Located in a natural bay and sitting against the backdrop of the Monte Benacatil peak, the city of Alicante is a modern city with a chequered history leading it to where it lies today. Its strategic position has meant it has long been a major port but also a tourism centre, providing the city with much of its income. The 2nd largest city in Comunidad de Valencia, Alicante enjoys a booming economy, though this has declined somewhat due to the current financial constraints. The main shopping centre for the region Alicante attracts plenty of visitors just due to this one feature, with many of the surrounding, and popular, coastal resorts, having little in the way of retail outlets. It also has some great attractions and one of its most famous, the Santa Barbara Castle, looks proudly down on Alicante from its lofty position on Mount Benacatil. On the seafront you will find the beautiful Paseo de la Esplanada, a popular place to take an evening or weekend stroll. The Spanish just love to walk along the promenade, and Alicante is no exception, with thousands taking in the sea air, and enjoying the cooler evening weather conditions. Rows of palm trees line the promenade making this an attractive spot to sit and enjoy some lunch in one of the seafront restaurants. Easy to reach from the airport, which is just outside the city at El Altet, Alicante should be on your list of places to visit if you are heading to the Costa Blanca this year, or in fact any year. Alicante Map.
March 4, 2011
November 14, 2010
Benicassim Tickets 2011 Festival
Tickets are now available for the 2011 FIB Heineken Benicassim Music Festival, which is scheduled for the 14th-16th July 2011 in Benicassim. Make sure that you get your tickets booked early for this fabulous event which takes place in the coastal resort of Benicassim, on the Costa del Azahar, Valencia, Spain. The line up for the 2011 festival is yet to be announced, but as always, expect plenty of talent to be on show. Benicassim is a popular seaside resort, close to Castellon de la Plana, it has excellent sandy beaches and plenty of amenities and accommodation, though the offered tickets include 8 days camping on-site, if you prefer to rough it and take in the festival atmosphere. The currently offered £125 tickets are for ‘early bird’ Benicassim tickets only, and will not be around for long, expect to pay more once these tickets have gone. Benicassim Map.
September 24, 2010
Teruel Aragon Alpino Hotel
Teruel Alpino Hotel Aragon
For your accommodation in the historic city of Teruel, why not stay at the Alpino Hotel, one of the best value establishments in this city in the Aragon region of Spain. Rooms in the Alpino Teruel offer bathroom, shower, television and internet access, hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, café, wi-fi internet access, city tours etc. Teruel is an ancient city which traces its history back to the Arab occupation of Spain, it is a mountainous region and there are some skiing resorts such as Valdelinares nearby which would be ideal if you are visiting during the winter time, this lesser known ski location will make a nice change from the usual crowded ski resorts. There are also some pretty villages nearby, a good example is Alcala de la Selva, which is a charming place to visit. Rooms in the Alpino Teruel are offered from around 25 euros per night (approx £21). Teruel is in the southern part of Aragon and is about 140 kilometres drive from Valencia on the coast.
August 10, 2010
Esmeralda Hotel and Spa Calpe
Esmeralda Hotel Calpe
For your forthcoming trip to Calpe on the Costa Blanca, Spain, you could do little better than stay at the AR Roca Esmeralda Hotel and Spa, one of the many popular Calpe hotels on offer in this sought after coastal resort. Calpe, which is a little more laid back than nearby Benidorm is still pretty busy and has some decent facilities and fine sandy beaches to enjoy on your holiday. The facilities of Benidorm including the fabulous Terra Mitica theme park are all within a short drive of the resort. Rooms are offered in the Esmeralda Hotel Calpe from just 54 euros per night (£45) and all the usual hotel facilites will be found here including three swimming pools and two restaurants. The hotel is situated close to Levante Beach for those who prefer to sunbathe on the beach and enjoy the wonderful Calpe weather, which is mostly sunny right through the year. Calpe is within an hours drive of the closest airport at Alicante and is also within reach of Valencia airport, if you prefer this access point.
