The Northern Costa Blanca Spain

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A holiday in the northern Costa Blanca is set within a greener and more rugged landscape than the south which is relatively flat and dry. The climate here is mild throughout the year with an average of 320 days sunshine each year, perfect for spending time lazing on the many Blue Flag beaches dotted along this coastline.

Apartment from Benidorm the area is not so commercialised as the south and though there are areas of construction, as in most of Spain, you can still find unspoilt Spanish villages and ports. Inland from the seaside resort of Denia and Javea, most popular with vacationers, you will find the Jalon Valley, a rural area of natural beauty and noted for its vineyards and wine. Further to the north the vineyards make way to citrus groves. The hills of the northern Costa Blanca are predominently covered in pine trees, which along with the citrus trees gives a distinctive Mediterranean fragence.

Benidorm has come a long way from its days as the being a bucket and spade resort, and is now much more upmarket. It still has 2 beaches giving 4 miles of soft sand, perfect for family holidays and the best nightlife on the Costa Blanca, though the resort has so much more to offer with its delightful Old Town and the theme park of Terra Mitica.

To the north of Benidorm is the white washed village of Altea set on the coast infront of an impressive backdrop of hills, the Sierra de Bernia. Altea is largely untouched by mass tourism and so still retains its old Spanish feel. Altea is famous for the church of Virgin de Consuelo with its blue dome, a symbol of this region. The beach here is 6km long, broken down into smaller bathing area by cliffs. A long promenade runs along the beach. A holiday rentals in Altea offers a more peaceful location, yet close to the resort of Benidorm for day trips.

Calpe is dominated by the towering Penon de Ifach, a vertically sided rock that protrudes from the Mediterranean over the town. The town, once an ancient fishing village is now one of the most popular resorts in the northern Costa Blanca with its quaint Valencian charm and beautiful sandy beaches. The town still has its fishing port, where you can watch the daily catch, though next door a stunning marina houses dream yachts.

A glimpse of Calpes past can be viewed from the old town walls beside the Moorish quarter, used to defend the town against the pirate attacks. Calpes Romain heritage can be seen at the remains of the Roman villa next to the Paseo Maritimo, and more at the towns Musem of Archeology. Self catering Calpe comes in many forms from frontline beach apartments on Calpes beaches to luxury villas overlooking Calpe and the Penon de Ifach.

Between Calpe and Moraira is the small village of Benissa withs it not to be missed Cathedral of the Marina Alta.

The small town of Moraira is set on the Mediterranean with a backdrop of hills, rising upwards towards the Jalon Valley. About 1 hour from the airport at Alicante, Moraira’s climate averages 18 degrees over the year with an impressive 325 day average of sunshine.

The town maintain its fishing port history which can still be seen at the interesting fish auction from Tuesday to Sunday on the harbour side, many of the fishes caught ending up on a plate in one of the excellent restaurants and bars around the modern marina and port.

Moraira has 8km of shoreline to choose from, many of the beaches designated Blue Flag. Many of the Moraira holiday rentals are luxury villas with private pool set in the hills with outstanding vistas over this region.

Javea is set in an area of outstanding beauty. The town has an historic past and the old town is beautiful to behold with its traditional buildings with their small balonies looking out towards the main Javea beach of Playa del Arenal with its long stretch of sand. Bars and restaurants can be found alongside the Avenida del Mediterraneo alongside the Javea harbor area. Many of the Javea accommodation rentals on the site have spectacular views from the hills overlooking the town of Javea and its beaches.

Denia is much more a family resort, a quiet town based around a fishing port, where the daily catch is unloaded and sold at the town market. Voted as the 3rd most healthiest place to live, Denia climate, like most of the towns in this region is mild yet with long sunshine hours and an average yearly temperature of 19 degrees. This climate is ideal for the oranges and lemon groves around the area, as well as an ideal climate for holiday makers.

Much of Denia’s history can be seen at the Castle, dating back to Roman times and open to the public, the castle is also the museum of archaeology. Inland from Denia is the golf resort of La Sella, where we also advertise many properties, perfect for the golfer amongst you. With over 20km of shoreline to relax on, a holiday villa Denia is a perfect place to stay for families looking for a quieter location.

