Despite its proximity to several popular Costa Brava seaside resorts, the town of Palafrugell seems little affected by the tourism on which the area depends. Formerly supported by the local cork industry Palafrugell suffered considerably after the largest factory (American owned) closed in the 1970’s. Palafrugell these days has a population of just over 21,000 and administers the coastal resorts of Tamariu, Calella and Llafranc. Worth a visit in Palafrugell is the old town centre, where you will find the Gothic church of Sant Marti, the weekly market, the Town Hall and the Cork Museum, which informs of the previously important cork manufacture. Historically Palafrugell was a fortified town as inhabitants of the coastal towns moved inland to escape attacks by Barbary pirates, little evidence remains of its ancient fortifications and modern day Palafrugell is a more peaceful place with a slow pace of life. These days holidaymakers arrive to enjoy the fine weather, the rugged coastline and the attractive beaches.
May 17, 2010
Altea Costa Blanca
A coastal town and municipality situated in the Alicante province of the Costa Blanca, Spain, Altea is a popular holiday destination which is more attractive and peaceful than the neighbouring resorts of Benidorm and Calpe. Altea has a resident population of around 18,000, though this of course rises considerably during the hectic summer season. The area of the municipality of Altea is 34.4 square kilometres, taking in several small villages such as Altea la Vella a charming little place. The history of Altea stretches back into the mists of time when ancient Greeks traded along this coast, with later Phoenicians, Romans and then Moors all trading in the Bay of Altea. After the Christian reconquest, the town was fortified to protect it from further incursions, the enclosed area now forming the old town of Altea. The town is renowned for its picturesque blue domed church, the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, much photographed and definitely one of the symbols of the Costa Blanca region. Altea of course like the entire Costa Blanca region, enjoys wonderful weather conditions for most of the year, with long hours of sunshine and low rainfall, making it ideal for beach style holidays. Apart from Benidorm and Calpe, there are a number of small coastal resorts surrounding Altea, amongst these are Albir, Finestrat, Benissa and Moraira. Altea can easily be accessed from the N-332 coast road, it is about 32 miles north of Alicante.
May 16, 2010
Timanfaya Lanzarote
One of the most visited locations on the Canary Island of Lanzarote, the Timanfaya National Park is a volcanic delight, some 51km2 in area in the southwest of the island. Formed when a huge eruption took place in the 18th century, Timanfaya still has molten lava bubbling away four metres under the surface. When visiting you will be able to see water instantly turned to steam by the intense heat, brushwood immediately engulfed in flames, and in the El Diablo (The Devil) restaurant you can eat a barbeque grilled over the heat of the lava. Trips to the Timanfaya National Park (Parque Nacional de Timanfaya) are organised from all the major resorts on the island. Lanzarote Map.
Praia da Luz Portugal
Praia da Luz (“Beach of Light”) is one of the prettiest of the Algarve coastal resorts, with life centred around the sandy beach, one of the finest in the region. Developed around the original fishing village, the resort of Praia da Luz attracts large numbers of visitors during the hot summer months, but is still a relaxed resort with a great appeal for families and also for water sports enthusiasts, who are well catered for. The climate is one of the biggest attractions of the resort, with Praia da Luz weather perfect for holidays right through the year, though especially appealing between May and October. Praia da Luz is situated about ten kilometres west of Lagos and can be reached from the N-125 coast road. Praia da Luz Map.
Orpesa Valencia
One of the more peaceful resorts of the Costa del Azahar, Orpesa can be reached by taking the scenic coast road from Benicassim. The main attraction of Orpesa is its two main beaches, La Concha and Morro de Gos, though it has some historic monuments including the ruined Arabic castle and a couple of 16th century watchtowers. The nearby Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park, will be attractive to nature lovers and has some rare bird species in its environs. Orpesa is situated to the north of Benicassim in the Comunitat de Valencia, Spain.