The history of Lloret de Mar is forever linked to the sea, the Iberians settled in the areas of Montbarat and Puig de Castellet and established trade with the Greeks and Romans, and the Romans themselves founded a trading post in what is now Lloret. The name Lloret lo Redo first appears in 966 AD deriving from Lauretum (place of laurels). At the beginning of the 16th century a new church was built in Catalan Gothic style and completed in 1522, the church served as a refuge from pirate attacks. With the discovery of the New World, many of Lloret’s sailors went to the Americas, resulting in a growing import and export trade with the colonies. After the collapse of Spain’s Empire, Lloret de Mar went into a period of decline and it was not until the increase in tourist activity in the 20th century that the town recovered and became what it is today, a popular seaside resort along the Costa Brava coastline of Spain. Though the towns population is only around 30,000, this rises to over 200,000 during the busy summer season, when the weather is excellent, as many holidaymakers arrive to stay in the many hotels such as the Lloret de Mar Oasis and the Costa Encantada Aparthotel. Lloret de Mar has a vibrant nightlife scene and attracts the younger set especially Germans, Dutch and Belgians. Also attractive to visitors is the fine beach and excellent range of facilities. Map.
February 4, 2010
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.
January 22, 2010
Barnsole Vineyard Canterbury Kent
If you are visiting Canterbury in Kent, United Kingdom this year, and are looking for something a little different to do, why not try a visit to the Barnsole Vineyard, a family run vineyard which produces high quality wines and welcomes visitors for free wine tastings and a guided tour of the vineyard which covers an area of just 3 acres. Open from April to October when the Canterbury weather is at its best, a charge of just £1.50 per person is asked for a guided tour of the vineyard, you can also purchase wine on the premises. The Barnsole Vineyard is located on Fleming Road, Staple, Canterbury and the telephone number is 01304 812 530. Why not take out an hour or two to visit this interesting and different Kent attraction. Canterbury Map.
Praia da Rocha Portugal
One of the best known and earliest established beach resorts on the Algarve coastline of southern Portugal, Praia da Rocha has attracted large numbers of holidaymakers since at least the 1930’s. Undergoing significant developed since those early times, Praia da Rocha draws an ever increasing multitude of visitors who arrive to delight in the superb beach, the bustling nightlife and the wonderful weather that the resort enjoys. No doubt the main attraction of all of these is the fantastic golden, sandy beach, which lies beside the attractive red sandstone cliffs another notable feature of the resort, the cliffs are formed into numerous weird shaped rock formations, some interesting subjects for a photo or two. The ancient city of Portimao is just a short drive or a good walk away (about a mile and a quarter), Portimao is a busy port and the 2nd largest city in the Algarve region of Portugal. You can view a map of the Praia da Rocha area here: Praia da Rocha Map.
January 17, 2010
Lanzarote Resorts – Playa Blanca
Located in the extreme south of Lanzarote in the Spanish Canary Islands, the town of Playa Blanca was formerly just a small fishing village. In recent years Playa Blanca has become one of the largest resorts on the island, but has not yet been too badly spoilt by this rise to notoriety. Boasting some fine sandy beaches, the one to the south at Playa de Papagayo of particular note, Playa Blanca is also the main ferry port for accessing the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura (where the beaches are even better). Playa Blanca has a decent range of shops, bars and restaurants and is ideal for family, beach style holidays. The main attractions for visitors to the resort are the traditional charm and the excellent Lanzarote weather, which is ideal for winter breaks away from the cold and damp of northern Europe.
October 18, 2009
The Weather on the Costa Blanca Spain
Enjoying one of the finest climates in all of Spain, the Costa Blanca attracts holidaymakers all year round. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine every year and having some towns with unique micro-climates, such as Torrevieja, Santa Pola and Calpe, which are listed amongst the healthiest places on earth to live, the Costa Blanca weather making it a popular area for relocation, especially for north Europeans, attempting to escape the dismal, wet climates of their own countries. The summer months June to September are especially hot and very little rainfall is experienced during these times, the worst months to visit are generally November, February and March, the most pleasant months to visit being May and October, when nice weather can be expected without the high temperatures. Map of Costa Blanca.
September 14, 2009
The Weather in Ibiza Spain
If you are looking for a place to visit with a great climate all year round then Ibiza in the Balearic Islands of Spain could be just the place for you. For spring or summer holidays, the island is perfect with Ibiza weather being sunny and dry most days between May and September, the temperature range is around 25° to 35° Centigrade and the water temperature is also excellent making it an ideal time to visit for families with children. In October and November things change a little with lower temperatures, more chance of some rain but still sunny for most of the time and still temperatures reaching the mid-twenties. In December and January you can still expect the weather in Ibiza to be sunny, though days are often crisp and fresh, making it great for hiking and cycling. In February, March and April, expect a little rain and some cool breezes but as Spring breaks and things start to hot up, summer is heading you way again. So whenever you are visiting Ibiza you can expect some excellent weather with plenty of sunshine to make your days brighter and more enjoyable.
September 5, 2009
The Weather and Climate in Cyprus
If you are travelling to Cyprus for you holidays this year, you may like to know what kind of weather and climate you can expect. Cyprus experiences one of the finest climates in Europe with around 11 months of the year enjoying wonderful sunshine. The best time to visit will depend on what you expect from your Cyprus holiday, the summer months from June to September boast dry, hot, sunny weather and packed beaches, so be prepared for plenty of company, and expect to pay higher prices for hotels and accommodation. The Cyprus weather during the winter time is milder and can be wet, so take the appropriate clothing, including something warm for the evenings. For nice weather which is pleasant and not too hot, the best time to visit is April and May, September and October. As a rough guide summer temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees Centigrade, winter temperatures range from 5 degrees to 15 degrees C.
August 14, 2009
Mallorca Resorts – Alcudia
Worth visiting on a holiday in Mallorca is the northern town of Alcudia and its harbour area Port D’Alcudia. Less touristy than the southern resorts, Alcudia also has a bit of history to go with its 6 miles or so of coast and beaches. An old walled town, Alcudia was for centuries the target of pirate raids and many of its ancient fortifications can still be seen today, the sturdy church of Sant Jaume (Saint James) forms part of these medieval walls. In the busy Port D’Alcudia you will find fishing and pleasure craft along with Naval and commercial vessels, as this is still a working port, it is also where most of the tourist facilities are located including plenty of bars and restaurants where you can eat by day and party by night. Alcudia is a mostly quiet family resort though, and those seeking a hectic sun and fun holiday should head for the southern resorts such as Magaluf. Many do choose to holiday here however, and those that do are rewarded with the fine weather and a more peaceful and laid back holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the major package holiday resorts. Alcudia Map.
July 30, 2009
Holiday Islands – Madeira
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.