The Northern Costa Blanca Spain

Discover the Costa Blanca in Spain

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The city of Torrevieja in Spain is located about half way between Alicante and Cartagena. It belongs to the in the Providence of Alicante. The name Torrevieja means old town in English. It offers plenty to do for everyone, singles, couples and families with small children.

The weather in Torrevieja is hot in the summer and mild in the winter. The beautiful summer weather makes this area one of the most popular summer vacation spots in the Costa Blanca area. The city is a popular destination for British, German and Scandinavian tourists as well as visitors from other areas of Spain.

Travelling to the spanish Costa Blanca

Alicante airport is the closest for travelling to Torrevieja. The airport has several large and small carriers that offer a variety of flight options, both within Spain and internationally. Prices for tickets vary according to the season. A few discount airlines fly into this airport, offering great deals on flights.

Once you arrive at the airport, you have several options for travelling to the city. Buses run on fairly regular schedules. Taxis are available to the city. If you prefer not to use public transportation or want the freedom to travel throughout the area, you may want to consider a car rental. Car hire companies are plentiful and most will pick you up at the airport.

Things to do around the area

This area of Spain is known for salt production. There are two huge salt lakes around Torrevieja. These lakes produce about a half a million tons of salt per year. Salt, fishing and tourism are the major industries in the area. The Museum of Sea and Salt offers a look at the history of the major industries in the area.

The natural salt production in the area has other benefits for visitors. The Natural Park of the Lagoons of the Mata offers salt baths. These are relaxing and have health benefits as well. The baths are great for illnesses, such as arthritis and various skin conditions. The park also has plentiful fauna and a variety of exotic birds.

Torrevieja has one of the largest open air markets in Spain. This market is located near the bus station. It offers fresh fruits and vegetables every Friday. There is also a craft market, which may be of interest. The craft market is located close to the harbour. Vendors offer jewellery, carvings and leather goods.

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy playing in Torrevieja. There are many golf courses in the area, such as the Torrevieja Golf Club. Green fees range from thirty five to eighty Euros. The price you will pay depends upon the course you play and the time of year.

Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the city. An international music festival is held in the city every year, in late July to early August. The Habanera Festival features choral groups from all over. Music is common in clubs, bars and restaurants.

There are many choices for fun, if you are travelling with children. The Aquopolis Water Park offers rapids, a wave pool, slides, a swimming pool and baby pool for fun in the water. There are water activities for all ages, from infants through adults. The park also has mini golf and restaurants. You can enjoy lunch in the restaurant or bring along a picnic lunch.

Indiana Bills is a soft play park. This park is geared for children under the age of twelve. This is an indoor, air conditioned play area. The kids will have fun climbing, jumping, sliding and crawling. Since it is located indoors, this park is a good choice in bad weather or any season.

Discover the Costa Blanca in Spain

Congratulations Valencia Spain

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For many years, Valencia Spain has been struggling to be recognized as the third most important city after Madrid, its capital and Barcelona. It has long been notorious for its Valencia Fallas Festival but now, after having been chosen for the Americas Cup host city and having opened its latest building in the impressive City of the Arts and Sciences, Valencia is becoming well-known world-wide.

Sail along with Valencia Spain

On November 26th, 2003, Valencia was proclaimed the official welcoming city for the upcoming Americas Cup 2007. The Swiss team Alinghi, the winner of the Americas Cup 2003, had the chance to choose the headquarters for the following competition because Switzerland was obviously at a loss without a sea or ocean and Valencia among others was a good option. The main priority was that the host city had to have excellent weather conditions not forgetting all the other services that would go along with size event. The weather in Valencia is quite warm in summer with mild winters and a nice long coast line with great sports ports in many of the neighbouring cities like Denia, Javea and Alicante. So, on January 23rd, 2003 the ACM ( Americas Cup Management ), the only organization responsible for this event, published its document Terms of Challenge and on January 27th, 2003 it opened its door for inscription.

