Valencia

Valencia seems to be one of Spain’s best-kept secrets.  Most people when visiting Spain think of Madrid or Barcelona, or perhaps the southern destinations of Seville and Malaga.  A city break in Valencia has just as much to offer, with an all-year bright climate, lovely beaches and an enjoyable atmosphere.  Valencia’s wonderful Old Town is a place of fun, charm and character.

Valencia Aiport is six miles from the city centre, and is well served by both train and the subway.  Taxis are also always on hand to transport you to the hub of the city.  You can also start your Valencia city break by train, with the rail network having direct links to both Madrid and Barcelona, or by bus, with the main bus station being a fifteen minute walk from the centre.

The Old Town is where you’ll probably spend the most time during your Valencia city break.  It consists of a labyrinth of charming little streets and picturesque town squares decorated by honey-coloured buildings, bright fountains and rows of orange trees.

In the evening the El Carmen area is the place to be seen with its trendy cafés and bars that bounce into life once the sun has set and thrive with music and character.

By day Valencia is a sight-seeing delight, with centuries of preserved architecture such as the Seu cathedral and the Gothic Silk Exchange.

Take your Valencia city break in March and you may be lucky enough to witness the Fallas Festivity where huge papier maché are first constructed, displayed for a week or so and then burnt as the festival closes.  The final day is literary a full day of fireworks, from dawn until the early hours of the following morning.

The City of Arts and Sciences is an artificial park which is well worth a visit during your Valencia city break.

It is home to a laserium and planetarium, an IMAX cinema and one of the largest aquariums in Europe.  The Science Museum itself is entertaining and impressive and one of many within Valencia, along with others dedicated to art, natural science and ceramics.

You cannot consider a Valencia city break unless you are considering a visit to one of the city’s pristine, sandy Mediterranean beaches.  The main beaches in the city are called Las Arenas, La Malvarossa, Playa del Alboraya, Pinedo and El Saler.  Each beach is safe and well equipped and is lined with excellent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

If Valencia likes to relax by the day, then the city certainly likes to party at night.  Like most of Spain, the night-life during your Valencia city break doesn’t really get going until midnight, but when it awakens, it is soon vibrant and pounding with sound.  Less packed than Madrid or Barcelona, Valencia gives you the chance to merge with the friendly locals and experience some authentic Spanish partying.  The beaches at Malvarros and Las Arenas are particularly recommended for sights and sounds by the sea.

For a Spanish break that doesn’t have the thronging crowds and tourist-traps of Madrid and Barcelona, choose a city break in Valencia.  You’ll be sight-seeing in the morning, relaxing at a beach-side café by afternoon then getting down and groovy from midnight until the early hours.  Book your Valencia city break now for an exhilarating taste of Spain.

St Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city behind Moscow, has a population approaching 5 million, and sits at the eastern tip of the Baltic Sea and the Neva River.  A city break to St Petersburg will see you soon admiring one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet, a city bursting with ancient treasures and stunning buildings.

The city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, and rose in standing as the home of the tsars and the focus of imperial Russian culture.  It was rechristened Petrograd during the First World War, then Leningrad in 1924 in honour of the founder of the Soviet Union, Vladmir Lenin.  After suffering severe bombing during the Second World War, the seat of the Union moved to Moscow.  In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, this wondrous place regained its original name.

Flying into Pulkovo Airport is the best way to start your St Petersburg city break.  This is a thoroughly modern airport with excellent facilities located thirteen miles or so south of the city.  You can get to St Petersburg itself via bus or taxi.  St Petersburg is also a major hub of the Russian rail network, so travelling into the city by train is also an option, although your journey time is likely to be long.

The city is one further place that likes to proclaim itself the ‘Venice of the North’, and you should consider a boat trip along the city’s many rivers and canals whilst on your St Petersburg city break.

Wrap up well, though, as it can get very, very chilly.  It’s also a chance to explore the city’s majestic areas complete with broad avenues, well-kept gardens and picturesque squares.  Make sure you take a walk down the three miles of the Nevsky Prospekt, a beautiful avenue lined with shops, cafés, hotels and restaurants.

The best sites to view during your St Petersburg city break include the fabulous Winter Palace, which is the city’s premier attraction.  One of the world’s greatest museums, this expansive palace houses a staggering three million works of art, including pieces by Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Leonardo.

The Peter and Paul Fortress is free to enter but you will need to purchase a ticket to enter the church within, where all the Tsars from the Romanov era are buried.

The Admiralty building at the north end of the Nevsky Prospekt is also worth a perusal, although it is not open to visitors, so you’ll have to be content with an external view.

June and July are the best times of year to take a city break to St Petersburg.  Due to the city’s northern latitude the sun barely sets during this period, something you very rarely experience anywhere else.  This is the high season for culture, with concerts for ballet, opera and classical music being held daily.  Whilst Autumn and Spring are crisp, if you can take the cold, winter in St Petersburg is another unique experience, with its frozen canals and the city blanketed with snow.

