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

May 21, 2013

Calella de la Costa

Filed under: Costa Brava,Spain — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 8:28 am

Calella is a seaside town on the Costa Maresme (Catalonia), it has over 18,000 inhabitants, it is properly called Calella de la Costa, so as not to confuse it with another town called Calella de la Palafrugell. In the 1970s and until the mid- 1990s, Calella was an important tourist destination for European tourists (especially German, English, Dutch, French and Danish), being known popularly as “the Germans Calella”, reaching triple its population during the peak tourist season (which coincides with the end of spring, summer and early autumn) when the weather is at its best. Though not quite so popular these days, Calella today welcomes visitors from all over Europe.

See a guide to Calella de la Costa here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/calella.html

March 28, 2011

Figueres Costa Brava Catalonia

Filed under: Costa Brava,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , , , , — needahand @ 3:03 pm

A Spanish town in the Catalonia region of northern Spain, Figueres is mostly famous as the birthplace of Spanish artist Salvador Dali, and as such attracts thousands of holidaymakers and art fanatics, who visit to view a big museum which is dedicated to his work and called the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dali. Figueres is actually a sizeable town in its own right, and has a population of over 40,000 residents, the towns name is thought to derive from the Visigothic language. A popular day trip from many of the coastal resorts on the Costa Brava coastline, Figueres shold certainly be on your hot list of places to visit whilst in the area. It lies in the north-eastern section of Catalonia, and is just 40 kilometres from the provincial capital Girona, some close by coastal resorts include Roses, Empuriabrava, Cadaques, L’Escala and Llança, so if you are visiting any of these resorts, this could be a good idea for a day trip, especially if you are an art fan, in which case it will be a real treat. Pick a day when the weather is not so hot,then you can take your time and walk around Figueres in comfort, not missing a good beach day in the process.

September 13, 2010

Fira Palace Hotel Barcelona

Filed under: Costa Brava,hotels,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 12:56 pm
Fira Palace Hotel Barcelona

Fira Palace Hotel Barcelona

An elegant hotel well located in the city of Barcelona, Spain, the Fira Palace Hotel is ideal for both leisure and business visitors to this great city. Offering two hundred and seventy six rooms, all both excellent facilities, the Fira Palace Hotel Barcelona could be your ideal accommodation. The hotel offers such fine facilities as an indoor swimming pool, health and fitness centre, sauna, gift shop, piano bar, two restaurants, patio garden, gymnasium, hair salon etc. Rooms in the Fira Palace Hotel are available from 77 euros per night (around £64), very reasonable for a city centre hotel in Barcelona. Located in the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain, Barcelona is the countries second largest city, it is around 150km from the border with France and about 100kn from Girona. The city has a huge variety of attractions, whether you are looking for culture, entertainment of even a beach holiday, and a visit to Spain would not be complete without a visit to this amazing place. Barcelona Map.

August 3, 2010

Casamar and Terramar Hotels Llafranc

Filed under: Costa Brava,hotels,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 2:50 pm
Terramar Hotel Llafranc

Terramar Hotel Llafranc

If you are planning a visit to the coastal resort of Llafranc, located between Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu on the Costa Brava coastline of north-eastern Spain, you will perhaps need a hotel for your accommodation in the resort. While there are several hotels which you can choose from, two of the most popular, the Casamar Llafranc and the Terramar Hotel should provide all you need for a pleasant day in the area. The Casamar Llafranc is a small friendly hotel with just 20 rooms, ideal for a quiet holiday while providing all the facilities needed for a nice holiday. The three star Terramar Hotel has more rooms with 53, and has the benefit of being located right on the beach so you can enjoy the wonderful Llafranc weather and take in the rays, while staying close to your hotel and easy to pop back for meals. Llafranc is a tranquil resort, which has not yet been ruined by tourism, expect to meet plenty of Spanish nationals, as this is a favourite spot of theirs, while also bumping into various nationalities of those enlightened enough to visit this lovely resort. Rooms in the Casamar Hotel range from 140 euros per night, while the more affordable Terramar Hotel starts at just 52 euros per night. Llafranc Map.