For the first time in 152 years, this encounter will be one lasting four years with various races, each one being called An Act, leading up to the climax race of Louis Vuitton Cup in 2007. The points that each team get in Act 1 being celebrated in Marseilles will count towards the lining up for the main race. This is the first time that these teams are going to use this format in this particular event. There is going to be an interesting mixture of fleet racing ( group of sailboats) and match-race ( one on one) to produce an exciting visual show, guaranteeing good entertainment.

Marseilles to Start Valencia to Continue

On September 5th, 2004, Act One of the Americas Cup started, exactly from pier J4, where large TV screens were set up so that the interested public could actively participate in this fantastic happening. The reason why Marseille was chosen was because it had a lot of places from where the race could be watched first hand. The new concept that the organizers want to push is the idea of getting the public as close to the competitors as possible so that every feels the warmth and emotion. In Act One there were only five teams signed up: The defender Alinghi, and the challengers BMW Oracle Racing, Le Defi from France, K-Challenge and the South African Shosoloza. Act Two and Three were held at home in Valencia which let the teams get familiar with their new landscape and weather conditions such as the wind and waters of the Valencian coast. After Act Three was finalized in October, there was a champion for 2004 with the accumulation of the points from the three acts.

When the inscription date expired on April 29th, 2005 there were a total of eleven challenging teams signed up; BMW Oracle from U.S.A., +39 Challenge, Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team and Luna Rossa all from Italy, Team Shosholoza from South Africa, Emirates Team from New Zealand, K-Challenge from France, Victory Challenge from Sweden, United Internet Team Germany from Germany, China Team from China and last but not least the Desafio Espanol from Spain. Now, after Nine Louis Vuitton Acts, it is time to slow the engines a little and get some strength back. We will see the beginning of three new Acts in May 2006 ( website: www.valencia-information.com/spain/americas-cup.html ).

Valencia, the Most Lively City

Thanks to all its innovative tourist attractions, and with the up coming Americas Cup, Valencia airport is busier than ever with new flight expansion plans for easier travel to and from this bubbling city. Some of the best hotels like the Silken Puerta Valencia, built right near the port area or the Posadas de Espana in the industrial and Fairgrounds area will make your stay quite pleasurable when in Valencia Spain.

Congratulations Valencia Spain

Are Looking to Buy a Property or Home in the Costa Brava Region of Spain

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Are looking to buy a property or home in the Costa Brava region of Spain? There are many types of properties available including villas, apartments, townhouses, farmhouses, waterfront villas, fincas and apartments, both new and old, throughout the region and the timing could not be better.

The Costa Brava was the first of the Spanish “bucket and spade” resorts that started off the major UK fascination with Spanish holidays, however this surge in popularity was accompanied by a surge in high rise building to accommodate the tourists resulting in a severely blighted landscape with hardly an inch of coastline left unspoiled in the major tourism areas – this actually led to revised building regulations in Spain which makes it impossible to happen again anywhere on Spains coastlines.

Over the last few years the local government in this region have been toiling hard to return the area to the naturally rugged “wild coast” of Spain and have made major headway in revamping this resort area into a once again beautiful Spanish holiday destination (this used to be the area that the Spaniards used for vacations!)

Due to the overdeveloped reputation the property prices in the Costa Brava have not risen as high as some of the other regions and therefore now is the time for prudent investors to be thinking about buying (or holidaying) in this area.

Bear in mind however the rock bottom prices that were available in Spain are long gone, prices in the Costa Brava region are cheaper but they are not bargain basement!

The main coastal areas of the Costa Brava are Roses, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Pineda, Santa Susana, Calella, Malgrat and Blanes. Each offers a unique experience on Spains “wild coast” along with great deals on homes within walking distance of secluded and charming beaches.

How to get there;

Barcelona International Airport (BCN) is located just south-west of the Costa Brava in the municipality of El Prat de Llobregat.

Girona International Airport (GRO) is the Costa Brava’s resident airport, & is located some 40 km from the coast & 12 km from Girona itself.

There are many property companies offering discounted inspection trips to the Costa Brava to check out there estate listings, this can be a very cheap way to experience the beauty of the region. Offers available are in the range of 50-100 per person for a 3-5 day trip including hotels and flights!

