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

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

August 30, 2010

Hotel Playacanela Isla Canela

Filed under: hotels,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 11:51 am
Playacanela Hotel Isla Canela

Playacanela Hotel Isla Canela Spain

For your accommodation in the Costa de la Luz resort of Isla Canela, you cannot go far wrong by choosing the Playacanela Hotel, a popular 4 Star Hotel located near to the beach and golf course. One of the best loved Isla Canela hotels, the Playacanela has 306 double rooms, all with balcony, bathroom, TV, air-conditioning, safe, min-bar and telephone. Built in an Arabian architectural style the Playacanela Hotel has a beautiful themed pool area, with swimming pool, whirlpool and water slides, all set amongst palm trees and shrubs, making this the ideal spot for a relaxing holiday. As yet mostly undiscovered by Brits and north Europeans, the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) is a mostly unspoilt region, with some tranquil, uncrowded resorts, Isla Canela is a built for tourism resort which basically serves the border town of Ayamonte, which sits beside the River Guadiana on the border with Portugal. Rooms in the Playacanela Hotel are offered from around 148 euros per night, but this is luxury accommodation, so heh, why not enjoy it. Costa de la Luz Map.

BOOK PLAYACANELA HOTEL

August 19, 2009

Andalucian Towns – Ayamonte

Filed under: Algarve,Portugal,Spain — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 1:25 pm

Standing on the Guadiana River on the border between Spain and Portugal, the charming little town of Ayamonte has an attractive fishing harbour and an atmospheric ‘old quarter’. Not as important as it once was, since the building of a new suspension bridge to the north, Ayamonte still attracts plenty of tourists and still has a ferry link with the town of Vila Real de San Antonio, on the other side of the Guadiana River in Portugal’s Algarve region. Ayamonte itself has some interesting attractions including the Iglesia de San Francisco (16th century) and the Iglesia de San Salvador (15th century). Those seeking a more traditional beach holiday will head for nearby Isla Canela, with many kilometres of wonderful sandy beaches and an excellent golf course, Golf Isla Canela, visitors can enjoy a fine climate with Ayamonte weather being comparable to the nearby Algarve. Isla Canela is accessed by way of a causeway from Ayamonte as it is actually an island separated from the mainland. Surrounding wetland areas are great for birdwatching and they are now a protected nature reserve. Ayamonte Map.

August 17, 2009

Alvor Portugal

Filed under: Algarve,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 1:24 pm

In an estuary location between Portimao and Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the ancient fishing town of Alvor has recently developed into a significant tourist destination, whilst retaining much of its original charm. Thought to have been originally founded by the Carthaginians, Alvor Portugal has a long and rich history and saw much conflict between Moors and Christians during the 12th and 13th centuries. Present day visitors benefit from the wonderful golfing and spa facilities and the fine sandy beach while enjoying the fabulous Alvor weather and the peaceful fishing village atmosphere. Alvor is easily reached from Faro International Airport which is about 65 kilometres away. Alvor Map.

August 14, 2009

Portugal’s Western Algarve

Filed under: Algarve,Holidays,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , , , , — needahand @ 8:41 am

The windward western section of the Algarve coastline of southern Portugal is rockier and more dramatic than the eastern areas,in the extreme south-west Sagres is the most south-westerly point of Europe, and battered by the Atlantic Ocean is a famous spot for surfing boasting some wonderful beaches ideal for this sport. Sagres has a number of surfing schools providing tuition as has Lagos a little to the east and neighbouring Luz. For the best beaches in the region head for Praia da Rocha, a bustling resort with a huge sandy beach one of the best in Portugal, nearby Portimao is a great place to enjoy a fishing trip or even a dolphin watching expedition, don’t miss out on the shopping while you are there, its centre is a great place for a bit of retail therapy. Sandwiched between Lagos and Portimao is the laid back resort of Alvor, dotted with luxury villas, it was formerly a small fishing village which still clings to its fishing tradition. Further east around Carvoeiro the coastline becomes a string of spectacular rock formations broken up by attractive fishing villages and sandy coves, Carvoeiro, another fishing village turned resort, still retains much of its traditional Portuguese charm. Golfers will not be disappointed with a visit to this region and a number of fine courses line the areas behind the coast. The western Algarve really has it all – stunning beaches around Praia da Roche, fishing and dolphin watching in Portimao, surfing in Lagos, Luz and Sagres, golfing around Carvoeiro and Alvor.

Resorts of the Algarve – Albufeira

Filed under: Algarve,History,Holidays,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , — needahand @ 8:03 am

Around 35 kilometres west of Faro on the Algarve, Portugal, the town of Albufeira used to be a traditional fishing village, typical of the area. In recent years it has grown into one of Portugal’s main tourist destinations, resulting in much development and growth in the town. You can still find much of the original fishing village, with narrow winding streets and alleys, lined with whitewashed houses and cottages. Many visiting today would think it a modern resort, but Albufeira can trace its origins back to Roman times and beyond when Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians stopped off here on their travels around the coast. The Romans called the town Baltum and there are still some remains of aqueducts and walls, built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The Moors developed the area for agriculture and also a significant fishing industry flourished over the ensueing centuries. 1755 was a bad year for Portugal and for Albufeira in particular, as a huge earthquake rocked the region and virtually destroyed the town. The main attraction these days are the fine sandy beaches and luxury hotels, where visitors can relax and enjoy the wonderful Albufeira weather in preparation for a night out along the famous “Strip”, located in the Montechoro district of the town. Albufeira boasts over 170 hotels of all standards many are aparthotels such as the Ondamar Aparthotel Albufeira which offers a good standard of accommodation in relaxed surroundings, and would be an ideal choice for your Albufeira holidays. If beaches are your thing, then you will not be disappointed by Albufeira, as there are at least 20 wonderful beaches within easy reach of the resort, two of the best being Praia de Oura and Praia de Gale, others include Praia do Castelo, Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Evaristo. Albufeira can be easily reached from Faro airport which is about 40 minutes drive away. Albufeira Map.

July 30, 2009

Holiday Islands – Madeira

Filed under: Holidays,Portugal,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 5:59 pm

What can you expect from a holiday in Madeira? Well – holidays in Madeira are perfect for those who enjoy wonderful scenery, with plenty of sub-tropical flora and a dash of old colonial charm, it also has a rich history and was known to the Romans in the centuries BC. One of Europe’s oldest tourist destinations, Madeira has long attracted travellers from many locations and with many interests, be it for the superb weather the excellent water sports facilities, the fine coastal resorts or just to enjoy the wildlife and picturesque scenery. In order to make the most of the island, it is advisable to avail yourself of a car hire vehicle, this will enable you to visit some of the more interesting places. Madeira has some of the world’s finest hotels and features in the brochures of most major tour operators. Lapped by the Gulf Stream, Madeira has a distinctly subtropical climate, with relatively high rainfall, it is perfect for all-year round holidays and Madeira weather is warm during the summer and very mild during the winter.

Madeira Map.

Cheack out the latest weather for Madeira here: http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/madeira-weather.html

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