Bordering France and Andorra the Spanish autonomous community of Catalonia has a rich and varied landscape and a rich and varied history. Containing a sizeable section of the Pyrenees mountains, Catalonia experiences a wide variety of climates from the snow covered mountain peaks with some well known ski resorts, to sun kissed seaside resorts on the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada with a warm Mediteranean climate, so Catalonia weather cannot be easily categorised, visitors are advised to check the conditions for their exact location before travelling. Catalonia covers an area of about 32,000 square kilometres and has a population of over seven million, it is divided into 4 provinces, namely Girona, Barcelona, Tarragona and the largest Lleida. Catalonia has been settled over the centuries by Iberians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors before being established as a Christian domain as Moors were driven out by the Franks in the 8th and 9th centuries. Catalonia developed Spain’s first true industry as Barcelona factories produced cotton made from material imported from the Americas during Spain’s Golden Age, it is still the most industrialized region of Spain. These days Catalonia is a prime destination for tourists, most of whom head for the coastal resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada or the fantastic city of Barcelona with its many attractions, others may enjoy some skiing in the Pyrenees, walking in the Vall d’Aran or visiting one of the fine natural parks, such as the Aiguestortes National Park. Whatever your interests you will surely find something to attract you in the multi-faceted Spanish region of Catalonia. Catalonia Map.
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.
August 31, 2009
Cambrils Costa Dorada
Located at the southern end of the Costa Dorada, Spain, the pretty town of Cambrils is a rare example of a holiday destination that has not yet been spoiled by tourism. Boasting wonderful sandy beaches and some of the best seafood restaurants in the region, Cambrils is certainly a place to consider if you are visiting the area. The site of a significant Roman settlement over 2,000 years ago, there are still remnants from the Roman period, for instance the remains of a villa at La Llosa. Todays villas are more for holiday renters as they seek a paradise in the sun and during the summer, there is plenty of sunshine as Cambrils weather is just right for that super summer holiday, hot sunny days are tempered by soothing sea breezes making it pleasant and enjoyable. Cambrils Map.
August 30, 2009
The Volcanic Islands of Santorini Greece
Also known as Thira, Santorini comprises a small group of islands situated in the southern Aegean Sea, Greece. Santorini is volcanic in nature and has a total area of 28 square miles, it was formed by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions that have ever been recorded, an event which happened some three thousand six hundred years ago. These days Santorini is a popular holiday destination, boasting some beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and peaceful atmosphere making it a perfect holiday environment. Santorini weather is typical for the region, being dry and hot in summer, and mild though somewhat wet in winter, the wettest months generally being January and February. Santorini can be accessed from most international airports via Athens, the flying time from Athens being about forty minutes, it can also be reached by ferry from various destinations. Santorini resorts include Pyrgos, Thira, Kamari, Perissa, Imerovigli, Oia, and Perivolos. Santorini Map.
August 28, 2009
Taunton Bridgewater and Wellington Somerset
While visiting the county town of Taunton in Somerset, England, you might also want to consider dropping in at a couple of the nearby towns such as Bridgewater or Wellington, both are historic towns and both have their own stories to tell. In Taunton itself, there is plenty to see and do, with a history going back to Saxon times and beyond there are lots of interesting places to visit. The River Tone cuts through the town centre and it was this river that gave Taunton its name, the important strategic situation of the town led to Taunton Castle being built as long ago as the 7th century. Taunton is a pretty town and has some nice parks such as Vivery Park and Victoria Park, lovely green areas where local people can enjoy peace and quiet. Rebuilt by the Normans, parts of the castle remain and now house the Somerset County Museum. To the north of Taunton, Bridgewater, another town on a river (this time the River Parrett), was a trading centre of significance way before the Normans invaded Britain, its mention in the 9th century Anglo Saxon Chronicles give evidence of this. Bridgewater even later acted as a port, receiving coal from Wales. Wellington, of course, gave is name to the Duke of Wellington (Sir Arthur Wellesley), and during the Industrial Revolution was an important wool making town. Among places to visit in Wellington are the Cothay Manor Gardens. A lesser known town which might also attract your attention is Wiveliscombe (or Wivey as the locals call it), settled in Pre Roman times, it was later another town to prosper from the wool trade. Wiveliscombe is also well known for its brewery built by the Hancock family in 1807.
See a map of Taunton here: http://www.my-towns.co.uk/taunton-map.html
Majorca Resorts Cala Bona
If travelling to the east coast of Majorca for your holidays this year, you may want to consider staying at the pretty little resort of Cala Bona (which means “Good Bay”). Less well known than its bigger neighbour Cala Millor, Cala Bona has an attractive harbour and its original network of narrow streets and alleys from its former days as a small fishing village. Lacking a real sandy beach , Cala Bona may not suit all holidaymakers, and if it is a beach holiday that you prefer you may be better advised to head for Cala Millor or one of Majorca’s other big coastal resorts. Cala Bona still has some small beaches, located in little rocky bays and inlets along the coast and it is a good base for exploring the east coast of Majorca and its many attractions. Cala Bona Map.