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. Map of Malta.
September 16, 2009
September 14, 2009
Velez-Malaga Costa del Sol
Known simply as Velez to the locals, the town of Velez-Malaga is the capital of the Axarquia district of the Malaga province of Andalucia in Spain. Located a little inland from the seaside area of Torre del Mar, Velez-Malaga is a significant market town surrounded by agricultural land where large quantities of olives, vines and salad crops are grown. The story of the town stretches back to pre-history and was no doubt settled prior to the Roman times when it was known as Menoba. Further expanded and developed by the Moors (who called it Ballix-Malaga) it became an important centre for trade and commerce. Its 13th century fortified castle overlooks the town from its lofty position on a hill, other places to visit include the Palacio de los Marqueses de Beniel and the 13th century Iglesia de San Bautista. Velez-Malaga Map.
The Weather in Ibiza Spain
If you are looking for a place to visit with a great climate all year round then Ibiza in the Balearic Islands of Spain could be just the place for you. For spring or summer holidays, the island is perfect with Ibiza weather being sunny and dry most days between May and September, the temperature range is around 25° to 35° Centigrade and the water temperature is also excellent making it an ideal time to visit for families with children. In October and November things change a little with lower temperatures, more chance of some rain but still sunny for most of the time and still temperatures reaching the mid-twenties. In December and January you can still expect the weather in Ibiza to be sunny, though days are often crisp and fresh, making it great for hiking and cycling. In February, March and April, expect a little rain and some cool breezes but as Spring breaks and things start to hot up, summer is heading you way again. So whenever you are visiting Ibiza you can expect some excellent weather with plenty of sunshine to make your days brighter and more enjoyable.
Torremolinos Spain
Located about seven kilometres west of Malaga, the coastal resort and town of Torremolinos, was, forty years ago, just a small fishing village with little of note to attract visitors. Since the 1960’s Torremolinos has developed as one of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol and along with neighbouring Fuengirola and Benalmadena attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. At one time having a reputation much like Benidorm, fish, chips and beer, Torremolinos is gradually evolving into a better class of resort and has some excellent shopping facilities, improved, clean beaches, and a very vibrant nightlife scene which of course appeals to the younger generation. There is of course plenty for visitors of all ages, with facilities for children and a huge range of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. A big attraction is the wonderful Torremolinos weather, which is pleasant all year round, being especially hot and dry in the summer months and mild (watch out for the chilly wind though) during the winter. Easily accessed from Malaga airport, Torremolinos is an ideal location for the purchase of a holiday home or a rental investment property, and has a large expat community, making the Brits especially feel at home (but with sun!). Torremolinos Map.
Malaga Costa del Sol
Located in the Spanish region of Andalucia, Malaga is the 2nd largest city in that region, also considered as the capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga has a long history going back to its founding in around 1000 BC when established as a trading port by the Phoenicians. Famous as the birthplace of the celebrated painter Pablo Picasso, Malaga has a number of interesting places to visit including the Alcazaba, the Roman Ampitheatre and the cathedral which was started in the 16th century. Having the main airport for the region of course Malaga in one way or another welcomes most of the visitors to the Costa del Sol, the main road from Granada passes by the city and the port is still a busy commercial centre as it has been for many centuries. To the south of Malaga lie the popular coastal resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola, further south is Marbella, Malaga together with all of these resorts attract huge number of visitors each year, attracted by the fine beaches, the superb Malaga weather and the variety of interesting places to visit.
September 13, 2009
Seville and Utrera Andalucia
A city with a population of around 700,000, Seville is one of the most important cities in southern Spain. Artistically, financially and culturally it is the hub of the region of Andalucia and is one of the most visited cities in Spain. Lying in the plain of the Guadalquivir river, Seville covers an area of 140 square kilometres and has a metropolitan population around double of that of the city itself. Historically, Seville is over two thousand years old and was called Hispalis during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsular. There are still Roman remains to be found in and around Seville, one of the best known being the aqueduct. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, Seville fell successively into the hands of Vandal, Visigoths and Moors, but it was the Moors who had the greatest influence on the city, and it became a significant centre under the control of the Umayyad dynasty. It came back under Christian control in the mid-13th century. These days Seville is a popular tourist destination with plenty to see and do all year round, although as Seville weather can be extremely hot during July and August, these months are perhaps best avoided if possible. Among the best known attractions in the city are the cathedral, built between 1401 and 1519, the Alcazar, begun in the 12th century, the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower), the Town Hall, and the Plaza de Espana. Outside the city of Seville itself are some other interesting places to visit, one you could consider might be the town of Utrera, one of the main agricultural towns of the region and the area where many of the bulls, reared especially for bullfighting are bred and tended. Utrera was overrun by Alfonso X in the 13th century, as he prepared for his defeat of Seville. Worth a look in Utrera are the 14th century castle, the Iglesia de Santiago church and the church of Santa Maria. Seville Map.