Review of Playa del Ingles

Situated on the edge of the Dunas de Maspalomas, the Gran Canaria seaside resort of Playa del Ingles is one of the best known spots on the island. Popular more for its climate and beach than for any historical or cultural worth, Playa del Ingles also has a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of facilities for visitors to enjoy. During the daytime most holidaymakers head for the beach area, where aside from the sea, sand and sun, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to tempt the thirsty and hungry. The beach is excellent and was in fact man-made from sand shipped in from the Sahara Desert, there are also lots of water sports facilities for those who get bored with simply sunbathing. Playa del Ingles can be accessed from the GC1 and the GC500 and is approximately 30 km from the airport at Gando. Playa del Ingles Map.

Review of Benidorm Spain

Present day visitors to the lively Costa Blanca resort of Benidorm would find it hard to believe that up until the mid-1950’s it was just a tiny fishing village. The growth of Benidorm as a holiday resort has been phenomenal and it has now become the most popular seaside resort in Europe with between four and five million visitors each year. Many would say that the skyline of Benidorm has ruined the look of this beautiful part of the Spanish coast but the tall sleek Benidorm hotels have a beauty of their own and stand in stark contrast to the surrounding Mediterranean Sea and the mountains in the background. One of the main attractions for visitors are the fabulous Benidorm beaches which are long, sandy and wide and become very busy especially during the hot summer months. Another of the great attractions is the rich and varied Benidorm nightlife for which the resort is famous, having a huge choice for visitors and specialising in spectacular cabarets and live shows. The big draw for families is the fantastic choice of theme parks – this is big budget entertainment folks, check out the amazing Terra Mitica theme park with its scary rides and miniature children’s versions, or maybe the fabulous water park at Aqualandia, one of the best water parks in Europe. Also worth a visit are the Terra Natura safari park and the Mundomar Exotic and Marine Animal Park. Finally perhaps the most important thing which makes Benidorm such a huge attraction especially for north Europeans is the fantastic Benidorm weather, which can usually expected to be fine and sunny from May to October and is also pretty reliable even during the winter months. Much like most of the Spanish towns in this region, Benidorm enjoys over 300 sunny days every year and generally there is very little rainfall.

Mojacar Costa Almeria

Standing on a towering crag overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa Almeria town of Mojacar is a spectacular sight. Tracing its history back to the times of the Moors, it was actually occupied much earlier with evidence of settlement some 4,000 years ago. During the Arab occupation the town (or village as it was then) was overseen by the Caliphate of Damascus, under his rule it grew in wealth and prosperity. Later joining the Narine sultanate, it became a strategic frontier town facing invading Christian forces from the east. Constant attacks by Christians led to the surrender of the town in 1488, though Moors, Christians and Jews continued to live and trade together. Mojacar fell into decline in the 19th century due to periods of severe drought, returning to prominence in the late 20th century with the arrival of tourism. Visitors attracted by the beauty and charm of this unique place ensure the future of Mojacar as a thriving town. Map of Mojacar.

St Tropez a French Resort

A popular tourist destination in the Var department of southern France, St Tropez is renowned throughout the world as a destination for the rich and famous. Its name is derived from a matyr named Saint Torpes who was beheaded in the reign of Nero at Pisa in Italy, and set afloat, he is said to have landed where the town of St Tropez stands today. St Tropez saw some action during World War 2, when it was the location of a beach landing during Operation Dragoon. It rose in popularity as a playground of the rich and famous during the 1950’s, due mostly to exposure created by actress Brigit Bardot. St Tropez has a number of popular beaches which stretch around the Bay of Pampelonne, the area is also renowned for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, power boating and jet-skiing. Map of St Tropez.

Property for Sale in Cambrils Tarragona

Four bedroom country house for sale close to the coastal resort of Cambrils, in the Tarragona region of Catalonia, Spain. Standing on a large 20,000 square metre plot this fine finca style property has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 WC’s, large garage, private swimming pool, outside dining, BBQ, telephone and it is connected to mains electricity and water. The propert is ideally situated just 20 minutes drive from Reus International Airport, and close to the town of Cambrils and the fine local beaches, the popular resort of Salou is also nearby with its famous Port Aventura theme park. This property would make a nice family home or perhaps be a good investment for rental purposes, and the asking price is 560,000 euros. Cambrils Map.

