Best known as the birthplace of Antonio Gaudi, Spain’s most famous architect, the city of Reus is located 17 kilometres inland of the city of Tarragona. Situated in an area well known for the production of wine, Reus had an important textiles industry during the 18th century, though its history goes back to the 13th century. Most visitors know Reus solely through the name of its airport which is the primary arrival point for holidaymakers visiting the Costa Dorada seaside resorts of Salou, Cambrils and La Pineda, the airport is some three kilometres outside the city itself. Not exactly known as a place to visit, as it overshadowed by its older neighbour, Tarragona, worth a look is the San Pedro church and the El Museo Municipal Prim Rull. Just back from the Costa Dorada coastline Reus benefits from a typical temperate Mediterranean climate with Reus weather being much the same as the coastal resort with warm dry summers and mildish winters. Reus can be reached by road by way of the T-11 from Tarragona and also from the A-7 motorway. Reus Map.
April 23, 2010
April 22, 2010
Roquetas de Mar Almeria
Three contrasting towns in the province of Almeria in south-eastern Spain, Roquetas de Mar, Carboneras and Sorbas will have varying attractions for visitors to the area. The former fishing town of Roquetas de Mar has now become one of the largest resorts in the Almeria region attracting a mostly Spanish group of tourists though becoming more popular with International holidaymakers, its history goes back to the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsular, though its historic castle and fortifications date from the Moorish period. Roquetas de Mar boasts some wonderful sandy beaches, some fine seafood restaurants and a decent choice of facilities. A smaller and less well known coastal resort, Carboneras is situated at the northern end of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park and also has some fine beaches and seafood restaurants, its ancient castle is currently being restored. Heading a little inland from the coast, you will find the small town of Sorbas clinging to the edge of a ravine on the Rio de Aguas, this attractive little town is just perfect as a base for hikers heading into the nearby Natural Park of Karst and Yesos. Sorbas will give visitors a feel for the real Spain, away from the touristy resorts of the coast.
April 21, 2010
Silves Algarve Portugal
A town which formerly rivalled Lisbon in prosperity and influence, Silves on the Algarve, Portugal was known as Xelb by the Moors and was their stronghold in the region, having a huge fortress and a population of around 30,000 by the 12th century. Silves was an important trading town with boats arriving via the River Arade and leaving packed with cargoes of citrus fruit, figs and cork, the town was a buzzing community filled with mosques, bazaars and minarets. This all came to an end in 1189, when the town was subjected to a siege by Sancho I together with a band of English crusaders. After holding out for some months, the Moorish occupants finally surrendered due to a lack of water, the town was subsequently sacked and many of its citizens killed. Silves today is a busy town, still important for citrus fruits, figs and cork, but with an emphasis on tourism, its attractive old town, a maze of narrow, cobbled streets dotted with cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops, its castle and a number of its older buildings, survived the 1755 earthquake. Silves Map.
April 20, 2010
Onda Spain
One of the lesser known towns in the Valencia region of Spain, Onda is located just inland from the Costa del Azahar coastline and is approximately seventeen kilometres from Castellon de la Plana. Onda is overlooked by a ruined castle which was built by the Moors during their time in Spain. Onda is well worth a visit if only to take a look at its Natural Sciences Museum, which was founded and filled by a group of Carmelite monks and now has on show many thousands of creatures of all types and from all continents, forming an amazing and interesting exhibition. Also worth a look in Onda is the old town, which still has a medieval feel, and comprises many winding alleys and streets. Map of Onda.
April 18, 2010
Portimao Portugal
Tracing its origins back to the times of the ancient Phoenicians, the city of Portimao is the 2nd largest city in the Algarve region of Portugal (after Faro). A busy commercial port and tourist centre, Portimao is an ideal base for touring the Algarve, beimng within a hour’s drive of Faro International Airport and being close to some excellent sandy beaches including Praia da Rocha, Praia da Vau and Alvor. Perfect for a fishing or golfing holiday, Portimao harbour is the place to book deep-sea fishing trips and boat trips around the port and to neighbouring resorts. Golfing facilities are plentiful with fine courses such as the Alto Golf and Country Club and the Penina Golf Resort situated nearby. The are of course is renowned for its climate and the weather in Portimao is ideal for family holidays as well as being just the job for golfers all year round, with long hours of sunshine and low rainfall. Portimao can be reached from the A-22 motorway and is about 65 kilometres from Faro. Portimao Map.
April 17, 2010
Marbella Costa del Sol
Famous as a playground of the rich and famous, the resort of Marbella located on the Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Spain has a population of over 125,000, which of course increases considerably during the busy summer months, and a municipal area of some 114 square kilometres. Situated in the province of Malaga, Marbella and its neighbour Puerto Banus, has long been a sought after destination for wealthy visitors from Northern Europe. Marbella is also popular with golfers, and there are numerous fine courses in the immediate areas around the resort, other sports which thrive in the town include tennis and all sorts of water sports. Only as long ago as the 1940’s, Marbella was just a small fishing village with less than one thousand residents, it grew when Prince Max Egon zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg bought land in the area and opened the Marbella Club Hotel, attracting a higher class of visitors to this part of Spain. Marbella has some 27 kilometres of coastline and over 20 beaches to explore and enjoy, the climate is fantastic with the weather in Marbella being sunny and dry for most months of the year and very reliable between the months of May and October. Marbella is around fifty kilometres from Malaga and its International Airport. Marbella Map.