Located in a natural bay and sitting against the backdrop of the Monte Benacatil peak, the city of Alicante is a modern city with a chequered history leading it to where it lies today. Its strategic position has meant it has long been a major port but also a tourism centre, providing the city with much of its income. The 2nd largest city in Comunidad de Valencia, Alicante enjoys a booming economy, though this has declined somewhat due to the current financial constraints. The main shopping centre for the region Alicante attracts plenty of visitors just due to this one feature, with many of the surrounding, and popular, coastal resorts, having little in the way of retail outlets. It also has some great attractions and one of its most famous, the Santa Barbara Castle, looks proudly down on Alicante from its lofty position on Mount Benacatil. On the seafront you will find the beautiful Paseo de la Esplanada, a popular place to take an evening or weekend stroll. The Spanish just love to walk along the promenade, and Alicante is no exception, with thousands taking in the sea air, and enjoying the cooler evening weather conditions. Rows of palm trees line the promenade making this an attractive spot to sit and enjoy some lunch in one of the seafront restaurants. Easy to reach from the airport, which is just outside the city at El Altet, Alicante should be on your list of places to visit if you are heading to the Costa Blanca this year, or in fact any year. Alicante Map.
March 4, 2011
March 3, 2011
La Marina Costa Blanca
An extremely popular area for relocation and holidays on the Costa Blanca, especially with the Brits, La Marina is basically split into two distinct parts, the old coastal town and beach area, and the purpose built residential development, a short distance inland on the other side of the main coastal road the N-332. The coastal part of the town has some fantastic sandy beaches, which even in the peak season are so big that they never get packed, and you can always find a spot away from the crowds, to enjoy the sunny weather. The town itself has the usual rows of shops, banks, bars and restaurants, just a run of the mill coastal town. The residential development across the road has one of the largest concentrations of expats in Spain, it’s a bit like little Britain here, with a smattering of Germans and others, and even the odd Spanish person! The La Marina urbanization has all its own amenities, making it pretty much self sufficient, and of course there are a glut of rental properties in the area, though if you are thinking of renting there, you will certainly need a car to get to the beach. A good option is to rent a villa with pool, so that most day you can simply laze by the pool, cook on the barbeque and make the most of the superb weather conditions that are enjoyed here throughout the year. With a car you will be able to get out and about and visit the numerous coastal resorts, as well as attractions like the Rio Safari park, between Santa Pola and Elche, you can also get to local golf courses, of which there are plenty in the area. Don’t forget a trip into the city of Alicante, where the best shopping area can be found, and for culture maybe a visit to the Santa Barbara Castle. La Marina is surrounded by some charming little towns and villages such as Daya Vieja, Daya Nueva, Almoradi, Algorfa, Rojales, Formentera del Segura, San Fulgencio and Catral. All have been developed to a degree and if you are looking to buy property, there are plenty of villas and apartments for sale. Certainly worth a look if you are touring the Costa Blanca, La Marina will be waiting for your visit.
February 19, 2011
Cala Dor Majorca
A large, rather touristy resort built around a number of small coves and bays, Cala D’Or is situated on the east coast of Majorca, and developed as a holiday destination somewhat earlier than many of its counterparts. This former fishing village, is now barely recognisable as such, and styles itself as a rather upmarket resort, based around its chic marina. A quick look at the boats in the harbour at Cala D’Or, will tell you that this is a resort favoured by the well-heeled, though don’t let this put you off, if you are planning a visit, as there is plenty of affordable accommodation to be had in Cala D’or, with a choice of hotels and plenty of self-catering villas and apartments to rent. When the weather is good, the place to head is the beach, though in July and August, get there early to get a decent spot, when the weather is not so good, try visiting one of the local street markets, such as at Porto Colom or Felanitx.
Cala Bona Majorca
Another Majorca fishing village, turned holiday resort, Cala Bona is a good spot for water sports enthusiasts, and its appeal to holidaymakers was increased by the addition of three man-made beaches. Somewhat quieter than its better known neighbour Cala Millor, Cala Bona (which means “Good Bay”), provides an ideal location for a laid back family holiday. When the weather is sunny, the place to be is the beach, and with 3 to choose from, you should be able to find a decent spot. While you are staying in Cala Bona, take some time out for a trip on the glass-bottomed boat, and get an interesting insight into the varied sea life to be found off this part of the Majorca coast.
February 17, 2011
Cala Egos Majorca
Beginning a short series of articles on Majorca resorts, I am starting with a little known but still fairly popular coastal resort on the east coast of the island. Cala Egos (I haven’t been able to find a meaning of the name!), is close to the better known Cala D’Or, and its residential areas are very close to the marina of Cala D’Or. Cala Egos is a mostly residential area with numerous large villas, and also a number of apartment complexes, it has some bars and restaurants, and has easy access to a number of small beaches and pretty little coves, for which this area is well known. A stay in Cala Egos would suit those looking for a quiet family holiday away from the hustle and bustle of Magaluf and similar resorts. Majorca Map.
February 10, 2011
Los Alcazares Apartments for Rent
Los Alcazares Apartments – The Beach
Luxurious two bedroom apartment, currently available for holidays on the Mar Menor resort of Los Alcazares, Costa Calida, Spain. Perfectly situated just fifty metres from the beach of Los Narejos, this super Los Alcazares apartment should be ideal for your holiday in this popular area in the Murcia region of Spain. Renowned for its wonderful beaches and excellent golfing facilities, Los Alcazares is also very handy for the airport at San Javier, being just a few minutes drive away, it can also be reached from Alicante airport, though is is a somewhat longer drive. Another of our superb Mar Menor, Los Alcazares apartments, this property offers, 2 bedrooms (sleeps up to 4 people), 1 bathroom, community swimming pool, kid’s pool, fully fitted kitchen, outside terrace with garden furniture, air-conditioning etc. Holiday rentals in this fine apartment are offered from just £255 per week, and long term rentals may be considered as well, should this be your requirement. Los Alcazares has all the usual amenities expected of a modern resort and of course the beach area is the most popular, with warm waters and safe bathing, due to the Mar Menor being a huge enclosed lagoon. Full details of this and other Los Alcazares apartments for rent can be found here: Los Alcazares Apartments.