Visit the Restored Castle at Mazarron Murcia

Whilst visiting the Costa Calida, you might want to take a look at the newly restored Mazarron castle, which while still largely a ruin, has been conserved for the future. Originally built by the Duke of Velez in the 16th century, Mazarron castle served the area both as a defense against pirate attacks and for the protection of the valuable alum mining industry, which was important in Mazarron at that time. Mazarron and its coastal limb Puerto Mazarron, are popular tourist locations for the region of Murcia.

Enjoy the Sunny Weather – Rent a Crete Villa

Luxury 3 bedroom villa available to rent on the holiday island of Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands. Stunning 3 bedroom 2 bathroom detached villa with private swimming pool near to Chania, and close to the sea amidst an olive tree forest. All required facilties within 4 kilometres of the villa, which is in a quiet, peaceful area. The most popular holiday destination in Greece, the island of Crete benefits from a wonderful climate and Crete weather is ideal for summer holidays from May to October. Rentals in this Crete villa are offered from 700 – 1400 euros per week depending on season. Crete Map.

My Favourite Picture of a Waterfall

A recent visit to the Algar waterfall, located near to Callosa d’en Sarria on the northern Costa Blanca, Spain, reminded me of the pictures that I took the last time we visited in 2006, when my mother was on a trip and we wanted to take her somewhere a little different. The waterfall picture that I took that day is among my favourite photos, and I like to feature it on my website whenever relevant as it shows that the Costa Blanca is not all about beaches and bars. Around the Algar waterfall (Fuentes de Algar) there are a number of beautiful and interesting places to visit including my favourite, Guadalest (I have lots of Guadalest pictures as well!), Callosa d’en Sarria, the Arca sanctuary and the cactus garden. I have posted a small version of my favourite waterfall picture on the left.

Overview of the Bahia Principe Resort and Hotel Tenerife

Located at the southern end of Playa Paraiso (“Paradise Beach”) the popular Bahia Principe Tenerife Resort stands on a cliff overlooking the bay and enjoying spectacular views over the sea to the island of La Gomera. Situated on Tenerife’s renowned south-west coast close to the huge resort of Playa de las Americas the Principe Tenerife attracts thousands of visitors each year. The resort covers some 8,000 square metres and includes a number of swimming pools, gym, shopping and leisure centre, barbers and beauty salon, restaurants, snack bar, tennis court, squash court, Jacuzzi and much, much more. The Bahia Principe Tenerife has 220 well appointed luxury rooms with private bathroom and balcony. The region experiences a wonderful climate and Playa Paraiso weather is perfect for holidays throughout the year, being especially pleasant during the winter months as is most of the Canary Islands.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The largest city in the Canary Islands, Spain, is the historic city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Founded on the 24th June 1478 by the Spanish conquistadors, Las Palmas developed into a significant port and was well used by ships sailing around the African coast and also those visiting the New World of America. Used as a stopping off point for Christopher Columbus on the 1st of his American voyages, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria boasts a fantastic museum, named after the famous explorer, the Casa Colón contains models and artefacts relating to Columbus and his voyages. The fabulous Catedral de Santa Ana was begun in 1497 and took some four hundred year to finish, the Neo-Classical façade hides Gothic vaults. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is situated in the fertile north of the island and experiences a humid climate, which is not as searingly hot as the desert-like south of the island, making Las Palmas de Gran Canaria weather more pleasant in the summer months and still mild during the winter. Most visitors to Gran Canaria pass through Las Palmas in one way or another as both the airport for the island and the main port are located there. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Map.

Playa Taurito Gran Canaria - A Rare Gem

A rare gem on the south coast of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands of Spain, Playa Taurito, although a built for tourism resort, is in a secluded spot away from the mass tourism of such resorts as Puerto Rico and Maspalomas. Playa Taurito’s wonderful sand and shingle beach is sheltered by two surrounding cliffs, making it a perfect spot for a tranquil beach holiday, if you don’t like swimming in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, you can always try out the privately operated lido, which is one of the features of the resort. Boasting some first class hotels, the resort offers excellent accommodation facilities such as the 4 Star Princess Hotel Playa Taurito with its 2 swimming pools set in lavish tropical gardens. If you like a vibrant night life don’t go to Playa Taurito, while the hotels have some decent evening entertainment, for clubs and discos head for nearby Puerto Rico. What kind of climate can you expect? Well Playa Taurito weather is glorious for most of the year and is especially pleasant during the winter months, when a break in the sun is even more enjoyable. Playa Taurito is situated south of Puerto de Mogan on Gran Canaria’s south coast. Playa Taurito Map.

