Wednesday, December 15, 2010

VISIT PLAYA DEL INGLES

On your next holiday visit Spain

Once you feel you can’t handle daily problems anymore and routine takes over your life, you must necessarily go on a holiday. As every vacation must also be a relaxing time, you should visit Spain! This Iberian country has magnificent places to visit, the historical monuments will lead you to a different world and fun is guaranteed. Aside from the fact that Spain’s beaches are amazing; add the fabulous islands and the beautiful landscapes on the coasts, and this holiday will be your best holiday!

Why Playa Del Ingles?

Some of the most famous islands in Spain are the Canary Islands. The wonderful beaches and the clear sands will transform your vacation into a heavenly one; Playa Del Ingles is the most popular place here. It is a very crowded holiday resort, especially during the summer season. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the magnificent attractions that can be found here:  there are plenty of bars, pubs and stalls that can offer you ice cream, beer, tapas and other snacks. Moreover, tourists love this part of the Canary Islands because it is very populated by young people. The nightlife here is dominated by the dance clubs; feel the Spanish music in your feet, drink a cocktail and party next to the Spanish people all night long.

Where to stay while in Playa Del Ingles?

With the passing of time, numerous hotels, villas and motels have appeared in this resort. It is necessary to book places months in advance, as it is a much visited holiday destination. The prices are for all budgets. On one hand, if you choose to stay in a very exclusive resort, you’ll pay a fortune for your holiday; on the other hand, if you choose a villa, or a more common hotel, you’ll save money for the other attractions of the beach. The landowners transformed the area into a very nice one: there are plenty of beautiful gardens, rare trees and large parks, where you can walk and feel the wind on your skin.

Be careful with the sun

If you choose this for your next holiday destination, then you should know that the sun shines stronger here, as we are very close to the hot African continent. Be sure that you always have water with you, wear a cap and use sun screen in order to avoid problems.

To rent a holiday villa on the Costa Blanca just browse location vacances espagne, location maison vacances and location vacances piscine of Club Villamar and here you can also read my Articles Alen Becker and read my Blogs Alen Becker.

Historical Valencia is worth a visit anytime

If you have tasted juicy sweet oranges from Valencia, you have already enjoyed a part of Valencia in Spain. This region is world renown for its delicious and juicy oranges grown in plentiful groves along its vast land. Valencia is a 2,000 year old city in Spain that boasts of years of Moorish culture through many such structures and monuments.

History preserved

There are excellently preserved Moorish baths called ‘Abd-al-Malik Baths’ which the locals call Baños del Almirante. It simply means Admiral's Baths. Further Moorish culture can be observed at broken walls that surround Valencia Kingdom from 12th century that runs along Salinas Street.

This city has plenty of history and culture to offer from its magnificent Gothic architecture such as the renowned Metropolitan Cathedral which was built in 1262, and the city’s famous 14th century Gothic belfry that is octagonal in shape. This historical bell tower is nicknamed Little Michael and stands high as the city’s landmark. There are 207 steps to conquer before being rewarded with a stunning city view.

The amazing historical Valencia Cathedral stands majestically in the old section of the city which houses the SEU museum; it is the oldest cathedral in this city that houses the Holy Grail more reverently referred to as the Holy Chalice of Valencia. Another exciting historical building is the church tower of Santa Catalina also placed in the historical part of this city which stands as the city’s landmark. La Longa is another must-see historical site which was once busy with silk trading.

Festivals

Festivals abound in Valencia today with the March Fallas which goes on for a full week. This is a very popular festival enjoyed by all people as large papier-mâché shapes are used in bonfires with fireworks lighting the sky at night. The air is fouled with gunpowder from all the firework festivity. This festival was originally set up to dispose of accumulated carpentry trash but today, creative pieces of sculptures are formed so they can be set ablaze.

Other festivals celebrated in Valencia are religiously slanted as in the celebration of the Christian Re-Conquest, where mock fights are displayed to enact the battles between Christians and Moors.

Attractions

Valencia is a very exciting city with many attractions to lure any visitor. One such popular attraction is the Arts and Sciences center with the city’s astounding Aquarium nearby. This Aquarium proves to be Europe’s biggest aquarium and marine attraction.

A stunning complex by Felix Candela houses these attractions together with a planetarium, the city’s science museum, beautiful gardens and the city’s own grand opera building.

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Monday, December 13, 2010

VISIT THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

Spain, an interesting country

One of the most beautiful places to visit is definitely the southern part of the European continent; out of all the countries in Europe, Spain is the one which can be proud of having the best panoramas and most beautiful vacation resorts. Furthermore, there are also some much visited coasts and islands that tourists love. The Canary Isles are one of the most popular vacation islands in the world. This archipelago is famous for its night clubs, lovely beaches and crowded shops.

Playa de las Americas

This place in the Canary Islands is very appropriate for younger people. There are many bars and pubs where you can have a lot of fun and spend some memorable time with your friends. The nightlife here is very busy and you have the impression that it is a place which doesn’t sleep. In the surroundings of this magnificent resort, there are many hotels which offer you everything you need to have the best holiday: good services, amazing landscapes, spas, swimming pools and many other attractions. Once you are here, don’t miss the water park. It is one of the best water parks in Spain; you’ll have a lot of fun and the prices are not too high. Don’t forget to take pictures, as those are all we have from a great vacation.

