Located on the northern coast of Tenerife, to the west of Puerto de la Cruz, the town of Los Realejos is in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province of the island. Divided into two areas, Los Realejos comprises Realejo Alto and Realejo Bajo, meaning roughly the high town and the low town. Historically the town is significant as the place where the ultimate surrender of Tenerife took place, as the indigenous Guanches gave way to the superior forces of the Spanish invaders. Today it has a population of 37,559, and also gives its name to a municipality, Realejo de Arriba, which runs from the Orotava Valley to Teide, it includes some areas of coast with some popular beaches. Los Realejos is approximately 42 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
October 26, 2010
October 25, 2010
Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife
The biggest and most popular tourist resort on the north coast of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz has a population of just under 32,000, and a history going back to the 17th century, when it was founded as Puerto de la Orotava, a port serving the town of La Orotava, and for a time significant for the export of wines produced in the area. The decline of the port due both to a drop in wine production and to the severe weather conditions experienced along this stretch of Tenerife’s coast, meant much of its activity was moved to santa Cruz de Tenerife. Renamed Puerto de la Cruz in 1831, the town began to attract tourists by the end of the 19th century, and towards the end of the 20th century, saw something of a tourist boom, as thousands visited Tenerife, to enjoy some winter sunshine and escape the dreary weather of their native countries. Having the disadvantage of rough seas and less than perfect beaches, Puerto de la Cruz, saw the construction of man made beaches, lidos and seawater pools to enable holidaymakers to get the most from their visit.
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Alcaniz Aragon
The capital of the Bajo Aragon district of eastern Aragon, the town of Alcaniz stands on the banks of the Guadalope river, some 430 kilometres from the countries capital Madrid. Overlooked by its castle which was formerly the HQ of the Order of Calatrava, Alcaniz has a population of 16,392, and a history going back to the Moorish occupation. It suffered various conflicts before finally being taken from muslim control in 1179, by Alfonso II of Aragon. Places to visit in Alcaniz include the Santa Maria la Mayor church, the town hall, the Lonja and the castle which has now been turned into a parador (hotel). Alcaniz can be reached from the N-232, between Hijar and Monroyo, 120 km from Zaragoza, the regional capital.
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October 22, 2010
Daroca Aragon
Located to the south of Zaragoza, the town of Daroca has a population of around 2,000 and is mostly famous for its medieval walls, which stretch for over four kilometres and formerly has a staggering 114 fortified towers. You still enter the town through its 2 ancient portals, and inside you will find some fine Mudejar architecture. Places worth visiting in Daroca include the Iglesia de Santa Maria, the Iglesia de San Miguel, the Puerta Alta and Puerta Baja gateways, the Iglesia de Santo Domingo and the Fountain of Twenty Pipes. Daroca is about thirty eight kilometres from Calatayud.
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Tarazona Aragon
Situated in the valley of the River Queiles at a distance of 86 kilometres from the city of Zaragoza, the town of Tarazona lies in the foothills of the Moncayo, at a crossroads between the Spanish regions of Aragon, Navarre, Castilla and La Rioja. Accessible only by road, as it has no railway connections, Tarazona has a population of about 11,000 and a history going back to before the Roman invasion of Spain. The earliest remains date from the 1st century BC, and the Romans called the town Turiaso, at which time it was a thriving city. Later controlled by the Moors it was reconquered for the Christians by Alfonso I in 1119. An interesting place to visit, especially if you are interested in Mudejar architecture, Tarazona now relies a great deal on tourism for its survival though it has been important for textiles and matches. Tarazona is to the north-west of Zaragoza.
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Bajamar Tenerife
Located in the north-east of Tenerife, the former fishing village of Bajamar is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, though it has of course attracted visitors since the early days of Tenerife’s tourist boom. Lying close to the stunning Anaga Mountains, Bajamar offers the opportunity for walking and cycling, as well as the traditional beach style holiday. Swimming is a little different in Bajamar, to other popular resorts, as it mostly takes place in seawater pools, due to the fact that the sea is very rough here, and not really recommended for even the strongest of swimmers. For something a little different you can take a look at the 17th century chapel of San Juan Batista, or head a little north to the Punta del Hidalgo, which offers spectacular views of the coastline. Bajamar is about 27 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island.
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