Cosmetic Surgery - Rhinoplasty

Properly named rhinoplasty, a plastic surgery operation for the nose (or nose job) is the star of plastic surgery techniques as it is normally able to achieve a harmonious facial image. A mixture of skilled artistry and technical surgery is used to produce the desired effect and the nose is remodelled to suit the proportion of the subject’s face. One of the most common cosmetic procedures for the enhancement of beauty, Rhinoplasty treats the nose which is the focal point of the face, many people wanting the nose shaped to achieve perfection. Rhinoplasty along with other cosmetic surgery procedures can be carried out expertly and cheaply in Elche, Spain where the Clinica Foguet offers great value treatments.

Review of Benidorm Spain

Sea, sun, sand and sangria – the Spanish resort of Benidorm certainly offers all of these and plenty more besides. Situated in the Costa Blanca region of south-eastern Spain, Benidorm is, these days, the major destination in Europe for tourists looking for a seaside holiday, with in excess of four million visitors per year, this is a serious resort, the fabulous warm Benidorm weather attracting more and more visitors every year. Most visitors today would find it hard to believe that Benidorm was just a tiny fishing village up until the 1950’s when a growing tourist industry would result in huge changes not just to Benidorm but also many other towns and villages throughout Spain. The history of Benidorm, of course, goes back much, much further, with evidence of settlements as long ago as 3000 BC. Fragments of Punic and Roman ships have been discovered in the Bay of Benidorm and there are also remains of a Roman villa in the area. However, the recorded history of Benidorm starts during the Moorish Conquest, when the first genuine settlement was built by the Moors and Benidorm became a fishing community of some significance. Benidorm and the region was reconquered for the Christians by Jaime I of Aragon (Jaume I) in 1245 and in 1325 the town was awarded its first charter. The original Benidorm Castle was built at around this time and was constructed in the area of the old village. Although no evidence now remains of the castle it was, at the time, very important in defending Benidorm from frequent attacks by Barbary pirates. An irrigation drain built in 1666 to supply water to the surrounding land brought some improvements to the area and by 1715 the population of Benidorm had risen to 216. 1740 saw the start of construction on the Parish Church of San Jaime and the population grew rapidly by 1794 had topped 2,700. Although agriculture contributed to Benidorm’s economic survival during these years, fishing remained the prime industry and Benidorm’s fishermen gained a reputation as tuna fishermen. By 1857 the population had risen to 3,750 but dropped back once again in 1920 when an outbreak of phylloxera seriously damaged a thriving grape growing industry. At around the same time there were signs of an emerging tourism industry in the area aided by the building of a narrow gauge railway. A small but growing number of tourists headed for Benidorm from inland towns such as Madrid. Disaster loomed for Benidorm in the early 1950’s as fish catches fell dramatically, however an increase in tourism and a plan drawn up by the town in 1956 for improvements in the town targeted at leisure and tourism, was well founded, it resulted in a huge growth in population, which further accelerated in 1967 on the opening of Alicante (El Altet) airport, Benidorm holidays took off in a big way. Modern day Benidorm is a successful resort with numerous hotels and rental accommodation properties catering for holidaymakers of all ages, nationalities and tastes. There is lots to see and do in and around Benidorm, there are 2 superb beaches (Playa Levante and Playa Poinente), some wonderful theme parks such as Terra Mitica, the Aqualandia Water Park and Mundomar Marine and Exotic Animal Park, whatever you are looking for Benidorm certainly delivers. Map of Benidorm

Clubbers Paradise - San Antonio Ibiza

Nowadays one of the most popular resorts on the island, San Antonio Ibiza was formerly just a small fishing village which has existed since Roman times when it was known as Portus Magnus. Developed during the 1950’s and 60’s as a tourist resort, along with many others in the Balearic Islands of Spain, San Antonio went into decline in the 1980’s but sprang back again during the 1990’s as Ibiza became the clubbers capital of the world. Still popular as a family resort and as a ferry port (ferries arrive from Denia on the mainland), it is nonetheless mainly frequented by young clubbers who head for some of the most renowned clubs on the island such as Mambo, Eden and Es Paradis and party until the early hours (or even into the next day). This famous holiday island enjoys a wonderful climate and San Antonio weather is pretty reliable during the summertime when most visitors arrive, the winters are quieter and this could be the best time to visit if you are not looking for the clubbing scene. The attractive San Antonio Bay and busy fishing harbour are a popular place to visit, there are some fine beaches such as Cala Bassa and Cala Conta, and there are some interesting places to visit nearby. San Antonio Ibiza Map.