The attractions of Playa de las Americas

It is clear: the Canary Isles and Playa de las Americas are places for the new generation. However, if you travel with your family or you just need a relaxing holiday more than a very busy one, this is also a good place to do that. If you are in Spain and you also want to visit this part of the Canary Isles, then you should inform yourself before booking the tickets. You will learn many things about these places and will avoid unpleasant moments. For example, while travelling here, you should know that there are also hotels or villas for those who need peace and quiet; if you choose the wrong place your vacation will be a mess. As long as you choose a place perfect for your needs, then your Spanish holiday will be the best one you’ve ever had! As for eating and drinking in this place, you must know that tradition makes its presence known here: restaurants where you can taste the Spanish dishes and bars that serve tapas will definitely be something you’ll love.

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SPENDING YOUR HOLIDAY IN COSTA CALMA

Costa Calma- a beautiful place

Costa Calma is one of the numerous beautiful places in Spain, a resort very popular among tourists. The fact that it is situated very close to Fuerteventura airport, just 80 kilometres away, makes it very accessible for tourists from all over the world. Most of the tourists are young couples or families with children who choose Costa Calma because it is a very relaxing place, having a lot of attractions for all tastes. The main attraction in Costa Calma is represented by the beaches which have wonderfully delicate sand. They are so numerous that they usually don’t get crowded, even if it is the peak summer. Costa Calma does not have a lot of tourism history in its past, as it was only 1977 when the first hotel opened in this resort. Almost a decade later a new road was being given use from Puerto Del Rosario, making the resort easier to access. Canada del Rio is the centre around which the beautiful resort of Costa Calma was built. There was a lot of attention given in transforming the resort from a conglomerate of bricks and this is why Costa Calma is a place full of green spaces, a place where you can really relax and enjoy your holiday.

Wandering in Costa Calma

As you have read before, the main attraction in Costa Calma is represented by the beach, which is situated around a bay. The name of the resort comes from the fact that the water here is very calm all the time, which makes it such a popular destination among tourists who have children. If you want to have some part of the action while on holiday, you can leave the calm beach of Costa Calma for a day and choose the Sotavento Beach; this is a place where the wind blows perfectly for windsurfing. This beach belongs to Morro Jable, which is very close to Costa Calma. Some go there just to admire the beautiful view of the volcano which stands guard over the beach. Of course if you are in a Spanish resort, shopping is necessary; the shopping centres at your disposal have interesting products, many of which are traditional. The night life is not very active here, but there are a few bars and pubs where you can spend some pleasant hours. So choose Costa Calma, as it will definitely offer you a very nice holiday.

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SURF WITH THE WINDS AT TARIFA

The quiet little village of Tarifa is spacious as it spans over Moorish walls. But in the mid-1980s, this quiet village rose for the wrong reasons – an abnormally high rate of suicide encouraged by the strong winds blowing around the town and its surrounding.

But it has turned into a highly preferred holiday resort which caused it to prosper and bloom as it became the best windsurfing spot in Europe. Windsurfing equipment is easily available for rent and sale in the sports shops along the town’s main street with many windsurfing competitions the whole year round. Hence, the town is developing quickly but it is still a pleasant place to visit or try windsurfing here.

Historical discoveries

There are many amazing historical sites that are worth exploring if you are not keen on windsurfing. The 15th century San Mateo church boasts a unique Baroque architectural front but a Gothic interior which opens daily for visitors’ viewing.  The Castillo de Guzman represents the struggle of many battles for getting a foothold on Spain by its enemies. Tarifa’s renowned commander, Guzmán el Bueno, brilliantly defended the town during the 1292 Moorish siege, although with much tragedy and drama.

New attraction

Tarifa’s new and popular attraction is the spotting of whales and dolphins at the Strait of Gibraltar. Daily excursions are available from the town harbor. The price may be quite high but it offers another free trip if no sighting is made during the first trip. Advanced bookings are required from Whale Watch or FIRMM, which are non-profit organizations.

The tourist information centre or turismo is located at Paseo la Alameda central; it offers maps and other information on the town such as accommodation, which are plentiful in Tarifa except in the summer when huge crowds come in from everywhere for windsurfing.

Other attractions

Basic amenities are available in this quaint developing town such as bus station and supermarket. There are a lot of campsites for the young and the adventurous instead of hotel accommodation. Many visitors take advantage of the mountainous areas by exploring them on mountain bikes or horse rides. One can occupy the time with visits to the local ganaderías which are breeding ranches or get a real bull fight experience at one of the town’s famous toros bravos.

Gastronomy

There are plenty of restaurants and hotels which serve excellent cuisine in this town; some are more affordable than others. There are plenty of bars and bistros for those who would love a pint or two. The place is filled with plenty of windsurfers' hang-out spots at which locals love to gather and enjoy some tapas. You can also find some bars which provide internet facility to stay connected with the rest of the world over a pint of beer.

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Magnificent Madrid

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. The question is do you wish to be a dull Jack or do you want to break free from your routine life and visit a magnificent city that is rich with glorious history, splendid architecture and museums with a splendid collection of art and artefacts? If your idea of the ideal vacation is to stroll through a picturesque city, then Madrid is the place for you. From amazing architecture, astonishing collection of art to a daredevil sport like bull fighting, you name it, this city has it all.

If you want to take a few steps back in time and go back to the 15th century (you do not need a time machine), then Puerta del Sol, also known as the Gate of the Sun is the place to visit. It is one of the gates of the city wall that surrounded the city back in the 15th century. Oriented to the east, the gate is decorated with a rising sun. Puerta del Sol used to be the busiest place back in time and it still is.