Are Looking to Buy a Property or Home in the Costa Brava Region of Spain

A Visit to the Main Resorts of Valenica and Catalonia Spain - Barcelona

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Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, and covers a large expanse of the Catalonian coastline. The city is built around its port, which is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, though many would believe that it is built around its football club FC Barcelona (Barca) which is a major player in both the Spanish football league as well as the international.

Much more than just the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona with its international airport is a “major league player” on the world stage, having hosted the 1888 World Fair and more recently, the 1992 Olympic games.

The city can be dated back to a Roman settlement in the 2nd century BC, and has been occupied by differing Mediterranean tribes over the centuries each leaving their own identity on the area. The old town is the best place to see this within the many architectural designs and facades that adorn the buildings. Barcelonas most famous street is Las Ramblas, a busy street 24 hours a day, though more so at the weekends and during the evenings. Market stalls, souvenir sellers, street traders, musicians and street acts keep you entertained as you stroll along the tree shaded walkway or drink cafe americano from the many cafes lining the street.

The Barri Gotic, Gothic Quarter is home of the cathedral and royal palace and the oldest part of the city. The Sagrada Familia is a work of art by Antoni Gaudi, it is the citys most bizarre building and was built when the city was in a period of modernist revival.

Valencia

Situated in the middle of the Costa del Azahar, which runs down Spains eastern coastline, Valencia, the city where El Cid, a famous Spaniard and folk hero who battled the might of the Moorish armies, is one of the most vibrant cities in Spain. Renowned for its nightlife and outdoor living, the city is bathed in a micro-climate, which explains both the party atmosphere and the garden plantations of oranges that surround the city and the local area. Valencia has both an International Airport and also a busy port. You can catch a ferry to the Balearic Islands from here.

Built by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Valencia again, as with most Spanish cities, has a wealth of history and Moorish influence that is still evident today in some of the buildings that mingle together with more modern and modernistic designs. The city centre is dominated by the cathedral, originally built in 1262. The towers of the cathedral offer fine views over the city. Valencia has a modern tramway system which also connects the beaches to the east with their lively promenade full of bars and eateries.

Gandia

The small city of Gandia, is on the southern edge of the Costa del Azahar. Valencia is the closest major city to the north by about 1 hour and it is here that you will find the international airport that serves this region. Once an important cultural town, formally run by the Duke of Gandia, the city is now more of a tourist destination, though the region is still important commercially for the orange industry, which is evident from the millions of orange groves that surround the regions and the fragrant aroma they exude.

A Visit to the Main Resorts of Valenica and Catalonia Spain - Barcelona

Overview of Spain for Travelers

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A land of romance and exotic tastes, Spain is a place to be taken in with great gulps. If you are planning a trip, here is an overview of the country.

Overview of Spain for Travelers

The official name of the country is the Kingdom of Spain. It covers an area of approximately 194,000 square miles. This includes both the mainland and the Balearic and Canary Islands. This total square mileage makes Spain one of the bigger countries in Europe, approximately the size of the combined states of Arizona and Utah.

The capital of Spain is Madrid, home to roughly 5.5 million residents. Other major cities include Barcelona with 4.9 people, Malaga with 1.3 million, Seville with 1.8 million and Valencia with just over 2 million residents. The terrain of Spain varies from flat to mountainous. Temperatures range from cool in the winter to baking hot in the summer, particularly in cities such as Madrid, which do not have access to costal breezes.

Until 1975, Spain was a functional dictatorship ruled by General Francisco Franco. Following his death in 1975, the Prince Juan Carlos de Borbon y Borbon was named King and Chief of State. He subsequently moved to liberalize the country and assigned an independent head of state that is now an elected official.

Spain has been in a near constant state of civil war for much of the last 100 years. Basque factions seek independence from the rule of the King and federal government. This has manifested itself in the form of bombings and such. Barcelona is considered a Basque city, which makes for a major rivalry between the city and Madrid. If you have an opportunity to attend a soccer game between the two, do so! Violence is rare, but the insults are definitely unique.

The people of Spain are known as Spaniards or Spanish. The total population is just over 44 million and growing at one percent a year. Ethnic breakdowns are geographically oriented, but include Basques, Catalans and Galicians. The religious tendency of the country is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic.

