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

January 22, 2010

Praia da Rocha Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Holidays,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 11:23 am

One of the best known and earliest established beach resorts on the Algarve coastline of southern Portugal, Praia da Rocha has attracted large numbers of holidaymakers since at least the 1930’s. Undergoing significant developed since those early times, Praia da Rocha draws an ever increasing multitude of visitors who arrive to delight in the superb beach, the bustling nightlife and the wonderful  weather that the resort enjoys. No doubt the main attraction of all of these is the fantastic golden, sandy beach, which lies beside the attractive red sandstone cliffs another notable feature of the resort, the cliffs are formed into numerous weird shaped rock formations, some interesting subjects for a photo or two. The ancient city of Portimao is just a short drive or a good walk away (about a mile and a quarter), Portimao is a busy port and the 2nd largest city in the Algarve region of Portugal. You can view a map of the Praia da Rocha area here: Praia da Rocha Map.

Lagos Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,History,Holidays,Portugal — Tags: , , — needahand @ 9:42 am

One of the highlights of the Algarve region of Portugal is the historic town of Lagos, former headquarters of the famous explorer Henry the Navigator. Crammed with historic buildings despite being severely damaged in the great earthquake of 1755, Lagos has some of its old city walls, a 17th century castle and many interesting post earthquake buildings and monuments. Also a well known area for surfing, this part of the Algarve coast is windswept and battered by the Atlantic Ocean, with numerous prime locations between Lagos and Sagres in the extreme west. For beach lovers, Lagos is perfect as there are lots of wonderful beaches in the area and some charming little seaside resorts nearby, this is of course as well as the delightful Lagos weather which alone attracts many visitors. Despite this, the old town is the main draw, best explored by foot, visitors can wander the narrow winding streets taking in the atmosphere and imagining what the place was like when Portugal was a major seafaring nation. The port area dates from Roman times and was at that time called Lacobriga, it would have been a major trading town, servicing ships going along this busy coast. Later controlled by the Moors, it came back into Christian hands in 1241 and enjoyed the boom created by Portugal’s growing Empire in Africa and South America. Present day Lagos has a population of around 18,000 most of which is concentrated near to the coast, the main industry is tourism. Lagos is around 65 kilometres from Faro and its airport so you may need to hire a car should you wish to visit. Lagos Map.

September 6, 2009

Faro Algarve Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,History,Portugal — Tags: , , — needahand @ 10:25 am

Offering an interesting mix of architecture, Faro on the Algarve, Portugal, is a worthwhile place to visit. Much of the old town was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1755 but some old buildings and much of the old city walls survived and can still be seen today. The Acro da Vila post earthquake entrance welcomes you to the old town, sporting its statue of St Thomas Aquinas, narrow cobbled streets lead to the main square where the old Cathedral sits, originally built in the 13th century, it is though to have occupied the site of a former Arabic mosque, and previous to that probably a Roman temple. Much of the existing building was reconstructed after the earthquake. Beside the Cathedral you can see the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assuncao which dates from the 16th century and houses the Municipal Museum, also in the main square of Faro is the 18th century Bishop’s Palace. Visitors can exit the square by way of the Arco de Repousa (Gate of Rest) and head out towards the Ferry Pier from the pier you can take a boat trip to Praia de Faro beach and relax after your busy day. Other interesting museums in Faro include the Museu Maritimo and the Museu Regional do Algarve. For those wishing to visit this historic place, Faro Airport is situated about 2.6 kilometres to the west of the city centre, it receives mostly tourists heading for the Algarve region and also for the south of Andalucia in Spain. Faro Map.

September 3, 2009

The Costa de la Luz Andalucia Spain

Filed under: Portugal,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 5:53 pm

Located in south-western Andalucia on Spain’s border with Portugal, a 300 kilometres stretch of coastline called the Costa de la Luz is often called “The Spanish Algarve”. Its name which means “Coast of Light” derives from its clear unpolluted skies, and the subsequent quality of light that can be found there, it is renowned for its stunning sunsets. As yet mostly unspoilt the Costa de la Luz is becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers, who visit to enjoy the wonderful sandy beaches, the interesting historic towns and cities and the beautiful countryside of its hinterland. Apart form the traditional beach style holiday, many visit for the excellent water sports facilities, especially surfing and windsurfing, where strong winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean provide ideal conditions for these popular sports, one of the finest resorts for these activities is Tarifa in the south-east of the region. The strong winds make temperatures cooler in this area and Costa de la Luz weather is generally a little cooler than the neighbouring Costa del Sol. The Costa de la Luz has a rich history and boasts the oldest permanently inhabited city in Europe – Cadiz – which is well worth a visit if you are in the area. The Costa de la Luz is made up of 2 provinces Huelva and Cadiz, Huelva begins at the border with Portugal and the Algarve, and ends at the Guadalquivir River, Cadiz stretches from the Guadalquivir to Tarifa. If you are flying to the Costa de la Luz, you will probably land at Jerez airport, a modern and compact airport situated north-east of Jerez de la Frontera. If you are on a package holiday you will no doubt be picked up from here, if not you can pick up your Costa de la Luz car hire vehicle directly from the airport. It is advisable to hire a car while you are visiting otherwise you will miss out on some great opportunities to travel around the region, don’t forget a trip into the magical city of Seville. Costa de la Luz Map.

