Renowned for its huge palm tree forest, the city of Elche in the province of Alicante, Spain, is the 3rd largest city in the Comunidad de Valencia. Well woth a visit if you are in the Costa Blanca area, Elche has a history going back to the times of the ancient Iberians, who built a city called Helike. The palm trees were introduced by the Phoenicians and over 200,000 specimens surround and invade the city. Elche is also famous for its shoe industry, the largest in Spain, don’t buy your shoes anywhere else, get them during a trip to Elche. The region enjoys a superb climate and is attractive to both holidaymakers and those wishing to relocate, with a good selection of Elche property being available. The beaches of Santa Pola and La Marina are nearby, with the usual range of facilities on hand. Elche Map.
September 5, 2009
El Hierro and La Gomera
The two smallest of the main Canary Islands are El Hierro and La Gomera, both largely unspoilt by tourism especially El Hierro which has very little accommodation available. La Gomera does attract a number of tourists from nearby Tenerife, most just visit for the day, other to explore the amazing Garonjay National Park which features one of the oldest natural forests in the world. El Hierro is the smallest of the islands at only 278 km2, it has hardly any beaches, and as such does not attract ‘package’ tourists, its coastline is steep and rocky apart from areas of coast close to the capital Valverde. La Gomera is slightly larger at 378 km2 a large portion of which is covered by the Parque Nacional de Garonjay, an area of mist shrouded forests, mountains and deep ravines. Visitors to La Gomera arrive at its port in the capital San Sebastion de la Gomera.
September 4, 2009
Figueres Girona
Capital of the Alt Empordà district of Girona, on the Costa Brava, Spain, the market town of Figueres has a population of approximately 40,000, and will be forever linked to the painter Salvador Dali (1904-89) who was born and died there. One of the most visited locations in the town is the Teatre-Museu Dali, which was founded by the artist himself in 1974 and now boasts the largest collection of his works together with those of other artists. Another famous son of Figueres was Narcis Monturiol i Estarriol, who is claimed to be the inventor of the submarine. Also worth visiting in Figueres is the Toy Museum (Museu de Joguets), the Sant Ferran castle (eighteenth century), the parish church of Sant Pere and the old Jewish Quarter. Figueres is situated just off the AP-7 motorway between the provincial capital Girona and the French border, the closest airport is at Girona some 40 kilometres away. Figueres Map.
Dolores Costa Blanca
An agricultural village located in the Vega Baja region of the Alicante province, Dolores is situated to the east of Catral, just inland from the Costa Blanca coastline of Spain. Established as a result of a plan to drain the marshy land of the region by the Cardinal of Cartagena-Murcia, Dolores grew and survived through the growing of fruit and vegetables and especially artichokes for which the village is well known. An opportunity to purchase the produce of the village comes every Friday, when Dolores holds its weekly street market. Life in Dolores mostly revolves around the attractive town square, here you will also find the local church displaying some fine art works by Salcillo. Also renowned in the area for cattle rearing, Dolores holds its annual Livestock Fair (Feria Granadera) attracting cattle owners from far and wide. Dolores Map.
Cullera Valencia
A popular coastal resort and town on the Costa del Azahar coastline of eastern Spain, Cullera is situated just south of Valencia, and south east of Sueca, close to the L’Albufera Natural park. Cullera has a history going back to the Arab occupation, and its 13th century fortress dated from this time. The fortress of Cullera stands on a mountain above the town as a reminder of Cullera’s historic past, when there was constant conflict between Moors and Christians. Cullera today is a popular holiday resort with numerous wonderful sandy beaches, a fabulous water park and some interesting places to visit. Cullera Map.
The Dominican Republic
One of the world’s top all inclusive holiday destinations, the Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. Taking up about two thirds of the island the Dominican Republic combines a heady mix of relaxed beach life and Latin party spirit, all experienced among swaying palm trees on fine, white sandy beaches. The weather in the Dominican Republic is of course wonderful, being hot and tropical all year round, beware of the two rainy seasons though and also be mindful during the hurricane season (June to November). The hotels on the Dominican republic are first class, offering everything needed for a great holiday. Dominican Republic Map.