BOOK CASAMAR LLAFRANC

BOOK TERRAMAR LLAFRANC

July 20, 2010

Hotel Playa Sol Cadaques Costa Brava

Filed under: Costa Brava,Holidays,hotels,Spain — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 1:46 pm
Hotel Playa Sol Cadaques

Hotel Playa Sol Cadaques

A popular located right on the seafront in Cadaques, the 3 Star Playa Sol Hotel could well be your first choice for accommodation in this Costa Brava resort, though there are other hotels such as the Octavia, La Tarongeta and the Hotel Blaumar to choose from. You may prefer the Playa Sol’s beachside location, being situated on a small bay right beside a nice sandy beach, and you may appreciate its being handy for Cadaques town centre which is only about five minutes stroll away, in any case you will be attracted to the Playa Sol hotel’s friendly family run atmosphere and fine facilities to make your stay in this resort a pleasure. In a somewhat isolated position, Cadaques is perfect for a peaceful holiday away from the bustling crowds of some of the better known and busier Costa Brava resorts further south, and while it is visited all year round, the weather in Cadaques can get a bit windy and wild during the winter, so summer holidays are definitely more popular than winter breaks. Cadaques is ideal for visiting the Cap de Creus National Park and is also great for hikers, who visit this beautiful area to enjoy the spectacular coastline of the Costa Brava. Also ideal for water sports, this is an especially popular area for windsurfers, scuba divers and kitesurfers. Other nearby areas include Portlligat and Roses.

Cadaques Street Map.

June 25, 2010

Port Aventura Salou

Filed under: Costa Dorada,Holidays,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 10:27 am

A huge theme park, a Beach Club, and aquatic park and three hotels, together form the amazing Port Aventura Theme Park (PortAventura), one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Port Aventura is located in the seaside resort of Salou on the Costa Dorada coastline of Catalonia in Spain. Constructed as a joint project by Universal Studios, Anheuser-Busch and the Tussauds Group, Port Aventura later became known as “Universal’s Port Aventura”, as Universal Studios held a majority of the shares in the park. Now simply known as “PortAventura” the theme park is run by the banking group La Caixa. Despite all the other facilties, Port Aventura is best known as a theme park, located in a tropical setting, it has some pretty hair-raising rides, some of the most famous being the Furius Baco, the Hurakan Condor and the Dragon Khan rollercoaster with its 8 scary loops. The park is set out on various themes including the “Wild West”, “China”, “Mexico”, “Polynesia” and “Mediterrania”. Located in the popular seaside resort of Salou, the area benefits from a fine climate and Port Aventura weather can generally be expected to be sunny and dry most days between the months of May and October. Port Aventura can be easily reached by road, rail and plane, with Reus International Airport just 10 minutes drive away.

Port Aventura Map.

May 19, 2010

Miami Playa Costa Dorada

Filed under: Costa Dorada,Spain — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 8:38 am

One of the lesser known but emerging coastal resorts on the Costa Dorada, Miami Playa has some excellent beaches in an area of attractive coastline with pretty bays and coves. Within easy reach of the resorts of Cambrils and Salou, and also the ancient city of Tarragona, Miami Playa is an ideal base for visiting the coastal regions and hinterland of the Costa Dorada.

May 17, 2010

Palafrugell Costa Brava

Filed under: Costa Brava,Spain — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 2:25 pm

Despite its proximity to several popular Costa Brava seaside resorts, the town of Palafrugell seems little affected by the tourism on which the area depends. Formerly supported by the local cork industry Palafrugell suffered  considerably after the largest factory (American owned) closed in the 1970’s. Palafrugell these days has a population of just over 21,000 and administers the coastal resorts of Tamariu, Calella and Llafranc. Worth a visit in Palafrugell is the old town centre, where you will find the Gothic church of Sant Marti, the weekly market, the Town Hall and the Cork Museum, which informs of the previously important cork manufacture. Historically Palafrugell was a fortified town as inhabitants of the coastal towns moved inland to escape attacks by Barbary pirates, little evidence remains of its ancient fortifications and modern day Palafrugell is a more peaceful place with a slow pace of life. These days holidaymakers arrive to enjoy the fine weather, the rugged coastline and the attractive beaches.

Palafrugell Map.

