Situated just inland from the Costa Blanca coastline, the historic town of Almoradi lies close to the River Segura and has a resident population of around 18,000. The history of the town is the stuff of legend, as the town was supposedly founded by King Brigo in 1196 BC, firmer evidence exists of settlement by later civilizations such as Greeks, Romans and Visigoths, and the name comes from the Moorish occupation of the town in the 8th-13th centuries and actually means “my will and desire”. Almoradi fell into decline after the Christian reconquest and suffered badly in the 1829 earthquake which devastated the region. Almoradi is the HQ of an ancient water tribunal founded to resolve disputes over water, which is scarce in the region, fines are still dispensed in ancient Spanish coins. Almoradi is located near to Ciudad Quesada and Rojales on the southern Costa Blanca.
October 30, 2009
October 29, 2009
El Campello Alicante
A small town and coastal resort located to the north of Alicante, El Campello is a popular holiday destination for both Spanish and International visitors. Boasting stunning views along the surrounding coastline, El Campello is in a fine spot, and itself has some wonderful beaches. Dotted with ancient watchtowers dating back to the days when Barbary pirates raided this coastline, El Campello has survived mostly as a fishing village over the centuries and has only found itself as a tourist resort in recent years. Typically for towns of the region, El Campello enjoys numerous fiestas and festivals, perhaps the main one, and the one which local look forward to all year, is the Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) festival, which takes place in October. The town benefits for a fine climate with El Campello weather, generally sunny and dry for most of the year, though it can get a bit chilly during February. El Campello is situated between Alicante and Villajoyosa, about 13 kilometres from Alicante city centre. El Campello Map.
If you are holidaying in El Campello you may need to get transfers from Alicante airport, you can find details of how to book here: Alicante Airport Transfers. If you are driving you can view a map of Alicante here: Alicante Map.
October 27, 2009
Albatera Costa Blanca
Located in the Vega Baja district of the Costa Blanca, the small town of Albatera has a population of about 9,000 and lies to the north east of Orihuela. Standing beside the River Segura, Albatera has a history going back to Roman times though its documented history dates from the Moorish occupation, which ended in the 13th century, after defeat by Alfonso the Wise in 1266. Over the centuries Albatera has mostly survived through agriculture and pig farming, though in recent years property development has reared its ugly head, as the demand for homes in the sun grew during the 1990’s and early 21st century. Economic slowdown caused something of a halt in redevelopment, though this is certain to resume in the near future. The town today gathers around its pretty plaza, where the town hall and parochial church are situated, this is the centre of Albatera town life, and is where the local people gather to chat and celebrate fiestas.
October 25, 2009
Busot Spain
A small village situated near to El Campello and Alicante on the Costa Blanca, Spain, Busot has a population of just over 3,000 and is a traditional Spanish village with an old world charm. Its biggest event of the year is its Moros y Cristianos festival which takes place on the weekend after Easter, the entire village is included in the celebrations. Most visitors to Busot will pass only on their way to the well known local attraction – the Cuevas del Canelobre, a system of caves which occur half way up a mountain rather than underground, as you would expect. The Cuevas del Canelobre, feature a huge main cavern with stalagmites and stalagtites which have been formed over millions of years and take on various shapes including one like a candelabra (canelobre). Busot is well signposted from El Campello, finding the caves from Busot is a little more tricky.
October 24, 2009
Puerto Pollensa Majorca
The harbour area for the ancient Majorcan town of Pollensa, is known as Puerto Pollensa. For many years a popular destination for rich tourists to Mallorca, Puerto Pollensa was the subject of a 1936 short story by the famous author Agatha Christie (Problem at Pollensa Bay). The present town still retains much of the charm that it would have had in Agatha Christie’s day and has not been ruined by concrete tower blocks, as has much of the Majorca coastline. The colourful Majorcan fishing boasts are however being largely superceded by luxury yachts, though the hope is that they will not replace them entirely. The attractive Pine Walk which runs beside the harbour of Puerto Pollensa, is a wonderful setting for an evening stroll, before settling down for a delicious meal in one of the local restaurants. The region enjoys a splendid climate and Puerto Pollensa weather is ideal for sunny summer holidays or pleasant winter breaks, so why not visit the picturesque Mallorcan town of Puerto Pollensa soon.
October 23, 2009
Club de Golf Oliva Nova
Located between the northern Costa Blanca towns of Denia and Oliva, the fine Oliva Nova golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 course, which is gently undulating with numerous water hazards. The course was designed by the famous Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros, and was built to be challenging for golfers of all standards, it has a playing distance of 6,350m. A championship course, the Oliva Nova Golf has held various important tournaments including many for Spanish professionals.