Steve's World Blog » Spain

Don Carlos Santa Eulalia Ibiza

needahand — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Don Carlos Santa Eulalia Ibiza – Situated in a quiet place surrounded by pine trees, the Fiesta Hotel Don Carlos Santa Eulalia is the perfect place to enjoy a vacation in Ibiza. The hotel is located just 50 metres from the sea, 2 kilometres from the town of Santa Eulalia and only a few kilometres from the resort of Es Canar, where guests can visit one of the island’s most famous hippy street markets. Nearby, guests will also find a variety of entertainment options with beach, bars and restaurants. Santa Eulalia is on the east coast of Ibiza about 20 minutes drive from the airport.

Santa Eulalia Map.

Cala Vinas Majorca

needahand — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:00:06 +0000

Cala Vinas Majorca – Cala Vinas is situated to the south of Magaluf on the western side of the Bay of Palma in Majorca, it has a relatively small beach and is surrounded by hotels and villas, some of which are located directly beside the beach. Cala Vinas is a popular tourist destination, handy for the airport at Palma de Mallorca. North of the bay towards Magaluf are tha caves of Cala Vinas and to the south the Cap des Falco.

Majorca Map.

Hotel Madrid Torrevieja

needahand — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:07:22 +0000

Hotel Madrid Torrevieja – Hotel Madrid provides a high quality good service. Enjoys a privileged location in the centre of the city of Torrevieja (Alicante), which allows options to enjoy both business and the leisure, particularly its beaches which are nearby. Both the Poinente Beach, the marina, the Real Club Nautico and the city are just five minutes walk from this hotel. The Hotel Madrid Torrevieja offers newly renovated facilities (year 2009); thinking of maximum comfort for all our customers giving them the best and friendliest service.

Ayamonte Costa de la Luz

needahand — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:35:26 +0000

Ayamonte Costa de la Luz – Ayamonte is a Spanish city in the province of Huelva in the autonomous region of Andalucia, Spain. In 2008 there were 19,738 inhabitants. The municipality of Ayamonte has an area of 142 square kilometres and a population density of 136.5 inhabitants per square kilometre. The town lies at the mouth of the Guadiana River on the Atlantic Ocean (Costa de la Luz) and thus on the border with Portugal. The distance to the provincial capital of Huelva is 48 kilometres, to Seville it is 140 kilometres. In Roman times, the mouth of the Guadiana River, was known as the “Ostium Fluminis Anae”. From there, was an important trade route leading north to Merida. It is assumed that even at this time Ayamonte occupied a strategically important position. In 1239, the Moorish domination was ended by troops of King Sancho II of Portugal. In 1263 they designated the river as a border between Portugal and Spain, and the town of Ayamonte came under the jurisdiction of the Castilian crown. First, they belonged to the county of Niebla, but later formed its own marquisate. 1664 Ayamonte was awarded city status by King Philip IV. If you wish to visit Ayamonte, you will find lots of hotels and privately owned apartments for rent. Ayamonte is in the region known as the Costa de la Luz in the region of Andalucia.

Costa Almeria Spain

needahand — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:58:14 +0000

Costa Almeria Spain – The Costa Almeria is the name that is given to the coastline of the province of Almeria, an area of land covering 217 kilometres and 13 municipalities: from Pulpi, bordering the province of Murcia to Adra, bordering the province of Granada. From February 16th 1928 the tourist employer Lussnigg Rodolfo would promote the name Costa del Sol to the Costa Almeria, to which the term originally referred exclusively. Within the Costa Almeria destinations can be found such as Almerimar, Vera, Almeria, Garrucha and Mojacar , and natural areas such as the Natural Park Punta Entinas Sabinar, the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Nijar, and the Island of San Andres, among others. Fast becoming a more popular tourist destination, the Costa Almeria has much to offer, there is plenty of sunny weather, it is mostly unspoilt with fine sandy beaches and quieter resorts, and it is easy to reach. The airport at Almeria city serves the Costa Almeria coastline, and it is fairly central for accessing all the main areas, with transfers available from the airport.

