An attractive town with a picturesque port and a charming old quarter, Ciutadella was the former capital of Menorca until the British arrived in 1708. originally founded by the Carthaginians, Ciutadella later became an important trading centre for the Moors until they were ousted by the Christians in the late 13th century. Sacked by the Turks in 1558, all its citizens were sold into slavery in Constantinople. Largely rebuilt during the 17th and 18th centuries, Ciutadella is a typically Spanish town with some beautiful squares and some fine architecture, its 13th century cathedral was all that remained from the Turkish invasion, was built on the former site of an Arab mosque. Ciutadella was replaced as capital by Mahon, as its deepwater harbour was considered superior by the British, it did however remain as the religious capital of the island. Ciutadella Map.
September 2, 2009
Crevillente Costa Blanca
One of the Costa Blanca’s inland towns, Crevillente is a modern industrial town which at first glance would seem not worthy of a visit. However on inspection visitors will find that Crevillente has a long and interesting history and was in fact occupied even before the arrival of the Romans in Spain some 2,000 years ago. Early settlements were established by the Iberians, and these were extended somewhat when the Romans arrived, though the town did not really develop until the Moorish occupation when agricultural methods enabled the area to be cultivated. During the 18th century a carpet industry emerged turning into a significant earner for the town, early carpets were made from esparto grass and were mostly exported. In the town today you can visit the old Town Hall and take a look at the oldest church the Nuestra Senora de Belen, nature lovers can visit the El Hondo Nature Reserve which is close to the town, some nearby villages which may be of interest are Cox, Albatera, Aspe, Callosa de Segura and Hondon de los Frailes, a trip into the city of Elche would also be well rewarded. Crevillente Map.
Cordoba Andalucia
Located in northern Andalucia, the city of Cordoba was the former capital of Arabic Al Andalus and was the capital of the Moorish Empire in the west. During the tenth century, Cordoba was one of the most populated cities in the world, with around half a million people, an immense city for those times. These days Cordoba has a population of around 320,000 and is only the 10th largest city in Spain, it is now a major tourist attraction and the best sites can be found in the old Jewish quarter in the area of the famous Mezquita mosque, the largest and most beautiful mosque built by the Moors in Spain. The Mezquita originally dates from the 8th century and was remodelled and extended in subsequent centuries, some of the most lavish additions being built in the 10th century, during the cities golden years. There is lots more to see in this area including the Bishop’s Palace, the Roman Bridge, and the Alcazar Palace. When you are tired of visiting historic monuments you can wander the back streets and seek out a quiet plaza, order a coffee and enjoy the Cordoba weather in the heart of one of Europe’s greatest cities. Cordoba has its own airport but it used for domestic flights only, so if you are flying to the city you will need to go to Seville or Malaga, or from elsewhere in Spain, by road you can reach Cordoba by way of the A-4 from Seville or the A-45 from Malaga. Be sure to visit colourful Cordoba some time soon. Cordoba Map.
Ibiza Balearic Islands Spain
The spiritual home of the raver, Ibiza is located twenty five miles south-west of Majorca. The majority of its population live in the capital Ibiza Town (Eivissa) which developed around a well preserved old walled centre (Dalt Vila) in a beautiful location. A picturesque island with a rugged coastline, fine beaches and an unspoilt countryside, Ibiza is noted for its fine restaurants, and vibrant nightlife scene, it has some of the biggest and most outrageous clubs in Europe. Ibiza is the most fashionable of the Balearic Islands, after being discovered by artists and celebrities during the early 1960’s, mass tourism followed quickly, though Ibiza did not suffer the over development experienced by neighbouring Majorca. Ibiza has some of the more expensive properties in the island group, with a considerable number of millionaire villas, a desirable area being between Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia des Riu. Ibiza experiences a pleasant climate with Ibiza weather being ideal for holidays and winter breaks, it makes a great change from mainland Spain. To view a map of Ibiza and its resorts look here: Ibiza Map.
Puerto Banus Costa del Sol
Located near to Marbella on the Costa del Sol in Andalucia, Spain, the resort of Puerto Banus is a relatively new creation, being the brainchild of one Jose Banus during the 1970’s. Centred around its lavish marina and shopping complex, this playground for the rich and famous opened in 1970, with the opening attended by many well known people including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, the Aga Khan, and Hugh Hefner. The luxury marina at Puerto Banus covers an area of some fifteen hectares and provides moorings for boats between eight and fifty metres in length. The resort these days attracts thousands of visitors who come to see “how the other half live”, but also to enjoy the fabulous Puerto Banus weather which is typical of the Costa del Sol region, being hot and sunny in summer and mild in winter. There is a good beach to the east of the marina, or you copuld treat yourself by heading to the Marbella Beach Club. Puerto Banus is handy for visiting much of the Costa del Sol and Andalucia regions, with towns such as Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona nearby. Puerto Banus Map.
Clevedon Chard Glastonbury and Burnham on Sea
If you are travelling to the county of Somerset in England this year be sure to visit some of its coastal resorts such as Clevedon and Burnham on Sea, and also some of its historic inland towns such as Glastonbury and Chard. Clevedon and Burnham on Sea both have fine sandy beaches and good facilities, they also both have piers but in contrasting ways, with Clevedon having a charismatic Victorian pier and Burnham on Sea, what is said to be the shortest pier in Britain. Head inland for Glastonbury a small town with a long history which you will find very interesting, perhaps visit during the famous music festival when the town becomes alive, also take time to visit Chard which was settled in Saxon times, but rebuilt after a fire in 1577.