Second largest of the Balearic Islands of Spain, Ibiza has much to offer travellers of all ages and tastes, known as the clubbers capital of Europe, away from the main resorts it is still a mostly rural island with large areas of unspoilt countryside and huge areas of fig, almond and olive groves. Ibiza travel can be a pleasurable experience whether you are seeking a cultural sojourn or a traditional beach holiday, for culture and history you can head for the capital Ibiza Town (Eivissa), founded by the Phoenicians in the seventh century BC, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, its Dalt Vila (Upper Town) is a joy to behold, and is the oldest part of the city, visit the 16th century cathedral located on what has been the site of religious buildings since 283 AD, and the ancient fortifications also dating from the 16th century in their present form. For beaches, and Ibiza has over 50, head for the beautiful west coast, where unspoilt beaches lay in picturesque coves, or the area around Santa Eulalia where you can also visit the famous Hippy Market at Es Cana or simply enjoy the delightful Ibiza weather. Clubbers can head for San Antonio, where this former fishing village offers a wide choice of clubs and discos. Ibiza travel should be fun, try a little of everything to get an idea of what this beautiful island has to offer. Ibiza Map.
March 12, 2010
Hurchillo Costa Blanca
One of the Vega Baja villages of the Costa Blanca, Spain, Hurchillo is a charming little village with a population of less than one thousand. A chance to see a piece of the real Spain away from the busy Costa Blanca coastline, Hurchillo is reached via the road from Orihuela, and is a bout 9 kilometres from that town. A maze of charming cobbled streets welcomes visitors, together with the smiling faces of its people who are very friendly. Not to be out gunned by its bigger and better known neighbours, Hurchillo has its own village square and church and also its own feast day and fiestas during which it honours the Patrona Nuestra Señora de Montserrat. Damaged like so many other villages in the earthquake of 1829, Hurchillo relies mostly on citrus farming for its economic survival. Other villages worth visiting around Hurchillo include Bigastro, Beniel, Jacarilla and Cox.
March 11, 2010
Los Gigantes Tenerife
The well known Tenerife resort of Los Gigantes is situated in the west of the island near to the town of Puerto de Santiago. Getting its name from the huge steep cliffs beside which the resort stands, Los Gigantes has its own small black sand beach, some decent hotels and the usual holiday facilities expected of a package tour destination, the weather is a little cooler than the southern resorts. The coastline around Los Gigantes is quite spectacular with cliffs rising to around 800m in places, being at the southern end of the Teno mountains. Los Gigantes is an ideal spot for a more laid back peaceful holiday, being somewhat less crowded than the better known resorts of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas to the south, there is however still a good choice of bars and restaurants and plenty of entertainment on offer, especially in some of the bigger hotels, the biggest attraction is the weather and it is a popular spot for a winter holiday. Los Gigantes can be reached from the TF-47 highway, it is approximately ninety kilometres from the nearest airport at Reina Sofia.
Isla Canela Costa de la Luz
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.
March 10, 2010
Playa de Aro Costa Brava
One of the Costa Brava’s best loved beach resorts, Playa de Aro is situated between the towns of Sant Feliu de Guixols and Palamos around 35 km from the provincial capital Girona. Apart from the obvious attraction of its 2 mile long beach, Playa de Aro can also offer visitors a wonderful water park in the form of the Aquadiver Waterworld, the Magic Park amusement extravaganza, a Pitch n Putt golf course and a ten pin bowling alley, together with one of the best nightlife scenes along this popular part of the coastline. The sun is of course another major attraction with Playa de Aro weather offering some 2,500 hours of sunshine each year, the best months being from May to October. To get away from the crowds of the main resort you can enjoy the coastal path where you can enjoy some delightful scenery and discover some isolated bays and coves. Playa de Aro offers a great choice of hotels and is located off the C-31 south of Palamos.
February 22, 2010
Salou and Cambrils Costa Dorada
Salou Costa Dorada
Two of the best loved resorts on the Costa Dorada coastline of Catalonia, Spain, Cambrils and Salou could not be more different. Salou, the typical Spanish holiday resort, aimed at package holidays and especially British tourists, Cambrils the traditional Spanish fishing town, retaining much of its old charm and attracting a larger number of Spanish nationals rather than International tourists. Cambrils has plenty of sand for the traditional beach style holiday, but is especially renowned for its seafood restaurants which are supplied by local fishermen who land their daily catch in the harbour much as they have done for many centuries. Cambrils has a long history, but has hung on to its traditions and not been spoilt by over-development, the old town still has narrow cobbled streets and the air of a Catalonian fishing village. Despite its modern look and feel, Salou too has a long history and was actually first settled by the Greeks over 2,000 years ago, it was also a Roman settlement as the Romans set out from nearby Tarragona to conquer the Iberian Peninsular, it grew as a tourist resort during the 1960’s and expanded with little regard to aesthetics, becoming a sprawling mess of apartment blocks and high-rise hotels. Salou is still popular however, with those seeking a particular style of holidays and being provided with everything they need in that regard – lots of entertainment, plenty of sandy beaches, amusements and sports activities, in fact there is so much to do that obtaining a car hire vehicle is advisable to get the most from your visit. Salou is the location of the large Port Aventura theme park, one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Both resorts enjoy a wonderful climate which is of course one of the major draws for tourists, the weather in Salou and Cambrils is generally warm and sunny in the summer months and mild during the winter.