One of the tranquil coastal resorts of the Costa del Azahar, Spain, Alcossebre lies to the south of the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, a protected area of seafront and hinterland in the Comunitat de Valencia. A great place for a peaceful holiday, or for trekking along this beautiful stretch of coast, Alcossebre is a also a good spot for a beach holiday, with plenty of uncrowded, sandy beaches, and relatively safe bathing waters. Alcossebre and its neighbouring Les Fonts have around 5 ‘Blue Flag’ beaches in all, so you should certainly find one to suit. Culture lovers can head for the nearby town of Alcala de Xivert, with its 13th century Moorish castle, it has a long and interesting history. Sports lovers are also well catered for in Alcossebre, as there are golf facilities nearby, and of course water sports are readily available, hikers and cyclists will be in their element with a wide choice of attractive routes on offer. As for the climate, it is mostly sunny and dry, with well over 300 sunny days each year, Alcossebre weather can generally be expected to be pleasant, whenever you visit. Easily reached from the A-7 motorway, which runs close to the town, Alcossebre is also only 90 kilometres from Valencia airport. Alcossebre Map.
August 14, 2009
Resorts of the Algarve – Albufeira
Around 35 kilometres west of Faro on the Algarve, Portugal, the town of Albufeira used to be a traditional fishing village, typical of the area. In recent years it has grown into one of Portugal’s main tourist destinations, resulting in much development and growth in the town. You can still find much of the original fishing village, with narrow winding streets and alleys, lined with whitewashed houses and cottages. Many visiting today would think it a modern resort, but Albufeira can trace its origins back to Roman times and beyond when Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians stopped off here on their travels around the coast. The Romans called the town Baltum and there are still some remains of aqueducts and walls, built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The Moors developed the area for agriculture and also a significant fishing industry flourished over the ensueing centuries. 1755 was a bad year for Portugal and for Albufeira in particular, as a huge earthquake rocked the region and virtually destroyed the town. The main attraction these days are the fine sandy beaches and luxury hotels, where visitors can relax and enjoy the wonderful Albufeira weather in preparation for a night out along the famous “Strip”, located in the Montechoro district of the town. Albufeira boasts over 170 hotels of all standards many are aparthotels such as the Ondamar Aparthotel Albufeira which offers a good standard of accommodation in relaxed surroundings, and would be an ideal choice for your Albufeira holidays. If beaches are your thing, then you will not be disappointed by Albufeira, as there are at least 20 wonderful beaches within easy reach of the resort, two of the best being Praia de Oura and Praia de Gale, others include Praia do Castelo, Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Evaristo. Albufeira can be easily reached from Faro airport which is about 40 minutes drive away. Albufeira Map.
August 13, 2009
Costa Blanca Resorts – Albir
One of the popular coastal resorts in the region of Benidorm on the Costa Blanca, Spain, Albir was in ancient times a small fortified village known as L’Alfas de Polop, the name being taken from the Arabic ‘sown land’. It grew as an agricultural town, productive in olives, almonds and grapes, irrigation methods developed by the Moors made it a productive area, it also had a small mining industry. Refortified after the Christian reconquest, in order to defend it from attacks by Berber pirates, Albir (also known as Alfaz del Pi) continued as an agricultural town right into the 20th century, when a developing tourist industry changed the complexion of the town. Albir has a number of attractions including its fine beach Albir Playa, which has blue flag status for cleanliness, every July Albir holds a film festival which attracts thousands of visitors to the town. The town has also become a popular area for relocation and many holiday homes have been purchased in the area by non-spanish residents, some settling in the area, of the 17,000 inhabitants some 9,000 are of foreign nationality, the largest percentage being Norwegian. Sheltered by the Sierra Helada the town, beach and promenade enjoy a wonderful climate, perfect for holidays all year round. Albir Map.
Gran Canaria Towns – Arguineguin
Known since Guanche times, when it was called “quiet water”, the Gran Canaria town of Arguineguin in the Canary Islands, is a peaceful town on a stretch of otherwise busy coast. A typical fishing village it has a harbour and a fine beach, and is developing as a holiday resort slowly but surely, with a number of hotels and holiday homes. Arguineguin is especially well loved for its seafood restaurants, which serve up high quality fish dishes made from fresh ingredients caught that day, it is also renowned for its Tuesday market the biggest on the island.
July 31, 2009
Frigiliana Costa del Sol
Frigiliana Costa del Sol Andalucia – Just 6 kilometres inland from the resort of Nerja on the Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain, the pretty pueblo blanco (“white village”) of Frigiliana is a pleasant place to visit if you are in the area. Sitting high on a mountain ridge on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Tejeda, Frigiliana enjoys panoramic views of the nearby coastline and also the valley of the River Higueron. It’s attractive white-walled house line quaint narrow, winding, cobbled streets, with the occasional gift or handicraft shop to remind visitors that this is the 21st century. Historically Frigiliana was the scene of a bloody siege and battle in the sixteenth century when during the rebellion of Alpujarras, Moriscos taking refuge in Frigiliana Castle were defeated and expelled, many throwing themselves from the castle walls rather than be captured by the victorious Christian forces. Frigiliana is located on the MA-5105 north of Nerja.
Read more about Frigiliana here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/frigiliana.html
July 30, 2009
Holiday Islands – Madeira
What can you expect from a holiday in Madeira? Well – holidays in Madeira are perfect for those who enjoy wonderful scenery, with plenty of sub-tropical flora and a dash of old colonial charm, it also has a rich history and was known to the Romans in the centuries BC. One of Europe’s oldest tourist destinations, Madeira has long attracted travellers from many locations and with many interests, be it for the superb weather the excellent water sports facilities, the fine coastal resorts or just to enjoy the wildlife and picturesque scenery. In order to make the most of the island, it is advisable to avail yourself of a car hire vehicle, this will enable you to visit some of the more interesting places. Madeira has some of the world’s finest hotels and features in the brochures of most major tour operators. Lapped by the Gulf Stream, Madeira has a distinctly subtropical climate, with relatively high rainfall, it is perfect for all-year round holidays and Madeira weather is warm during the summer and very mild during the winter.
Cheack out the latest weather for Madeira here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/madeira-weather.html