Walk a few blocks and you will reach the Plaza Mayor, a gigantic plaza built during the Hapsburg era. Three story residential buildings surround the rectangular shaped 129 by 94 meter plaza. One interesting feature of these building is the 273 balconies, all facing the plaza. Since its creation this has been a prime location for various festivals -- bull fights, coronation of kings and queens and even executions.

When in Madrid, you have to stroll the Parque del Buen Retiro. The most stunning feature of this park is a statue named El Angel Caído. What makes this statue different from the other statues is that it is dedicated to Satan.

There is no way you can come to Madrid and not visit the Prado museum. Every day a large number of people come to this highly-acclaimed museum. The art collection is one of the largest in the world. Works of famous artists such as Goya, Bartolomé Bermejo, Alonzo Cano, El Greco can be seen here.

All in all, Madrid is a dream city where you can have a dream vacation. This is something you would not want to miss, would you? Then it is time to pack your bags and grab your passport. This is one trip you will never forget, that is for sure.

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Magnificent Golf Courses in Spain

Why Spain?

Of all the European countries, Spain seems to be one of the most admired. Having beautiful landscapes, historical places, modern buildings and large parks, Spain is visited annually by millions of tourists. Famous also for its islands and coasts, Spain is the country where the sun shines beautifully. Costa Blanca is a lovely place where you can enjoy a sunbath and swim in the clear water.

Golf courses in Costa Blanca

Beside the beautiful panoramas and crowded bars, Costa Blanca is famous for its beautiful Golf Courses. Popular among all Europe, Las Ramblas Golf Course is one of the most visited places in all of Spain. The course here is very well equipped; the staff is very nice and will explain to you everything you would like to know about golf, Costa Blanca or even Spain. It is very crowded especially in spring and autumn when the weather is more favourable to play such a game. The environment is also nice and unique. A great variety of trees are planted around the golf course; these trees surround the little parks and the relaxing places that were furnished. As in all, on such golf courses, you can miss a ball or break a cross; don’t worry, because at Las Ramblas Golf Course you are never alone, as there are numerous people always there to help you. Whether you have problems with the balls, or you just need some information, they are there for you. From the many houses, villas or hotels that have been built around this course you can admire the amazing panoramas. On one hand, if you travel with your friends, the fun is guaranteed and you will spend the best holiday ever; on the other hand, if you travel with your children and with your family, don’t worry. At Las Ramblas Golf Course, there are special places for them, where they can play with other kids and will never get bored.

Don’t forget to refresh yourself

If you are a golf lover, then you should know that it is better to go and play it in spring and autumn. However, if you take your holiday during the hot summer, then you are kindly advised to be careful with the sun. Drink as much liquid as you can in order to avoid dehydration; water is the most advisable one, according to what doctors say.

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Friday, December 10, 2010

The night life of Ibiza

I think it is safe to say that Ibiza is world renowned for its amazing and busy night life, even though it offers other great experiences as well. The island of Ibiza is one of the most visited by tourists. It can be found in Spain, part of the Balearic Islands group. It attracts the largest number of young visitors as well.

The majority of tourists usually visit Ibiza between June and Octomber. During this period, Ibiza’s night life is the busiest of the whole year. This is a great time to visit, if you consider going there. Spend your time and money on the amazing pubs, cafes, discos, restaurants, bars and all the other services that you find open beacause this is the best time of the year to do it.

Before actually palnning your vacation to Ibiza you should learn that during the month of August (when the number of tourists tends to be the highest) the prices tend to go a bit high. It may also be quite difficult to reserve a hotel room, due to the fact that there will not be any available. It is important that before you arrive you actually get a room, so you are sure you have a place to stay. It may be also wise to visit when the island is a little less crowded.

Ibiza features a number of traveling methods available for its tourists. You will always find a large number of taxis available, as well as a good number of buses. Traveling from one location to another will not be very difficult. If you do not want to travel via taxi or bus, then you should consider finding a car rental service. There are plenty in Ibiza. Be sure to rent one before actually ariving there though, even moreso if you are visiting during the month of August.

You can find other activities as well, if the busy night life is not for you. Ibiza offers services that are suited for all ages and types of visitors. You can, for example, go to the beach and spend some time relaxing in the sun. The beaches of Ibiza are some of the most beautiful in the world, not just in Spain. The beaches feature nice services for tourists, such as surfing, bathing, diving and, of course, swimming. If you want to do something more dynamic, why not try golf, karts or even biking?

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Amazing Zaragoza

Zaragoza or Saragossa is Aragon’s capital that lies 250 kilometers away form Madrid and Barcelona; the former at its south west and the latter at Spain’s southeast coast.

Overview

Zaragoza has everything modern with a high population; its appeal is its natural environment which tourism did not mangle. Many tend to bypass this quaint site thinking that it is just another side stop when traveling by train to and from Barcelona and Madrid, but the more adventurous who make this side stop are always pleasantly surprised with their find.

There are so many eateries which offer authentic Spanish cuisine for those on the look out for great gastronomical offerings. They will not be disappointed with the Aragon cooking here.

Historical attractions

Besides food, the old town offers impressive historical architectural sites such as the castle of Aljaferia which is the most impressive Moorish edifice that one can find outside Andalucia, a site that supposedly housed a Roman Forum, a theatre in honor of Caesar Augusta and the magnificent Virgin Mary Basilica which is world famous.

An ancient 14th century Cathedral, the La Seo, is a magnificent sight for all visitors while none should miss the famous Tapestry Museum. You will be delighted with the manors and palaces around the city.