A city break in St Petersburg is really the best way to get a taster of the modern Russia with its more bearable climate than that of frozen Moscow.  Book a St Petersburg city break for a truly unforgettable – if chilly – experience.

Taking a city break in Naples is a wonderful chance to see and experience Italy at its ancient best.  This sun-soaked city is drenched in history and is famed for its huge number of medieval churches and impressive castles.  You can couple this with a more modern way of living in the lively centre of Naples, at the Piazza del Plebiscito, the heart of the old town.  You can also visit many museums dedicated to art and Italy’s history, as well at completing your sight-seeing and taking a shopping break at Galleria Umberto.

Naples is served by an international airport, known locally as Capodichino.  Your Naples city break will start, if you fly into the country, with a trip via the Alibus into the heart of the city.  You may also take a taxi, but make sure you take an authorized one from the designated taxi rank.  If you are approached by a driver directly they are probably unauthorized and will cost a great amount more.  As Naples is on the Italian coast, you might consider visiting the city as part of an extended European cruise, and the ferry terminal is well served.

Naples is one of the major homes of fine Italian cuisine and your city break in Naples will no doubt see you sampling some of the exquisite treats the city has to offer.

The city claims the pizza was originally created here and you must sample an authentic Italian pizza whilst in Naples; just hunt for a Pizzeria that is obviously not aimed at tourists.  Most Neapolitan dishes are based on tomatoes, garlic and olive oil.  You’ll be amazed at the variety created from these three basic ingredients.

A city break in Naples is an excuse for a spot of wine-tasting, as Naples is famous for its strong and powerful vintages.  Visit the Mastroberardino vineyard for some excellent examples, such as the whites Lacryma Christi and Greco di Tufo, and the potent red Taurasi.

The city was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, so preserving all the important nuggets of history you’ll discover during your Naples city break.

Colonists from Cumae originally formed the city on Megarides, a small island, and you can visit the Castel dell’Ovo which stands there as a reminder.  In the city centre there is the Santa Maria del Carmine church which is over 900 years old.  You are literally spoilt for choice whilst sight-seeing as there seems to be a memorable monument around every corner.

For a unique experience during your Naples city break make sure you visit the network of tunnels and catacombs that lie some 30 metres below ground level.  These where originally reservoirs dug out during Greco-Roman times.  During the Second World War this underground network saw use as an air raid shelter.

Naples is within 40 minutes by train of Pompeii, home to Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe.  You Naples city break could take in a trip to the smouldering mountain; you can even hike to the top if you are feeling energetic enough.

A city break in Naples will see you experience a distinct flavour of Italy that remains reasonably untouched by the modern world.  Book your Naples city break today for sunshine, pizza, fine wines and a touch of ancient Italian history.

Madrid is Spain’s capital and largest city and of all the cities in Spain it certainly has the most character.  Your city break to Madrid will offer you an intense yet thoroughly enjoyable experience of the Spanish lifestyle.  The city never seems to go to sleep, and possesses a charming and unique flavour of liveliness and exhilaration.  The city is famed for its art, excellent dining and spine-tingling nightlife.

Madrid Barajas International Airport is around nine miles from the city centre.  Getting into the city to start your Madrid city break is exceptionally simple.  There is a 24-hour express bus service, plus commuter trains and the metro run from the airport at regular intervals, usually between six in the morning and midnight.  There is also a night shuttle and the habitual taxi rank.

Spain’s capital really is a working city as you’ll discover on your Madrid city break.  Part of the joy of visiting Madrid is just seeing how the city naturally lives and breathes with its little rituals.

Just live briefly like the locals – enjoy a coffee in the picturesque Plaza Mayor square, talk a walk in the Retiro park or a stroll along the Paseo del Prado.  Visit the old streets close to the Plaza Santa Ana for tapas or relax in one of the many cafe bars in Madrid de los Austrias.

A city break in Madrid is a very popular choice for art-lovers, as the Madrid museums are home to some of the most sumptuous art collections in the whole of Europe.  The three main galleries to visit are the Prado and Thyssen museums and the Reina Sofia Arts Centre.  The Prado is the largest and houses astonishing works by the likes of Velasquez, El Greco and Hieronymus Bosch.  The Thyssen has more varied works and a broader appeal whilst the Reina Sofia is more contemporary.  All three galleries can be easily visited in one day by foot.

A city break to Madrid is the perfect excuse to shop, and the city is home to both international chains and small, family-owned businesses.  Make sure you check out the covered markets right in the centre of the city.  If you are in Madrid on a Sunday take a trip to the La Latina area for the morning Rastro Street market; you can recover afterwards at one of the atmospheric daytime bars.

The central area of the city is almost choked with excellent cafes, bars and restaurants, as you’ll find out during your Madrid city break.  Just take a quick stroll around the area and you’ll swiftly find something ideally suited to your tastes.  Remember that Spaniards like to take the day at a relaxed pace, rising late and not going to bed until the early hours.  Expect lunch to still be on-going around three in the afternoon, and some restaurants not starting to serve dinner until ten.

As the city never seems to sleep, you’ll learn during your Madrid city break that the place really comes alive at night.  The central streets explode with sights and sounds, and it’s usually best to just jam yourself in there and go with the flow.  The Spanish are a friendly people who like to party and have a good time.  You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to lively bars and live music.

A city break to Madrid is an exhilarating prospect as you imagine yourself submerged in the enjoyable way people from Spain choose to live.  Book your Madrid city break now for a chance to experience a culture quite unlike that of anywhere else on the planet.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is built on a series of hills that are all connected by a network of lifts and trams.  A city break to Lisbon will see you experience an exciting and vibrant modern city with fun and frolics coupled with a thoughtful history and the ideal all-year climate.  Within Lisbon is the upper city known as Barrio Alto with its maze of cobbled thoroughfares, impressive mansions and preserved chapels.  Belem, the riverfront area includes some of the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Belem Tower and the St Jerymos Monastery.  The whole city comes alive at night with colourful cafe bars, restaurants and energetic nightspots.

You’ll probably start your Lisbon city break by flying into the Aeroporto da Portela, which is Portugal’s biggest airport and is located between Loures and Lisbon. From the airport it is best to take the Aerobus or Metro into the city centre. Try to avoid taking a taxi; sadly Lisbon taxi drivers have a very poor reputation.  If they identify you as a tourist they will take you on a long and winding route into the centre and charge you significantly over the odds for the privilege. If you decide to live in Portugal, you may start applying for a golden visa portugal.

The city is a very compact area and you should be able to spend most of your city break in Lisbon on foot or by using the extensive public transport system.  Amongst the highlights you might like to check out are the ornate city cathedral and St Georges Castle, as well as the palaces in Casa dos Bicos, Ajude and Belem.  Art and history lovers will need to see the Museum of Popular Art and the extensive Maritime museum.

The Portuguese take a huge amount of care and pride in their children and this is reflected by the huge amount of child-friendly activities you’ll discover during your Lisbon city break.  The city is home to a huge tropical aquarium, zoo and planetarium.  With its proximity to the sea Lisbon also has lots of sandy beaches and water-based activities such as windsurfing, sailing and beach sports.  The Portuguese are also golf-lovers, so if you take your clubs along you can enjoy eighteen holes on one of Lisbon’s twelve champion-standard courses.

When you dine out during your Lisbon city break you’ll be amazed by the expanse of unique dishes the city is famous for.  The Portuguese love their seafood and other wholesome foods such as chicken, pork and beans.  They are very inventive when it comes to cooking and love exotic flavourings such as chilli, cinnamon and vanilla.  For a more energetic evening head up to Bairro Alto for dancing and celebrating, or the Docas district which is re-inventing itself from a place of dodgy sailors bars to one full of trendy new nightspots.

For those who like a little retail therapy make sure during your Lisbon city break you visit Baixa, the oldest shopping district in the city.  Avoid the tourist traps though where you’ll pay over-the-odds for cheap imitations.  More upmarket are the areas of Chiado and Avenida da Liberdada.

Lisbon is a perfect reflection of Portugal with its beaches, bars, museums and traditional old buildings, coupled with tasty treats to eat and the perfect Mediterranean climate.  Book a city break to Lisbon today for sun, fun and fond memories.

A Hamburg city break gives you everything you need for a brief taste of Germany.  Set on the river Elbe, Hamburg is the second largest port in Europe (only the Dutch city of Rotterdam is bigger) and the eleventh biggest worldwide.  It has a population of over five million, and is noted for its mix of Baroque, Renaissance and contemporary architecture, as well its convivial nightlife and fascinating museums and galleries.  It also boasts a canal system that gives Venice a run for its money, and is home to many wonderful parks and lakes.

To get to Hamburg, you can fly into Hamburg airport which has every amenity you would expect a modern airport to possess.  It is connected directly to the city via the S-Bahn S1 commuter train line, and trains run on average every fifteen minutes.  You can also start your city break in Hamburg  by driving to the city from anywhere in Europe.  Hamburg has numerous car parks on the outskirts of the city as you are encouraged to use public transport to make your way to the centre.

For a taste of the old city, you should start your Hamburg city break at the Speicherstadt harbour district.  Sightseeing opportunities here should see you visit the Rathaus marketplace and the magnificent Deichstrasse, the oldest remaining street in the city which dates back to the 14th century.  If you are in the city on a Sunday morning make sure you visit the Altona Fish Market, which, due to its attraction to tourists, also now sells sausages, sweets, pastries and gifts.  There is a spirited restaurant at the auction hall complete with live music.  Whilst in Speicherstadt you may also find time to check out an impressive model railway, a Russian submarine and even the ghostly Hamburg Dungeon.

You cannot complete a Hamburg city break without a cruise along the extensive network of canals and waterways that are a feature of the city.  Hamburg is known as the Venice of the North.  Cruises usually start at the harbour and take you along the canals and onto Lake Alster.  A night cruise in good weather is a very romantic way to spend an evening.

Hamburg’s infamous St Pauli area has the same reputation as some of the seedier areas of Amsterdam, but The Reeperbahn has plenty of reputable nightspots for you to wine and dance the night away.  There is a cosmopolitan mix of venues for cabaret, gambling and clubbing that erupt into life a few hours after the sun has departed the sky.  If you explore during your Hamburg city break you’ll find many sights that will both surprise and delight you.

For a greater degree of culture during your city break in Hamburg you can visit the Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of Germany’s finest art museums where you’ll view works by such famous names as Picasso, Munch, Rembrandt and Warhol.

Other attractions you may consider include the Spice Museum, the Museum of Hamburg History, the zoo and the planetarium.

Your city break to Hamburg will allow to experience the distinctly German way of life in a nutshell.  Book your Hamburg city break today and you’ll soon be taking a pleasant cruise along Hamburg’s picturesque network of canals and waterways.

Brussels is, of course, the capital of Belgium, and is considered the capital of Europe, due to it being the seat of the European Union. You might suspect this would render the city a faceless, concrete carbuncle, but Brussels is anything but.  You’ll find on your city break in Brussels that the capital has carefully maintained its medieval character.  It is also a very friendly and at times exceptionally lively city.  Brussels is full of treasures; with unique works of art, excellent cuisine and the twin Belgium notables of beer and chocolate.

There something happening in Brussels no matter what time of the year you visit.  The city is green and vibrant in Spring, golden and pleasantly subdued in Autumn and crisp and colourful in Winter, especially when the Christmas fairs commence.

Summer is definitely the best time of year to take a Brussels city break, though.  A sunny spell sees the promenade cafés erupt into life and a partying mood falls over the place.  Summer also sees most of the Belgium festival events occur, such as the Ommegang pageant in July and the Carpet of Flowers in August.  Make sure you pack your rain gear though as showers can sprout up at any time and drench the unsuspecting.

Brussels Airport marks your easiest method of getting to the Belgium capital, and it is served by most major airlines.  The Airport stands nine miles east of the city, and trains travel from the terminals to the three main rail stations frequently.  You can travel in by road or train for your Brussels city break from various places on the European mainland, or by sea to Belgium, landing at either Antwerp, Zeebrugge or Oostende then using road or rail to get to the capital.

Most of the main tourist attractions during your city break in Brussels are reachable on foot, but if you want to explore further, the city has an excellent network of metro, tram and bus services.  Driving yourself around the city is not a problem, although sometimes the volume of traffic can mean laborious journeys and difficulties in finding somewhere to park.

Probably the site you will be most eager to see during your Brussels city break will be the Mannekin Pis, the well-known cultural symbol of the city.  For those not in the know, this is a small bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain.

The statue dates back to 1619, although it had to be re-cast after being stolen by an ex-convict in 1817 and smashed up.  The little boy is often dressed up for significant events and previous costumes can be viewed at the Brussels City Museum.

Brussels staged the 1958 World Expo and a unique structure of a series of globes connected by tubes was commissioned to honour this.  This became known as Atomium; it was only meant to be a temporary showpiece but endeared itself so much to the Brussels public it remained once the fair came to an end.  Your city break to Brussels must take in a walk around inside the structure, visiting the many exhibits and the restaurant and viewing platform in the highest-most globe.

Brussels is much more than bureaucracy, beer and chocolate; book your city break to Brussels to discover all the delights this historic city has to offer.

Bruges is the largest city in West Flanders in Belgium. It is a historic city in the Flemish region and declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bruges is a canal-based city and reminds of Venice.  The port of Bruges is of economic importance and makes Bruges one of the most important commercial cities in the world.

Climate

The weather in Bruges can be compared to the weather of the United Kingdom: constantly cold and damp.  Rainfall can be expected in any season and temperatures seldom reach higher than 21° Celsius.

Attractions in Bruges

The weather is the worst aspect of Bruges.  Let us not talk about the weather then.  Let us rather talk about the charming city.

The city in own right is an attraction.  There are no words to give the necessary respect to Bruges.  Think of animation programs for children depicted in Flanders.  The almost Lego-like houses in different colours and one house fitting snugly next to the other.  That is the picture of Bruges.

Bruges has a romantic Renaissance and Baroque architecture that dates back to 1 year BC.  The buildings are historic and deserve a visit from tourist.  Here is a city that demands you to act like tourists and do tourist-like activities.  Take trips to the Town Hall, the Saint Salvator Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady, St Johns’ hospital and the Provincial Court, to name only a few.  Bruges is a city where there are no shortage of cathedrals, castles, museums and other historic buildings.

The houses and streets are historic, yet portray a delicacy unmatched by modern architecture.

Think of town squares that are the heart of the village and where the village people get together on a regular basis and celebrate many festivals.  Again you can place Bruges in that scene.  Bruges holds many festivals each year, music festival, cultural festival, food festivals and musical cultural festivals.

Modern Bruges

Bruges is one of the best developed cities, regardless of the antique origin and infrastructure. The port is the second largest in Belgium and plays an important part in trade and economics of the city.

The inhabitants of Bruges hold many sport tournaments, with cycling high on the list.  Burges is the starting point of the Ronde van Vlaanderen cycling race, one of the most important annual races in Belgium.  Cycling is so important in Bruges that motorist have to yield to cyclist.

Bruges has a large and modern football stadium and is home to two top level football teams.  Bruges was one of the eight hosts for the UEFA Football Championships.

Transportation in Bruges

Bruges has a well established transport system.  Methods of transport are cycling, cars and network of busses for public transport. Bruges has an airport, the Osten-Bruges International Airport, but it has limited passenger transport.  The best airport to use is Belgium Airport, which is about an hours’ drive by car from Bruges.

Conclusion

Bruges is a city that was preserved in ancient history and may just as well be from the pages of a fairy tale book.  It is a relaxed town and the locals are proud of the gem they have in their midst.  Beer is brewed locally and enjoyed in style by the locals.

Did I mention Bruges has a chocolate museum?

Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands in the Canary Island group in the Atlantic Ocean.  The Canary Islands is an autonomous community independent from Spain.  Santa Cruz is the capital of the island and shares the capital seat with Las Palmas for the Canary Island group.

Tenerife has two airports, Tenerife North airport and Tenerife South airport, making Tenerife the tourism and economic centre of the island groups.

Activities

Tenerife offers many tourist activities providing family fun and pleasure in the sun.  Here are a few of them.

Water parks and theme parks are very popular on this island. There is Siam Park with a Thai theme where you can bathe on Siam beach, enjoy the rides or shop at the floating market.  Restaurants are on the premises to satisfy your hunger and you can even hire a villa or a cabana for the day.

Then there is Aqualand with its fun filled rides and a great variety of entertainment for children.  The park has a dolphinarium that holds daily dolphin shows.

There are a couple of wildlife parks where a big variety of wildlife can be seen.  Between the parks you can view primates, reptiles, large cats, exotic birds and birds of prey.  At Monkey Park you have a feeding option to include in your entrance fee which allows you to feed certain animals.

Enjoy rides on quad bikes and go karts.  Tenerife has a quad bike park of 50 acres with rough terrain, ideal for quads.  Equipment is supplied and experienced guides will accompany you on trips.  Visit the Tenerife Karting club for a go kart adventure.  It has two circuits, with one for the exclusive use of children.

Treat yourself to a submarine ride with the Yellow Submarine Safari.  Passengers aboard the submarine can experience an ocean view through large windows as the submarine travels to a depth of 60 metres from the coast.

Horse riding is another popular activity.  You can sign up for guided tours through banana plantations or ride to the mountains. Riding lessons are available if you are not up to gear with horse riding.

Attractions

Tenerife offers many guided day tours to view the most popular places, but for many of these places you need more time and make a day trip to certain locations.One such place is the Orotava Valley with the La Orotava village.  The valley is fruitful with many fruit and vegetables plantations.

The village has many historical buildings and houses and worth the visit. Masca Valley has steep and narrow paths leading there and is best explored with an all terrain vehicle, but the scenery and wildlife makes the ride worth it.  Also visit the El Teide volcano for a great view at a great mountain.

Food and cuisine

With more than 600 restaurants, Tenerife caters for every taste, but the local cuisine of Tenerife is surprisingly very normal and not as exotic as one would assume.

With many fruit and vegetable plantations, there is an abundant supply, especially of potatoes, tomatoes and bananas.  Chestnut plantations provide for a big variety of chestnuts.  In October the wineries open their doors and visitors can enjoy a taste sensation of wine and complimentary nuts and cheese.

Tenerife also has plenty of beekeepers to provide the island inhabitants and visitors with delicious honeys.  Honey is used on its own, but mostly in desserts and honeyed drinks.

Fresh fish is plentiful in the form of tuna, mackerel, sardines, sea breams and cuttlefish.  The meat lovers can enjoy exquisite traditional dishes made from pork, goats’ meat or rabbit.

Conclusion

Discover the island of Tenerife and indulge all your senses on this beautiful island. Bring the whole family as here is truly something for everybody to enjoy.

Costa Blanca means “The White Coast” and it is a region consisting of many towns in Spain.  It derives its name from the 200 kilometres of white sandy beaches on the coastline of Spain.  Costa Blanca starts at the town of Dénia and ends at Pilar de la Horadada.

Costa Blanca consists of 26 towns of which Alicante, Valencia, Murcia and Benidorm are the most famous.  The area was invaded by the Moors in 711 AD who reigned until 1095 when Spain reclaimed the throne after defeating the Moors.

Climate

The climate of the Mediterranean is ideal all year round.  Temperatures in the summer rise to within 30° Celsius and in winter the weather is mild at around 20° Celsius.  Summers are hot and dry and winters are brief with a rainfall period from November to December.  Minimum temperatures in the winter hardly ever reach below 7° Celsius.
The climate is one of the main reasons that Costa Blanca is such a famous holiday destination.  Who would not enjoy to go swimming in an azure blue sea in winter time and enjoy sun filled days of activities while other winter time regions are freezing from the cold?

Beaches

The beaches of Costa Blanca are without doubt the main attraction for vacation goers.  Unspoilt and undeveloped beaches that are enveloped by the magnificent Mediterranean Sea create a paradise for sun lovers.

The beaches are also a set-off point for many water sports and activities.  Where there are marinas available at beaches, you can safely anchor a yacht or boat.  Water activities include whale watching, deep sea diving, yachting, surfing and many more.  In certain areas you can swim with dolphins.

Many of the beaches are surrounded by magnificent cliffs and are coved in by the cliffs.  In the cliffs you will find many caves to explore and experience some of the pirate history that created an era of terror for the Spaniard for many years.

History and culture

There is no shortage of cultural and historical areas in the Costa Blanca region.  With influences from Arabs, Moors and even Carthaginian Empire, it provides for a rich history.  There are many museums in all 26 towns to provide a clear overview of the history and evolution of Costa Blanca.

Fortresses, light houses and castles are evidence of an era in the middle ages where Spain was plagued by pirates from the sea and enemy armies from the land always threatening to overthrow the Spanish empire.  Some succeeded and left behind their mark as monuments and temples.

In the end though, Spain reclaimed victory and served as the ultimate rulers of Costa Blanca.

Nature

Costa Blanca is not only famous for its glorious beaches; it also offers magnificent natural landscapes and scenery.  For the adventurer there are mountains and valleys to explore.  Safari groups offer great deals to allow the tourist to experience and enjoy the best of nature that Costa Blanca has to offer.

Cuisine

Food in the Costa Blanca region is typical Spanish.  Seafood is very popular and provide for dishes such as paellas, but the Mediterranean climate is excellent for the cultivation of a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, such as bananas, grapes, potatoes and tomatoes.

No outing to a Spanish restaurant or bistro would be complete without tapas, bread and bottle of wine exclusive to the region.

Conclusion

The white coasts of Costa Blanca are a true Spanish experience.  By day you can enjoy the activities and scenery of the region, then end your day with a sun downer on a yacht with local wine and enjoy a culinary feast provided by the host town.

Costa Almeria is located in Andalusia region in Spain.  The coastal area of Almeria is more populated than the inland due to climate differences.  The inland area is more dessert-like, dry and arid.  This may be because the fact that Almeria is one of the towns in Spain that has the most sunlight and the least amount of rain may be a contributing factor.

Historical landmarks

Almeria has a very rich Arab history.  Spain had many problems with Arab pirates that came from North Africa.  Unfortunately, natural disasters destroyed many of the original building, but many of them were rebuilt. When it comes to rebuilding landmarks with intricate plumbing requirements, Graham and Sons‘ expertise is essential, ensuring the preservation and functionality of these iconic structures. For the exceptional service you expect from a plumbing company, look no further than the plumbing services in Ohio. You may also hire this plumber from Adelaide; they provide top-notch service that can help with your plumbing system.

The Castle of Alcazaba is in Almeria and is the second largest of the Arabic fortresses.  The Castillo De Santa Anna was built in the 16^th century to protect the village against pirates.  This building is one of the many that were destroyed by an earthquake in 1804.  The building was reconstructed in 1997.  The City Hall is located within this castle and the canons on the outside are the canons used in the past.

The Cathedral in Almeria was built in the mid-16^th century and was fortified on the sides to protect against pirate attacks.  An interesting fact about the Cathedral is that it was built over a mosque that was destroyed in an earthquake.

Modern activities

Not all people are interested in history and old buildings.  To them a holiday means to do fun filled activities and spend the day on adventures alone or with their families.

There are two major theme parks, one with a Texas theme and Oasys Theme Park with an old Western theme.  Here the shops and restaurants are built as if you were in a Western town with all the saloons and quaint shops.

The Nicolas Salmeron Park is a peaceful park where you can enjoy a stroll at a leisurely pace.  The nature scenery includes impressive trees and flowers and you can enjoy the fresh air brought in from the Mediterranean Sea.

Museums

Almeria has a couple of museums where you can learn more about the town, the history and the evolution of the town.  There is a museum of photography that will prove to be a real gem to photographers.

If you like art or perhaps study it, take some time to visit the Almeria School of Art, or Escuela de Arte.  The artworks are worth it to view and art is incorporated into small, yet interesting, details.

Cuisine

Walk along the historic pathway of Paseo de Almeria.  Here you will find an assortment of cafés and restaurants where you can savour the local cuisine of the town.  Enjoy a tapa or feast on the traditional paella made from the freshest ingredients and in true Spanish style.

Spanish cuisine is known not only for seafood, but also for fruit and wine.  Vineyards are cultivated successfully in the Mediterranean climate.  Cheese and Spanish bread is a local feast and you can enjoy the cuisine best at local cafés and bistros.

Conclusion

If you like history, art and culture, or if you like adventurous outings, you can make a vacation of Almeria.  It is one of the lesser populated coastal towns and still has that old town Spanish feeling.  It is a pleasant and relaxing town to visit.

