If you are looking for a nice beach resort to visit, on the island of Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands, but don’t want to be in amongst the rowdy ravers for which the island is so well known, then the resort for you could well be Santa Eulalia, on Ibiza’s east coast (or Santa Eularia des Riu, as it is properly know). Great for a beach holiday, Santa Eulalia has plenty to commend it, with fine weather conditions, excellent beaches, lively, but not hectic, nightlife, and good water sports facilities. In the charming old town square, you can sit in one of the traditional cafes, sip a coffee or beer, and do a bit of good old people watching, whilst relaxing and enjoying the shade of the palm trees. When the weather is not so good, head along to the Hippy Market, at neighbouring Es Cana and pick up some bargains to take back home with you on your return.
2011/03/31
The Algarve Town of Tavira
A very interesting place to visit if you find yourself in the eastern region of the Algarve in Portugal, Tavira is an ancient town with a history going back as far as the Bronze Age. Early settlements by both Phoenicians and Romans left their mark on this place, and some monuments still remain, at least of the Roman occupation. The Phoenicians were interested in Tavira as a port, and founded a trading post there for their ships passing along the coast, this was in the 8th century BC. The Roman settlement was later replaced by the Moors, as they invaded the Iberian Peninsular, and took a foothold in Portugal. The Christians valiantly retook Tavira in 1242, though most of the old town was later destroyed by a huge earthquake in 1755 (known as the Lisbon earthquake). In the late 20th century Tavira was developed as a tourist destination, and now attracts thousands of visitors to its fine sandy beaches, its superb weather, and its Venice like appeal. Not too far from the Spanish border with Portugal, Tavira is only thirty eight kilometres from the Spanish town of Ayamonte, though most holidaymakers will probably arrive via Faro airport which is 40 kilometres west of Tavira.
2011/03/30
Algarve Resort of Carvoeiro
If you are visiting the Algarve region of Portugal this year and are searching for a nice resort to visit, you would certainly not be disappointed to try the once tranquil fishing town of Carvoeiro, located between Albufeira and Portimao. A delightful resort with plenty of self-catering villas and apartments, together with several hotels, Carvoeiro enjoys a friendly atmosphere and has an excellent beach, pretty coastline, superb weather conditions, and some brilliant facilities, including at least three golf courses, Vale de Pinta, Quinta do Granacho and Vale de Milho. An excellent choice as a base for visiting several of the historic Algarve towns, Carvoeiro benefits from a terrific climate with the weather normally sunny and warm right through the summertime, and generally mild and pleasant during the wintertime. Whilst there you should be sure to take a boat trip to Algar Seco, a beautiful local spot where you can see cliffs which have been moulded into fascinating shapes, by the action of the sea. Carvoeiro is fairly easily reached from Faro airport, which is a drive of some sixty seven kilometres, airport transfers are easily booked from Faro airport or you could of course hire a car, if you are not on a package holiday, the resort of Albufeira is about 36 kilometres away.
2011/03/29
La Manga del Mar Menor Murcia History
The first settlements in the La Manga del Mar Menor region date from the Neolithic period, about 5 millennia ago, when the entrance to La Manga was formed, and had established a village of wooden huts, straw and mud. The richness of the area with the Sierra Minera del Mar conditions saw settlements built by the Iberians, Phoenicians and Carthaginians, in addition to the Romans, the Greeks, all attracted by the wealth of the metal ores which are mined in the area. On the seabed of the Mar Menor also were found, ships laden with gold and silver bullion in their vases, Phoenician, Greek and Carthaginian boats buried in these shallow waters, what a treasure for history buffs and lovers of diving. After the expulsion of the Moors from Murcia, La Manga suffered a siege by Moorish pirates, who stormed the coast, and for its defense, three towers were built by order of King Charles and his son Philip II. The three defensive towers were built in La Manga and Cabo de Palos. During the Middle Ages until the eighteenth century the area suffered deforestation, the product of indiscriminate felling of trees. In the nineteenth century a lighthouse was built to warn ships in stormy weather. Nowadays, La Manga del Mar Menor is a resort that has seen much construction in recent decades and has grown rapidly as a tourist destination. Located within the region of Murcia, La Manga is unusual in having 2 coastlines, in places it is just 100 metres wide, its fine weather is its biggest draw for holidaymakers, with low rainfall and long hours of sunshine.