Bilbao Spain Titles

needahand — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:34:12 +0000

Bilbao Spain Titles – Bilbao boasts the category of historic town, with the titles of “Very Noble and Very Loyal and Invicta”. It was the Catholic Monarchs who awarded the title “Noble Town” on 20 September of 1475, according to the customs of the time, while Philip III of Spain, by letter dated 1603, gave the title Villa to the dictates and title of “Very Noble and Loyal. ” After the episode of the siege of Bilbao during the Carlist War, on the 25 December of 1836, the title of “Invicta” was added. The titles, the flag and the emblem of Bilbao are traditional symbols and are part of its heritage, being employed in the image of other cities, formal events, for identification and decoration of specific places or for the validation of documents.

Daya Nueva Alicante

needahand — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:59:35 +0000

Daya Nueva Alicante: Daya Nueva (in Valencian Daia Nova) is a municipality and town of Valencia, Spain. Located in the province of Alicante and the region of the Vega Baja del Segura (Low Fertile Valley of the River Segura), in the area to the left of the Segura River, east of Almoradi. The main economic activity of Daya Nueva has always been irrigated agriculture, producing citrus fruits, artichokes and potatoes. Currently the town has many shops and other businesses, and is gradually moving towards a more modern economy. Daya Nueva experiences a typical Mediterranean climate with sunny weather all year round. Daya Nueva has a population of 1,988 nearby town and villages include Daya Vieja, San Fulgencio, Almoradi, Dolores and Catral.

Pineda de Mar Early History

needahand — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:23:38 +0000

Pineda de Mar Early History – Though today a modern tourist resort Pineda de Mar on the Costa Maresme has a long history which started even before the Romans arrived in Spain. Several remains of the Iberian period (fourth century BC) found in different parts of the town of Pineda de Mar (Montpalau Hill and near Mas Castellar) testify to the settlement in the area since time immemorial. The Iberian settlements are quite numerous throughout the Costa Maresme, the towns of the Laietans tribe, whose territory occupied the entire coastal strip from the Llobregat to Tordera stood in small promontories far from the coast. The intense process of Romanization of the region from the first century BC led to the gradual occupation of the coastal zone around Pineda de Mar, with numerous villas built along the coast, making the most of easy access by way of the Via Augusta, which led to Barcelona. In Pineda de Mar there are remains of an important Roman villa, Can Roig, where an aqueduct of four arches which are still quite visible near to Cua Can.

Pineda de Mar Map.

Valencia Fallas 2012

needahand — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:05:18 +0000

Valencia Fallas 2012 Effigy of Elvis Presley

Valencia Fallas 2012 – On Monday we took a coach trip to see the final evening of the Fallas celebrations in Valencia. We picked up in various places along the way ending in Gran Alacant which was the final pick-up. We then headed along the Costa Blanca coast passing the airport and going up the A31 past many of the old historic towns with castles such as Novelda, Sax, Petrer and Villena, then cutting through to the Font de la Figuera (Spring of the Fig Picker), and picking up the A35 past Moixent, Montesa, L’Alcudia de Crispins and Xativa before reaching Valencia, for us a journey of 4 hours (we got on at Cabo Roig).

While there are many different celebrations in the Fallas, the star of the show is the building of giant effigies which are burnt on the final night together with a massive firework display. Some of the effigies are huge (up to 20 metres high) and make fun of famous people mostly Spanish, though one of the best this year featured Elvis Presley with a number of other famous pop stars such as Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury etc. I must say the giants are amazing an it seems a shame to burn them though they do hand out some smaller sections of the figures to local children.

There was some concern over the weather on the day as rain was expected and in the event the celebrations went on in fine weather (though a bit chilly) and it actually started to rain as we got back on the coach for the journey home (and on through the night, some 6 inches of rain in all!).