Thalasia Hotel San Pedro del Pinatar

For a unique healing experience you could do little better than to visit the Thalasia San Pedro del Pinatar, located beside the warm waters of the Mar Menor (Lesser Sea), Europe’s largest salt lake. The Thalasia Hotel (4 Star) and Thalasso Centre offer some wonderful treatments for a relaxing, healing stay, with thalassotherapy, hydrology, sea water treatments, physiotherapy etc. San Pedro del Pinatar (St Peter of the Pinewoods) is a renowned resort on the Costa Calida coastline of Murcia, Spain, it enjoys a wonderful climate with San Pedro del Pinatar weather being ideal for all year round visits. The area is perfect for water sports and the Mar Menor is one of the top windsurfing and kiteboarding areas in the region San Pedro del Pinatar was well known for its spas as long ago as the times of the Romans who knew well the healing powers of the Mar Menor’s salt waters and mud. To check out the location you can view map here: San Pedro del Pinatar Map

Car Hire on the Costa Blanca

If you are going on holiday to the Costa Blanca this year, there is a good chance that you will be wanting to hire a car. The most common way to arrange car hire these days is via the internet, and while the process is pretty straight forward, there are some pitfalls you should look out for. Read our useful guide for booking a car on the Costa Blanca, or for that matter, anywhere in Spain, here: Costa Blanca car hire, you will find plenty of useful tips for getting the best value car hire deals.

Cala D'Or Mallorca

The chic seaside resort of Cala D’Or lies on the east coast of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Popular with ‘package holiday’ tourists it also has a beautiful marina where countless fine yachts are moored. A super resort for water sports, it has facilities for diving, sailing and windsurfing, it has numerous small beaches and coves along its 4 km of coastline. Holiday makers come to relax and enjoy the superb Cala D’Or weather and dine in the many waterfront restaurants. Cala D’Or Map.

Review of Palma de Mallorca

Whether you are arriving by plane or ferry, your landing point on Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, will almost certainly be the city of Palma de Mallorca, and rather than just heading off for one of the busy coastal resorts, as most visitors do, why not take some time out to visit this surprising city? There is lots to see and do and you could easily spend a week there and still not see all of it. Palma is home to over half of Mallorca’s population and is in fact the 12th most populous municipal district in Spain (with around 800,000 people). Palma is named after the Roman city Palmaria and much of the original Roman city, which was founded in around 123 BC, still exists underneath the modern city (remains are constantly being found in the area around the cathedral). The city you will find today, is a mostly modern creation, the majority of the old city walls were levelled long ago, to make way for a network of avenues, forming today’s Palma. Some of the ancient walls still remain however, and sections can be seen facing the sea in the old part of the city. From the harbour, fishermen still sail from Palma to lay out their nets, much as they have done for hundreds of years. First port of call for most visitors to Palma is the magnificent Gothic cathedral (La Seu), which was built on the site of an Arab mosque, which was in turn built upon a Roman temple. Legend tells that in 1229, when caught in a terrible storm at sea, on his way to conquer Mallorca, King Jaime I vowed to build a great church if God would lead him to safety. And so he did, and a great church it is, so great in fact, that it was not completed until 1587. One of the most breathtaking buildings in Spain, Palma cathedral also boasts one of the largest stained glass windows in the world – The Great Rose Window has 1,236 coloured pieces and is over 36 feet in diameter. Below the cathedral lies the Almudaina Palace, originally built during the Arab occupation of Mallorca, it was converted into the Gothic style by King Jaime II (Jaime I’s son) in 1307, it still belongs to the Spanish Royal Family, parts of it are open to the public including a 13th century throne. Another of Palma de Mallorca’s attractions is the Castell de Bellver (Bellver castle), standing in an elevated position on a wooded hillside some 3 miles from the city centre. This unique circular castle was commissioned by Jaime II for use as a summer residence, it has commanded sea and land approaches to Palma ever since. Three large towers surround a central courtyard, connected by an arch to the keep, from the battlements, visitors can enjoy one of the finest views of the city (a clue can be found in the name – Bellver in Catalan means “lovely view”). The castle has over the centuries been a Royal residence and a military prison, nowadays it houses a well-laid out museum, outlining the archaeological and military history of the city.

Palma de Mallorca Map - Latest Weather in Palma de Mallorca

Beaches of Mallorca

When taking a Mallorca beach holiday on that beautiful island in the Balearic Islands, Spain, the most important factor will be the purpose of your visit. If you are looking for a Mallorca beach with good water sports facilities, there are several which would be ideal choices – Platja de Formentor, Cala Tuent and Platja de Sa Coma for example. For families and sunbathing, the perfect white, sandy beach might be Colonia de Sant Jordi or Badia d’Alcudia. Naturists heading for Mallorca will pick a beach like Cala El Mago, one of 3 small coves at Cala Portals Vells. Whatever the purpose of your visit, you will no doubt find a Mallorca beach which meets your requirements.

