One of the more peaceful resorts of the Costa del Azahar, Orpesa can be reached by taking the scenic coast road from Benicassim. The main attraction of Orpesa is its two main beaches, La Concha and Morro de Gos, though it has some historic monuments including the ruined Arabic castle and a couple of 16th century watchtowers. The nearby Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park, will be attractive to nature lovers and has some rare bird species in its environs. Orpesa is situated to the north of Benicassim in the Comunitat de Valencia, Spain.
May 16, 2010
May 15, 2010
The West Coast of Ibiza
Considered by many to be the most beautiful part of the holiday island of Ibiza is the stunning west coast, with its rugged pine-clad coastline backed by mountains and hills, well known for its splendid beaches it comprises a series of isolated coves and bays which are still mostly unspoilt by mass tourism. In contrast to these pretty area the vibrant resort of San Antonio (Sant Antoni de Portmany) is a little ‘tacky’ and a world away from the traditional Ibizan town, developed from a small fishing village San Antonio is now an ugly urban sprawl of hotels and apartment blocks catering for Europe’s young ravers who dance through the night in the town’s popular night-clubs. San Antonio does however have a history and was known in Roman times as Portus Magnus, and favoured for its excellent natural harbour, unfortunately little remains of its early history and culture seekers will have to make do with a visit to the 14th century fortified church in the Plaça de Esglesia. Some of the best known beaches in the area include Cala Conta, Cala Bassa, Ses Fontanelles and Cala Salada. A little to the north you will find a pretty village, high in the hills amongst almond orchards, called Santa Agnes de Corona, this is a bit more like a traditional village, with its quaint little church and laid back atmosphere. If you are booking car hire whilst visiting the area you can explore some of the more out of the way places and a number of isolated resorts in picturesque coves include Cala Moli, Cala Vedella and Port d’es Torrent, all relatively unspoilt and perfect for a visit or for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of San Antonio. Other places worthy of a visit on the Ibiza west coast are the town of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, the Roman cemetery at Ses Paises de Cala Hort, the watch tower of Es Savinar and the islet of Es Vedra rising vertically from the sea off the south-west coast.
Comments Off on The West Coast of Ibiza
Manacor Mallorca and Surroundings
Some inland towns in the east of Mallorca include the second largest town on the island, Manacor, an industrial town which is renowned for its artificial pearls. The pearl factories are a major tourist attraction for the town and thousands of visitors arrive each week to watch the pearls in production, the pearls are made from glass beads, covered in resin and fish scales, they are hard to tell from the real thing. Another small inland town is the charming Felanitx, famous for its ceramics, it is worth visiting for its 13th century church of Sant Miguel. Further south is the honey-coloured Santanyi, built from the same stone as Palma cathedral, Santanyi is a former fortified town, with much remaining of its fortifications, its coastal are Cala Santanyi is a popular holiday resort. Ending with another little coastal resort to the north near Capdepera, Cala Ratjarda is a pretty little resort in an area of rugged coastline, this former fishing village has become popular with holidaymakers seeking a quieter holiday. Manacor Map.
Comments Off on Manacor Mallorca and Surroundings
May 14, 2010
Sicily Italy
The largest autonomous region of Italy, the island of Sicily has a population of over 5 million and a land area of almost 26,000 square kilometres. Sicily is also the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is a popular holiday destination, boasting a wonderful climate and a rich cultural and historic heritage. The capital of Sicily is the city of Palermo, itself having a population of over 600,000, it was founded by the Phoenicians and named by the ancient Greeks. Other significant cities in Sicily include Catania, Messina and Syracusa, there are also a number of popular holiday destinations which attract visitors all year round but are particularly popular during the summertime.
See a map of Sicily here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/italy/sicily-map.html
And view the Mediterranean Sea here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/mediterranean-sea.html
Comments Off on Sicily Italy
Vilamoura Algarve Portugal
One of the main tourist destinations on the Algarve, Portugal, Vilamoura is still a relatively new resort, only developed since the 1970’s, but don’t let that put you off, this is a splendid resort with a great range of facilities. A large and attractive marina provides a wide range of water sports facilities and a number of boat and fishing trips, the wonderful sandy beaches, perhaps the main attraction, and a number of fine golf courses all add to the attraction of the place. Although the resort is new, there are Roman remains at Cerro da Vila Archaeological Museum, plus some historic towns nearby for instance Portimao and Lagos. For families one of the major attractions is the Atlantic Park Waterpark and also the Roma Mini Golf course, both of which attract large numbers of visitors. The climate of course is wonderful, with Vilamoura weather being hot during the summer and mild through the winter, providing ideal holiday conditions.
Comments Off on Vilamoura Algarve Portugal
Vilafames Valencia Spain
The ancient town of Vilafames climbs a steep hill at the northern tip of the Sierra de la Conteses, culminating in its restored Moorish castle which dominates the surrounding landscape. Located around twenty five kilometres north of the regional capital, Castellon de la Plana in the Comunidad de Valencia, Spain, Vilafames has a population of about 2,000 and a municipal area of 74 square kilometres. The old upper part of the town comprises a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with charming white-washed houses, looking much as it has for centuries, and is a popular tourist destination for those visiting the coastal resorts of the Costa del Azahar. Apart from the castle (Castillo) which offers a fine panorama of the area and has undergone many reparations since being conquered by Jaime I in 1233, you can visit the museum of contemporary art, located in the Palacio del Baile (originally 15th century), and displaying works by such artists as Miro, you could also visit the eighteenth century Iglesia de la Asunción church, the Ermita de San Miguel (17th century), or the Ermita de San Ramon (18th century). Vilafames is a little off the beaten track but can be accessed from the CV-15 (CV-10), nearby coastal resorts include Benicassim, Orpesa, and Marina D’Or.
Comments Off on Vilafames Valencia Spain