August 31, 2009

Carvoeiro Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Holidays,Portugal — Tags: , , — needahand @ 11:17 am

If you are looking for a decent family resort for visiting the Algarve region of Portugal, you could do little better than the former fishing village of Carvoeiro, situated between Portimao and Albufeira. A charming little town with an emphasis on self-catering apartments, Carvoeiro has a friendly feel and boasts a fine sandy beach, attractive coastline and some decent facilities. A good base for touring some of the historic towns in this section of the Algarve, the town enjoys a super climate with Carvoeiro weather, sunny and warm throughout the summer months, and mild during the winter. One of the highlights of a trip to Carvoeiro is a boat trip to Algar Seco, a local beauty spot where cliffs have been moulded by the sea into stone arches, grottoes and fascinating shapes. Carvoeiro Map.

August 19, 2009

Andalucian Towns – Ayamonte

Filed under: Algarve,Portugal,Spain — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 1:25 pm

Standing on the Guadiana River on the border between Spain and Portugal, the charming little town of Ayamonte has an attractive fishing harbour and an atmospheric ‘old quarter’. Not as important as it once was, since the building of a new suspension bridge to the north, Ayamonte still attracts plenty of tourists and still has a ferry link with the town of Vila Real de San Antonio, on the other side of the Guadiana River in Portugal’s Algarve region. Ayamonte itself has some interesting attractions including the Iglesia de San Francisco (16th century) and the Iglesia de San Salvador (15th century). Those seeking a more traditional beach holiday will head for nearby Isla Canela, with many kilometres of wonderful sandy beaches and an excellent golf course, Golf Isla Canela, visitors can enjoy a fine climate with Ayamonte weather being comparable to the nearby Algarve. Isla Canela is accessed by way of a causeway from Ayamonte as it is actually an island separated from the mainland. Surrounding wetland areas are great for birdwatching and they are now a protected nature reserve. Ayamonte Map.

August 17, 2009

Alvor Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 1:24 pm

In an estuary location between Portimao and Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the ancient fishing town of Alvor has recently developed into a significant tourist destination, whilst retaining much of its original charm. Thought to have been originally founded by the Carthaginians, Alvor Portugal has a long and rich history and saw much conflict between Moors and Christians during the 12th and 13th centuries. Present day visitors benefit from the wonderful golfing and spa facilities and the fine sandy beach while enjoying the fabulous Alvor weather and the peaceful fishing village atmosphere. Alvor is easily reached from Faro International Airport which is about 65 kilometres away. Alvor Map.

August 14, 2009

Portugal’s Western Algarve

Filed under: Algarve,Holidays,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , , , , — needahand @ 8:41 am

The windward western section of the Algarve coastline of southern Portugal is rockier and more dramatic than the eastern areas,in the extreme south-west Sagres is the most south-westerly point of Europe, and battered by the Atlantic Ocean is a famous spot for surfing boasting some wonderful beaches ideal for this sport. Sagres has a number of surfing schools providing tuition as has Lagos a little to the east and neighbouring Luz. For the best beaches in the region head for Praia da Rocha, a bustling resort with a huge sandy beach one of the best in Portugal, nearby Portimao is a great place to enjoy a fishing trip or even a dolphin watching expedition, don’t miss out on the shopping while you are there, its centre is a great place for a bit of retail therapy. Sandwiched between Lagos and Portimao is the laid back resort of Alvor, dotted with luxury villas, it was formerly a small fishing village which still clings to its fishing tradition. Further east around Carvoeiro the coastline becomes a string of spectacular rock formations broken up by attractive fishing villages and sandy coves, Carvoeiro, another fishing village turned resort, still retains much of its traditional Portuguese charm. Golfers will not be disappointed with a visit to this region and a number of fine courses line the areas behind the coast. The western Algarve really has it all – stunning beaches around Praia da Roche, fishing and dolphin watching in Portimao, surfing in Lagos, Luz and Sagres, golfing around Carvoeiro and Alvor.

Resorts of the Algarve – Albufeira

Filed under: Algarve,History,Holidays,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 8:03 am

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.

July 30, 2009

Holiday Islands – Madeira

Filed under: Holidays,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 5:59 pm

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.

Madeira Map.

Cheack out the latest weather for Madeira here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/madeira-weather.html

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