Puerto Pollensa - A Mallorca Resort

The harbour area for the ancient Mallorcan town of Pollensa, is known as Puerto Pollensa. For many years a popular destination for rich tourists to Mallorca, Puerto Pollensa was the subject of a 1936 short story by the famous author Agatha Christie (Problem at Pollensa Bay). The present town still retains much of the charm that it would have had in Agatha Christie’s day and has not been ruined by concrete tower blocks, as has much of the Mallorca coastline. The colourful Mallorcan fishing boasts are however being largely superceded by luxury yachts, though the hope is that they will not replace them entirely. The attractive Pine Walk which runs beside the harbour is a wonderful setting for an evening stroll, before settling down for a delicious meal in one of the local restaurants. The region enjoys a splendid climate and Puerto Pollensa weather is ideal for sunny summer holidays or pleasant winter breaks, so why not visit the picturesque Mallorcan town of Puerto Pollensa soon.

Here is a Puerto Pollensa Map, the resort is located in north-eastern Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain.

Famous Visitors of Valldemossa

One of the big attractions on the cultural tourist route of Mallorca is the small town of Valldemossa, which sits in the mountains north of the capital Palma de Mallorca. What makes this place so special is that for a short time in the winter of 1838-39, it became the home of French novelist George Sand and her lover composer Frederick Chopin, who went there to escape the gossip of Paris, and also in the hope that it would aid Chopin’s bad health (he suffered from tuberculosis). Ironically that winter Valldemossa weather was not kind to its new visitors and it remained wet and windy for most of their stay. The celebrities were also apparently given the cold shoulder by the locals as they were not married, and George Sand wrote a derogatory book about their stay called “A Winter in Mallorca” in which she called the local inhabitants savages and thieves. Their visit has still not been forgotten and the book can still be found on sale in the town!

Map of Valldemossa located on the island of Mallorca (Majorca), Balearic Islands, Spain.

Passion Flower - A Picture of Beauty

The Passion flower is a wonderful creation, belonging to the family Passifloriceae which comprises over 500 species, mostly these plants are vines although there are some shrubs of a herbaceous nature. Most decorative Passion flowers have a unique and beautiful flower structure many requiring large bees, wasps or humming birds to pollinate them. The Passion flower (see Passion flower picture) is found all over the world.

Balearic Islands Guide

A popular holiday destination in the Mediterranean Sea, the Spanish Balearic Islands have something to offer visitors of all tastes. The four main islands of the group are Mallorca (Majorca), Ibiza, Menorca (Minorca) and Formentera, the largest of the group is Mallorca. People have been living on the Balearic Islands since about 5,000 BC, possibly coming originally from mainland Spain, although the islands history are shrouded in myth and legend, some going back to the times of the ancient Greeks. Modern day visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the club scene of lively Ibiza, the family resorts of Mallorca, the quiet of Menorca and the charm of unspoilt Formentera.

The Niagara Falls

Straddling the border between the USA and Canada the Niagara Falls is one of the world’s natural wonders and one of the most visited tourist destinations in both Canada and the United States, attracting around 20 million visitors per year. Formed as ice receded at the end of the last ice-age, the falls has two main waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls, and one lesser fall called the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls are separated by Goat Island and in total some 4 million cubic feet of water per minute flows over the falls, making it the second largest waterfall in the world after the Victoria Falls. Sitting between the twin towns of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York, the Niagara Falls are also important for the production of hydroelectric power. The word Niagara is derived from an Iroquois Indian word meaning “the strait”. Niagara Falls Map.

Magical Madrid Spain

With a population of 3.3 million, Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the 3rd largest in Europe (only London and Berlin are more populous), it is also the highest capital city in Europe at 650 metres above sea level. Founded by the Moors in the late 9th century, it became a Moorish village named ‘Magerit’ (the place of many springs), in 1561 it became the capital of Spain and a huge Empire after Felipe II moved his court there, favouring its central location. Modern day Madrid is one of the greatest cities in the world and its heartbeat is the Puerta del Sol, in the centre of the old city, bordered by the Paseo del Prado to the east and the Palacio Real to the west. There are a huge number of attractions in the centre of the old city and a good place to stay which is right beside many of these attractions is the Madrid Reina Victoria a famous hotel with a great reputation. It would be best to avoid the hot summer months when visiting the city as Madrid weather can be unbearably hot during this period, in fact most native Madrileños head for the coast to avoid the searing temperatures. Madrid Map.

