Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

September 4, 2009

Dolores Costa Blanca

Filed under: Costa Blanca,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 12:05 pm

An agricultural village located in the Vega Baja region of the Alicante province, Dolores is situated to the east of Catral, just inland from the Costa Blanca coastline of Spain. Established as a result of a plan to drain the marshy land of the region by the Cardinal of Cartagena-Murcia, Dolores grew and survived through the growing of fruit and vegetables and especially artichokes for which the village is well known. An opportunity to purchase the produce of the village comes every Friday, when Dolores holds its weekly street market. Life in Dolores mostly revolves around the attractive town square, here you will also find the local church displaying some fine art works by Salcillo. Also renowned in the area for cattle rearing, Dolores holds its annual Livestock Fair (Feria Granadera) attracting cattle owners from far and wide. Dolores Map.

Cullera Valencia

Filed under: Costa del Azahar,Spain — Tags: , — needahand @ 11:58 am

A popular coastal resort and town on the Costa del Azahar coastline of eastern Spain, Cullera is situated just south of Valencia, and south east of Sueca, close to the L’Albufera Natural park. Cullera has a history going back to the Arab occupation, and its 13th century fortress dated from this time. The fortress of Cullera stands on a mountain above the town as a reminder of Cullera’s historic past, when there was constant conflict between Moors and Christians. Cullera today is a popular holiday resort with numerous wonderful sandy beaches, a fabulous water park and some interesting places to visit. Cullera Map.

The Dominican Republic

Filed under: Holidays,Travel — Tags: , , — needahand @ 8:19 am

One of the world’s top all inclusive holiday destinations, the Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. Taking up about two thirds of the island the Dominican Republic combines a heady mix of relaxed beach life and Latin party spirit, all experienced among swaying palm trees on fine, white sandy beaches. The weather in the Dominican Republic is of course wonderful, being hot and tropical all year round, beware of the two rainy seasons though and also be mindful during the hurricane season (June to November). The hotels on the Dominican republic are first class, offering everything needed for a great holiday. Dominican Republic Map.

Buenos Aires Argentina

Filed under: Travel — Tags: — needahand @ 8:09 am

With a population of around 2.75 million, Buenos Aires is the largest city and the capital of the South American country of Argentina. The name Buenos Aires means “Fair Winds” and the city is located one the southern banks of The River Plate. Founded by the Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza in 1536, Buenos Aires has a long and interesting history. The well known dance the Tango originates from the back streets of Buenos Aires and it perhaps for this that the city is most famous. These days Buenos Aires is the commercial and financial capital of Argentina and has one of the busiest ports in the world. The architecture of Buenos Aires is varied and has influences from many European countries including Spain. Italy, Germany and France. The city has wide, tree-lined avenues, beautiful green spaces for relaxation and recuperation, and a large number of historic churches, mixed in with the modern skyscrapers and apartment blocks. Buenos Aires is also renowned for its sculptures and visitors will find these all over the city. In the last few years Buenos Aires has become a popular location for property investors and Buenos Aires property is proving to be a good investment as the prices are rising by up to 20% each year. When searching for a property in Buenos Aires, investors should take care to select a decent area for their purchase, as there are good and bad areas within the region. The property market is certainly booming in the city and the choice of Buenos Aires properties is wide and varied. There are a great many brand new apartment blocks appearing and Buenos Aires apartments are a popular choice with those seeking to purchase within the city. If this is your choice then finding a good value apartment in Buenos Aires should not be a problem and looking in an area such as Palermo or maybe Puerto Madero should give you plenty to choose from. All in all if you are looking to invest in property and would like to try somewhere a little different, then you could do little better than picking a Buenos Aires property for your money. Buenos Aires Map.

September 3, 2009

The Costa de la Luz Andalucia Spain

Filed under: Portugal,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 5:53 pm