Museums are an important part of Zaragoza with the Fine Arts Museum taking top place. It houses beautiful paintings from Aragonese artists such as El Greco, Goya and Ribera. Then the Museum of Camon Aznar boasts of paintings from renowned artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Renoir, Goya, Sorolla and Manet, making this place a haven for art lovers.

International affair

Zaragona plays host to an international expo that happens for 6 months from June 14th to September 14th but only every 5 years. Each expo held has a different theme on a general issue.

There are usually many magnificent pavilions, interesting shows and numerous attractions that you can spend weeks there; no wonder the expo stays for 6 months. It is a definite stop for any visitor to Zaragoza for the expo that is of such high standards. Even the locals and all of Spain would try to make it whenever the expo is on.

It was in 1851 when the very first international expo was held in London. It was such a success that similar expos followed and were held in different parts of the world which saw the birth of Eiffel Tower in 1889. These expos drew in the crowds in huge numbers which saw the formation of the BIE or Bureau of International Expositions in 1928 to oversee the planning of such expos.

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RELAXING AT FASCINATING TOLEDO

Toledo is considered one of the greatest cities in Spain which offers a breathtaking set up. Any fan of El Greco will definitely make a visit to Toledo. Though the city lies in an abrasive and desolated landscape, its position on the solid rocky mound that has Rio Tajo’s gorges on 3 sides makes it a very impressive sight to behold.

Day and night views

There are so many different architectural structures in Toledo in the form of churches, mosques, synagogues and houses at any available spot with cobbled pathways linking the best they can around the town.

With so much to see, it is best to have at least an overnight stay at Toledo as a day trip will prove to be quite rushed to take in all the sights here. At night, the crowds lessen and floodlights light up the city to its highest beauty, just like an El Greco moonlit painting. Toledo is truly transformed at night, giving a totally different view and place.

The City

It is easy to find your way around the city although the street labels and layout can be pretty confusing. But if you have the time to wander around slowly, you will feel the route as well as the place when you take in the sights. The city’s charms include the El Grecos, Alcazar, cathedrals and synagogues but there are more to discover than what are listed on the visitor’s guide. A lot of Mudéjar workmanship.

There are many festivals and elaborate celebrations which Toledo hosts; one of which is most renowned Corpus Christi festival that sees street processions and merry making in all colors with much music.

Toledo has an old and new section as is common with any Spanish city. The old quarter is near the Tajo while the new is just beyond the bridges.

Transportation

There are as many as 9 trains every day with a fewer number during the weekends that travels to and from Madrid and Toledo. The 1919 mock-Mudejar train station at Toledo requires 20 minutes to walk to town. Buses are available every half hour from Estación Sur with the bus terminus in modern lower Toledo.

Driving may not be a good option in Toledo unless you plan to move from city to city; please note that parking is difficult with only one 24-hour parking lot that is pretty expensive at Paseo del Miradero. Unless your hotel provides parking facilities, it is recommended to park outside the town walls at Paseo de Merchán. Do not simply park in town as there are frequent tow-away services by the local authority.

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Costa de la Luz, Andalusia

The coast of light, also called the Costa de la Luz, is an amazing city palced on the western coast line of Andalusia. It represents a great tourist location, featuring attractive and wonderful beaches that offer quite a lot of services to its visitors. The majority of tourists that visit the beach of Costa de la Luz practice wind surfing. This activity is very suited in this part of the world thanks to the wind off the Atlantic Ocean. Basically, it is the ideal place to practice this sport.

The coast line of Costa de la Luz is split into two important areas. The first one is the Costa de la Luz from the Cadiz Province and the other one is Costa de la Luz from Huelva Province. The first area, Costa de la Luz from the Cadiz Province, stretches between the River Guadalquivir and the Mediterranean Sea, while the second area, Costa de la Luz from Huelva Province, stretches between the Parque Donada area and the River Guadalquivir, near the border with Portugal.

One of the most interesting and attractive places to visit in Costa de la Luz is the Facinas Road, also called the Calle Facinas. The Facinas road is an old road, built by the Romans. It passes through the Natural Park of the Alcornocales, also called the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, an amazing and impressive park that offers breathtaking views to its visitors. It is the ideal place to visit and relax; just go there and forget about all your worries. This road also features some interesting Roman ruins, perfect for the history enthusiast and for the peace seeker.

If you are more of a beach person then Costa de la Luz is the place for you. The beach features numerous small beach areas in wich you can spend your time just as you wish. One of the more amazing places is the Bolonia Beach, or Playa de Bolonia. The Playa de Bolonia offers its visitor the nice, high quality, white sand and clear water. It is an amazing beach, a place where the tourist can enjoy quality time swimming, bathing and looking at the wonderful landscape.

While you are in the Costa de la Luz, you could also go to the Jimena International Music Festival. This is a music festival that is organised once a year, in July. It features spectators and musicians from around the world, thus offering a wide range of musical styles.

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Cadiz, Spain

Places of interest in Cadiz

Cadiz is viewed as a tourist paradise, and for a good reason. Most of what Cadiz offers is either of high cultural or historic interest. From the cruise port or the railway station, you can conveniently visit amazing places like the New Cathedral (or the Cadiz Cathedral). It is named the New Cathedral so that tourists can tell it apart from the other Cathedral (named the Santa Cruz Church, or the Old Cathedral).

