One of the most popular winter holiday destinations for Europeans seeking some off peak sunshine is the Spanish Canary Islands, an archipelago of islands and islets located off the north-east coast of Africa. The Canary Islands have a long and interesting past and Canary Islands history is fascinating to discover. First settled some 5,000 years ago the earliest true civilisation occurred during the second century BC when a tribal culture known as the Guanches lived in caves and built primitive villages. The Guanches were still in occupation when the Romans arrived in 40 BC, as Juba II explored the region which was then called the Fortunate Islands. The present name was probably derived from the breed of dogs which lived on the islands and met the Roman explorers, they were large and fierce and no doubt left an impression on the arrivals. The islands, to all intents and purposes, disappeared from the map for over 1,000 years after the fall of the Roman Empire and were not set foot on again until the beginning of the 14th century when a Genoese captain called Lazarotto Malocello bumped into the island later named after him (Lanzarote) and took the news of its existence back to Europe. Later expeditions led to the eventual invasion by a small force under Jean de Bethencourt, he landed on Lanzarote and built a fort on Fuerteventura before running out of provisions and heading for the Spanish mainland to muster additional support from the Castillians.
September 1, 2009
Las Alpujarras Andalucia Spain
Sometimes called the Spanish Switzerland, the region of Las Alpujarras is a mountainous district taking in parts of the Almeria and Granada provinces of Andalucia, Spain. Extending northwards from between the towns of Almeria and Motril as far as the Sierra Nevada, it features deep fertile valleys, dissected by rivers and streams, and dotted with small secluded villages. The site of many Moorish uprisings following the Christian defeat of Granada, the Moors were finally cleared from the area by the late 16th century. Boasting the most diverse flora in the whole of Spain, Las Alpujarras is a lovely area to visit.
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
Cartagena Costa Calida
The ancient Spanish city of Cartagena is located in the province of Murcia in the south-east of the country and is a coastal city on the section known as the Costa Calida. Cartagena has a history going back to the times of the ancients when it was founded by the Carthaginian general Hasdrubel in around 227 BC. After Hasdrubel died he was replaced by the famous general Hannibal who made Cartagena into his very own Iberian capital. When the Romans arrived after the Punic Wars they made Cartagena into a major trading centre, making use of its strategic natural harbour and its extensive mineral deposits located in the neighbouring mountains. There are a wealth of Roman monuments still remaining in Cartagena today and they form part of the city’s rich heritage. Visitors today can see the remains of the Punic Ramparts and also the Augusteum both of which are impressive locations. The port of Cartagena has always been important for Spain and its navy and it became the headquarters of the Spanish Navy’s Maritime Department of the Mediterranean during the 18th Century, it is still a major naval port today. One of the exhibits on show at the port of Cartagena is the first submarine, built by a Cartagena citizen called Isaac Peral in around 1884, this submarine can be viewed at the quayside. Cartagena lies a little south of the Mar Menor, the largest salt lake in Europe. The Mar Menor boasts some of the finest seaside resorts in the region including the renowned golf and sports resort of La Manga. Cartagena is currently undergoing some major refurbishments and the increase in property development in and around Cartagena is bringing increased wealth and interest to the area. Cartagena property is much in demand as is property along the neighbouring Mar Menor. If you are visiting southern Spain in the near future and are in the area of Cartagena be sure to take time to visit this ancient city and enjoy some of its many attractions. Cartagena Map.
Callosa de Segura Costa Blanca
The traditional Spanish town of Callosa de Segura lays at the foot of the Sierra de Callosa just back from the Costa Blanca coastline of south-eastern Spain. Having a population of around 17,000 it is a medium sized town with an interesting history. Above the town stands the Sant Roque Hermitage and way above that the ruins of an ancient castle in a seemingly inaccessible place, the hermitage is built on the spot where Saint Roque supposedy appeared. Amongst surrounding buildings but easy to spot from the hermitage is the large Saint Martin’s church, built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries and containing some significant gold pieces by Miguel de Vera. Other interesting places to visit include the Archaeological Museum, the Hemp and Agricultural Museum, the Holy Week Museum and the Fiesta Museum. Callosa de Segura can be accessed from the AP-7 motorway junction 733.
Calahonda Andalucia Spain
Located on the Costa del Sol coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella, the custom built urbanization of Siteo Calahonda is a low-rise development which is so large that it has become a town in its own right. Renowned for the high build quality, Calahonda is regarded as a prime real estate area, and properties here are in great demand. Running gently up undulating hills from the coast, Calahonda was formerly the site of a fort-house, built to defend local citizens from assaults by Barbary pirates, the fort was in two colours, for the purpose of camouflage. Calahonda was developed from the 1960’s as a blend of rural and coastal life, there are plenty of green areas planted with pines and other trees. This stretch of the Spanish coast benefits from a lovely climate and Calahonda weather is perfect for holidays throughout the year. Calahonda is located about 35 kilometres from Malaga airport. Calahonda Map.