Torrevieja Clubs - Pacha

For the younger generation visiting the bustling town of Torrevieja, on the Costa Blanca, Spain, this year, one of the main ports of call will be the Pacha Torrevieja disco, a popular club holding foam parties and hosting great music and entertainment in Avenida Delfines Viudes, Torrevieja Spain. The largest Pacha club in Europe, visitors are always guaranteed a great night out.

Elche Spain - The City of Palms

Renowned for its huge palm tree forest, the city of Elche in the province of Alicante, Spain, is the 3rd largest city in the Comunidad de Valencia. Well woth a visit if you are in the Costa Blanca area, Elche has a history going back to the times of the ancient Iberians, who built a city called Helike. The palm trees were introduced by the Phoenicians and over 200,000 specimens surround and invade the city. Elche is also famous for its shoe industry, the largest in Spain, don’t buy your shoes anywhere else, get them during a trip to Elche. The region enjoys a superb climate and is attractive to both holidaymakers and those wishing to relocate, with a good selection of Elche property being available. The beaches of Santa Pola and La Marina are nearby, with the usual range of facilities on hand. Elche Map

Historic Mahon Menorca

The elegant town of Mahon (Maó) is the capital of the Balearic Island of Menorca, it is renowned for having one of the best natural harbours in the world, this made it an attractive target for the British Navy, who took the town and the island in 1708, and made Mahon their main port in the Mediterranean. Mahon today is a more peaceful place and is an attractive tourist destination, with many places of interest and a great range of facilities, you are more likely to see a luxury yacht in the harbour these days than a warship although it is still a working port. The town enjoys a wonderful climate and the weather in Mahon is pleasant all year round attracting thousands of visitors both during the hot summer months and also during the agreeable winter months, as a great alternative to mainland Spain, why not try a trip to charming Mahon. Map of Mahon

The Mysterious City of Marrakech

Magical, mysterious, marvellous Marrakech, Morocco’s third largest city is a travellers paradise, where pavement snake charmers perform alongside potion peddlers, dancers and acrobats. Often called the “Red City”, Marrakech gets its name from the Berber words mur n akush meaning “Land of God”, and it had been a constant cause of fighting between various Berber tribes for many centuries after being founded by the Berber Amoravids in the 11th century. Marrakech has the biggest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and its Old Town – the Medina is the historic centreof the city with a maze of winding alleys, artisans workshops and saints shrines, the Jemaa el Fna is its celebrated square, a hive of activity both day and night. Marrakech has a population of just over one million. Marrakech Map.