Be sure to spend enough time to fully view all the wonderful sightings that the Pionite Tower has to offer. You can easily reach the top by going up a wide ramp. Take note that if you want to visit the Cathedral’s Museum and interior you will have to pay an extra fee.

Close to the New Cathedral you will find the Roman Theatre. It was excavated after it was discovered in 1980. You will also find the Roman Archeological Site, as well as the Phoenecian. Another well known sight in Cadiz is Tavira Tower, set as a reminder of the one hundred and sixty towers that once watched for any arriving ship at the port. You can reach the tower’s top by climbing. There you will find the Camera Obscura from which you will be able to see one of the best views in the city.

Some other interesting sights of the old center are the Admiral’s House (17th century), also named the Casa de Almirante (it can also be viewed from the outdoors), the Courts Museum (featuring an impressive city model of Cadiz from the 18th century), the Plaza de San Antonio (it was the main city square in 1800), as well as the Museum of Cadiz. If you don’t like large crowds or if you want to shop you can also visit the central market (Mercado Central).

You will surely notice the walls and castles that defend the city, such as the Castillo de Santa Catarina, an amazing place that is open to tourists. It offers some amazing sights of the Caleta seashore. Another amazing castle open for tourists is the Castillo de San Sebastian. It can be found at the Caleta seashore, near the end. Entering the fortress is forbidden at the moment, but you can walk around the castle and witness its splendors. It offers an amazing fortress view, another view of the seaside and of the rocks.

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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

VISITING TORRELIMOS

Spain, an amazing country

Spain is a country with a very well developed tourism industry. There are thousands of places in Spain perfect for your holiday, whether you are an active person or one who prefers peace and tranquillity. Torrelimos is one of these destinations; situated in the south of Spain, the resorts enjoy wonderful weather all year long. It first came to the attention of tourists in the 1950s, when important stars of the moment, like Frank Sinatra and John Lennon decided to visit the place. Since then, the authorities have continuously invested in the resort, transforming it into a very welcoming place.

Attractions for everybody

Torrelimos ranks very highly in the attractions area. The shopping centre is very popular, but the preferred place for tourists is El Bajondilo. Tourists find in El Bajondilo numerous craft stalls and restaurants serving delicious traditional dishes, so this is a very animated area. Some very nice stairs lead you to the beaches and the long promenade, which is packed with restaurants serving only fish dishes. Torrelimos also has other important attractions: for those who travel with their children, the Crocodile Park is a very popular place. The park is renowned for hosting the biggest crocodile in Europe; the crocodile is called Big Daddy, measuring 4.5 metres long and weighing 500 kilos. The park has a lot of entertainment zones for kids: they can, for example, touch the baby crocodiles or have a tour in the petting zoo, among different types of animals. You should also dedicate one of the days of your holiday to the Aqualand Park, which has some of the biggest and nicest rides in Europe. For those who are young and choose Torrelimos just for partying, the nightlife is very generous: the El Palladium dance club assures fun for the entire night with several bars, dance floors and swimming pool, for the most daring ones. If you want to party in the traditional way, go to the Pepe Lopez Taberna; you’ll have the chance to dance on flamenco notes. Torrelimos even has special places for gays: several bars receive this sector of the population, arranging everything necessary for their entertainment.

Fiestas

Torrelimos, like any other traditional town in Spain, hosts several fiestas throughout the year. The International Tourist Day is one of them, hosted in September, while June hosts the Dia del Pescaito (The Fishing Day) in June, when everybody receives traditionally fried fish. Enjoy Torrelimos!

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THE BRIGHTEST COAST

Spain, a country worth visiting

Out of all the European countries, Spain is certainly one worth visiting. With all its attractions and its magnificent views, Spain is the country which never sleeps. Every second spent here is animated and enjoyable. The coasts and islands of Spain are also some of the most popular in world. Costa Almeria, Costa Brava, and Costa del Sol are only some of the numerous coasts; they will amaze you with their wonderful attractions. However, Costa del Sol is one of the most visited of all.

Nerja

The beautiful landscapes of Nerja will leave you breathless. The city placed in the eastern part of Costa del Sol is one of the most beautiful cities in the area and if you choose to spend your holiday here you won’t regret your choice. One of the main attractions of Nerja is certainly Balcon de Europe, the place which can be proud of containing the most picturesque landscapes in Spain. Dating back for centuries, the church El Salvador is a neighbour of this magnificent balcony. Tourists are fascinated by the amazing landscapes and the beautiful paintings displayed here, so it should be visited at least once during your stay. Once you travel here, don’t miss the caves of Nerja. The Cataclysm Hall is the one which dominates the caves and you won’t regret admiring its beauty. These caves are like an incursion to the past and the past of the Spaniards, as they hold centuries of history on their backs.

The place where fun is guaranteed

The city on the Costa del Sol is the one which houses many fiestas; visiting it, you will also learn more about the Spanish culture and customs. In January, the San Anton party takes place; dances, tapas and a lot of beer await for you here. Later, on in May, you can join the locals for the party of San Isidro. People are free throughout the whole period of the carnival and all the surroundings are dressed in holiday clothes. If you want to exercise your flamenco abilities then visit Nerja when it celebrates the Cueva Nerja Festival; it is a very crowded event, full of funny and animated moments. It is very easy to enjoy this town, as there are many buses that go to Nerja daily. Don’t forget to book tickets weeks ahead, especially if you plan to visit it during one of the fiestas periods.