Located in south-western Andalucia on Spain’s border with Portugal, a 300 kilometres stretch of coastline called the Costa de la Luz is often called “The Spanish Algarve”. Its name which means “Coast of Light” derives from its clear unpolluted skies, and the subsequent quality of light that can be found there, it is renowned for its stunning sunsets. As yet mostly unspoilt the Costa de la Luz is becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers, who visit to enjoy the wonderful sandy beaches, the interesting historic towns and cities and the beautiful countryside of its hinterland. Apart form the traditional beach style holiday, many visit for the excellent water sports facilities, especially surfing and windsurfing, where strong winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean provide ideal conditions for these popular sports, one of the finest resorts for these activities is Tarifa in the south-east of the region. The strong winds make temperatures cooler in this area and Costa de la Luz weather is generally a little cooler than the neighbouring Costa del Sol. The Costa de la Luz has a rich history and boasts the oldest permanently inhabited city in Europe – Cadiz – which is well worth a visit if you are in the area. The Costa de la Luz is made up of 2 provinces Huelva and Cadiz, Huelva begins at the border with Portugal and the Algarve, and ends at the Guadalquivir River, Cadiz stretches from the Guadalquivir to Tarifa. If you are flying to the Costa de la Luz, you will probably land at Jerez airport, a modern and compact airport situated north-east of Jerez de la Frontera. If you are on a package holiday you will no doubt be picked up from here, if not you can pick up your Costa de la Luz car hire vehicle directly from the airport. It is advisable to hire a car while you are visiting otherwise you will miss out on some great opportunities to travel around the region, don’t forget a trip into the magical city of Seville. Costa de la Luz Map.

Salobrena Costa Tropical

Filed under: Costa del Sol,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 12:28 pm

Considered by many to be the “Jewel of the Costa Tropical”, the Andalucian pueblo blanco, Salobrena tumbles down a high rock just inland from the coastline which is known as the Costa Tropical. Domnated by the Moorish castle which looks down on the town from its high position, Salobrena is surrounded by sugar cane plantations, a notable feature of this region of Spain. The Moorish castle (Castillo) was built in the tenth century and was a refuge for its Arabic inhabitants during their long struggle with the Christian troops of the reconquest, there is also evidence of Roman structures showing that Salobrena has an even longer history. Salobrena has eight kilometres of coastline including a fine wide beach of greyish sand, it is a popular location for those seeking a quieter holiday away from the main coastal resorts, but is also an ideal base for those wishing to explore the larger towns of Almunecar and Motril and also the historic city of Granada, which is less than an hours drive away. Costa Tropical Map.

September 2, 2009

Discovery Point Dundee Scotland

Filed under: Scotland,United Kingdom — Tags: , — needahand @ 4:33 pm

If travelling around the city of Dundee in Scotland this year, you should certainly consider a visit to Discovery Point, a major tourist attraction for the city. Discovery Point is where Captain Scott’s ship the RSS Discovery is on display, and there you can follow in the footsteps of Scott and his crew and get an idea of what life was like onboard this historic ship which sailed to Antarctica. With an audio / visual show, computer based multimedia, and guided tours, you will find plenty for the whole family to do at the Discovery Point adventure in Dundee. Discovery Point is located on Discovery Quay on the waterfront just before the Tay Road Bridge. Dundee Map.

Travel on the Costa Brava Spain

Filed under: Costa Brava,Holidays,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , , , , — needahand @ 4:12 pm

Boasting some of the most attractive coastline in the whole of the Spain, the Costa Brava region is located in the extreme north-east of the country within the region of Catalonia. The Costa Brava borders France to the north, Aragon to the west and Valencia to the south and was one of the first regions of Spain to attract mass tourism as cheaper package holidays and flights took off during the 1960’s, from then on Costa Brava travel was a popular option for those seeking a bit of guaranteed sunshine and a holiday abroad. Obviously the excellent summer time climate was one of the biggest draws for the region but the many beautiful Costa Brava beach resorts and the fine beaches which service them was an additional attraction. Amongst the best known resorts there are some real gems, and many have an interesting history along with their appeal as pure holiday resorts. Places such as Roses, Blanes and Estartit are among the best known while inland towns such as Girona, Figueres and Begur also have much to offer. Those wishing to get the most from a visit to the region should purchase a decent Costa Brava guide book, which will advice of the best and most interesting places to visit. Costa Brava Map.

