If you are visiting the island of Mallorca this year and are fed up with the crowds and drawbacks of mass tourism, you might want to consider heading for somewhere a little quieter. One of the recommended places for visitors of this ilk is the beautiful Cala Mondrago, situated in the south-east of the island. Having just a couple of hotels and very little else to attract those seeking a pulsating nightlife scene, Cala Mondrago will not keep you occupied for long, if you are looking for more than a relaxing beach holiday, but if it is the beach that you like, you will find one of the finest on Mallorca and in fact in the entire Balearic Islands region and with the fine climate that goes with it, you might just think you are in paradise. To say there is nothing to do here is a slight exaggeration, as nature lovers will be attracted by the Mondrago Parc Natural, which surrounds the resort and comprises 2,000 acres of important wetland with enough bird species to keep even the most ardent twitcher happy. For those who just have to visit a rowdy club or disco at night, you will just have to head into nearby Cala d’Or for the evenings and get your fix of noise.
December 10, 2009
December 8, 2009
The Search for a Majorca Beach
When considering taking a Majorca beach holiday, the most important factor to take into account will be the exact purpose of your visit. If you are looking for a Majorca beach with good water sports facilities, there are several beaches which would be perfect choices – Platja de Formentor, Cala Tuent and Platja de Sa Coma for example, all have first class water sports facilities. For families with children, looking for safe swimming, and sunbathing, the perfect white, sandy beach might be Colonia de Sant Jordi or Badia d’Alcudia. Naturists heading for Majorca will pick a more isolated beach such as Cala El Mago, one of 3 small coves at Cala Portals Vells. Whatever the purpose of your visit, you should have no trouble finding a Majorca beach which meets your requirements, to take a tour of the best beaches finding a Majorca car hire vehicle would be essential when making plans for your holiday, and booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.
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.
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.
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.
November 27, 2009
Llafranc Costa Brava
A charming and unspoilt resort on the Costa Brava coastline, Llafranc has long been the destination of the rich and famous along with well-heeled families from Girona and Barcelona. Visited by such names as Margaret Thatcher, Elizabeth Taylor and Salvador Dali, this beautiful resort situated in a picturesque crescent shaped bay should be at the top of your holiday list for trips to the Costa Brava and Costa del Maresme. Private luxury villas dot pine clad hills around the bay and the white-walled houses of the old town look down on the beach, promenade and harbour filled with pretty yachts. The beach is golden and sandy and one of the main attractions of this resort, Llafranc and the surrounding coastline is renowned for its diving and three diving schools operate from the town. There is also a big tennis club with 24 courts, and three golf courses nearby, for golfers to get their weekly fix. A decent range of hotels includes the Casamar Llafranc Hotel and the Terramar Hotel plus some privately rented apartments and villas. Just 40 kilometres from Girona and its airport Llafranc is relatively easy to access and obtaining car hire for your stay is recommended to get the most from your trip. The area benefits from a wonderful climate and Llafranc weather is ideal for summer holidays between June and October, golfers may prefer the cooler months and divers may wish to avoid the summer crowds. The stuff of dreams Llafranc is a perfect holiday destination. Llafranc Map.