We really enjoyed the whole event and the burnings are amazing, if rather smelly and dangerous, with burning pices of polystyrene flying everywhere, the fireworks were excellent, the display of flowers was amazing.

Valencia Map.

Montgo National Park Alicante

needahand — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:25:16 +0000

Montgo National Park Alicante Spain: The Montgo National Park, declared a Natural Park in 1987, covers an area of 2117.68 hectares and rises to 753 metres. The park which has witnessed the passage of man from ancient times has a high cultural and archaeological value. Noted for its more than 650 species of flora, among which are endemic as Carduncellus dianius . The Montgo National Park reaches the sea at Cape San Antonio, which at its feet is home to the Natural Reserve of the sea that bears its name, declared in 1994 by the importance of biodiversity that it contains. The Montgo National Park has some of the most spectacular scenery of the coast of Valencia.

Abdet Alicante Spain

needahand — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:40:31 +0000

Abdet Alicante Spain – Abdet is a town in the valley of Guadalest, Alicante (Spain), and belongs administratively to the nearby town of Confrides. It is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Serrella, at an altitude of 630 metres. It currently has a population of 100 inhabitants. The name “Abdet” is probably from the Arabic language and the town originates from the Moorish occupation of Spain. After the Reconquest it was given to Vidal de Sarria by King James 1 (1264). Abdet is just inland of the northern Costa Blanca coastline.

Canet de Mar Church

needahand — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:19:35 +0000

Canet de Mar Church: The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul in Canet de Mar on the Costa Brava (Costa del Maresme) is a late Gothic style building, built from 1579 and consecrated in 1591. It has a single nave and transept, apse and side chapels, one of which, most important, is dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. The façade, is engraved, and has a rectangular niche portal on it. On the right stands the square tower of three storeys, built between 1793 and 1805. Its architect was Juan Garrido, from Barcelona. In 1936 the church was burned. The altarpiece was lost (work of 1630). The reconstruction was done by Josep Torras Danish between 1939/46. An ideal place to visit when the weather in Canet de Mar is not so nice, the Church of St Peter and St Paul is in the Gothic style and is located in the Church Square.

Canet de Mar Map.

Zeniamar Spain

needahand — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:50:10 +0000

Zeniamar Spain: An attractive residential complex which is surrounded by all kinds of services, Zeniamar is within the Orihuela Costa area and is a well established and mature residential area, with many shopping centres nearby. Zeniamar is also close to the beaches of Punta Prima, La Zenia and Playa Flamenca with lots of sandy beaches to choose from. Zeniamar has lots of landscaped green areas with lovely community pools and Jacuzzis so you will not even need the beach. Golfers will also enjoy Zeniamar with at least 4 courses close by. Beautifully designed apartments and bungalows are available to buy or rent, so staying here is easy, and you will not want to go home, because the area is so beautiful.

Den Engel Playa Flamenca

needahand — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:29:08 +0000

Den Engel Restaurant Playa Flamenca – During the family holiday in the summer myself and my stepson David took a trip down to Playa Flamenca where we wanted to try out the well known lobster restaurant Den Engel. The restaurant itself is in a great spot on the seafront between Playa Flamenca’s 2 beaches and you an sit and watch the sea while enjoying a fine lobster meal. Believe it or not I have never had lobster before and was long overdue for this renowned delicacy. I must say however that though I enjoyed it for the experience, it is not something that I would worry about having again. Its all a bit too much of an effort for me, give me a decent prawn any day, and I’m not sure it was worth the money really although Dave treated me for my birthday, so it was free for me! The apartments above the commercial centre must enjoy some pretty fabulous views, well worth considering if you are planning a trip to Playa Flamenca.