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The beauties of Costa Blanca

Visit Spain, you won’t regret your choice

Costa Blanca is one of the most popular coasts in Spain. It attracts many tourists annually, as it offers great beaches and amazing panoramic vistas. Javea is a very nice town on Costa Blanca; it became a famous place especially for the special mountains that can be admired here, in an elephant shape. It seems that modern and high buildings did not reach this area, as in Javea you will only find old monuments and buildings.

Javea and its structure

The old Spanish town is divided into three main parts, which act as a whole: the beach part, called Playa de Arenal, the old town called Javea Pueblo and the harbour, named Javea Puerto. As is normal, the old town is the most visited part of Javea. You can admire some amazing buildings, cobbled streets and beautiful artefacts. The historical patrimony in Javea Pueblo is the church of San Bartolome, built in a Gothic style. The famous Spanish tapas can also be tasted here, as the old town is surrounded by bars and pubs which serve such snacks. If you are not convinced yet that Javea Puerto is worth visiting, then maybe the market found here will convince you: it contains many fruits, vegetables and other foods, all fresh and tasty.

Playa de Arenal and Javea Puerto

The other two parts of the town also have plenty of visitors. Javea Puerto has many exclusive restaurants and bars, where you can taste some local specialities prepared with different types of fish species. Go on a boat trip and enjoy the view of the amazing landscapes. The most popular beach in Javea is definitely Playa de Arenal. Having a lot of great facilities, it is also surrounded by specific bars and pubs. The night life here is very busy, and you’ll never get bored. There are many carnivals and Spanish fiestas that will keep awake your party mood. The resort is very crowded in the summer season, so it is better to book months ahead, in order to avoid unpleasant events.

The water sports

In Costa Blanca the turquoise waters and the white sands are worth mentioning. Once you are here, you cannot leave without enjoying at least one water sport. They are a good way of relaxing and are also good for your health. The sub aqua diving is the most popular one, so enjoy it!

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Visit Malaga, you won’t regret it

Spain, a country worth visiting

In order to spend a memorable vacation, there are some factors you should take into consideration: the place must be relaxing, it must have a seaside and beautiful landscapes and last but not least, it must have some bars and pubs where you can have a lot of fun. Spain is one of the countries where you can find all these. Add the beautiful islands and the fabulous coasts and it is sure that you’ll come back to Spain as soon as possible. Malaga is a beautiful place in southern Spain. Placed on the Costa Del Sol, it is a very popular holiday resort.

Gibralfaro Castle and Picasso Museum

Beside its great beaches and panoramas, Malaga is also the place where you can visit the Picasso Museum. The great painter was born in Malaga, so the museum is entirely dedicated to his work. Although it was opened only in 2003, the Picasso Museum is one of the most visited such museums in Europe. The Gibralfaro Castle is also worth visiting, as it has a unique architectural style and dominates the whole area with its height.

The heart of Malaga

The heart of this amazing region is dominated by the Malaga Cathedral. Although it is the most popular cathedral in Malaga, there are some other churches too: visit San Juan Bautista Church or Santiago Church; they both are built in a Baroque style and date back decades. La Alcazaba is situated very close to these Churches. One of the oldest buildings in this area, it attracts tourists with its beautiful architecture, gardens and Baroque fountains. However, if you want to admire some historical relics from different ages or see the artefacts, then take a walk to the Malaga Archaeological Museum. Here numerous works of art are housed, putting together every part of the history of this southern city. If you are a lover of plants, then you should visit the most famous garden in Malaga, La Conception Botanical Garden. It holds many unique plants.

Taste the tapas!

As in many places in Spain, Malaga is also famous for the tasty tapas that can be tasted here. The most popular bars that serve such tapas are in the old quarter of Malaga and tourists say that the ones made from fish are extremely good. However, you should try all of them and decide for yourself which the best one is! Enjoy your Spanish holiday in Malaga!

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THE BEAUTIFUL ALMERIMAR

Almeria and its wonders

Almeria, seen from the ramparts of the huge Alcazaba, looks like Northern Africa, on the background of a yellow desert and having a blend of houses with flat roofs and high blocks of flats. This is Almeria and just 24 miles, that is 40 kilometres to the west you will find the city of Almerimar. Almerimar keeps alive the spirit of Almeria: the desert background is present, but the city has been transformed into a huge resort that wanted to avoid the blending of different types of buildings. The resort is decorated with trees and flowers forming beautiful gardens in order to attract tourists who are sick of the desert-like aspect of this part of the country; Almerimar looks like an oasis situated in the centre of the desert, an oasis that has a few miles of nice, fine beaches, a renowned golf club with 27 holes, bars, restaurants and pubs where you can taste the traditional tapas, and a very special yacht marina, which attract many tourists every year.

What Almerimar offers

People who choose Almerimar for their holiday destination do it because they are attracted by the Almerimar Marina. The Almerimar Marina was opened just a few decades ago, or to be more exact, in 1978, and represents one of the most popular meeting points for those who love the sea and the water in the Mediterranean. If you are not yet accustomed to sailing and have never practiced it, there is no reason to worry that you will not spend a pleasant time in Almerimar; the sailing schools have special programs for novices and you can have a very interesting sailing adventure with the already experienced crew that stays at your disposal. However, sailing is not the only sport that can be practiced here: windsurfing, horse riding and golf. The Almerimar Golf Course is a very nice course arranged so as to create the impression that you are surrounded by nature.