Benidorm is located on the coast of Alicante in Spain.  This town is known for the tall buildings and skyscraper hotels that were built with tourist attraction in mind.  It is playfully known as the Manhattan of Spain.  Despite the economic growth, Benidorm still has an old town Spanish atmosphere and qualities.

Attractions and activities

Benidorm has waterparks and aquariums that are some of the best in the world.  Try Mondumar Aquarium where you can view dolphins, parrots, seals and sea lions and other animal.

There are daily shows with the dolphins and the sea lions and you are allowed to swim with them and feed them.

The beaches are definitely one of the main attractions in Benidorm due to the white beaches, the glorious Mediterranean Sea and the splendid weather all year round.  Two of the best beaches are Levante Beach and Poniente Beach.

Enjoy the other attractions this wonderful town has to display to her visitors.  See the landscapes and waterfalls and marvel at the majestic mountains. The best way to accomplish this is to join a safari group or tour.  Marco Polo is a top company that operates in Benidorm and offer great Jeep Safaris to explore the town.  Daily tours are available, but they also offer Moonlight safaris to enjoy the nocturnal wildlife and have a pleasant barbeque along with good company.

There are plenty of landmarks to view in Benidorm. Visit the Balcon Del Mediterraneo on a large rock formation between the beaches of Levante and Poniente.  It used to be a castle to guard the town against Arab pirates in the 14^th to 16^th century.  Now it is a look-out point with plenty of benches and white stone balustrades.  Or visit the Placa Del Castell.  This historic walkway offers great restaurants and cuisine and displays the bustle of tourists by day and the vibrancy of the town by night.

Nightlife

Benidorm is a tourist paradise when it comes to the nightlife. With plenty of pubs and clubs offering beach parties, foam parties and pub crawling, you will be certain to enjoy the eclectic nightlife in Benidorm.

There is a wide variety of clubs to suit every type of tourist or local patron.

Jazz bars and karaoke bars are very popular, but the most popular should probably be the dance clubs creating the party atmosphere that the Spanish are famous for.

Restaurants and cuisine

Benidorm has a wide selection of restaurants that provide top class Spanish cuisine. Dishes from around the world are on offer at the many world famous restaurants, bistros and cafés.  The best way of course to experience the local cuisine will be to visit a local bistro or restaurant.  Choose a place where you can taste the Spanish paella or other seafood dishes.  Or enjoy a truly traditional Spanish experience at a café where you are served with traditional bread and a bottle of wine.  Enjoy it with a wide selection of cheeses that were locally produced.

Conclusion

Enjoy a wonderful vacation in true Spanish style.  You can book into one of the world renowned and international rated hotels or rent a private villa, but be sure to keep your Spanish dictionary at hand and make the most of your stay with all Benidorm has to offer.

The town of Benalmadena is located in Malaga, which in turn is located in Andalusia, an autonomous community of Spain.  The town dates back to prehistoric times, but was almost destroyed in 1485 by natural disasters.  In the 18^th and 19^th century, the town experienced economic regrowth with thanks to the paper industry and cultivation of vineyards.

Weather

Benalmadena has typical Mediterranean weather.  This means the summers are long, dry and hot and winters are short and mild.  Rainfall occurs in the winter months with heavy rains that may occur in November and December.

Temperatures in summer reaches into 30˚ Celsius and winter temperatures seldom go below 20˚ Celsius.  It may get cold at night in the winter when the temperature can falls to as low as 7˚ Celsius.

Activities and attractions

Benalmadena is the perfect place for a vacation with activities to suit every member of the family. Activities range from historic landmarks and sites to modern theme parks and casinos.

The Parque De La Paloma is a fenced public park with plenty of animals for the children to view and feed.  Children can play in the activity centre in the park while the adults relax with a coffee at the cafeteria.  There is also a lake in the park with paths to and around the lake for a perfect outing for fresh air.Selwo Marina is an amusement park with marine life and birds, which is located in this park.

Book in for a cable car ride that goes to the top of Calamorro Mountain.  From here, you have a great view of the coast.  On clear days, you can also see the coast of Africa.

For a more spiritual experience, visit the Buddhist Temple.  It has beautiful views and you can relax at the cafeteria with a drink and a snack.  When you leave there, you will feel revived and relaxed by the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

Visit the “Old Town”, or Pueblo, in the upper part of the town.  Here you can walk through buildings and houses that are all painted white.  The paths are paved with cobblestones, which leads to the town square with its beautiful flowers and shrubs and a fountain.

The oldest church in Benalmadena is the Santa Domingo church that was built in 1621.  It was remodelled twice after that and contains three naves: an exterior nave featuring the coat of arms, an Evangelical nave and an Epistle nave.

Accommodation

To experience the true lifestyle of Benalmadena, rent a villa or apartment directly from the owners.  Located in sought after areas and with beautiful views over the town and sea, it makes private rentals a very popular option.

For the more traditional visitor, there are over 60 hotels of top standard.  The most popular is the Benalmadena Palace, located within walking distance from the local promenade and close to most of the amenities and the marina.

