Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

September 6, 2009

Galicia North Western Spain

Filed under: Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — needahand @ 4:17 pm

Spain’s most north-westerly region, Galicia is also its greenest, experiencing considerably more rainfall, and cooler temperatures than most of Spain. Galicia is still a poor region and most of its inhabitants are involved in either agriculture or fishing, with 3 of its 4 provinces having an Atlantic coastline. Visiting Galicia is like stepping back in time and many of its farm are too small for tractors, still using horses to pull ploughs and work the land. Its coastline is indented with fjord-like “rias” the best known example being the Rias Baixas (Lower Rias) in the south-west bordering Portugal. Galicia’s best known city is the holy city of Santiago de Compostela, built on the reputed site of the burial place of Saint James the Apostle, Santiago de Compostela is Europe’s second most important place of pilgrimage after Saint Peter’s Rome. The fishing industry is of very important for the region and the port and city of Vigo is the main supplier to Spain’s fish trade. Galicia weather is different from much of Spain with cooler summers and wetter winters, the coastal resorts are popular and the region has some excellent beaches. Galicia comprises 4 provinces, Ourense, A Coruña, Lugo and Pontevedra. Galicia Map.

Other interesting towns in Galicia include Betanzos, Mondonedo and Pontevedra.

Fortuna Murcia Spain

Filed under: Costa Blanca,Costa Calida,History,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 1:51 pm

Located in the province of Murcia in south-eastern Spain, the spa town of Fortuna is one of Spain’s natural wonders, boasting an abundance of hot springs that were originally developed by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The small town of Fortuna has a population of just over 6,000 and is around 18 kilometres from the city of Murcia, about 45 kilometres from the coastlines of the Costa Calida and the Costa Blanca. The history of the town goes back to the times of the Iberians, when settlements were founded in such places as Castillejo, Capres and Cortao de las Peñas. Later the Romans appreciated the abundance of water in an area prone to drought, and quickly built a spa there, as they did in similar locations all over Europe. After the collapse of the Roman Empire the Moors took over in Fortuna, and their influence is still visible in the town by way of the Moorish Castle (Castillico de los Moros). The spa’s today take advantage of the thermal waters bubbling up at 126 degrees F and people come from miles around to enjoy the healing properties of the waters, renowned for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, osteoporosis and asthma. Fortuna is located north of the city of Murcia near to the town of Abanilla. Fortuna Map.

Formentera Balearic Islands

Filed under: Balearic Islands,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 1:43 pm

Smallest of the main Balearic Islands, with a resident population of less than 5,000, Formentera is also the quietest and least spoilt of the islands. With an area of only 82km2, this is a tiny island, its big brother, Ibiza is only 4 kilometres to the north and its lack of an airport is no doubt the reason for its unspoilt nature. Formentera is being discovered by more and more people each year and at the moment is mostly chosen by those wanting to escape the overcrowded destinations such as Ibiza and Mallorca. Part of the Pitiusas group of islands along with Ibiza and a number of islets, Formentera was discovered by the Greeks, occupied by the Romans and later by the Moors, and fortified by the Christians after the reconquest. The main attractions apart from the tranquillity are the splendid beaches and the crystal clear water, Formentera has some of the best beaches in the Balearics and also the least crowded, at times you would think you were on an isolated tropical island. The lack of an airport means you will have to arrive by ferry, your landing point will be La Savina and you will most probably be coming from Ibiza Town or Denia on the Spanish mainland. The climate is much the same as Ibiza, a temperate Mediterranean one, with Formentera weather being suitable for holidays throughout the year. While the traditional beach holiday is popular and emerging resorts such as Es Pujols are growing, walking and cycling holidays are also desirable as is scuba diving. To see the main architectural heritage of the island you may want to head for the capital Sant Francesc where you will find a fortified 18th century church and the interesting Ethnological Museum with a variety of tools and implements on show. If you fancy a holiday with a difference why not try the peaceful island of Formentera. Formentera Map.

Faro Algarve Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,History,Portugal — Tags: , , — needahand @ 10:25 am

Offering an interesting mix of architecture, Faro on the Algarve, Portugal, is a worthwhile place to visit. Much of the old town was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1755 but some old buildings and much of the old city walls survived and can still be seen today. The Acro da Vila post earthquake entrance welcomes you to the old town, sporting its statue of St Thomas Aquinas, narrow cobbled streets lead to the main square where the old Cathedral sits, originally built in the 13th century, it is though to have occupied the site of a former Arabic mosque, and previous to that probably a Roman temple. Much of the existing building was reconstructed after the earthquake. Beside the Cathedral you can see the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assuncao which dates from the 16th century and houses the Municipal Museum, also in the main square of Faro is the 18th century Bishop’s Palace. Visitors can exit the square by way of the Arco de Repousa (Gate of Rest) and head out towards the Ferry Pier from the pier you can take a boat trip to Praia de Faro beach and relax after your busy day. Other interesting museums in Faro include the Museu Maritimo and the Museu Regional do Algarve. For those wishing to visit this historic place, Faro Airport is situated about 2.6 kilometres to the west of the city centre, it receives mostly tourists heading for the Algarve region and also for the south of Andalucia in Spain. Faro Map.

Can Pastilla Majorca

Filed under: Balearic Islands,Holidays,hotels,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 9:35 am

Ideally located on the Bay of Palma, the popular family resort of Can Pastilla is a good spot for a holiday or a winter break, its safe sandy beach is ideal for children, gently sloping into warm Mediterranean waters. The beach is backed by a palmed promenade which stretches all the way to the neighbouring resort of El Arenal, along the promenade you will find plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and arcades for your entertainment and amusement, and in the evenings the promenade comes alive and offers great views across the bay to the neon light capital Palma de Mallorca. Not to be missed is the pretty little harbour, with luxury yachts moored alongside traditional fishing boats. There are a decent selection of hotels to choose from in the resort one of the most popular being the Linda Hotel Can Pastilla, which is located near to the beach and facilities, other hotels include the Hotel Balear, the Hotel Balmes, the Hotel Bari and the Hotel Baltic. The weather in Can Pastilla is of course typical of Mallorca in general being hot and dry during the summer and generally mild during the winter making it an all year round location. Can Pastilla Map.

September 5, 2009

Empuriabrava Catalonia

Filed under: Costa Brava,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 6:22 pm

Begun in the 1960’s during an effort to reclaim swampland, the marina resort of Empuriabrava was built to resemble Miami and Venice by Miguel Arpa Battle. Claimed to be one of the world’s largest marinas it comprises in excess of 20 miles of navigable waterways, with canals providing boat access to privately owned luxury villas. With its fine beach and good facilities it now attracts holidaymakers seeking the sun and sand of the Costa Brava coastline on which it at stands, they flock here to enjoy the wonderful Empuriabrava weather conditions which are especially attractive during the months of May to October. Many other visit Empuriabrava to enjoy the superb water sports facilities and conditions and windsurfing and kitesurfing are especially popular. Empuriabrava also boasts a fine sky diving school and numerous visitors go there to participate or learn this exciting extreme sport. This part of Catalonia in Spain of course, receives millions of visitors each year and Empuriabrava has a wide range of attractions to draw them, its nightlife scene is also vibrant with discos such as Pasarella and Pacha to satisfy the younger generation. Altogether a fine resort for a summer holiday or a winter break, you will not be disappointed with a visit to the Costa Brava’s Empuriabrava which is located between Roses and Figueres. Empuriabrava Map.

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