Another of the major tourist attractions on the island of Lanzarote, the Jameos del Agua caves are located in the north of the island around twenty seven kilometres north of the capital Arrecife. Skillfully transformed during the 1960’s by Lanzarote architect Cesar Manrique, the caves now feature a restaurant and a concert area with 600 seats, where superb acoustics provide an ideal venue. The Jameos del Agua caves were formed by volcanic activity of which there has been plenty on Lanzarote, one of the caves contains a lake, which was formed as water entered during the lava flow. Jameos del Agua can be reached from the Orzola to Arrecife road.
December 5, 2009
December 4, 2009
Ibiza North and East
The north and east coast of Ibiza, is dotted with some of the most popular resorts on the island and also features some interesting towns and villages. The most northern town and resort on the whole island is Portinatx, a mostly built for tourism resort with very little Ibizan charm or tradition, it is however a popular holiday destination with 4 fine beaches, a wonderful climate, and a decent range of facilities, the main and most popular beach is called S’Arenal Gros an attractive sandy beach with the usual amenities. For a bit more peace and quiet head for the attractive Cala d’en Serra beach set on a pretty pine-laden bay just a short drive from Portinatx. Slightly inland are several interesting little towns and villages, including Sant Joan de Labritja, Sant Miguel de Balansat and Sant Llorenç de Bataifa. Across to the east coast you will find the coastal resort of Santa Eulalia (Santa Eularia des Riu), the 3rd largest resort on the island, popular with families it also has some interesting places to visit. Near to Santa Eulalia you will find the resort of Es Cana, here at Punta Arabi many choose to visit the popular Hippy Market, a good place to pick up a few gifts and mementos. This concludes our short visit to Ibiza north and east a wonderful area to visit if you are holidaying in Ibiza in the Balearic Islands of Spain.
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December 3, 2009
Es Pujols Formentera
The only tourist resort of any real note on the island of Formentera in the Spanish Balearic Islands, Es Pujols is a pretty laid back place which is ideal for a relaxing, away from it all, holiday. Backed by a beautiful white, sandy beach, the seafront promenade of Es Pujols is dotted with restaurants and bars, though not to the extent that you would expect from a Balearic Islands resort, nightlife is equally low key with plenty to keep the less demanding tourist happy without disturbing those who prefer a quieter time whilst on holiday. Formentera is still a charmingly undiscovered holiday destination (relatively!), no doubt assisted by the fact that it does not yet have an airport. Arrivals are by way of a ferry from Ibiza (or Denia on the mainland) and this in itself is a unique holiday experience. If you need to get around the island then securing a Formentera car hire vehicle will be a must for those seeking anything more than a relaxing beach holiday. Those hiring a car be have the freedom to tour around and see what the island has to offer, you could head into the capital Sant Francesc or head along the coast and visit some of the ancient watchtowers which were constructed to warn of pirate attacks many centuries ago. Whatever you are looking for, you will find Es Pujols and Formentera Island well worth a visit for a somewhat different holiday experience, the weather is similar to that of Ibiza, being pretty reliable during the summer months (May to October) and pleasant though less reliable through the winter.
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December 2, 2009
Towns of Catalonia Tortosa
One of the only towns of any significance in southern Catalonia, Tortosa boasts a 10th century castle, some ancient fortified walls and a long history of conflict. Standing on the banks of the River Ebro, which has many times been the boundary between warring factions, Tortosa was originally established by the ancient Iberians who called it Dertosa, further changes were made by the Romans and even later by the Moors who held control of the town between the eighth and thirteenth centuries. The 10th century mosque built by the Moors was flattened and replaced by a Gothic cathedral after the reconquest. Much damage was sustained by Tortosa during the Spanish Civil War, and little of the old town remains, casualties were high and are still remembered by the inhabitants. Today Tortosa is more peaceful and is a popular day trip location enjoying pleasant weather, near by is the River Ebro Natural Park a significant wetland area, amongst other things the River Ebro is famous for catfish fishing, with these tough fish reaching huge sizes in this area. Map of Tortosa.
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December 1, 2009
Sitges Costa Dorada
Sitges Costa Dorada
One of the main coastal resorts used by the people of Barcelona, the town of Sitges is a jewel in an otherwise dreary stretch of coastline. Fashionable since the late nineteenth century when it became a haven for artists, Sitges grew in popularity during the 1960’s and has continued to thrive ever since. The arty heritage developed when a popular Catalonain artist named Santiago Rusiñol spent some time there, some of his Modernista work can be seen in the local art museums. Modern day tourists head to Sitges to enjoy the fine sandy beaches (of which there are around 17 in the area), the upmarket shops and the vibrant night life. The town is fairly expensive in comparison with others nearby, and has prices in line with the wealthy city of Barcelona and rooms in the town can be scarce during the busy season. The town is renowned for its Carnival and for its International Film Festival which is held every year in October/November. Sitges attracts a large number of gays and has exclusively gay and nudist beaches. The town enjoys a delightful climate and Sitges weather is as good as any resort in Catalonia, with sunshine being the order of the day from late May to October. Sitges is located just off the C-32 between Vilanova I la Geltru and Castelldefels. Map of Sitges.
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