One of the cleanest cities in Spain, Oviedo is the capital of the Asturias region, located in the north of the country. The old part of the city is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways which look much as they have for centuries. The main historic monument in Oviedo is the cathedral built during the 14th to 16th centuries and dedicated to San Salvador, it was erected on the site of an earlier basilica ordered by Alfonso II. Oviedo was also the site of Alfonso’s royal court, which remained there until moved to Leon. Oviedo these days is a busy commercial city and the location of a University. Oviedo Map.
March 29, 2010
March 28, 2010
Tossa de Mar Costa Brava
Renowned for its rugged coastline Spain’s Costa Brava has some splendid coastal resorts which are very popular with holidaymakers. One of the most attractive of these seaside resorts is Tossa de Mar, a historic town which still has remnants of its ancient walled village (Vila Vella) and was originally a Roman town called Turissa some 2,000 years ago. Tossa de Mar was one of the pioneers of the Costa Brava tourist industry attracting such early visitors as painter Marc Chagall, who stayed there in the summer of 1934, he named Tossa his “blue paradise” and the town still proudly displays (in the Municipal Museum) the only Chagall painting known to exist in Spain. Renowned for its seafood, Tossa de Mar is a great place to taste some local dishes such as simitoba (fish in garlic sauce), the town has some top quality restaurants. While Tossa de Mar will attract its fair share of culture seekers, due to its long history, it is most popular with those seeking a traditional beach style holiday and its beaches, 2 having blue flag status, are perfect for this type of holiday, and also ideal for water sports enthusiasts with scuba diving and snorkelling being especially popular. Tossa de Mar has a decent choice of hotels including the Golden Bahia de Tossa, the San Eloy Tossa de Mar and the Hotel Diana. Tossa de Mar is situated on the GI-682 about 41 kilometres from Girona and its airport.
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March 27, 2010
Pedreguer Ondara and Els Poblets
Three small towns located on the northern Costa Blanca, Spain, all worth a visit if you are in the area are Pedreguer, Ondara, and Els Poblets. All near to the renowned coastal resort of Denia the 3 towns of all hold some interest. Ondara a stronghold of the Arabs during their occupation of the Iberian Penisular, has among its a attractions a bullring dating from the nineteenth century, mostly destroyed during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), the bullring was later rebuilt, also of interest in Ondara is the Clock Tower, built in the Arabic style and the Assut dam, dating from the Moorish occupation. Els Poblets, formerly comprised of three small villages is now a popular tourist location with some exclusive villas, this area has some of the most expensive properties in the Costa Blanca region. Els Poblets has some remains of an ancient Roman villa, showing evidence of its early settlement in the 1st century BC. The pretty town of Pedreguer is surrounded by vineyards and orange groves, and is close to the delightful Jalon Valley, worth is visit is the old town where you will find the 16th century parish church of Santa Cruz. These three towns should keep you occupied for at least a whole day, if you have some spare time, head into Denia and head for one of the seafront restaurants where you can perhaps try one of the local fish dishes.
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March 26, 2010
Cala Galdana Menorca
Cala Galdana Bay
One of the most popular and attractive coastal resorts on the island of Menorca, Cala Galdana is situated on the south coast in the municipal district of Ferreries. Standing around a beautiful horseshoe shaped bay Cala Galdana is probably the most photographed location on the island offering the chance for some delightful shots, worthy of a holiday brochure. With little history to speak of, Cala Galdana has mostly come to prominence with the growth of the tourism industry in Menorca, attracting those visitors who prefer a more laid back holiday away from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring Ibiza and Majorca. The beach is the place to head for in Cala Galdana and most visitors do just this, relaxing in the splendid weather conditions that the resort enjoys, particularly between the months of May and September. The beach is backed by an attractive promenade, a popular place for a stroll and also the location of a little craft market during the busy season, the beach has a good range of facilities and there are opportunities to try out some water sports. The main accommodation in Cala Galdana is hotels and aparthotels and the resort is listed with many of the major tour operators, the best known and only significant hotel is the Sol Gavilanes which overlooks the bay in a great location, if you book through a tour operator like Thomsons, this is no doubt where you will be staying, but you need not worry as this is an excellent hotel with all the facilities that you are likely to need for a great family holiday. Cala Galdana is around forty kilometres from Menorca’s airport at Mahon.
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Mojacar Almeria
Standing on a towering crag overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa Almeria town of Mojacar is a spectacular sight. Tracing its history back to the times of the Moors, it was actually occupied much earlier with evidence of settlement some 4,000 years ago. During the Arab occupation the town (or village as it was then) was overseen by the Caliphate of Damascus, under his rule it grew in wealth and prosperity. Later joining the Narine sultanate, it became a strategic frontier town facing invading Christian forces from the east. Constant attacks by Christians led to the surrender of the town in 1488, though Moors, Christians and Jews continued to live and trade together. Mojacar fell into decline in the 19th century due to periods of severe drought, returning to prominence in the late 20th century with the arrival of tourism. Visitors attracted by the beauty and charm of this unique place ensure the future of Mojacar as a thriving town, the fine weather conditions make its coastal area, Mojacar Playa, popular as a holiday destination, many have also chosen to purchase holiday homes in Mojacar and there is a good choice of property to pick from if you are thinking of buying in this upcoming area.
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Peniscola Castle Costa del Azahar
The town of Peniscola, located on the Costa del Azahar, Valencia, Spain, is dominated by its charismatic castle, in fact the old part of the town is within the castle walls, where it would have been safe from pirate attacks, way back in more dangerous times. Often called the Castle of Papa Luna, Peniscola castle dates from the times of the Moors and was later conquered by Jaime I and ceded to the Knights Templar who changed and improved the fortification. The castle subsequently came under the control of the Order of Montesa, who gave it to Pope Luna (Benedict XIII) and it became his home for many years. The castle of Peniscola saw action in many conflicts including the War of Succession. The castle took on a different role in the 20th century and was the location for some of the scenes in the famous film ‘El Cid’, directed by Anthony Mann. The castle today is well preserved and worth a visit if you are in the Costa del Azahar area.
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