May 16, 2010

Torredembarra and La Mora

Filed under: Costa Dorada,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 5:23 pm

If you are planning a trip to the Costa Dorada region of Catalonia in Spain, and want to avoid the mass tourism resorts such as Cambrils and Salou you might consider a couple of small resorts to the north east of Tarragona. La Mora and Torredembarra are two charming unspoilt little coastal resorts with fine beaches and a quieter more laid back atmosphere. La Mora is situated on an attractive bay just eight kilometres from Tarragona, here you can view the Torre de la Mora. Torredembarra has a choice of three super beaches called La Paella, Playa del Barrio Maritimo, La Paella and Els Muntunyans, and is just twelve kilometres from Tarragona.

May 10, 2010

Tarragona Costa Dorada

Filed under: Costa Dorada,History,Spain — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 11:35 am

One of Catalonia’s most historic cities, Tarragona is situated in the south of the province and is considered to be part of the coastline known as the Costa Dorada (Gold Coast). Established by the Romans as the city of Tarraco it became the main base for their conquest of the Iberian Peninsular. Tarragona’s city centre has a blend of Roman and medieval architecture and is without doubt one of the most attractive cities in Catalonia. While there is plenty to see and do in and around Tarragona, most visitors want to see the Roman remains, as they conjure up images of a time long past, while mystifying as to how these structures could have lasted so long. The main Roman structures are the amphitheatre and the magnificent aqueduct, together with the Castell de Pilato which now plays host to an interesting museum. It’s not all Roman in Tarragona however and the wonderful Tarragona cathedral displays a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, giving evidence of the time it took to complete the structure which was begun in the 12th century, and finally finished in 1331. Don’t forget a trip into the old Jewish Quarter around the Plaça dels Angels and Carrer Talavera an area of narrow streets and archways with a unique feel and atmosphere, the Jews were expelled in 1492 but their legacy remains in the old city centre. Tarragona is a mostly industrial city but in its environs there are a number of fine seaside resorts and some excellent beaches to be enjoyed, as a break from city life head for Salou or Cambrils, two of the better known beach resorts. Ousands flock here in the summer time to enjoy the wonderful Tarragona weather and enjoy the beaches, nightlife and superb entertainment in such places as the Port Aventura theme park, one of the biggest and best in Europe. If you are flying directly to Tarragona you will no doubt arrive at Reus airport, Reus is a city just inland from Tarragona and is important for the production of wines and spirits. Tarragona Map.

April 23, 2010

Reus Costa Dorada

Filed under: Costa Dorada,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 5:32 pm

Best known as the birthplace of Antonio Gaudi, Spain’s most famous architect, the city of Reus is located 17 kilometres inland of the city of Tarragona. Situated in an area well known for the production of wine, Reus had an important textiles industry during the 18th century, though its history goes back to the 13th century. Most visitors know Reus solely through the name of its airport which is the primary arrival point for holidaymakers visiting the Costa Dorada seaside resorts of Salou, Cambrils and La Pineda, the airport is some three kilometres outside the city itself. Not exactly known as a place to visit, as it overshadowed by its older neighbour, Tarragona, worth a look is the San Pedro church and the El Museo Municipal Prim Rull. Just back from the Costa Dorada coastline Reus benefits from a typical temperate Mediterranean climate with Reus weather being much the same as the coastal resort with warm dry summers and mildish winters. Reus can be reached by road by way of the T-11 from Tarragona and also from the A-7 motorway. Reus Map.

April 16, 2010

Roses Costa Brava

Filed under: Costa Brava,Holidays,Spain — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 4:00 pm

A very old fishing town situated on the Gulf of Roses in Catalonia, Spain, Roses was originally founded as a trading settlement by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. Within the walls of the later 16th century citadel, the Ciutadella, there are still some remnants of this ancient civilisation together with artefacts from the later Roman settlement which began in the 2nd century BC. Roses Spain became a fortified town during the 17th century, a necessary step due to frequent pirate attacks, and these fortifications were truly tested by at least 4 sieges over the ensueing centuries, they were finally destroyed by the French in the early nineteenth century. Roses benefited greatly from the explosion of tourism during the 1960’s and 1970’s and became one of the prime holiday spots along this part of the Costa Brava coast. Roses is still a significant fishing port and has a lively marina with plenty of bars and restaurants where Roses nightlife is enjoyed by its many visitors. Roses, and the Gulf of Roses has plenty of stunning sandy beaches and some fine conditions for water sports, a great attraction for the area. Worth visiting are the Ciutadella, the church of Santa Maria, the Aiguamolls Natural Park, the Cap de Creus and the town of Figueres, birthplace of artist Salvador Dali. This are of Spain enjoys a super climate and Roses weather is ideal for holidays all year round but especially during the summer months when sunshine is the order of the day and rain rare. Roses Map.

