Until the 20th century just a small fishing village in Andalucia, Estepona has now grown into a sizeable resort popular with holidaymakers, especially the Spanish themselves. Attracted by the fine climate, excellent beaches and pretty harbour, tourists arrive in their thousands in July and August, but also throughout the year as the town experiences a unique micro-climate giving Estepona some of the best weather in the region or in fact the whole of Spain. The old town still retains much of its traditional charm and it is a pleasure to stroll through the narrow cobbled streets and shaded squares. For a welcome breeze and a relaxed coffee, head for Estepona harbour where luxury yachts sit beside traditional fishing boats, try one of the harbourside restaurants for fresh fish dishes and local delicacies. For beach lovers there are miles of beaches around the town (some 21 km in all), with water sports on offer and the usual facilities. There is plenty of golf to be had around Estepona with 4 excellent courses to the south-west of the town. Map of Estepona.
September 8, 2009
September 6, 2009
Galicia North Western Spain
Spain’s most north-westerly region, Galicia is also its greenest, experiencing considerably more rainfall, and cooler temperatures than most of Spain. Galicia is still a poor region and most of its inhabitants are involved in either agriculture or fishing, with 3 of its 4 provinces having an Atlantic coastline. Visiting Galicia is like stepping back in time and many of its farm are too small for tractors, still using horses to pull ploughs and work the land. Its coastline is indented with fjord-like “rias” the best known example being the Rias Baixas (Lower Rias) in the south-west bordering Portugal. Galicia’s best known city is the holy city of Santiago de Compostela, built on the reputed site of the burial place of Saint James the Apostle, Santiago de Compostela is Europe’s second most important place of pilgrimage after Saint Peter’s Rome. The fishing industry is of very important for the region and the port and city of Vigo is the main supplier to Spain’s fish trade. Galicia weather is different from much of Spain with cooler summers and wetter winters, the coastal resorts are popular and the region has some excellent beaches. Galicia comprises 4 provinces, Ourense, A Coruña, Lugo and Pontevedra. Galicia Map.
Other interesting towns in Galicia include Betanzos, Mondonedo and Pontevedra.
Formentera Balearic Islands
Smallest of the main Balearic Islands, with a resident population of less than 5,000, Formentera is also the quietest and least spoilt of the islands. With an area of only 82km2, this is a tiny island, its big brother, Ibiza is only 4 kilometres to the north and its lack of an airport is no doubt the reason for its unspoilt nature. Formentera is being discovered by more and more people each year and at the moment is mostly chosen by those wanting to escape the overcrowded destinations such as Ibiza and Mallorca. Part of the Pitiusas group of islands along with Ibiza and a number of islets, Formentera was discovered by the Greeks, occupied by the Romans and later by the Moors, and fortified by the Christians after the reconquest. The main attractions apart from the tranquillity are the splendid beaches and the crystal clear water, Formentera has some of the best beaches in the Balearics and also the least crowded, at times you would think you were on an isolated tropical island. The lack of an airport means you will have to arrive by ferry, your landing point will be La Savina and you will most probably be coming from Ibiza Town or Denia on the Spanish mainland. The climate is much the same as Ibiza, a temperate Mediterranean one, with Formentera weather being suitable for holidays throughout the year. While the traditional beach holiday is popular and emerging resorts such as Es Pujols are growing, walking and cycling holidays are also desirable as is scuba diving. To see the main architectural heritage of the island you may want to head for the capital Sant Francesc where you will find a fortified 18th century church and the interesting Ethnological Museum with a variety of tools and implements on show. If you fancy a holiday with a difference why not try the peaceful island of Formentera. Formentera Map.
September 5, 2009
El Hierro and La Gomera
The two smallest of the main Canary Islands are El Hierro and La Gomera, both largely unspoilt by tourism especially El Hierro which has very little accommodation available. La Gomera does attract a number of tourists from nearby Tenerife, most just visit for the day, other to explore the amazing Garonjay National Park which features one of the oldest natural forests in the world. El Hierro is the smallest of the islands at only 278 km2, it has hardly any beaches, and as such does not attract ‘package’ tourists, its coastline is steep and rocky apart from areas of coast close to the capital Valverde. La Gomera is slightly larger at 378 km2 a large portion of which is covered by the Parque Nacional de Garonjay, an area of mist shrouded forests, mountains and deep ravines. Visitors to La Gomera arrive at its port in the capital San Sebastion de la Gomera.
September 4, 2009
The Dominican Republic
One of the world’s top all inclusive holiday destinations, the Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. Taking up about two thirds of the island the Dominican Republic combines a heady mix of relaxed beach life and Latin party spirit, all experienced among swaying palm trees on fine, white sandy beaches. The weather in the Dominican Republic is of course wonderful, being hot and tropical all year round, beware of the two rainy seasons though and also be mindful during the hurricane season (June to November). The hotels on the Dominican republic are first class, offering everything needed for a great holiday. Dominican Republic Map.
Buenos Aires Argentina
With a population of around 2.75 million, Buenos Aires is the largest city and the capital of the South American country of Argentina. The name Buenos Aires means “Fair Winds” and the city is located one the southern banks of The River Plate. Founded by the Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza in 1536, Buenos Aires has a long and interesting history. The well known dance the Tango originates from the back streets of Buenos Aires and it perhaps for this that the city is most famous. These days Buenos Aires is the commercial and financial capital of Argentina and has one of the busiest ports in the world. The architecture of Buenos Aires is varied and has influences from many European countries including Spain. Italy, Germany and France. The city has wide, tree-lined avenues, beautiful green spaces for relaxation and recuperation, and a large number of historic churches, mixed in with the modern skyscrapers and apartment blocks. Buenos Aires is also renowned for its sculptures and visitors will find these all over the city. In the last few years Buenos Aires has become a popular location for property investors and Buenos Aires property is proving to be a good investment as the prices are rising by up to 20% each year. When searching for a property in Buenos Aires, investors should take care to select a decent area for their purchase, as there are good and bad areas within the region. The property market is certainly booming in the city and the choice of Buenos Aires properties is wide and varied. There are a great many brand new apartment blocks appearing and Buenos Aires apartments are a popular choice with those seeking to purchase within the city. If this is your choice then finding a good value apartment in Buenos Aires should not be a problem and looking in an area such as Palermo or maybe Puerto Madero should give you plenty to choose from. All in all if you are looking to invest in property and would like to try somewhere a little different, then you could do little better than picking a Buenos Aires property for your money. Buenos Aires Map.