Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

May 22, 2013

Isla Cristina Andalucia Spain

Filed under: Portugal,Spain — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 3:28 pm

Isla Cristina Andalucia Spain – Located in the not so touristy Costa de la Luz region of Andalucia, the resort of Isla Cristina will not be know to most British holidaymakers, but should not be ignores as a possible destination for your holiday this year. With fabulous unspoilt beaches, a charming fishing port and excellent weather conditions, Isla Cristina might be just what you are looking for in a peaceful vacation. It might be a good idea to avoid late July and August in Isla Cristina, as thousands head here from Seville, but any other time you can expect an enjoyable stay. Isla Cristina can be reached from either Seville airport or Faro airport in nearby Portugal.

View a map of Isla Cristina here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/isla-cristina-map.html

April 3, 2012

Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura Algarve Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Portugal — Tags: , — needahand @ 9:29 am

Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura Algarve Portugal – Hotels in Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal. This 5-star luxury hotel has 277 rooms and meets the highest standards for your stay in Portugal. For storing valuables, please contact reception or use the safe in your room. The 24-hour basis and also offers a wake-up call. Both in public areas (WLAN) in your room you can use an Internet connection. It offers you the opportunity at great car rental. You can drop your car for free in the parking lot of the hotel. Children are welcome! There is a playground and of course we wish put a cot in your room this is possible. In all rooms you will have the opportunity make coffee and tea. You can also use the mini-bar and hairdryer in the bathroom. All rooms have a bathroom, some also have balconies. Be pampered in the wellness area of ??the Tivoli Victoria, Vilamoura. You can relax with a professional massage, enjoy a beauty treatment, use of solarium and a couple of times going to the sauna. In the pools of the hotel you can enjoy the cool water of your choice inside, or when the Vilamoura weather is fine, in the open air! Guests also like to use the gym. The Turkish bath at the hotel ensures a pleasant relaxation. Among other conveniences, the hotel also has a jacuzzi. Eating at the Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura is a pleasure and you can enjoy the cuisine at the cafe / bistro or the restaurant (with terrace) – here are special dishes for vegetarians and diabetics. Connect with other guests of the evening in a cozy atmosphere at the bar. Vilamoura is located in the Algarve region of Portugal, to the south-east of the town of Albufeira.

Learn more about the Vilamoura area here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/vilamoura.html

July 28, 2010

Funchal Cliff Bay Hotel Madeira

Filed under: Holidays,hotels,Portugal — Tags: , — needahand @ 6:21 pm
Cliff Bay Hotel Funchal

Cliff Bay Hotel Funchal

A good choice for your accommodation in Funchal on the island of Madeira, the 5 Star Cliff Bay Hotel is located on a picturesque headland looking out on the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliff Bay has over 200 rooms all with bathroom, balcony, TV, safe, internet, air-con, and tea/coffee machine. The hotel has a fantastic range of facilities including 3 bars, 3 restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools for swimming whatever the weather, gymnasium, steam rooms, Jacuzzi etc, it also provides a shuttle bus to and from Madeira airport if you are not using a car hire vehicle. Funchal is the capital city of Madeira and has everything you would need for a perfect holiday on this popular Portuguese island. Rooms are offered in the Cliff Bay Hotel Funchal from around 94 euros per night. Funchal is situated on the south coast of Madeira and is also the location of the island’s airport.

Funchal Map.

Tavira Algarve

Filed under: Algarve,History,Portugal — Tags: , , — needahand @ 12:25 pm

Located in the eastern section of the Algarve in Portugal, the historic city of Tavira is one of the oldest in the region. Established by the Phoenicians in the eighth century BC it developed into a significant trading port. In the 8th century AD, Tavira came under the control of the Moors and the current name is derived from the Arabic Tabira (“hidden”). Conquered by the Christians in 1242 much of Tavira was rebuilt only to be later destroyed by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Present day Tavira is a popular holiday destination with some fine facilities, nice sandy beaches and superb golf courses. The region enjoys a super climate with Tavira weather being especially pleasant between May and October. Easily accessible from Faro airport, which is about 35 kilometres to the west, Tavira can also be reached from southern Spain.

