With a population of 3.3 million, Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the 3rd largest in Europe (only London and Berlin are more populous), it is also the highest capital city in Europe at 650 metres above sea level. Founded by the Moors in the late 9th century, it became a Moorish village named ‘Magerit’ (the place of many springs), in 1561 it became the capital of Spain and a huge Empire after Felipe II moved his court there, favouring its central location. Modern day Madrid is one of the greatest cities in the world and its heartbeat is the Puerta del Sol, in the centre of the old city, bordered by the Paseo del Prado to the east and the Palacio Real to the west. There are a huge number of attractions in the centre of the old city and a good place to stay which is right beside many of these attractions is the Madrid Reina Victoria a famous hotel with a great reputation. It would be best to avoid the hot summer months when visiting the city as Madrid weather can be unbearably hot during this period, in fact most native Madrileños head for the coast to avoid the searing temperatures. Map of Madrid.
January 15, 2010
December 10, 2009
Cala Mondrago Mallorca
If you are visiting the island of Mallorca this year and are fed up with the crowds and drawbacks of mass tourism, you might want to consider heading for somewhere a little quieter. One of the recommended places for visitors of this ilk is the beautiful Cala Mondrago, situated in the south-east of the island. Having just a couple of hotels and very little else to attract those seeking a pulsating nightlife scene, Cala Mondrago will not keep you occupied for long, if you are looking for more than a relaxing beach holiday, but if it is the beach that you like, you will find one of the finest on Mallorca and in fact in the entire Balearic Islands region and with the fine climate that goes with it, you might just think you are in paradise. To say there is nothing to do here is a slight exaggeration, as nature lovers will be attracted by the Mondrago Parc Natural, which surrounds the resort and comprises 2,000 acres of important wetland with enough bird species to keep even the most ardent twitcher happy. For those who just have to visit a rowdy club or disco at night, you will just have to head into nearby Cala d’Or for the evenings and get your fix of noise.
December 9, 2009
Arpora Goa
A resort which is growing in popularity in the Indian tourist state of Goa, Arpora offers the chance to take a unique and relaxing beach holiday whilst providing the opportunity to explore the beauty and culture of this thrilling location. Situated near to the Northern Goa beach resorts such as Baga Beach and Calangute Beach, Arpora is both a pretty village and a beach resort combined, it is well known for its shellfish and fresh fish dishes, which will be one of the highlights of your stay in this unforgettable place.
Jellyfish of the Mar Menor
The Mar Menor
There have been reports suggesting that the Mar Menor jellyfish population has been significantly reduced by an ongoing campaign aided by local fishermen. Some 42 km of protective nets have been installed in this large salt lagoon on the Costa Calida, Spain, to help protect the popular beach areas and this has been mostly successful in preventing jellyfish infestation during the busy summer seasons of the last 2 years (2008 and 2009). Seventy eight tonnes of jellyfish were netted last year by local fishermen on the Mar Menor, a significant reduction compared to the 5,000 tonnes removed between 2000 and 2002. The oceanographic institute in Lo Pagan has been monitoring the jellyfish situation. The Mar Menor, formed by a narrow spit of land known as La Manga (The Sleeve) has some of the most popular seaside resorts along the Costa Calida, boasting wonderful sandy beaches and safe warm bathing waters, which are particularly renowned for their healing properties, being very high in salt content. The Mar Menor and Costa Calida are situated within the province of Murcia, in south-eastern Spain, some of its best known resorts include Los Alcazares, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santiago de la Ribera, Los Narejas, Los Urrutias, and San Javier.
December 8, 2009
The Search for a Majorca Beach
When considering taking a Majorca beach holiday, the most important factor to take into account will be the exact purpose of your visit. If you are looking for a Majorca beach with good water sports facilities, there are several beaches which would be perfect choices – Platja de Formentor, Cala Tuent and Platja de Sa Coma for example, all have first class water sports facilities. For families with children, looking for safe swimming, and sunbathing, the perfect white, sandy beach might be Colonia de Sant Jordi or Badia d’Alcudia. Naturists heading for Majorca will pick a more isolated beach such as Cala El Mago, one of 3 small coves at Cala Portals Vells. Whatever the purpose of your visit, you should have no trouble finding a Majorca beach which meets your requirements, to take a tour of the best beaches finding a Majorca car hire vehicle would be essential when making plans for your holiday, and booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Calvia Soller and Deia Mallorca
Three attractive Mallorca towns, which may escape the attentions of holidaymakers visiting the island, are nevertheless worth taking a look at, the towns in question are Calvia, Deia and Soller. Calvia, the administrative centre of a region which contains some of the best known resorts in Mallorca, lies in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, and is set amongst olive groves and fertile agricultural land, take a look at its 13th century church, the Calvia region has a rich historical heritage going back to the times of the Romans and beyond. The picturesque mountain town of Deia, was a popular haunt for expats during the First World War, and will always be associated with English poet Robert Graves who lived there for many years and is buried in the church there, Deia is also the home of the renowned Hotel la Residencia. The last of our towns is Soller, located at the end of the Palma “toytown” train, and dominated by the Puig Major mountain, its coastal arm Port de Soller is a popular holiday resort. Worth a visit in Soller is the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences and Botanical Gardens. If you are holidaying in one of the coastal resorts such as Magaluf or Santa Ponsa then you may need to hire a car in order to visit these interesting towns, although organised trips may be available from your local tourist office. Sporting enthusiasts staying in the resorts of the Calvia area will find plenty to keep them occupied, water sports facilities are plentiful along the coast and golf is especially well catered for with the 3 courses of Santa Ponsa Golf nearby and the Club de Golf de Poniente adijng to the variety.