July 28, 2010
Hotel Cap Negret Altea
If you are planning a visit to the beautiful coastal resort of Altea on the Costa Blanca, Spain, you may be looking for a suitable hotel for your stay. You should certainly consider the beachside Negret Hotel Altea, as this is one of the most popular hotels in this fine resort. A fine 3 Star establishment the Negret Cap Hotel offers a great range of facilities and 250 rooms, all with balconies and private bathrooms. The hotel has a super outside swimming pool with spacious sun terrace for taking in the sun and enjoying the fabulous Altea weather which is mostly sunny throughout the year. Excellent meals are served up in the buffet restaurant, and outside drinks can be enjoyed in the poolside terrace bar. Altea is perfectly located for visiting the attractions of the northern Costa Blanca, especially Benidorm which is just a little south of Altea. The town is about 60 kilometres drive from the airport at Alicante and can also be reached from Valencia is this is your choice.
July 21, 2010
Port Denia Hotel Costa Blanca
Port Denia Hotel Costa Blanca
If you are visiting the northern Costa Blanca coastal resort of Denia this year and are looking for a hotel for your accommodation in the town, you could do little better than to choose the Port Denia Hotel which is close to Playa Marianeta and just a short walk from Denia town centre. Ideal for a beach style holiday or just for a relaxing break in this ever popular resort the Port Denia has 280 bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, TV, air-con and terrace. Hotel fascilities include bar, restaurant, outdoor and indoor pools, children’s play facilities, sun terrace and internet access. Denia is one of the most northerly of the Costa Blanca resorts and is certainly one of the most popular, enjoying wonderful weather conditions and having miles of sandy beaches and coves surrounding the resort, beautiful coastline and good road access for visiting beautiful National Parks and other resorts such as Javea, Calpe, Moraira and Benidorm. In Benidorm of course you will find plenty to do with some of the finest theme parks in Europe. There are of course plenty of other hotels to choose from in Denia and these include the Adsubia, the Racona, the Giralda and the Los Angeles. Denia can be easily accessed from the N-332 or from the AP-7 motorway, it is roughly halfway between Valencia and Alicante, both have airports, giving a good choice for flights to the area. Rooms in the Port Denia Hotel start at around 76 euros.
June 17, 2010
Port Denia Hotel Spain
Port Denia Hotel Spain
The 3 star Port Denia Hotel is located in a residential area with easy access to the sea and next to the harbour, only 50 metres from Marianeta Beach. Denia town centre is located only 1 kilometre away. All hotel rooms were completely refurbished in 2005, rooms now have en-suite bathroom with hairdryer, Satellite TV, air-conditioning/heating, safety deposit box, telephone and mini-bar and broadband internet connection. Half of the rooms offer a balcony. At guests disposal an Internet corner is located in the lobby, there are indoor activities, there is an Indoor swimming pool with Spa area, Jacuzzi, showers, mini-gym and sauna. In the gardened area outside the hotel, there is a large swimming pool for adults and a smaller one for children, a solarium and children’s playground, an area of arcade games, table tennis and pool table, there is also a bowling alley. The entertainment team will be in charge of making guests stay most enjoyable with a schedule plenty of daily and nightly activities for adults and children. Denia is located on the north of the Costa Blanca between Alicante and Valencia. More Denia Hotels here: DENIA HOTELS.
May 16, 2010
Orpesa Valencia
One of the more peaceful resorts of the Costa del Azahar, Orpesa can be reached by taking the scenic coast road from Benicassim. The main attraction of Orpesa is its two main beaches, La Concha and Morro de Gos, though it has some historic monuments including the ruined Arabic castle and a couple of 16th century watchtowers. The nearby Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca Natural Park, will be attractive to nature lovers and has some rare bird species in its environs. Orpesa is situated to the north of Benicassim in the Comunitat de Valencia, Spain. Orpesa Map.
May 14, 2010
Vilafames Valencia Spain
The ancient town of Vilafames climbs a steep hill at the northern tip of the Sierra de la Conteses, culminating in its restored Moorish castle which dominates the surrounding landscape. Located around twenty five kilometres north of the regional capital, Castellon de la Plana in the Comunidad de Valencia, Spain, Vilafames has a population of about 2,000 and a municipal area of 74 square kilometres. The old upper part of the town comprises a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with charming white-washed houses, looking much as it has for centuries, and is a popular tourist destination for those visiting the coastal resorts of the Costa del Azahar. Apart from the castle (Castillo) which offers a fine panorama of the area and has undergone many reparations since being conquered by Jaime I in 1233, you can visit the museum of contemporary art, located in the Palacio del Baile (originally 15th century), and displaying works by such artists as Miro, you could also visit the eighteenth century Iglesia de la Asunción church, the Ermita de San Miguel (17th century), or the Ermita de San Ramon (18th century). Vilafames is a little off the beaten track but can be accessed from the CV-15 (CV-10), nearby coastal resorts include Benicassim, Orpesa, and Marina D’Or.