Stay in an internationally acclaimed hotel from the Triton group and Sirocco Hotel group to ensure luxurious and unforgettable accommodation.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean towns are always popular for vacations due to the fantastic sea and Mediterranean climate.  Benalmadena is a hive of activities and local population to give tourist an unforgettable experience.

This amazing marina is one of Europe’s most coveted holiday destinations. It plays host to over 4 million visitors every year and looking at its perfect weather and wealth of attractions, one can understand why this corner of the Costa Del Sol is so popular. What you can expect here is fabulous shopping outlets, classy restaurants and bars as well as the chance to dance the night away at any one of several nightclubs.

There are also many sports to choose from for the physically active and plenty of entertainment for the kids too. Accommodation is abundant for Puerto Banus visitors and you can choose from a wide range of hotels and apartments depending on your needs and how much you’re willing to spend.

Sightseeing and activities

One of the things visitors to this resort look forward to most is the shopping experience at Puerto Banus. High-end boutiques of household names such as Gucci, Bvlgari, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino dot the streets.

You are thus assured to find a tasteful gift for that special someone if you brought them along for the trip. Should you want more reasonably-priced stuff you can hit the Puerto Banus street market which is open every Saturday. Virtually anything you can think of is sold there from furniture and home interior accessories to bags and clothes similar to Accessoires Stitch. If you have the patience and bargaining skills you can come away with quite a steal.

Costa Del Sol is replete with golf courses and these are all within easy reach for Puerto Banus visitors. There are both miniature courses and championship courses designed by renowned architects to suit both the learner and the seasoned golfer. However, some will restrict play to only those who are members so you need to make enquiries beforehand. Bringing your kids along for the Puerto Banus experience is a good idea as they will get suitable entertainment in the slides, rides and shows of nearby theme parks and aquatic parks.

If you enjoy good music and hanging out with friends over a couple of drinks, then Puerto Banus is the place to be for your holidays.

Apart from ambient cocktail bars where you can gouge yourself on a variety of creations from seasoned mixologists, you can shake a leg into the wee hours at clubs like Dreamers and TIBV where celebrated international DJs rule the decks. There is the odd chance you might bump into a celebrity or two while having the time of your life. Think of the endless possibilities such a night can bring to your Facebook profile!

When it comes to matters of the palate, your needs will be well taken care of by elegant eateries that serve up excellently prepared dishes from around the world. Here you can choose from a selection of Italian, Greek and French specialities and eat as you gaze out onto the marina. The beauty is that there are a number of reasonably priced joints where you can still have quality meals such as the local Hard Rock Cafe and Don Leone.

Paradores are a unique mode of holiday accommodation in which tourists are housed in renovated castles, palaces and fortresses as well as other kinds of centuries-old buildings. Some paradores are however modern hotels that have been styled after traditional buildings. They offer you the unique opportunity to partake of Spanish history and culture while still enjoying all the services you would expect from a first class hotel.

All this at prices that will just blow your mind. These facilities can be found in many parts of Spain, mainly in the Galicia, Cataluña and Andalusia regions and the Canary Islands. Some Spanish cities in North Africa will also have paradores. Originally designed by the state to promote tourism in the country in 1928, the paradores have blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon with countries like Portugal and Puerto Rico borrowing from this model.

What to expect

Should you choose to make yourself a paradores guest you will be pampered into submission. Food, for starters, is plentiful and prepared to perfection by some of the country’s most celebrated chefs. Meals are well researched and innovative; there is no room for monotony in a paradores kitchen.

The aim is to provide a wide selection of dishes that are as tasty to the palate as they are nutritious to the body. If you have special nutritional needs such as vegetarians and diabetics do, fret not. There will not just be something for you to eat; you will have an assortment of traditional specialities to choose from. Those in Spain for a family holiday will be delighted to find that most paradores provide a special menu for children below 12 to usher them into the Mediterranean cuisine culture and help them start appreciating the importance of healthy eating from a tender age. To help down these delicacies is a healthy collection of rich wines.

A number of these establishments including Parador de El Saler and Parador de Vielha offer guests spa treatments right within the premises. At the latter you will enjoy magnificent views of the Catalan Pyrenees while reclining in the soothing waters of a bubble bath or sauna. Among the treatments you can expect are herbal and aromatherapy massages as well as a variety of facial treatments. Paradore guests can also expect guided excursions to nearby sites.

Apart from simply housing tourists and travellers, the paradores play host to a number of other events including weddings and private parties. And if you’re looking for an exotic location for your next seminar or business meeting, why not inquire at your parador of choice? Like most international hotels they will have facilities to cater for groups of different sizes. They provide comfortable sitting in ambient, immaculately decorated halls alongside a rich selection of refreshments.

Despite the aura of respect for tradition paradores generate, modern facilities synonymous with top hotels such as crisply air-conditioned rooms with TVs, currency exchange bureaus, well-equipped gyms and WiFi Internet access in the lounges can be found in these establishments. Children will be kept busy with a nice play area and adults can practice their swing at lush golf courses.