Don’t worry, just enjoy

Almerimar is extremely well maintained; the two beaches are very clean, because the staff regularly takes care of them in order that they will be perfect. The restaurants have very tasty food and you have the opportunity to taste some of the traditional dishes, so your taste buds will be pleased.  If you get bored of water sports and sun baths, the shopping centre situated very close to Almerimar offers you the possibility to do shopping or watch a relaxing movie, so the opportunities are varied, it all depends on what you choose.

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Sunday, December 5, 2010

Zaragoza City: A Guide For Tourists

Zaragoza is the capital of the Aragon region of Spain. It is also considered to be the 5th largest city in Spain. It is situated in the northeast part of Spain, halfway between Barcelona and Madrid. Zaragoza has remained unaffected by the heavy flow of tourists in other parts of Spain but that may soon change with the launch of the newly built railway system that connects it to Madrid. The city has over 40,000 students that add to its vibrant character. The city of Zaragoza is the site of several ancient Moorish palaces as well as a few old churches. Zaragoza also has a good selection of outdoor cafes, tapas bars and restaurants.

History of Zaragoza

Two thousand years ago, Zaragoza was discovered by the Romans. Zaragoza was named after the Roman emperor Augustus. In the 11th century, the city was placed under the reign of the kings of Beni Hud. El Cid, a famous character in the history of Zaragoza was considered to be a Christian hero but the truth is he was a mercenary hired by the Muslim Beni Huds. The city of Zaragoza is also known for its resistance against the Napoleonic army invasion in the 19th century.

Plaza del Pilar

The Plaza del Pilar is the location of some of the most beautiful places to see in Zaragoza. Just within the vicinity of the plaza are the Cathedral La Seo, El Pilar and La Lonja.

Basilica del Pilar

Basilica del Pilar is located in the middle of the Plaza del Pilar and the Ebro River. It was built in veneration of the Virgin of the Apostle whose apparition appeared before Saint James in 40 AD. It was nearly destroyed during the Civil War after a few undetonated bombs were dropped right on the Basilica. The Basilica has a big magnificent dome in the middle that is surrounded by ten small domes. Each one of the ten small domes has a tower on each of their four corners. Inside the Basilica are intricate carvings and elaborate frescoes. The central dome houses a collection of paintings by the famous artist Goya who was born in a tiny village near Zaragoza.

La Seo Cathedral

The La Seo Cathedral has a Gothic design and was built right where the mosque used to be. The cathedral is now a museum and has a huge collection of oil paintings, rich tapestries and fine statues. Just a short distance from the La Seo is the La Liona, a magnificent architectural work of art created from tons of tiny bricks. The inside of the La Liona is filled with beautiful stone decorations.

Aljaferia Palace

In the 11th century, the Aljaferia Palace was built in the western part of Zaragoza City. It is an old Moorish palace complete with a mosque and a main courtyard. It has undergone quite a few renovations throughout the years but the intricate ceiling with images of Ferdinand and Isabella has been preserved.

Puente de Piedra

Puente de Piedra overlooks the entire Zaragoza City as well as the Ebro River. It was built in 1813 and has a unique combination of Italian, Basque and French design influences.

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Tourist Information For Toledo, Spain

Toledo, the capital of Castilla y La Mancha, is situated 40 miles off the southeast portion of Madrid, Spain. This wonderful city is rich in a great artist’s works as well as tourist destinations. El Greco, the world-renowned painter of the 16th century, considered Toledo as his home when he arrived from Crete.

History of Toledo

In the 5th century the Visigoths made Toledo their capital but in the 6th century the Moors invaded the city and ousted the Visigoths. In 1085, King Alfonso VI of Spain conquered the city and ushered in the golden era of Toledo which lasted until the time King Philip I transferred his court back to Madrid in 1561. After the end of its golden era, the economy of Toledo experienced a downfall. Up until today, the great historical buildings of Toledo remain in great condition.

Toledo Cathedral

The magnificent Toledo Cathedral is one of the attractions in the city. The construction of this great cathedral started in 1227 and was finally completed in 1493. It is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in Spain. It is home to a great collection of masterpieces by great artists like Goya, El Greco and Velazquez.

San Tome Church

The San Tome Church in Toledo is visited by hundreds of tourists each year to have a look at the gigantic artistic masterpiece, El Entierro de Orgaz created by El Greco. The El Greco masterpiece depicts the burial scene of the Count of Orgaz by Saint Augustine and Saint Stephen. A bigger collection of El Greco’s oil paintings can be found at the Casa y Museo del Greco in the old Jewish part of Toledo. Being a famous artist of the city, his works together with those of Goya and Ribero can also be found in an old 16th century hospice turned into a museum.

Alcazar Castle

The Alcazar castle is hard to miss in Toledo because of its gigantic size. This castle was almost completely destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. The Nationalist forces commanded by Jose Moscardo used the castle as a fort while the Republicans besieged them for almost 10 weeks. The castle has been brought back to its former glory and is now a military museum with artifacts from the historical siege that almost destroyed the castle.

Jewish Sector

The Jewish community of Toledo was quite large in the middle ages and because of that the city has two very old synagogues, the Santa Maria La Blanca and the El Transito. The Santa Maria La Blanca was built in the 12th century but it was turned into a Christian church after the Jews were ousted from Toledo in 1492. The El Transito was built in the 14th century by Samuel Levi.

Transportation

Travelling by plane to and from Toledo is not a problem because it has an airport near Madrid, the Barajas Airport. The train system of Toledo is also very reliable. There are also plenty of buses traveling in and out of the city. For assistance, tourists can head to the local tourism office in Puerta de Bisagra which is open 7 days a week.

