A smallish but popular coastal resort on the Bay of Roses, L’Escala is one of the many attractive Costa Brava resorts of the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain. Having a resident population of just over 8,000, L’Escala has an ancient fishing port surrounded by the narrow streets of its old delightful old town. A historic area, the neighbouring Empuries (St Marti d’Empuries) boasts one of the oldest Greek settlements in Spain, also featuring later Roman parts giving evidence of their time on the Iberian Peninsular. Especially important for fishing and the salting of fish, L’Escala is well known for its anchovies and its sardines, and a number of its many fiestas are dedicated to this industry. As a tourist resort L’Escala has two distinct areas, the old town (favoured by Spanish tourists) and the newer area of Riells (favoured by International tourists). The town has a decent range of amenities and a couple of small beaches near the old town and a larger ‘blue flag’ beach in the Riells district. For nature lovers and culture seekers there are plenty of places to visit and for sports enthusiasts there is a wide choice of facilities. L’Escala Map.
November 30, 2009
November 29, 2009
Still Need Car Hire at Murcia Airport
Visitors finding it a little strange when arriving at Murcia airport and noting that the airport is actually a long way from Murcia itself, will be pleased to know that there is now a new Murcia airport being built at Corovera in the Sierra de Carrascoy, however they may not be so pleased when they realise that this airport is also going to be at least a 20 minute drive from the city itself. Of course the vast majority of arrivals at Murcia (San Javier) airport are actually heading for the coastal resorts of the northern Costa Calida and southern Costa Blanca, so San Javier, site of the existing Murcia airport, is actually better placed than the new airport for these visitors. Plans for the airport were first discussed in 2005 and despite objections to the construction, work has continued, and the new airport is due to be completed in 2010 at a cost of 266 million euros. Whether you are arriving at the existing airport or the new one when it opens, you will probably need to book car hire to get you to your resort and then around the area to make the most of your stay, other options include taxis, or a pre-booked airport transfer, in both cases once you arrive at your resort you will be somewhat confined to that immediate area if you have not booked a car hire vehicle, so you had better check that your destination accommodation is within easy reach of local facilities and beaches or you could be in for a long walk.
November 27, 2009
Llafranc Costa Brava
A charming and unspoilt resort on the Costa Brava coastline, Llafranc has long been the destination of the rich and famous along with well-heeled families from Girona and Barcelona. Visited by such names as Margaret Thatcher, Elizabeth Taylor and Salvador Dali, this beautiful resort situated in a picturesque crescent shaped bay should be at the top of your holiday list for trips to the Costa Brava and Costa del Maresme. Private luxury villas dot pine clad hills around the bay and the white-walled houses of the old town look down on the beach, promenade and harbour filled with pretty yachts. The beach is golden and sandy and one of the main attractions of this resort, Llafranc and the surrounding coastline is renowned for its diving and three diving schools operate from the town. There is also a big tennis club with 24 courts, and three golf courses nearby, for golfers to get their weekly fix. A decent range of hotels includes the Casamar Llafranc Hotel and the Terramar Hotel plus some privately rented apartments and villas. Just 40 kilometres from Girona and its airport Llafranc is relatively easy to access and obtaining car hire for your stay is recommended to get the most from your trip. The area benefits from a wonderful climate and Llafranc weather is ideal for summer holidays between June and October, golfers may prefer the cooler months and divers may wish to avoid the summer crowds. The stuff of dreams Llafranc is a perfect holiday destination. Llafranc Map.
November 25, 2009
Sagunt Costa del Azahar
An important ancient city in the Comunitat de Valencia, Spain, Sagunt (Sagunto) is located in the fertile region of Camp de Morvedre. Built on a raised hill site approximately 25 kilometres north of the city of Valencia, Sagunt was founded as a fortified settlement by the ancient Iberians (early Spanish peoples) in the fifth century BC, some of the original settlement remains, notably limestone slabs from the Temple of Diana. The year 219 BC is the most notable for Sagunt, as it was then that Hannibal and his Carthaginian troops put the town under a siege which lasted some months and ended with the town being severely damaged and its people put to death. This directly led to the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage, leading to the defeat of the Carthaginians and the occupation of Spain by the Romans. Sagunt is located on the Costa del Azahar and can be reached via the A-7 motorway or from the A-23. Map of Sagunt.
November 24, 2009
Club de Golf Costa Brava
If you are visiting the Catalonia region of Spain this year, and are looking to play golf, be sure to take time out to try the Club de Golf Costa Brava course located a little inland from the coastline near to the small town of Santa Cristina d’Aro. This fine 18 hole golf course is set amongst stunning scenery, and offers a great challenge to golfers of all abilities. Established in 1968 the course has a technical first nine followed by a more relaxed second nine. Places to visit nearby include Santa Cristina D’Aro and the historic coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guixols.
November 22, 2009
Hiring a Car at Alicante Airport
It was very noticeable that during the summer past it was very difficult to obtain car hire in the Alicante and Costa Blanca regions. Here in Cabo Roig we had lots more enquiries for car hire than we have ever received before and it seems that the major car hire companies set aside many less cars this year than in previous years due to the recession, and demand outstripped availability making it almost impossible to book car hire in the area after about April time. It would therefore seem advisable, if you are travelling to the area next summer, to book your car early to avoid disappointment and the get the exact car that you require, rather than just opting for whatever is available. The vast majority of visitors to the area arrive at Alicante airport, so the best , and it seems cheapest option is to book an Alicante airport car hire, rather than booking one at your resort destination. Many visitors are somewhat reluctant to jump straight in at the airport, but in the long run this will prove to be the best option and you should not be put off as the roads in this part of Spain are excellent and signposting generally better than in the UK. Bon voyage. To help with your journey, you can find a handy Alicante airport map here: Alicante Airport Map.