Formerly a significant fishing port and these days one of the most popular coastal resorts in the Asturias region of northern Spain, Llanes is a charming little town with some delightful tapas bars and seafood restaurants. It has the reputation of being one of the most dangerous ports in the north of Spain, as many ships were lost off this coast over the centuries, you can check out the maritime history of the town at the interesting Maritime Exhibition Centre. Be sure to visit the ‘Old Quarter’ of Llanes, here you will find the old town wall, the tower and the church dedicated to Mary Magdalene. In the fishing harbour, you can still watch fishing craft arriving with their daily catch, as this is still a working port. Map of Llanes.
November 18, 2009
November 17, 2009
Santiago de Compostela Galicia
One of the world’s Holy Cities, Santiago de Compostela, located in Spain’s Galicia region is a great city to visit, has some interesting historic buildings, and has a wonderful story to tell. Supposedly the burial place of St James the Apostle in AD44, it became a place of pilgrimage after the rediscovery of his remains by a religious hermit in the 9th century. The original Basilica built by Alfonso II, was replaced by the present cathedral during the 11th to 13th centuries. The cathedral and most of the historic buildings are gathered around the Praza do Obradoiro, and this is a good place to start a visit to the city. Other interesting places to visit in Santiago de Compostela include the Pazo de Raxoi, the Casa do Cabildo and the Museo da Catedral. The climate of the city is mixed, with the weather generally sunny and warm during the summer, but very rainy during the winter, with 1,900mm of rain annually it is one of Europe’s rainiest cities, the Galicia region is in fact one of the greenest in Spain.
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November 16, 2009
Playa de las Americas Tenerife
A built for tourism resort in the south of Tenerife, Playa de las Americas is one of the major holiday destinations in the Spanish Canary Islands. Especially popular for winter breaks, Playa de las Americas caters for family holidays and is particularly attractive to the younger set, having a great selection of pubs, bars and clubs. Noisier and more crowded than nearby Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas may not suit everyone, and if you’re looking for something typically Spanish, head elsewhere, because in this resort you’re more likely to find an English pub! The night-time is when it all happens in Playa de las Americas, with more bars and clubs than you can wave a stick at, the best places to head are the Starco Centre and Veronica’s Strip. When you wake up with a hangover in the morning, you will probably want to head for the beach, and Playa de las Americas beach will not disappoint, being composed of fine golden sand imported from Africa. With kids in tow, you will likely want to visit the water park, a free bus is generally available to take you there. The fabulous weather in Playa de las Americas is, of course, one of the biggest draws for holidaymakers, and is pretty reliable all year round, expect pleasant sunny days right through the year, the best time to visit is during the English winter time, when the temperature is not too hot. Playa de las Americas is located just of the TF-1 motorway, to the west of Tenerife South airport.
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November 15, 2009
Las Vegas Trip 2009
Gill Travelling in Las Vegas Style
Just a short post to celebrate our trip to Las Vegas in September 2009. I am still sorting through the photos ( I took over 500!) and it is taking more time than I have to spare at the moment. I am trying to organise everything into a little website which may be of use to others travelling to Las Vegas and also of interest to the 20 or so members of the Pilar badminton club (and friends), with whom we travelled (is it whom or who?). The trip organised by Kitty was a great success and I think everyone had a great time, even if it did prove to be a little more expensive than expected (the prices in Las Vegas have apparently soared in the last couple of years). The picture shown is of my wife Gill, travelling in the style with which she would like to be accustomed! I shall be posting lots more pictures here (when I get the time), but you might find the website interesting as it has a Las Vegas map, which is interactive and very handy if you are driving around Las Vegas, and the current Las Vegas weather, so you can see what to expect if you are visiting….more on Las Vegas later.
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November 12, 2009
Playa del Ingles Canary Islands
Situated on the edge of the Dunas de Maspalomas, the Gran Canaria seaside resort of Playa del Ingles is one of the best known spots on the island. Popular more for its climate and beach than for any historical or cultural worth, Playa del Ingles also has a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of facilities for visitors to enjoy. During the daytime most holidaymakers head for the beach area, where aside from the sea, sand and sun, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to tempt the thirsty and hungry. The climate is of course fantastic, with Playa del Ingles weather being sunny and dry all year long. The beach is excellent and was in fact man-made from sand shipped in from the Sahara Desert, there are also lots of water sports facilities for those who get bored with simply sunbathing. Playa del Ingles can be accessed from the GC1 and the GC500 and is approximately 30 km from the airport at Gando. Playa del Ingles Map.
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Vegueta and Playa de las Canteras
Two entirely contrasting districts of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Playa de las Canteras and Vegueta also lie at opposing ends of this great city. Playa de las Canteras is the prime beach for the city and as such has all the modern facilities that such an attraction should have, its 4 kilometres of golden sand attracts visitors throughout the year, they come to enjoy the safe warm waters of this reef protected beach. On the other hand the ancient district of Vegueta was where the original city was founded in 1478, its narrow streets concealing attractions which take visitors back many centuries, head here to see interesting museums, the cathedral and steep yourself in the history of this historic city.
More about Playa de las Canteras here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/playa-de-las-canteras.html
And Vegueta here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/vegueta.html
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