a place to consider if you are visiting the area. The site of a significant Roman settlement over 2,000 years ago, there are still remnants from the Roman period, for instance the remains of a villa at La Llosa. Todays villas are more for holiday renters as they seek a paradise in the sun and during the summer, there is plenty of sunshine as Cambrils weather is just right for that super summer holiday, hot sunny days are tempered by soothing sea breezes making it pleasant and enjoyable. Cambrils Map.
Cala Llonga Ibiza
Around ten kilometres north of Ibiza Town on the coastal road to Santa Eulalia, the quiet and secluded seaside resort of Cala Llonga is situated in a tiny bay, circled by hills covered in pine trees. A favoured haunt of smugglers for many years, Cala Llonga was established as a holiday resort during the early 1970’s by a group of British entrepeneurs who spotted the potential of this beautiful place, their confidence was well founded and Cala Llonga is now extremely popular with couples and families, looking for a quieter beach oriented holiday, away from the noisy traditional resorts of Ibiza. Accommodation in Cala Llonga is mostly self-catering and a good choice for your stay might be the El Pinar Cala Llonga Apartments, located just 10 metres from the delightful sandy beach and handy for the resort centre. The beach is safe and clean and is one of the main reasons to visit, along with the quiet and the terrific Cala Llonga weather which is just pefect for a beach holiday or even a quiet winter break. Cala Llonga lies just off the PM-V-810-1 coast road between Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia.