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

May 22, 2013

Isla Cristina Andalucia Spain

Filed under: Portugal,Spain — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 3:28 pm

Isla Cristina Andalucia Spain – Located in the not so touristy Costa de la Luz region of Andalucia, the resort of Isla Cristina will not be know to most British holidaymakers, but should not be ignores as a possible destination for your holiday this year. With fabulous unspoilt beaches, a charming fishing port and excellent weather conditions, Isla Cristina might be just what you are looking for in a peaceful vacation. It might be a good idea to avoid late July and August in Isla Cristina, as thousands head here from Seville, but any other time you can expect an enjoyable stay. Isla Cristina can be reached from either Seville airport or Faro airport in nearby Portugal.

View a map of Isla Cristina here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/isla-cristina-map.html

April 9, 2012

Ayamonte Costa de la Luz

Filed under: Holidays,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 6:35 pm

Ayamonte Costa de la Luz – Ayamonte is a Spanish city in the province of Huelva in the autonomous region of Andalucia, Spain. In 2008 there were 19,738 inhabitants. The municipality of Ayamonte has an area of 142 square kilometres and a population density of 136.5 inhabitants per square kilometre. The town lies at the mouth of the Guadiana River on the Atlantic Ocean (Costa de la Luz) and thus on the border with Portugal. The distance to the provincial capital of Huelva is 48 kilometres, to Seville it is 140 kilometres. In Roman times, the mouth of the Guadiana River, was known as the “Ostium Fluminis Anae”. From there, was an important trade route leading north to Merida. It is assumed that even at this time Ayamonte occupied a strategically important position. In 1239, the Moorish domination was ended by troops of King Sancho II of Portugal. In 1263 they designated the river as a border between Portugal and Spain, and the town of Ayamonte came under the jurisdiction of the Castilian crown. First, they belonged to the county of Niebla, but later formed its own marquisate. 1664 Ayamonte was awarded city status by King Philip IV. If you wish to visit Ayamonte, you will find lots of hotels and privately owned apartments for rent. Ayamonte is in the region known as the Costa de la Luz in the region of Andalucia.

Learn more about Ayamonte here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/ayamonte.html

June 22, 2010

Almunecar Andalucia

Filed under: Costa del Sol,Spain — Tags: , , — needahand @ 10:04 am

One of the popular resorts of the Costa Tropical in Andalucia, Spain, Almunecar has a history going back to the times of the ancient Phoenicians, whe a settlement was founded there, called Sexi. Later the Romans built an aqueduct in Almunecar, remains of which can still be seen to this day. Looking down on the old town of Almunecar is a Moorish castle, reminding present day visitors of the town less peaceful times. These days Almunecar is a much visited coastal resort and holiday destination with a greyish sand beach, decent hotels, and the usual facilities expected of a modern holiday resort.

June 18, 2010

Punta Umbria Spain

Filed under: Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 1:50 pm

Now one of the Costa de la Luz’s main seaside resorts, Punta Umbria was originally established by the famous Rio Tinto Company (a British mining company), as a place of rest for its employees and managers. The Rio Tinto company built some colonial beach side houses there rather than the sanatorium for which they had building permission. Punta Umbria lies close to the ancient port of Huelva amidst marshy wetlands which are now a protected wildlife resort with some varied bird species. For holidaymakers the main attraction is the beaches, there are some excellent ones in the area, the closest to the town being Playa de la Mata Negra, another attraction is the wonderful conditions for water sports, especially windsurfing, as the Costa de la Luz coastline  is battered by winds from the Atlantic Ocean. If you are visiting, don’t forget a trip into nearby Huelva, an ancient port which was formerly settled by Phoenicians, Romans and Moors, from Palos de Frontera, Christopher Columbus sailed on some of his voyages. Punta Umbria can be reached from Laguna del Portil or from Huelva itself. Punta Umbria Map.

NH Sotogrande Hotel

Filed under: Costa del Sol,hotels,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 12:24 pm
NH Sotogrande Hotels

Sotogrande Hotels – The NH Sotogrande Hotel

One of the most popular hotels in the Sotogrande region of Andalucia, Spain, The NH Sotogrande Hotel comprises 106 modern rooms which you will find very comfortable during your visit to the area. The hotel is located near to the shopping centre and sports complex of Sotogrande and is within easy driving distance of at least five fabulous golf courses, including the world famous Valderrama Golf Club. The NH Sotogrande has a terrific outside swimming pool with plenty of sunbathing areas for relaxing in the sun, its restaurant enjoys spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The largest private residencial area in Andalucia, Sotogrande is a luxurious area boasting some very expensive properties and is a playground for the wealthy and famous. Sotogrande is located between Estepona and San Roque and is around 25 kilometres from Gibraltar airport. You can book the NH Sotogrande Hotel by clicking on the link below, other hotels are also available in and arount the resort.

BOOK THE NH SOTOGRANDE HOTEL

April 17, 2010

Marbella Costa del Sol

Filed under: Costa del Sol,Holidays,Spain — Tags: , , — needahand @ 5:11 pm

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.

March 12, 2010

Huelva Costa de la Luz

Filed under: Algarve,History,Portugal,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 3:12 pm

The most westerly city on the Costa de la Luz, Spain, Huelva was founded by the Phoenicians in around 1000 BC. Originally known as Onoba, Huelva was later controlled by the Romans and became part of the province of Hispania Baetica, the Romans established a mint there and coins were produced bearing the name “Onuba”. In the 15th century the explorer Christopher Columbus sailed from nearby Palos de la Frontera, and the discovery of the Americas brought increased wealth to Huelva, though it was generally overshadowed by the more important city of Seville. Significant mineral deposits in the region led to Huelva becoming the home of the well known Rio Tinto Company, a British mining concern which set up shop in the Odiel estuary and subsequently exported its products throughout the civilised world. Huelva fell into decline after being devastated by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, though it has always been a significant port for the region. Located on a stretch of coast known as the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), Huelva is experiencing an increase in tourist activity as this less well known piece of coast attracts more and more visitors to its virgin beaches, as yet untouched by mass development. Enjoying a wonderful climate with Huelva weather being somewhat cooler than the neighbouring Costa del Sol, enjoying cooling Atlantic breezes and having a similar climate to Portugal’s Algarve to the south-west. Huelva is located just off the A-45 motoway between the Portuguese border and the city of Seville. Map.

November 20, 2009

Carmona Andalucia

Filed under: Spain,Travel — Tags: , , — needahand @ 3:48 pm
Seville Gate Carmona

Seville Gate Carmona

A historic town in south-western Spain, Carmona is situated in the Seville province of Andalucia and has a population of around 27,000. Gathered around a ridge overlooking Andalucia’s central plain, Carmona has a history stretching back to the times of the ancient Romans, and the remains of a Roman necropolis just outside the town are among its great tourist attractions today. Carmona was an important city around the time of Julius Ceasar, and continued to be important after the arrival of the Moors in Spain. The Moors built fortified walls around the town and built palaces and fountains within its walls. Arab control of Carmona ended in 1247 after Ferdinand III of Castille invaded and took the city back for the Christians. Modern day Carmona is a popular tourist destination with good road and bus links with the city of Seville, around 40km to the west. Carmona Map.

September 14, 2009

Velez-Malaga Costa del Sol

Filed under: Costa del Sol,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 2:36 pm

Known simply as Velez to the locals, the town of Velez-Malaga is the capital of the Axarquia district of the Malaga province of Andalucia in Spain. Located a little inland from the seaside area of Torre del Mar, Velez-Malaga is a significant market town surrounded by agricultural land where large quantities of olives, vines and salad crops are grown. The story of the town stretches back to pre-history and was no doubt settled prior to the Roman times when it was known as Menoba. Further expanded and developed by the Moors (who called it Ballix-Malaga) it became an important centre for trade and commerce. Its 13th century fortified castle overlooks the town from its lofty position on a hill, other places to visit include the Palacio de los Marqueses de Beniel and the 13th century Iglesia de San Bautista. Velez-Malaga Map.

Torremolinos Spain

Filed under: Costa del Sol,Holidays,Spain — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 11:27 am

Located about seven kilometres west of Malaga, the coastal resort and town of  Torremolinos, was, forty years ago, just a small fishing village with little of note to attract visitors. Since the 1960’s Torremolinos has developed as one of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol and along with neighbouring Fuengirola and Benalmadena attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. At one time having a reputation much like Benidorm, fish, chips and beer, Torremolinos is gradually evolving into a better class of resort and has some excellent shopping facilities, improved, clean beaches, and a very vibrant nightlife scene which of course appeals to the younger generation. There is of course plenty for visitors of all ages, with facilities for children and a huge range of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. A big attraction is the wonderful Torremolinos weather, which is pleasant all year round, being especially hot and dry in the summer months and mild (watch out for the chilly wind though) during the winter. Easily accessed from Malaga airport, Torremolinos is an ideal location for the purchase of a holiday home or a rental investment property, and has a large expat community, making the Brits especially feel at home (but with sun!). Torremolinos Map.