Vilamoura Algarve Portugal
Vilamoura is the largest resort in Europe. It is situated in Algarve ( municipality of Loulé, the parish of Quarteira, belonging to this). It has marina, a fitness golf and five golf courses, a casino, several night clubs, tennis club, diving club, other leisure facilities, a beach, and dozens of hotels, 4 and 5 stars. Begun in the mid-1960’s, Vilamoura has an area of 1600 hectares. The architectural design is developed around the marina, and includes hundreds of houses spread across the area, residential and other projects devoted almost exclusively to tourism, the fantastic weather being one of the biggest draws. In the area of Vilamoura lie the ruins of Roman of Cerro da Vila, where you can see a complex of baths and mosaics of fish representing a residence. Among the various initiatives that take place in Vilamoura is the Cross International Almond Blossom , International Competition Show Jumping and PokerStars Poker Season Solverde, some major events for Portugal. The entrepreneur founder of Vilamoura was Cupertino de Miranda. Andrew Jordan was manager between 2000 and 2004. In 1996 the Portuguese Atlantic Bank sold to entrepreneurs and Andrew Jordan Branco Vasco most of the capital of Lusotur, owner of Vilamoura. Later in 2000, was acquired the entire share capital of that society. These entrepreneurs have ensured the management of the enterprise between 1996 and January 2005, by a board composed of: Andrew Jordan – President, Vasco Branco – vice president, Carlos Rocha – managing director, Luis Correia da Silva and Gilberto Jordan – Administrators. In 2005 the company was sold to Spanish group Prasa. Vilamoura is 26km north-west of Faro in southern Portugal, at the airport in Faro you can easily hire a car, taxi or get public transport to Vilamoura.
Here you can view a map of the Algarve, zoom in to view Vilamoura: Algarve Map.
Gerrards Cross Buckinghamshire
Often referred to as one of Britain’s richest towns, Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire is within London’s commuter belt, and is a popular area with the rich and famous, having the dearest postcode outside of London. Located near to the small town of Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross has a resident population of just over 7,000 so is just a small town. The town itself does not have a great deal of history, being relatively new, but the nearby Bulstrode Camp, is the site of an ancient Iron Age hillfort, so there were settlements here thousands of years ago. Before 1859, Gerrads Cross was just a small village within the Chalfont St Peter parish, and developed as a town after this date. Nearby Beaconsfield is actually much more interesting so if you are n the area, be sure to pop along and have a look at this charming little town. Slightly further afield is Maidenhead, a town on the River Thames, also worth a visit if you have the time.
2011/03/28
2011/03/27
Newmarket Suffolk
Located between Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket is within the county of Suffolk. The name “Newmarket” is of course synonymous with the sport of horse racing and it is the headquarters of both the National Stud and the Jockey Club, as well as having one of the most famous racecourses in the world. Newmarket held its first recorded horse race in the year 1619, and it has been a centre for horse racing ever since. The town of Newmarket itself used to have a charming Georgian feel, though much of this has now faded, with the old being replaced with new. The nearby Devil’s Dyke is a 7 miles long ancient earthwork, this is actually in Cambridgeshire, not Suffolk. The 1000 guineas and the 2000 guineas are the first 2 major races of the flat racing season, in 2011 they are scheduled for the 1st and 2nd May at Newmarket, if the weather holds this should be an excellent weekend for racing.
2011/03/26
Sa Coma Majorca
Situated between the Majorca resorts of Cala Millor and Porto Cristo on the islands east coast, Sa Coma is also just a short drive from the town of Son Servera. Boasting a beautiful white, sandy beach, Sa Coma is one of the most popular of the east coast resorts, and as one would expect, has lots of restaurants, cafes and bars for the entertainment of visitors. Golfers will not be disappointed with a trip to Sa Coma, as there are four excellent courses within a half hour drive or the resort. Horse fans can also visit the local ranch, where horse riding and other sports are catered for. The beach is lapped by clear, warm Mediterranean waters, and is very safe for children, this is of course the place where most visitors head, especially when the weather is sunny and warm. Various water sports are also catered for and scuba diving is a popular pastime along this part of the coast. Sa Coma is situated close to Cala Millor, and is around 70km from Majorca airport.