April 20, 2010
Onda Spain
One of the lesser known towns in the Valencia region of Spain, Onda is located just inland from the Costa del Azahar coastline and is approximately seventeen kilometres from Castellon de la Plana. Onda is overlooked by a ruined castle which was built by the Moors during their time in Spain. Onda is well worth a visit if only to take a look at its Natural Sciences Museum, which was founded and filled by a group of Carmelite monks and now has on show many thousands of creatures of all types and from all continents, forming an amazing and interesting exhibition. Also worth a look in Onda is the old town, which still has a medieval feel, and comprises many winding alleys and streets. Map of Onda.
April 17, 2010
Morella Valencia
One of the most distinctive towns in the Valencia region of eastern Spain, Morella is a medieval walled town, overlooked by a 13th century Moorish castle. Its ancient fortified walls are intact and unbroken (save for seven entrance gates), and behind these walls lies a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and streets largely unchanged for centuries. The castle which is now in ruins, dated from the Arab occupation, although the current castle was built upon earlier Iberian and Roman fortifications. Morella has a number of interesting historical monuments and some fine museums.
March 26, 2010
Peniscola Castle Costa del Azahar
The town of Peniscola, located on the Costa del Azahar, Valencia, Spain, is dominated by its charismatic castle, in fact the old part of the town is within the castle walls, where it would have been safe from pirate attacks, way back in more dangerous times. Often called the Castle of Papa Luna, Peniscola castle dates from the times of the Moors and was later conquered by Jaime I and ceded to the Knights Templar who changed and improved the fortification. The castle subsequently came under the control of the Order of Montesa, who gave it to Pope Luna (Benedict XIII) and it became his home for many years. The castle of Peniscola saw action in many conflicts including the War of Succession. The castle took on a different role in the 20th century and was the location for some of the scenes in the famous film ‘El Cid’, directed by Anthony Mann. The castle today is well preserved and worth a visit if you are in the Costa del Azahar area.
View today’s weather in Peniscola: Weather in Peniscola.
February 2, 2010
Benicassim Costa del Azahar
A popular coastal resort on the Costa del Azahar, Valencia, Spain, Benicassim is also the location of the annual “International Festival of Rock Music” which is held during July/August each year, attracting thousands of visitors to the town from far and wide. Some bands have already been confirmed for the 2010 festival which this year takes place on 15th-18th July, and these include The Prodigy, The Specials, Ian Brown, Dizzee Rascal, PiL and Kasabian. Benicassim is situated in the province of Castellon between Orpesa and Castellon de la Plana, and is a busy holiday resort in the summer months, it has some excellent sandy beaches and a good choice of amenities. Benicassim has a history going back to Roman times and beyond (possibly Iron Age), its ruined castle was built in the 10th century by the occupying Moors, it became one of El Cid’s connquests during the late 11th century, and was overun by Jaime I in the 13th century. Benicassim can be accessed from the A-7 motorway.
February 1, 2010
Vinaros Costa del Azahar
An ancient fishing port in the Castellon province of eastern Spain, Vinaros was originally just a small hamlet founded by the Moors near to the coast. Developed as a port after the Christian reconquest, Vinaros survived largely through fishing and later vine growing. Its municipality includes some 12 kilometres of Costa del Azahar coastline, beginning at the River Senia and ending at Aiguadoliva, it includes numerous small coves and some excellent beaches, which are of course attractive to modern day tourists, who now provide an alternative income for the town. Renowned for its seafood and in particular its king prawns, Vinaros is a great place to try out some traditional Valencian dishes, in an attractive setting. Vinaros enjoys some wondeful weather, especially during the months May to October. Along the main promenade visitors will find plenty of bars, restaurants and hotels, further afield there are lots of attractive walks to enjoy, a visit to the harbour, is of course a must and here you can watch the fishermen arrive with their daily catch. Vinaros Map.