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.
September 2, 2009
Puerto Banus Costa del Sol
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
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.
September 1, 2009
Santander Cantabria Spain
A city and port in the Cantabria region of Spain, Santander has a population of 183,000 approximately one third of all the people who live in the Cantabria region. A historic city, Santander was already significant when the Roman occupied the Iberian Peninsular. The city mostly grew due to its fine natural harbour on the Bay of Santander, it was important during the Middle Ages and continued to be so as the discoveries in the New World brought increased imports into Spain. Unfortunately, much of the historic section of the city was destroyed by a great fire in 1941, an event that was amazing in that only one person died despite widespread devastation. Santander weather is notably mild although somewhat rainy and it has become a popular tourist destination with some interesting places to visit. Santander Map.
Castellon de la Plana Valencia
Capital city of the Castellon province of the Comunitat de Valencia, Castellon de la Plana has a population of around 170,000 and a history stretching back to the Moorish occupation of Spain, when the Arab castle of Fadrell was built to defend the town from the Christian reconquest. The castle did not do the trick for the Moors and the town was recaptured in around 1251, and the town moved from its mountain location to its present position close to the coast. During the Middle Ages, Castellon de la Plana was protected by fortified walls, moats and defensive towers, most of which was demolished during the 19th century, as the town grew and expanded. It became a university city in 1991, with the founding of the Jaume I University. Castellon de la Plana is a busy industrial town, with a significant port area – El Grau de Castellon, it also has a number of fine beaches to the north of the harbour and attracts an increasing number of holidaymakers, as the surrounding Costa del Azahar becomes ever more popular. Map of Castellon de la Plana.