2011/03/25
Cabo Roig Holidays
Cabo Roig Spain
Thinking of holidaying in Spain this year? And looking for somewhere a little different to visit? Then why not head along to Cabo Roig, one of the lesser known Costa Blanca resorts, which could be just the sort of place you are looking for if you like sandy beaches, warm sea waters, sunny weather and plenty of evening entertainment. Well Cabo Roig itself has two excellent sandy beaches, Cala Caleta and Cala Capitan, both have beach bars, for drinks, snacks and ice creams, Cala Capitan is the easiest to get to and the biggest, with a unique shallow bay, ideal for children, and a deeper, rougher section for the adults to swim. The weather is normally gorgeous between the months of May and October, so book any time within this period, and you will be sure of some sun. For bars, shops, cafes and restaurants, you need look no further than the well known Cabo Roig strip, where there are a wide variety to suit all tastes, foods of all nationalities, and bars which represent England, Ireland, Spain and Australia, among others. One of the most popular bars and one where there is entertainment throughout the summer is the Bushwacka, which also offers value food and cheap drinks nights. So for the perfect Spanish holiday, book your holiday in Cabo Roig this year, you will not be disappointed.
2011/03/23
Costa Teguise Lanzarote
A purpose built holiday resort on the island of Lanzarote, Costa Teguise is situated on the south coast of the island just three miles from the capital Arrecife. One of the finest of Lanzarote’s resorts, Costa Teguise has 5 fine beaches, good facilities and an 18 hole golf course. Of the beaches, the main one is Playa de las Cucharas, this super beach is sandy and crescent shaped, and is lapped by the clear, warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The most popular beach for families is Bastian Beach, while the more exposed Famara beach benefits from perfect weather conditions for surfers and windsurfers. The remaining two beaches are smaller and called Playa Ensenada and Playa Jabillo. If the kids get bored with the beach you can always take them to the local water park or maybe to Rancho Texas, further down the coast at Puerto del Carmen. A good base for touring the rest of Lanzarote, Costa Teguise is perfectly located, just 12 miles from the airport. Costa Teguise enjoys a typical Lanzarote climate, with sunny weather right through the year, making it a popular all year round resort. With lots of hotels and plenty of self-catering apartments and villas, there is no shortage of accommodation in the resort.
2011/03/22
Cala Blanca Map
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Cala Blanca Map: Above you can view and use this interactive map of Cala Blanca, a pretty coastal resort in the west of Menorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands. The various navigation buttons allow you to pan, zoom in or out, and view this Cala Blanca map in terrain and satellite patterns.
Cala Blanca Menorca
A laid-back resort on the west coast of Menorca, Cala Blanca surrounds a small, attractive cove and beautiful sandy beach, peppered with shady pine trees. The lovely sandy beach is composed of fine golden sand and is lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, wonderful for bathing and water sports, with several bars and restaurants for lunch time and evening drinks and entertainment, looking out over the bay. Cala Blanca has a pedestrianised shopping centre, with souvenir shops, cafes and mini-market. The resort is beside a couple of other pretty areas such as Cala Santandria, almost connected to Cala Blanca, a short drive away is the ancient town and port of Ciutadella, the second largest town in Menorca (also called Minorca) with its pretty harbour, interesting history and traditional architecture. Ideal for toruing the western areas of Menorca, Cala Blanca will prove to be a good base for your holiday on the island, hire a car and get yourself out and about, especially when the weather is not suitable for the beach.
Perranporth St Piran Play
One of Cornwall’s most popular annual events is the St Piran Play, which is held every year in Perranporth on the north coast of the county. The town gets its name from this famous Saint, who is credited with the accidental invention of tin smelting, when silver liquid poured from a black stone, thrown on a fire. Now recognised as the patron Saint of Cornwall, St Piran arrived in Perranporth from Ireland during the sixth century, the local St Piran Beach, was of course, where he supposedly landed. Well worth a visit if you are in the Perranporth area during March, the St Piran Festival and the St Piran Play attract hundreds of visitors to the town. The play takes place annually on the Friday closest to 5th March.