July 22, 2010

Vilamoura Tivoli Marinotel Algarve

Filed under: Algarve,hotels,Portugal — Tags: , — needahand @ 11:37 am
Hotel Vilamoura Tivoli Marinotel

Hotel Vilamoura Tivoli Marinotel

If you are looking for luxurious accommodation in the Algarve resort of Vilamoura, then you should certainly take a look at the Vilamoura Tivoli Marinotel, which is located right beside the superb marina and benefits from the use of its own beach, for the use of residents. Carrying a 5 Star rating this stunning hotel is the first word in luxury for your visit to Vilamoura, whether you just want to relax and enjoy the fabulous facilities of this wonderful hotel, join in the programme of entertainment, use the super spa facilities or just laze on the beach enjoying the terrific Algarve weather, and top up your tan, the Vilamoura Tivoli will not disappoint. If you are feeling a little more lively you might want to play a round of golf at one of the many fine courses in the area, visit some of the fine surrounding resorts or historic towns, or maybe head into Faro, the capital of the region, where there is plenty to see and do. Faro is also the location of the nearest airport, so this is likely to be your place of arrival into the region, and getting to Vilamoura couldn’t be easier, with the airport only around 20 kilometres from the hotel and resort. Prices in the Vilamoura Tivoli start at around 117 euros per night, not cheap, but hey this is luxury. Algarve Map.

May 16, 2010

Praia da Luz Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Holidays,Portugal — Tags: , — needahand @ 11:11 am

Praia da Luz (“Beach of Light”) is one of the prettiest of the Algarve coastal resorts, with life centred around the sandy beach, one of the finest in the region. Developed around the original fishing village, the resort of Praia da Luz attracts large numbers of visitors during the hot summer months, but is still a relaxed resort with a great appeal for families and also for water sports enthusiasts, who are well catered for. The climate is one of the biggest attractions of the resort, with Praia da Luz weather perfect for holidays right through the year, though especially appealing between May and October. Praia da Luz is situated about ten kilometres west of Lagos and can be reached from the N-125 coast road. Praia da Luz Map.

May 14, 2010

Vilamoura Algarve Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Holidays,Portugal — Tags: , , — needahand @ 9:58 am

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.

Vilamoura Map.

May 13, 2010

Sagres Algarve Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,History,Portugal,Travel — Tags: — needahand @ 3:03 pm

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.

April 21, 2010

Silves Algarve Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,History,Portugal — Tags: , — needahand @ 1:04 pm

A town which formerly rivalled Lisbon in prosperity and influence, Silves on the Algarve, Portugal was known as Xelb by the Moors and was their stronghold in the region, having a huge fortress and a population of around 30,000 by the 12th century. Silves was an important trading town with boats arriving via the River Arade and leaving packed with cargoes of citrus fruit, figs and cork, the town was a buzzing community filled with mosques, bazaars and minarets. This all came to an end in 1189, when the town was subjected to a siege by Sancho I together with a band of English crusaders. After holding out for some months, the Moorish occupants finally surrendered due to a lack of water, the town was subsequently sacked and many of its citizens killed. Silves today is a busy town, still important for citrus fruits, figs and cork, but with an emphasis on tourism, its attractive old town, a maze of narrow, cobbled streets dotted with cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops, its castle and a number of its older buildings, survived the 1755 earthquake. Silves Map.

April 18, 2010

Portimao Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Holidays,Portugal — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 4:35 pm

Tracing its origins back to the times of the ancient Phoenicians, the city of Portimao is the 2nd largest city in the Algarve region of Portugal (after Faro). A busy commercial port and tourist centre, Portimao is an ideal base for touring the Algarve, beimng within a hour’s drive of Faro International Airport and being close to some excellent sandy beaches including Praia da Rocha, Praia da Vau and Alvor. Perfect for a fishing or golfing holiday, Portimao harbour is the place to book deep-sea fishing trips and boat trips around the port and to neighbouring resorts. Golfing facilities are plentiful with fine courses such as the Alto Golf and Country Club and the Penina Golf Resort situated nearby. The are of course is renowned for its climate and the weather in Portimao is ideal for family holidays as well as being just the job for golfers all year round, with long hours of sunshine and low rainfall. Portimao can be reached from the A-22 motorway and is about 65 kilometres from Faro. Portimao Map.

March 13, 2010

Lagos Algarve Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Holidays,Portugal — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 8:43 am

One of the busiest tourist centres on Portugal’s Algarve coastline, Lagos was in fact one the capital of the region and its harbour welcomed in the great Henry the Navigator as he returned from his historic voyages. The ancient fortress and sections of the old city walls survived the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755, as did a couple of its churches. In the old town, you will still find narrow, cobbled streets, which look much as they have for centuries. To view the best of the town’s attractions head for the Praça da Republica, the centre of life in Lagos. Modern day Lagos is a bustling holiday resort, popular with the younger set, it offers a superb sandy beach, plenty of bars, shops and restaurants, a good choice of facilities and a wonderful climate, with Lagos weather ideal for summer holidays and also suitable for winter breaks and sporting holidays. Lagos is at the western end of the Algarve, near to Portimao, and provides a good base for exploring this part of the region, other towns worth a visit include Sagres and Portimao.