The Costa Blanca Resort of Javea

The popular seaside town of Javea sits around eighty kilometres north of the city of Alicante between Calpe and Denia on the northern Costa Blanca coastline. Part of the Marina Alta district, Javea lies on a wide bay and is protected by 2 rocky promontories. A highly popular coastal town, the population of Javea swells from its normal resident population of 29,000 to in excess 100,000 during the hot summer months. Being blessed with a pleasant Mediterranean climate, Javea is sheltered from cold north winds during the winter time by the massive Mount Montgó, keeping temperatures at an agreeable level through the winter months. Aside from the shelter it offers, Mount Montgó also provides a spectacular backdrop for the town and these days forms part of the Mount Montgó Natural Park, covering some 21 square kilometres and containing some significant archaeological relics. Artefacts found in in Mount Montgó caves deep within the earth suggest human activity in the land around Javea some sixteen thousand years ago, during the Upper Palaeolithic Period, further human settlement is likely from the Neolithic Era and also from the Bronze Age. Some fantastic finds dating from the Iberian Culture including pieces in gold and silver, dating from the third and second centuries BC. The arrival of the Romans after the Second Punic War against the Carthaginians heralded the growth of organised society and culture and also certain advances in agricultural activity in Javea. Villas were built, especially in the fertile valley formed by the River Gorgos, and there was a Roman settlement in the area known as Playa de Arenal. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths arrived, and although very little is recorded of their time spent in the Javea region, there is documentation suggesting the possible existence of a monastery, though there is no certain evidence to support this idea. During the Eighth Century the Moors invaded the region and took control of the Iberian Peninsular, where they remained until the 13th century. The Arabs continued with the agricultural advancement of the area, using unique irrigation systems brought from the dry, waterless deserts of the Middle East and North Africa. After the Christian reconquest, the town of Javea was walled and fortified to defend against attacks from marauding barbary pirates who sailed these coasts for centuries afterwards, and there is still some evidence today of these ancient fortifications. One of the best known landmarks in Javea is the fortified Gothic San Bartolomé church, dating from the Fourteenth Century and officially listed as a Ancient Monument since 1931. Evidence still exists of damage inflicted on the church during the horrific Spanish Civil War, its pockmarked walls reminding visitors of more violent times in Javea’s history. The narrow, winding streets of Javea old town are typically Spanish, and the old houses boast examples of traditional wrought iron balconies. Well worth a visit in Javea old town is the Museo Arqueologico, Historico y Ethnográfico, where the history of Javea can be learnt from the Iberian times to the present. The most popular spot for present day tourists to Javea, is the old port and harbour, retaining much of its traditional charm, it has not been ruined by modernisation and development. At the harbour it is possible to see fishing boats arriving with their daily catch or maybe sit in one of the harbourside restaurants and enjoy a delicious local seafood dish. The harbour dates from the Fifteenth Century and excelled in the export of raisins until the collapse of the raisin trade al the back end of the 19th Century. The major beach for Javea is Playa de Arenal, a delightful sandy beach with the usual range of facilities. The beach is backed by an attractive and wide promenade, lined with bars, shops and restaurants and also the location for a local craft market which is held on warm summer evenings, a great place to pick up a bargain. There are a good selection of Javea hotels in the town and there is also plenty of privately owned rental accommodation to be found, many foreign residents have chosen to buy holiday homes in the town and also to relocate, Javea villas are a popular commodity and there are always a good choice on the market, for those with a less generous budget apartments and houses are also available in numbers and you should be able to find a Javea property which suits your budget. Javea holds its weekly local market on Thursdays. Javea, of course celebrates numerous of fiestas and celebrations throughout the year, the main ones being the Moros y Cristianos in July, the Fogueres de San Juan in June and the Nuestro Señora de Loreto (with bull-running) in September. The region is blessed with a wonderful climate and Javea weather can be expected to be sunny and dry for at least 300 days every year, making it one of the finest all year round locations in Spain. Javea Spain can be easily reached via the N332 coast road or the AP-7 motorway junctions 62 or 63. You can view a map of Javea here: Javea Map.

Historic Palma de Mallorca

The capital of Mallorca (Majorca) and of the Balearic Islands, Spain, Palma de Mallorca is home to almost half the resident population of the island, and also welcomes millions of visitors each year by way of its International Airport. The city itself has some wonderful attractions including the famous La Seu Gothic cathedral, which boasts one of the biggest stained glass windows in the world with 1,236 pieces and measuring some 11 metres across – amazing. Founded as a camp by the Romans in about 123 BC, Palma de Mallorca became an important port on the Mediterranean trade route. Known as Medina Mayurqa to the Arabs, its name is actually taken from the Roman city of Palmaria. Much of the original Roman city still exists below the present day city, and Roman remains are being found all the time. The city experiences a magnificent temperate mediterranean climate and Palma de Mallorca weather is especially reliable between June and September, expect plenty of sun and high temperatures, but with pleasant, cooling sea breezes. Palma de Mallorca Map

