Now one of the Costa de la Luz’s main seaside resorts, Punta Umbria was originally established by the famous Rio Tinto Company (a British mining company), as a place of rest for its employees and managers. The Rio Tinto company built some colonial beach side houses there rather than the sanatorium for which they had building permission. Punta Umbria lies close to the ancient port of Huelva amidst marshy wetlands which are now a protected wildlife resort with some varied bird species. For holidaymakers the main attraction is the beaches, there are some excellent ones in the area, the closest to the town being Playa de la Mata Negra, another attraction is the wonderful conditions for water sports, especially windsurfing, as the Costa de la Luz coastline is battered by winds from the Atlantic Ocean. If you are visiting, don’t forget a trip into nearby Huelva, an ancient port which was formerly settled by Phoenicians, Romans and Moors, from Palos de Frontera, Christopher Columbus sailed on some of his voyages. Punta Umbria can be reached from Laguna del Portil or from Huelva itself. Punta Umbria Map.
June 18, 2010
NH Sotogrande Hotel
Sotogrande Hotels – The NH Sotogrande Hotel
One of the most popular hotels in the Sotogrande region of Andalucia, Spain, The NH Sotogrande Hotel comprises 106 modern rooms which you will find very comfortable during your visit to the area. The hotel is located near to the shopping centre and sports complex of Sotogrande and is within easy driving distance of at least five fabulous golf courses, including the world famous Valderrama Golf Club. The NH Sotogrande has a terrific outside swimming pool with plenty of sunbathing areas for relaxing in the sun, its restaurant enjoys spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The largest private residencial area in Andalucia, Sotogrande is a luxurious area boasting some very expensive properties and is a playground for the wealthy and famous. Sotogrande is located between Estepona and San Roque and is around 25 kilometres from Gibraltar airport. You can book the NH Sotogrande Hotel by clicking on the link below, other hotels are also available in and arount the resort.
June 16, 2010
Weymouth Dorset
Weymouth Harbour Dorset
At one time the only safe harbour on this stretch of the Dorset coast, Weymouth later became a fashionable seaside resort, and was very popular during the late 18th century, right through Victorian times to the present day. Still a desirable area for summer holidays, Weymouth is also a busy port for ferries to the Channel Islands and St Malo in France. The town is fairly large with a population of over 50,000, and along with the rest of Dorset, it enjoys a decent climate with milder temperatures than much of the UK. Weymouth can be accessed by way of the A354 from Salisbury, via Blandford Forum and Dorchester. Weymouth Map.
June 14, 2010
Bideford Devon
Bideford Devon Long Bridge
For two centuries from 1550 to 1750, Bideford was the principal port of north Devon and was also a centre for shipbuilding. Bideford’s 15th century long bridge over the River Torridge, was originally from the 13th century, and comprises 24 arches all with different spans, it connects the original old town with the area known as East-the-Water. The long tree-lined quay is still at the heart of life in Bideford and attracts many visitors to this popular Devon town. Other attractions include the Burton Art Gallery and Museum, and the Pannier Market, held on Saturdays and Tuesdays, a great place to visit if the weather is fine. In the disused railway station at East-the-Water, you can visit the Tarka Trail information centre, housed in a converted railway carriage. If you are enjoying sunny weather during your visit you could also head for the beach at Westward Ho!, to the north of Bideford.
May 20, 2010
Palmitos Park Gran Canaria
A huge 20,000 square metres in area and one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island of Gran Canaria, Palmitos Park reopened last summer after a years closure due to a forest fire which devastated the area. Situated about 15 km inland from the popular resorts of the southern coastline of the island, Palmitos Park is a botanical garden with a number of other attractions including and aviary with some 230 species of birds, an aquarium and a butterfly house. The attractive gardens have numerous species of palm tree and cactus on display, and all are set in a beautiful area of countryside, offering some wonderful panoramic views. A bus service operates from some of the seaside resorts of Puerto Rico, Playa del Ingles and San Agustin, for those not hiring a car.