The official language of Spain is Spanish. That being said, Catalan-Valenciana, Galician, and Basque languages form a prevalent minority. Education is compulsory through age 16 and literacy rates are in the 98 percent range.

Spain is a unique country. Whereas much of Europe seems to be in a rush to mesh cultures, Spain stands uniquely apart.

Overview of Spain for Travelers

A Visit to Ronda Malaga and Nerja Spain

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Malaga is the capital city of the Costa del Sol, it is also one of the provinces of Andalusia, a port city and also the location for the international airport which is the largest airport in Spain.

The population of Malaga and the surrounding area is estimated at over 1,000,000 and this number swells in the summer with the influx of visitors. Malaga is surrounded by mountains and there are two rivers, the Guadalhorce and the Guadalmedina which flow past the city into the Mediterranean.

Malaga has a wealth of history going back over 3,000 years. It was founded by the Phoenicians and named Malaka, meaning salt, probably because of the fish which was salted by the harbour. In the 8th century it was inhabited by the Moors and became an important trading city. In more recent times, tourism has naturally boosted the economy.

Malaga is a very popular tourist destination, made more so in recent years, because of the number of cheap charter flights which now operate in and out of the international airport. But it is also from here that people can reach a large part of Andalucia and may choose to stay in the famous white villages or the historic cities of Sevilla or Granada.

There is plenty to do and see in Malaga the Arabic Fortress, the Gibralfaro Castle from where there is a beautiful view over the city, the harbour which is one of the most important in Spain and various museums, cathedrals and churches as well as, of course, the bullring and it can also be known as the birthplace of the actor, Antonio Banderas!

Nerja

Nerja is found at the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, approximately 50 km from Malaga, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Granada and the infamous Alhambra Palace and from there just another half an hour to reach the skiing regions of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Nerja is steeped in history and is well known for the primitive paintings in the Nerja Caves, which were discovered in the late 1950s and which have now become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain. The caves are also home to the worlds longest stalactite. Nerja is also famous for the Balcon de Europa, the balcony of Europe. A wonderful promenade which sits between two small coves on the edge of a towering cliff which was once the sight of a great Moorish castle. It offers magnificent views across the Mediterranean as well as numerous bars and cafes where one can sit sipping refreshments while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Nerja has some lovely beaches which are mostly rocky coves with sharp sand and there are some good restaurants along the beaches which specialise in local fish dishes. The old town of Nerja has small, narrow streets which are busy in the summer and the weekly market is held on a Tuesday.

Nerja is also becoming a popular destination for walkers exploring the mountainous areas of the Sierra Almijar and the Sierra Tejeda.

Nerja has a wide range of good hotels as well as many private apartments and villas to choose from where you can enjoy your holiday and the surrounding area.

Ronda

Ronda is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Andalucia and is part of the province of Malaga. Ronda can be found approximately 50 kilometres from the coastal town of San Pedro de Alcantara along a very winding road through the mountains, the Serrania de Ronda and it is 113km from Malaga. Ronda has a population of approximately 35,000 people and it is 739m above sea level. The average year round temperature is 15C and has around 2700 hours of sunshine per year.

There is lots to do and see in Ronda. It is famous for having the oldest bullring in Spain and together with the New Bridge, the Puente Nuevo, these are two of the symbols of Ronda. The New Bridge is, in fact, over 200 years old and took more than 40 year to complete. The masonry stones were brought up from the depths of the Tajo gorge. The Bullring, The Plaza de Toros, is recognized as one of the oldest in Spain and one of the most monumental in design. It took 6 years to build and opened in 1785. The City Museum and the Bullfighting Museum are also very popular sights to visit. The Sierra de las Nieves natural park is within the province and has the most important forest of Spanish firs.

The fair and festival of Pedro Romero is usally held at the beginning of September and is a good time of year for tourists to visit.

Ronda is a wonderful place to visit, but an even better place to stay. There are many lovely villas, apartments or townhouses available to rent or maybe choose to stay in one of the picturesque surrounding villages such as Montejaque or Gaucin.

A Visit to Ronda Malaga and Nerja Spain