Malaga Costa del Sol

Filed under: Costa del Sol,History,Spain — Tags: , , , , , , , — needahand @ 10:04 am

Located in the Spanish region of Andalucia, Malaga is the 2nd largest city in that region, also considered as the capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga has a long history going back to its founding in around 1000 BC when established as a trading port by the Phoenicians. Famous as the birthplace of the celebrated painter Pablo Picasso, Malaga has a number of interesting places to visit including the Alcazaba, the Roman Ampitheatre and the cathedral which was started in the 16th century. Having the main airport for the region of course Malaga in one way or another welcomes most of the visitors to the Costa del Sol, the main road from Granada passes by the city and the port is still a busy commercial centre as it has been for many centuries. To the south of Malaga lie the popular coastal resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola, further south is Marbella, Malaga together with all of these resorts attract huge number of visitors each year, attracted by the fine beaches, the superb Malaga weather and the variety of interesting places to visit.

Malaga Street Map.

September 13, 2009

Seville and Utrera Andalucia

Filed under: Costa del Sol,History,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 7:11 am

A city with a population of around 700,000, Seville is one of the most important cities in southern Spain. Artistically, financially and culturally it is the hub of the region of Andalucia and is one of the most visited cities in Spain. Lying in the plain of the Guadalquivir river, Seville covers an area of 140 square kilometres and has a metropolitan population around double of that of the city itself. Historically, Seville is over two thousand years old and was called Hispalis during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsular. There are still Roman remains to be found in and around Seville, one of the best known being the aqueduct. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, Seville fell successively into the hands of Vandal, Visigoths and Moors, but it was the Moors who had the greatest influence on the city, and it became a significant centre under the control of the Umayyad dynasty. It came back under Christian control in the mid-13th century. These days Seville is a popular tourist destination with plenty to see and do all year round, although as Seville weather can be extremely hot during July and August, these months are perhaps best avoided if possible. Among the best known attractions in the city are the cathedral, built between 1401 and 1519, the Alcazar, begun in the 12th century, the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower), the Town Hall, and the Plaza de Espana. Outside the city of Seville itself are some other interesting places to visit, one you could consider might be the town of Utrera, one of the main agricultural towns of the region and the area where many of the bulls, reared especially for bullfighting are bred and tended. Utrera was overrun by Alfonso X in the 13th century, as he prepared for his defeat of Seville. Worth a look in Utrera are the 14th century castle, the Iglesia de Santiago church and the church of Santa Maria. Seville Map.

September 12, 2009

Ronda Spain

Filed under: Costa del Sol,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 8:53 am

One of the most spectacularly situated cities in Spain, Ronda lies on both sides of the Rio Guadalevin, joined by three picturesque bridges, a stronghold of the Moors, it was not freed by the Christians until 1485. A must visit place for those holidaying on the Costa del Sol coastline, Ronda is located about 100 kilometres from the city of Malaga in the region of Andalucia. The spiritual home of bullfighting, Ronda has one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, built in 1785 it attracts bullfighting fans from all over Spain and in fact the world. Ronda Map.

September 11, 2009

Nerja Caves

Filed under: Costa del Sol,Spain,Travel — Tags: , — needahand @ 3:56 pm

If you are visiting the Andalucian coastal town of Nerja this year, be sure to take time out for a trip to the Nerja caves, a series of subterranean caverns located to the north-east of the town, used for human habitation some 20,000 years ago. The caves are now often used for holding concerts, which make the most of this natural ampitheatre’s fine acoustics. The Nerja caves were discovered by a group of pot-holers in 1959, the caves, divided into two major sections are open to the public who enter by way of a series of stairways and pathways.

More info on Nerja: Nerja Factfile.

Torrox Andalucia

Filed under: Costa del Sol,Spain — Tags: , , — needahand @ 1:40 pm

One little town which is worth a visit if you are travelling to the Costa del Sol region of Andalucia in Spain, is the historic town of Torrox. Together with its coastal limb Torrox Costa, the town has a history going back to the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsular, when it was developed as a factory town. In Torrox Costa there are still remains of a Roman villa, a necropolis and also a thermal baths, however Torrox Costa today is a modern tourist resort with eight kilometres of beaches and coves and a charming promenade. The old town of Torrox built on a hillside some four kilometres inland was an important trading town for the Moors, specialising in silk production and sugar cane, other important products were almonds and figs. It is said to be the birthplace of the famous Arab leader Almanzor (938 AD), and a walk in its charming old back streets may whisk you back to these early times, take a look at the 16th century Franciscan convent and also the 19th century sugar cane factory. Torrox Map.

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