History of Denia Spain

Filed under: Costa Blanca,Spain — Tags: , — needahand @ 4:02 pm

Though today a popular and modern resort, Denia, located on the Costa Blanca, Spain has a long and turbulent history. Thought to be named after the Roman temple of Diana, remnants of which were unearthed near the town, Denia is overlooked by its 16th century castle, built on an earlier 11th century Moorish fortress. These days the castle serves a more peaceful purpose and acts as the Archaeological Museum for the town, well worth a visit in order to delve deeper into the area’s history. Denia is also a busy port and for centuries survived by its fishing industry, there are still parts of its old fishing quarter, and wandering its narrow streets and alleys, whisks one back to simpler times. Settled over the centuries by Greeks, Romans and Moors, it was the Moors who built the first castle and held on to the town from the 8th to the 13th century. Taken back by the Christians in 1244, Denia became a marquisate in the 15th century, it joined the losing side in the War of Succession, which resulted in great hardship for the town. A thriving grape and raisin industry developed during the late 18th and early 19th centuries brought wealth and prosperity to Denia once more, though this was ruined by an outbreak of Phylloxera, which destroyed this industry and caused the decline of the town once again. Only the arrival of tourism during the 20th century allowed Denia to once again become prosperous. Denia Map.

Ciutadella Menorca

Filed under: Balearic Islands,History,Spain — Tags: , , — needahand @ 1:26 pm

An attractive town with a picturesque port and a charming old quarter, Ciutadella was the former capital of Menorca 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 13th century. Sacked by the Turks in 1558, all its citizens were sold into slavery in Constantinople. Largely rebuilt during the 17th and 18th centuries, Ciutadella is a typically Spanish town with some beautiful squares and some fine architecture, its 13th 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. Ciutadella Map.

Crevillente Costa Blanca

Filed under: Costa Blanca,History,Spain — Tags: , , , , , , — needahand @ 1:09 pm

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 Cox, Albatera, Aspe, Callosa de Segura and Hondon de los Frailes, a trip into the city of Elche would also be well rewarded. Crevillente Map.

Cordoba Andalucia

Filed under: Costa del Sol,History,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 1:01 pm

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.

Ibiza Balearic Islands Spain

Filed under: Balearic Islands,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 11:34 am

The spiritual home of the raver, Ibiza is located twenty five miles south-west of Majorca. The majority of its population live in the capital Ibiza Town (Eivissa) which developed around a well preserved old walled centre (Dalt Vila) in a beautiful location. A picturesque island with a rugged coastline, fine beaches and an unspoilt countryside, Ibiza is noted for its fine restaurants, and vibrant nightlife scene, it has some of the biggest and most outrageous clubs in Europe. Ibiza is the most fashionable of the Balearic Islands, after being discovered by artists and celebrities during the early 1960’s, mass tourism followed quickly, though Ibiza did not suffer the over development experienced by neighbouring Majorca. Ibiza has some of the more expensive properties in the island group, with a considerable number of millionaire villas, a desirable area being between Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia des Riu. Ibiza experiences a pleasant climate with Ibiza weather being ideal for holidays and winter breaks, it makes a great change from mainland Spain. To view a map of Ibiza and its resorts look here: Ibiza Map.

Puerto Banus Costa del Sol

Filed under: Costa del Sol,Spain — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 9:27 am

Located near to Marbella on the Costa del Sol in Andalucia, Spain, the resort of Puerto Banus is a relatively new creation, being the brainchild of one Jose Banus during the 1970’s. Centred around its lavish marina and shopping complex, this playground for the rich and famous opened in 1970, with the opening attended by many well known people including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, the Aga Khan, and Hugh Hefner. The luxury marina at Puerto Banus covers an area of some fifteen hectares and provides moorings for boats between eight and fifty metres in length. The resort these days attracts thousands of visitors who come to see “how the other half live”, but also to enjoy the fabulous Puerto Banus weather which is typical of the Costa del Sol region, being hot and sunny in summer and mild in winter. There is a good beach to the east of the marina, or you copuld treat yourself by heading to the Marbella Beach Club. Puerto Banus is handy for visiting much of the Costa del Sol and Andalucia regions, with towns such as Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona nearby. Puerto Banus Map.

Clevedon Chard Glastonbury and Burnham on Sea

Filed under: England,United Kingdom — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 7:37 am

If you are travelling to the county of Somerset in England this year be sure to visit some of its coastal resorts such as Clevedon and Burnham on Sea, and also some of its historic inland towns such as Glastonbury and Chard. Clevedon and Burnham on Sea both have fine sandy beaches and good facilities, they also both have piers but in contrasting ways, with Clevedon having a charismatic Victorian pier and Burnham on Sea, what is said to be the shortest pier in Britain. Head inland for Glastonbury a small town with a long history which you will find very interesting, perhaps visit during the famous music festival when the town becomes alive, also take time to visit Chard which was settled in Saxon times, but rebuilt after a fire in 1577.

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