April 8, 2010

Girona Catalonia

Filed under: Costa Brava,History,Spain — Tags: , , — needahand @ 10:20 am
Girona Catalonia

Girona Catalonia – Riverside Houses

A historic city in the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain, Girona has a population of just under 100,000 and is the capital of the province of Girona which takes in many of the resorts of the popular Costa Brava coastline. Originally settled by the ancient Iberians, Girona was later called Gerunda by the Romans when they established a citadel there during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsular. Later occupied by the Visigoths and then the Moors, Girona was brought back to Christian control in the 11th century. These days Girona is the arrival point for most visitors to the Costa Brava region being the location of the main airport for the region. The airport is actually located outside the city itself, so to visit the city you will need to take a taxi or bus and from here you can access the coastline north and south via bus or train. Girona enjoys a fine climate with the best weather being during the summer months (May to September), winters are cold with frost not unusual. Worth a visit in Girona are the old town, the coloured houses of the riverside, the ancient cathedral, the Collegiate Church of Sant Feliu and the Benedictine church of Sant Pere de Galligants. Girona is located beside the AP-7 motorway which links it with Barcelona to the south-west, and Figueres and France to the north. Girona Map.

March 28, 2010

Tossa de Mar Costa Brava

Filed under: Costa Brava,Holidays,Spain — Tags: , , — needahand @ 10:27 am

Renowned for its rugged coastline Spain’s Costa Brava has some splendid coastal resorts which are very popular with holidaymakers. One of the most attractive of these seaside resorts is Tossa de Mar, a historic town which still has remnants of its ancient walled village (Vila Vella) and was originally a Roman town called Turissa some 2,000 years ago. Tossa de Mar was one of the pioneers of the Costa Brava tourist industry attracting such early visitors as painter Marc Chagall, who stayed there in the summer of 1934, he named Tossa his “blue paradise” and the town still proudly displays (in the Municipal Museum) the only Chagall painting known to exist in Spain. Renowned for its seafood, Tossa de Mar is a great place to taste some local dishes such as simitoba (fish in garlic sauce), the town has some top quality restaurants. While Tossa de Mar will attract its fair share of culture seekers, due to its long history, it is most popular with those seeking a traditional beach style holiday and its beaches, 2 having blue flag status, are perfect for this type of holiday, and also ideal for water sports enthusiasts with scuba diving and snorkelling being especially popular. Tossa de Mar has a decent choice of hotels including the Golden Bahia de Tossa, the San Eloy Tossa de Mar and the Hotel Diana. Tossa de Mar is situated on the GI-682 about 41 kilometres from Girona and its airport.

Tossa de Mar Map.

March 13, 2010

Malgrat de Mar Catalonia

Filed under: Costa Brava,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 8:32 am

One of the popular coastal resorts of the southern Costa Brava, Malgrat de Mar is actually situated on a stretch of coast known as the Costa del Maresme. The town has a resident population of around 20,000 and a municipal district of 9.05 square kilometres. The modern resort is well known for its excellent sandy beaches (such as L’Astillero) which are backed by hotels and apartment complexes, there are a good choice of bars and restaurants which become very busy during the summer season when the climate is fine and sunny. The original village developed during the 13th and 14th centuries when it was known Vilanova de Palafolls, the original dwellings were erected on a hill called “Es Castell”, for many centuries Malgrat de Mar relied on fishing for its economic survival and this continued until the 1950’s and 1960’s when the explosion of tourism changed the face of the town forever, and the population grew from under 4,000 to its present level. In the old town there are still some well preserved older buildings showing evidence of its long history, the 16th century church of Sant Nicolau is often referred to as the “Cathedral of the Coast” due to its large size. Malgrat de Mar is located between Blanes and Pineda de Mar and can be reached from the N-11 or the C-32 motorway.

Map.

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