Map.

March 12, 2010

Huelva Costa de la Luz

Filed under: Algarve,History,Portugal,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 3:12 pm

The most westerly city on the Costa de la Luz, Spain, Huelva was founded by the Phoenicians in around 1000 BC. Originally known as Onoba, Huelva was later controlled by the Romans and became part of the province of Hispania Baetica, the Romans established a mint there and coins were produced bearing the name “Onuba”. In the 15th century the explorer Christopher Columbus sailed from nearby Palos de la Frontera, and the discovery of the Americas brought increased wealth to Huelva, though it was generally overshadowed by the more important city of Seville. Significant mineral deposits in the region led to Huelva becoming the home of the well known Rio Tinto Company, a British mining concern which set up shop in the Odiel estuary and subsequently exported its products throughout the civilised world. Huelva fell into decline after being devastated by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, though it has always been a significant port for the region. Located on a stretch of coast known as the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), Huelva is experiencing an increase in tourist activity as this less well known piece of coast attracts more and more visitors to its virgin beaches, as yet untouched by mass development. Enjoying a wonderful climate with Huelva weather being somewhat cooler than the neighbouring Costa del Sol, enjoying cooling Atlantic breezes and having a similar climate to Portugal’s Algarve to the south-west. Huelva is located just off the A-45 motoway between the Portuguese border and the city of Seville. Map.

March 11, 2010

Isla Canela Costa de la Luz

Filed under: Algarve,Portugal,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , — needahand @ 11:40 am

Just south of Ayamonte on the border between the Costa de la Luz in south-western Spain and the Algarve Portugal, the relatively new resort of Isla Canela is joined to the Spanish mainland only by a causeway which links it to the town of Ayamonte. Long popular with Spanish tourists, Isla Canela boasts over seven kilometres of superb beaches, an 18 hole golf course, and some wonderful protected wetlands which are home to a wide variety of bird species. Isla Canela looks across the River Guadiana to Portugal and shares a similar climate to the resorts of the Algarve, with Isla Canela weather being perfect for summer holidays though cooler than the Costa del Sol to the north-east. A great area for water sports, this coast gets plenty of wind from the Atlantic Ocean and is good for windsurfing and similar sports. Don’t expect a bustling resort or a vibrant nightlife scene whilst visiting but do expect a peaceful holiday with plenty of time to relax. Isla Canela Map.

February 20, 2010

Vilamoura Algarve Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Holidays,Portugal — Tags: , , — needahand @ 6:41 pm

One of Europe’s largest beach resorts, Vilamoura on the Algarve, Portugal, is a built for tourism complex some 14 miles west of Faro. Covering an area of around 20 square kilometres, Vilamoura is built around its huge marina, where there are moorings for over 1,000 boats and numerous large luxury hotels for accommodation in the resort. The development of Vilamoura began in the 1970’s, with an emphasis on sports facilities, very popular with golfers, there are 6 golf courses in the immediate area. Water sports too, are a big attraction with sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, water-skiing, fishing and parasailing all well catered for. The wonderful Vilamoura weather is of course one of the main attractions of the resort, as is the fine sandy beach which extends for some three kilometres, those looking for a bit of culture may want to head north of Vilamoura beach, where some Roman remains remind visitors of the areas rich history. Vilamoura Map.

February 14, 2010

The Algarve Region of Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 12:26 pm

The beautiful region of Algarve in southern Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations and rightly so as it a stunning area of coastline with some fine resorts. The capital of the Algarve region is Faro, and it is here that you will find the main airport for the region, once a fishing port and trading centre called Ossonoba. If you are arriving for your visit to the area by air, you will no doubt be arriving at Faro Airport and this is the best place to pick up a car hire vehicle for your stay. To the west of Faro is the resort town of Albufeira, dating from Roman times it still has some remains from these ancient times, in recent years it has grown considerably and is now one of the regions most visited resorts. Another resort experiencing rapid growth is Quarteria, formerly a small fishing village, it is now a bustling resort with a fine beach and a very long promenade. While prices in the area have risen with its popularity it is still possible to pick up some bargains and suitable products are leather goods, pottery and decorated tiles. The Algarve experiences a splendid climate with some of the best weather in Portugal, summers are hot and winters mild, rainfall is mostly experienced during the winter months. Other places that you might choose to visit whilst in the region include Portimao, Lagos, Sagres, Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro, Tavira and Luz. You can view a map of the country here, the Algarve region is in the far south. Portugal Map.

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