The North West of Mallorca

Continuing our series of articles on the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, this week we look at the north western region. This is an area of rugged coastline backed by the northern edge of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, offering some spectacular scenery and a number of interesting historical sights. North of Andratx you will find a succession of ‘miradors’, many with the added attraction of an ancient watchtower, which warned of attacking pirates in long past centuries, these ‘miradors’ are high points from which to gain commanding views of the coastline. In the extreme west you will find the small rocky island of Sa Dragonera, situated about 1 kilometre offshore from Sant Elm. While legend tells that the island is frequently visited by dragons, visitors are more likely to catch a glimpse of one of the many bird species which inhabit it, including a large colony of the rare Eleanora’s Falcon. Sa Dragonera has been a Nature Reserve since 1988 and its only human inhabitants, man the 2 lighthouses, which warn local shipping of the islands existence. Sa Dragonera can be reached by ferry from Sant Elm during the summer months (May to September), there are also boat trips around the island available from Port Andratx and Sant Elm. The town of Andratx is a charming place, with cobbled streets and pretty houses. Andratx has a long history and was known to the Romans as Andrachium, it lies at the foot of the Puig de Galatzó mountain (3,400 feet). Worth visiting in Andratx is the fortified church of Santa Maria, originally dating from the 13th century, if you visit on a Wednesday, you can also enjoy the town’s weekly market. Neighbouring Port Andratx is popular with the rich and famous and has become an exclusive resort, in the harbour you will see luxury yachts moored alongside local fishing craft, you might even spot a celebrity, as such famous people as Tom Cruise and Michael Schumacher, have homes there. The nearby Reserva Puig de Galatzó is a nature reserve that you will not want to miss, boasting some picturesque scenery and also a few surprises including some brown bears, there are adventure tours and activities including abseiling, rock climbing, flying foxes (zip wires), trekking, canoeing, mountain biking and orienteering, all taking place amongst beautiful mountains and waterfalls. Another of the interesting north western towns is Valldemossa, made famous by French writer George Sand (Aurora Dupin) and her lover, Polish composer Frederick Chopin, who stayed there during the winter of 1838-39. They arrived to escape the gossip mongers of Paris and also in the hope that the climate would benefit Chopin’s failing health (he suffered from tuberculosis). Ironically that winter was one of the worst on record, and the hoped for recovery never happened. The couple were not welcomed by the local population as they were unmarried, and Sand was particularly unpopular as she arrogantly strolled around the town in men’s clothes, smoking cigars. Sand later wrote about their stay, in the short book ‘A Winter in Mallorca’, in which she called the locals “thieves and savages”, she was mostly bitter about the appalling Mallorca weather, which they experienced that year, and did not hepl Chopin's ill health. The most popular attraction in Valldemossa is the Royal Carthusian Monastery, a former Royal palace dating from the 14th century, it was in a monk’s cell (known as Chopin’s Cell),within the monastery that Chopin and Sand stayed during that fateful winter. The monastery also contains much of interest including an old pharmacy and an art museum with works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Juli Ramis amongst others. Also worth a visit is the ancient town of Sóller, located in the shadow of the Puig Major (4,740 feet), Sóller became rich through the production of oranges, olive oil and wine, during the Arab occupation of Mallorca (8th to 13th centuries). In Sóller you should take a look at the Modernista Banco de Sóller, the Neo-Gothic Sant Bartomeu church, the Casa de Cultura and the Plaça Constitució. Mallorca Map

The Prehistoric Heritage of Menorca

Menorca is without doubt the richest in megalithic sites of all the Balearic Islands of Spain, having hundreds of examples of stone structures from the Talaiotic period (2000 -1000 BC) many still in an excellent state of repair. The bulk of the best sites are located in the south of Menorca (Minorca) below the line of the ME-1, Mahon to Ciutadella road, some are well signposted, other are quite tricky to find, if you are doing the full tour you will need a decent guide book. Some of the best sites on Menorca include Torralba d’en Salort, for the best example of a taula (“T” shaped structure), Naveta d’es Tudons for the finest example of a naveta (upturned boat type structure) and Son Mercer de Baix for the oldest settlement on the island.

The Town of Lagos – Algarve Portugal

One of the highlights of the Algarve region of Portugal is the historic town of Lagos, former headquarters of the famous explorer Henry the Navigator. Crammed with historic buildings despite being severely damaged in the great earthquake of 1755, Lagos has some of its old city walls, a 17th century castle and many interesting post earthquake buildings and monuments. Also a well known area for surfing, this part of the Algarve coast is windswept and battered by the Atlantic Ocean, with numerous prime locations between Lagos and Sagres in the extreme west. For beach lovers, Lagos is perfect as there are lots of wonderful beaches in the area and some charming little seaside resorts nearby. Despite this, the old town is the main draw, best explored by foot, visitors can wander the narrow winding streets taking in the atmosphere and imagining what the place was like when Portugal was a major seafaring nation. The port area dates from Roman times and was at that time called Lacobriga, it would have been a major trading town, servicing ships going along this busy coast. Later controlled by the Moors, it came back into Christian hands in 1241 and enjoyed the boom created by Portugal’s growing Empire in Africa and South America. Present day Lagos has a population of around 18,000 most of which is concentrated near to the coast, the main industry is tourism.

A Picture of the Lo Pagan Windmill

Featured is a windmill picture taken at the seaside town of Lo Pagan which sits on the Mar Menor on the Costa Calida, Spain. The windmill though no longer in use was previously used to pump sea water into the nearby salt lakes in order for valuable salt to be extracted. These days electric pumps are used which are more efficient but not so attractive as the windmill. It may look as thought the windmill was not very efficient but the vanes were made from canvas (now long gone) which caught the wind much as the sail of a yacht would. The windmill in the picture is located beside the famous healing mud baths, along with the beach one of the biggest attractions of Lo Pagan.