Smallest of the main Balearic Islands, with a resident population of less than 5,000, Formentera is also the quietest and least spoilt of the islands. With an area of only 82km2, this is a tiny island, its big brother, Ibiza is only 4 kilometres to the north and its lack of an airport is no doubt the reason for its unspoilt nature. Formentera is being discovered by more and more people each year and at the moment is mostly chosen by those wanting to escape the overcrowded destinations such as Ibiza and Mallorca. Part of the Pitiusas group of islands along with Ibiza and a number of islets, Formentera was discovered by the Greeks, occupied by the Romans and later by the Moors, and fortified by the Christians after the reconquest. The main attractions apart from the tranquillity are the splendid beaches and the crystal clear water, Formentera has some of the best beaches in the Balearics and also the least crowded, at times you would think you were on an isolated tropical island. The lack of an airport means you will have to arrive by ferry, your landing point will be La Savina and you will most probably be coming from Ibiza Town or Denia on the Spanish mainland. The climate is much the same as Ibiza, a temperate Mediterranean one, with Formentera weather being suitable for holidays throughout the year. While the traditional beach holiday is popular and emerging resorts such as Es Pujols are growing, walking and cycling holidays are also desirable as is scuba diving. To see the main architectural heritage of the island you may want to head for the capital Sant Francesc where you will find a fortified 18th century church and the interesting Ethnological Museum with a variety of tools and implements on show. If you fancy a holiday with a difference why not try the peaceful island of Formentera. Formentera Map.
September 6, 2009
Can Pastilla Majorca
Ideally located on the Bay of Palma, the popular family resort of Can Pastilla is a good spot for a holiday or a winter break, its safe sandy beach is ideal for children, gently sloping into warm Mediterranean waters. The beach is backed by a palmed promenade which stretches all the way to the neighbouring resort of El Arenal, along the promenade you will find plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and arcades for your entertainment and amusement, and in the evenings the promenade comes alive and offers great views across the bay to the neon light capital Palma de Mallorca. Not to be missed is the pretty little harbour, with luxury yachts moored alongside traditional fishing boats. There are a decent selection of hotels to choose from in the resort one of the most popular being the Linda Hotel Can Pastilla, which is located near to the beach and facilities, other hotels include the Hotel Balear, the Hotel Balmes, the Hotel Bari and the Hotel Baltic. The weather in Can Pastilla is of course typical of Mallorca in general being hot and dry during the summer and generally mild during the winter making it an all year round location. Can Pastilla Map.
September 2, 2009
Ciutadella Menorca
An attractive town with a picturesque port and a charming old quarter, Ciutadella was the former capital of Menorca until the British arrived in 1708. originally founded by the Carthaginians, Ciutadella later became an important trading centre for the Moors until they were ousted by the Christians in the late 13th century. Sacked by the Turks in 1558, all its citizens were sold into slavery in Constantinople. Largely rebuilt during the 17th and 18th centuries, Ciutadella is a typically Spanish town with some beautiful squares and some fine architecture, its 13th century cathedral was all that remained from the Turkish invasion, was built on the former site of an Arab mosque. Ciutadella was replaced as capital by Mahon, as its deepwater harbour was considered superior by the British, it did however remain as the religious capital of the island. Ciutadella Map.
Ibiza Balearic Islands Spain
The spiritual home of the raver, Ibiza is located twenty five miles south-west of Majorca. The majority of its population live in the capital Ibiza Town (Eivissa) which developed around a well preserved old walled centre (Dalt Vila) in a beautiful location. A picturesque island with a rugged coastline, fine beaches and an unspoilt countryside, Ibiza is noted for its fine restaurants, and vibrant nightlife scene, it has some of the biggest and most outrageous clubs in Europe. Ibiza is the most fashionable of the Balearic Islands, after being discovered by artists and celebrities during the early 1960’s, mass tourism followed quickly, though Ibiza did not suffer the over development experienced by neighbouring Majorca. Ibiza has some of the more expensive properties in the island group, with a considerable number of millionaire villas, a desirable area being between Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia des Riu. Ibiza experiences a pleasant climate with Ibiza weather being ideal for holidays and winter breaks, it makes a great change from mainland Spain. To view a map of Ibiza and its resorts look here: Ibiza Map.
September 1, 2009
Can Picafort Majorca
Once upon a time, just a small fishing village on the Bay of Alcudia in Majorca, the resort of Can Picafort is now a busy holiday destination, visited by a variety of nationalities. Located in the north of the holiday island of Majorca, Can Picafort boasts a long sandy beach and a pretty marina and has a good selection of bars and restaurants offering cuisines to cater for its cosmopolitan clientele. Popular with water sports enthusiasts, the Bay of Alcudia is especially ideal for windsurfing, there are also facilities for water-skiing and diving, and boat trips are available from the harbour and pedalos from the beach. Nearby attractions include the prehistoric burial site at Son Baulo (Son Real Necropolis), the huge Hidropark at Alcudia and the nature reserve at S’Albufera. The area enjoys a fine climate and Can Picafort weather is perfect for summer holidays and winter breaks. There are a number of hotels in the area and some privately owned rental accommodation should you wish to holiday in the resort. Can Picafort Map.
August 31, 2009
Los Delfines Cala n Blanes and Cala n Forcat
Situated to the north-east of the town of Ciutadella in northern Menorca, a large built for tourism development, takes in 3 or 4 separate resorts which have become popular since their growth from the 1980’s onwards. Known by most as Los Delfines, this complex also includes the resorts of Cala n Blanes and Cala n Forcat, plus the area known as Torre del Ram. Situated in an area of rocky coastline, these resorts are not well known for their beaches, and for beach lovers would not be ideal, although there is a decent (though often crowded) beach at Cala n Blanes. There are a couple of hotels here, but most of the accommodation is self-catering, and there are a good range of amenities between the various resorts and some reasonable nightlife and entertainment to enjoy. The area provides a good base for touring the north of Menorca and for visiting historic Ciutadella. Cala n Blanes Map.