A historic market town situated in the county of Devon, England, United Kingdom, Holsworthy has been settled since Saxon times, when it was a significant trading centre. Listed as part of Harold Godwinson’s estate in the Domesday Book of 1086, Holsworthy later became important as a market town, receiving charter’s for its weekly market. Standing on the River Deer, Holsworthy these days has a population of 2,256 and still boasts one of the largest cattle markets in south-west England. Holsworth is located near to the border with Cornwall and is east of Bude. Holsworthy Map.
October 17, 2009
Valldemossa Majorca
One of the big attractions on the cultural tourist route of Mallorca is the small town of Valldemossa, which sits in the mountains north of the capital Palma de Mallorca. What makes this place so special is that for a short time in the winter of 1838-39, it became the home of French novelist George Sand and her lover composer Frederick Chopin, who went there to escape the gossip of Paris, and also in the hope that it would aid Chopin’s bad health (he suffered from tuberculosis). Ironically that winter Valldemossa weather was not kind to its new visitors and it remained wet and windy for most of their stay. The celebrities were also apparently given the cold shoulder by the locals as they were not married, and George Sand wrote a derogatory book about their stay called “A Winter in Mallorca” in which she called the local inhabitants savages and thieves. Their visit has still not been forgotten and the book can still be found on sale in the town! Valldemossa Map.
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San Antonio Ibiza
Nowadays one of the most popular resorts on the island, San Antonio Ibiza was formerly just a small fishing village which has existed since Roman times when it was known as Portus Magnus. Developed during the 1950’s and 60’s as a tourist resort, San Antonio went into decline in the 1980’s but sprang back again during the 1990’s as Ibiza became the clubbers capital of the world. Still popular as a family resort and as a ferry port (ferries arrive from Denia on the mainland), it is nonetheless mainly frequented by young clubbers who head for some of the most renowned clubs on the island such as Mambo, Eden and Es Paradis and party until the early hours (or even into the next day). This famous holiday island enjoys a wonderful climate and San Antonio weather is pretty reliable during the summertime when most visitors arrive, the winters are quieter and this could be the best time to visit if you are not looking for the clubbing scene. The attractive San Antonio Bay and busy fishing harbour are a popular place to visit, there are some fine beaches such as Cala Bassa and Cala Conta, and there are some interesting places to visit nearby. San Antonio Ibiza Map.
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San Pedro del Pinatar Spain
In the northern section of the Mar Menor coastline of Murcia, you will find the charming little town of San Pedro del Pinatar (St Peter of the Pinewoods), a popular holiday destination for both International holidaymakers and the Spanish themselves, especially those from the city of Murcia. The town itself has a population of just over 21,000 and is located just 4 kilometres from San Javier airport. The history of San Pedro del Pinatar goes back to the 17th century when a hermitage was constructed, dedicated to the apostle San Pedro, though it was probably settled much earlier by Romans who left remains of villas in the area, it could possibly even have been a Roman base during the Punic Wars as the Romans battled for control of Cartagena. Until the relatively recent arrival of tourism as a source of income, San Pedro del Pinatar relied mostly on fishing for its economic survival, even today still using Arabic fishing methods, which proved ideal for the conditions on the Mar Menor. Nature lovers should head for the Parque Regional de Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro a significant area for migrating birds and a protected Natural Park, culture lovers can try out the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum. San Pedro del Pinatar is located on the N-332 in the north of the Costa Calida region of Spain.
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October 15, 2009
Mazarron Castle Murcia
Whilst visiting the Costa Calida, you might want to take a look at the newly restored Mazarron castle, which while still largely a ruin, has been conserved for the future. Originally built by the Duke of Velez in the 16th century, Mazarron castle served the area both as a defense against pirate attacks and for the protection of the valuable alum mining industry, which was important in Mazarron at that time. Mazarron and its coastal limb Puerto Mazarron, are popular tourist locations for the region of Murcia, and there are plenty more locations to visit in the area during your stay. Beach lovers will find over 30 beaches in the region. Mazarron Map.
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Jumilla Murcia Spain
A well known wine producing town in the northern sierras of the Murcia region of Spain, Jumilla has a population of approximately 26,000 and has survived over the centuries mostly through agriculture and wine production. The area has been significant for growing grapes, since the crop was introduced by the Romans during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsular, and it is particularly well known for its full-bodied red wines. The vineyards of Jumilla cover an area of some 30,000 hectares, producing 24 million litres of wine annually and worked by around 44 bodegas. Places of interest near to Jumilla include the rural town of Pinoso and the spa town of Fortuna, where hot spring rise to the surface and visitors can bathe in the healing waters. Jumilla Map.
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