Well worth a visit if you are travelling in the Galicia region of north-western Spain, the city of Vigo is one of the biggest fishing ports in Europe and is situated in an attractive location on the Ria de Vigo just 20 kilometres north of the Portuguese border with Spain. Built on a former hill-fort and parts of an ancient Roman settlement Vigo did not really become established until the 15th century, its significance as a port was obviously recognised by Francis Drake as he felt it important enough to attack and occupy during the 16th century. Further attacks by Turks led to the building of city walls and defences by order of Felipe IV, parts of which can still be seen today. Although having the look of a modern industrial city, you can explore the old quarter and travel back in time, strolling through its narrow winding streets and lanes. Vigo Map.
May 13, 2010
Sagres Algarve Portugal
Well known as a surfing resort, the town of Sagres is situated in the far south-west of the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Famously the home of on of Portugal’s most famous sons, Henry the Navigator, Sagres was also where he set up his renowned sailing and navigation school for the training of seamen to man his extensive voyages which established Portugal as a great sea power and colonial nation. Situated on a wind swept peninsular, once believed to be the edge of the world, Sagres is today popular with surfers, divers, golfers and hikers. Surfers find the Sagres weather conditions ideal for their sport and there are a number of surfing and diving schools in the town, the rugged coastline is attractive and ideal for walking. Sagres also has four excellent beaches, though these can be very windy and beach lovers may prefer to head to more tranquil parts of the Algarve. Worth a visit is the massive Fortaleza de Sagres fortress, originally built in the 15th century. Sagres Map.
May 11, 2010
La Caleta Tenerife
The former fishing village of Caleta has in recent years become a popular holiday destination. Situated in the south of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, La Caleta is in the area known as the Costa Adeje. Though there has been quite a bit of development in the town the harbour area and seafront are mostly unspoilt, one of the most pleasant things to do is eat a fine fish dish in one of the excellent seafood restaurants. Caleta weather is perfect for holidays all year round and is especially pleasant during the winter months.
May 10, 2010
Tarragona Costa Dorada
One of Catalonia’s most historic cities, Tarragona is situated in the south of the province and is considered to be part of the coastline known as the Costa Dorada (Gold Coast). Established by the Romans as the city of Tarraco it became the main base for their conquest of the Iberian Peninsular. Tarragona’s city centre has a blend of Roman and medieval architecture and is without doubt one of the most attractive cities in Catalonia. While there is plenty to see and do in and around Tarragona, most visitors want to see the Roman remains, as they conjure up images of a time long past, while mystifying as to how these structures could have lasted so long. The main Roman structures are the amphitheatre and the magnificent aqueduct, together with the Castell de Pilato which now plays host to an interesting museum. It’s not all Roman in Tarragona however and the wonderful Tarragona cathedral displays a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, giving evidence of the time it took to complete the structure which was begun in the 12th century, and finally finished in 1331. Don’t forget a trip into the old Jewish Quarter around the Plaça dels Angels and Carrer Talavera an area of narrow streets and archways with a unique feel and atmosphere, the Jews were expelled in 1492 but their legacy remains in the old city centre. Tarragona is a mostly industrial city but in its environs there are a number of fine seaside resorts and some excellent beaches to be enjoyed, as a break from city life head for Salou or Cambrils, two of the better known beach resorts. Ousands flock here in the summer time to enjoy the wonderful Tarragona weather and enjoy the beaches, nightlife and superb entertainment in such places as the Port Aventura theme park, one of the biggest and best in Europe. If you are flying directly to Tarragona you will no doubt arrive at Reus airport, Reus is a city just inland from Tarragona and is important for the production of wines and spirits. Tarragona Map.
Santa Pola Alicante
The Port at Santa Pola
A popular coastal town located to the south of Alicante on the Costa Blanca, Spain, Santa Pola has a population of around 30,000 and a municipal area of 58 square kilometres. Possibly visited by Greeks and Phoenicians even before the arrival of the Romans, it later became Portus Ilicitanus under the Romans. Important over the centuries for fishing and salt production, Santa Pola saw the arrival of tourism in the second half of the 20th century, this added with property development saw the town grow in size to its present dimensions. Attracting mostly Spanish holidaymakers, Santa Pola has miles of sandy beaches and a large marina and port, the southern beach areas are especially popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with weather conditions ideal for these sports. From the port you can take a boat trip to the nearby island of Tabarca where there are some great opportunities for scuba diving or just simply enjoying the beaches and the sunshine in tranquil conditions. Santa Pola is situated just off the N-332 between Alicante and Guardamar del Segura.
Mogan Gran Canaria
An inland town and municipality in the south west of Gran Canaria, Mogan is a charming residencial town which is situated about 12 km from the coast and the town’s seaside area Puerto de Mogan. The municipality comprises area of mountains and valleys with barren sections in the north and agricultural areas nearer to the coast. Reached from Puerto de Mogan via the GC-200 which is dotted with numerous small villages such as El Palmito, Los Navarros and Molino de Viento. Mogan and the southern areas of Gran Canaria experience a very dry climate with long hours of sunshine.