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Spend a magnificent day in a safari park

A country with lots of beautiful places

Spain is a European country that has many attractions; the safari park in Alicante is just one of the most modern ones. Rio Safari Park is situated a few miles from Santa Pola and the road is very accessible for everyone. Here you can find various restaurants, swimming pools, some play areas and camel rides. Fun is guaranteed and it is impossible to get bored.

Organizational stuff

While in Alicante, it would be better to be careful with the sun as it shines strongly in this area. In order to protect your face and body, wear a cap and use a lot of sun cream with a high degree of protection against the harmful sun. Your clothes are also very important; try to dress yourself appropriately for the temperatures. It may be a long day, so you need to be as fresh as possible.

Close to the animals

This safari park has plenty of visitors annually. The park gives you the freedom to do many things; for example, you can take pictures of the animals and actually feed them. Fill your pockets with peanuts and carrots and the animals will come to you for food. When you visit this park which is very close to Elche, you can admire a huge number of animals of various species. Besides the most common ones such as rabbits, bears, wolves, foxes and lions, you can also see llamas, elephants, camels, tigers, jaguars and different species of monkeys. Parrots are also to be found here and they seem to be the main attraction of the park as most of the tourists take pictures of them, feed them and also talk to them. To all these add some species of reptiles, crocodiles and fish and be sure that your day will become amazing and unique at the same time. The animals are taken care of in the best way possible; they all seem to enjoy the partial freedom here. They are always in the mood for playing and running, so you have the impression that you are right next to them in the jungle. Do not miss the safari train as it leads you to every corner of the park; it is cheap, so do not worry about the cost.

Alicante and its Rio Safari Park will give you a memorable day. After finishing your little trip, go and have a good meal at Mac Donald’s in Santa Pola and talk about the nicest moments of the day that has just finished.

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Golf Courses in Spain

Why golf?

Sport has always been a good way of relaxing and spending a lovely time with friends or family. Golf is one of the most practiced sports in the entire world. Although it is said that golf has always been the main attraction for business men, it can be played by anyone.

Where can you play it?

There are many places where you can practice it, places that are famous all over the world. The most popular ones are the resorts in Ireland and in the USA but there are some nice ones in France and Spain too. While travelling in Spain, you should know that there are few such places, especially in the coastal areas. Las Ramblas Golf Course, Villamartin Golf Course and Campoamor Golf Course are the well known golf courses in Costa Blanca, Spain. The most special one is Campoamor Golf Courses. It follows the Spanish Golf courses model, the one with very large spaces and very green grass enclosed by fields of lemon and orange trees. It is said that the golf course here is a very well equipped one; the land is in a perfect functioning state, so you can spend some lovely moments here.

Welcoming places and people

The hotel inside this golf club is also very nice: the rooms are large and have a beautiful panorama; if you are lucky to visit the club on a very sunny day, you can admire the Little Sea, called Mar Menor by the locals. The staff of the golf club is very welcoming; people are nice and will treat you in the best way possible.

Spring and autumn, the favourite seasons for golf

If you decide to spend a part of your holiday here, pay attention to one thing: book tickets and hotel weeks ahead as in the autumn and spring seasons the place is very crowded. However, if you wish to have a more quite vacation, visit it in the other two seasons or choose one of the other two golf courses. If you choose summer, then choose appropriate clothes as the climate here is very hot; some protective sun cream and a cap can also be useful while in Costa Blanca. Do not forget about some fresh drinks, a lot of ice-cream or some very cold beers and you will feel amazing; enjoy your vacation here and come back whenever you feel like hitting a golf ball.

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AN AMAZING HOLIDAY IN MAGALUF

Mallorca and Its Attractions

The multiple faces of Mallorca are not a mystery anymore for millions of tourists. If you choose Mallorca as your holiday destination, you can direct your attention either to the Rocky Mountains that govern the island or to the small bays with crystal water and beaches with fine, white sand. You can also direct your attention to the numerous caves that patiently wait to be discovered or to the animated towns; one of these beautiful towns is definitely Magaluf. Magaluf is renowned as being the Capital of Parties and Clubbing in Mallorca, so it attracts many young tourists from all over the world. The clubs, the bars, the pubs, the amusement parks all form an unbeatable group of attractions making Magaluf a very popular destination. Among the clubs, BMC is the most popular; occupying three floors, the club is a very important attraction due to the fact that each floor has a different topic: the first floor is dedicated to mad parties; the second one is very popular among older people, while the third floor is a very modern one, offering laser shows every night. Boomerang or Bananas are other important clubs in Magaluf, while the Aqualand Magaluf is the most popular amusement park.

Other things to do while in Magaluf

The world of fantasy seems to have found its place in Magaluf. A lot of attractions are ready to entertain you and your loved ones here, such as the Pirates’ Adventure Show. This show was started in the 1980s and is set on a very realistic galleon. You and your children can enjoy a very pleasant and amusing show, containing different scenes such as a pirate dinner. When you are finished with the show, visit the House of Katmandu, a Tibetan mansion, built upside down. Your children will love it, as it is a world of fantasy that will impress them. Get yourself prepared, as they won’t want to leave the house after you have finished touring it. For the holiday to be perfect, enjoy a few days at the beach. Some say that the beaches in Magaluf are the best in Mallorca. The beaches are over a mile long and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, craft shops and hotels along the esplanade that accompanies them. Magaluf is also a very good place to practice water sports such as diving, sailing, or windsurfin. You will have a wonderful holiday here, as the entertainment opportunities are so varied.

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