Son Bou Menorca

needahand — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:41:18 +0000

Son Bou Menorca – Situated in the south of Menorca (Minorca), Son Bou is a big favourite with families looking for a holiday on this popular island in the Spanish Balearics. Son Bou has the distinction of having the longest beach on the island, nearly 3 kilometres of golden sand, gently shelving and great for water sports and sun bathing, and also safe for children. The beach at Son Bou has the usual facilities with a number of beach bars, and sun loungers and parasols for hire, perfect when the weather is hot. There are also plenty of bars, restaurants and shops and onland sports facilities such as tennis courts. A water park at San Jaime rounds off the main amenities.

Son Bou Map.

Novelda Spain

needahand — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:29:26 +0000

Novelda Spain: A town situated between Elda and Aspe in the Alicante province of Valencia, Spain, Novelda is an important area for the production of marble, with many factories on the approaches to the town. Novelda is also renowned for its spices (condimentos) particularly saffron (azafran). A historic town, Novelda was settled by Greeks and Romans long before the Moors arrived to control the area. Its best known monument is the Santa Maria Magdalena monastery (which may remind you of the famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona), it was designed by a protégé of Gaudi during the 19th century. Also worth a look in Novelda is the Arabic castle of Mola and the Museum of Modernista. Today Novelda has a population of over 27,000 and is a mostly industrial town. Novelda Map.

Monforte del Cid Alicante

needahand — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:09:31 +0000

Monforte del Cid Alicante – Originally called Nompot in the 13th century, the town of Monforte del Cid is situated in the Alicante province of Spain. The town was awarded to his son by King Alfonso in 1328 along with a number of other villages, and by 1355 it was already being referred to as Monfort, later being changed to Monforte in 1708, the Del Cid part of the name was added in 1916 by Royal Decree. Monforte del Cid is well known for its grapes, especially dessert grapes and its economy has depended on grapes for many centuries. If you visit Monforte del Cid be sure to look at the 15^th century Gothic parish church.

Abanilla Murcia

needahand — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:12:27 +0000

Abanilla Murcia – A small town and municipality in the Murcia region of Spain, Abanilla has a population of 6,642 and an area of 236 square kilometres. Abanilla is well known for its basket making and lace making, both of which still take place today. Abanilla has a long and chequered history and has been the subject of many an ownership battle of the centuries, changing hands many times as a result. If you choose to visit Abanilla, head into the old town where you will find numerous places of interest including the Fountain of the Carob Tree, the St Joseph parich Church, and the Corazon de Jesus monument.

Map of Abanilla.

Es Castell Menorca

needahand — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:50:52 +0000

Es Castell Menorca – Located at the mouth of Mahon’s port on the east coast of Menorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands, the seaside resort of Es Castell is a popular holiday destination which attracts many thousands of visitors each year especially during the traditional summer months (May to September). In what was previously a strategically important section of Menorca (the Brits overtook the port), it now attracts more attention from holidaymakers, who arrive to enjoy the sunny weather, the sandy beaches, and the friendly atmosphere. Es Castell which literally means “The Castle” has a somewhat English feel with a Georgian twist, harping back to the days of English rule, there is still an old parade ground which was used by troops in days gone by. Es Castell is gathered around two attractive coves and there is a small fishing harbour from which fishermen still operate today as they sail their boats on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Facts and figures on Menorca (Minorca): Minorca Facts.

Plasencia Extremadura Spain

needahand — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:46:25 +0000

Plasencia – An ancient walled city in the Extremadura region of Spain, Plasencia has an interesting history as a garrison town, being for centuries in a significant position on the much disputed Silver Route, on the River Jerte. The city walls which comprise a double line, with sixty eight towers and 6 gateways was begun in the late 12^th century. Plasencia strangely enough, has 2 cathedrals, the first took so long to build, that it was out of date by the time it was completed, so a new, more modern one was constructed though this also took some 200 years to build. One of the gems of the Extremadura region, Plasencia is a must visit place if you are passing by the area.

Spain Map.