Monday, July 21, 2008
Ibiza Resorts - San Antonio
Nowadays one of the most popular resorts on the island of Ibiza, San Antonio (Sant Antoni de Portmany) was formerly just a small fishing village which has existed since Roman times when it was known as Portus Magnus. Developed during the 1950’s and 60’s as a tourist resort, San Antonio went into decline in the 1980’s but sprang back again during the 1990’s as Ibiza became the clubbers capital of the world. Still popular as a family resort and as a ferry port (ferries arrive from Denia on the mainland), it is nonetheless mainly frequented by young clubbers who head for some of the most renowned clubs on the island such as Mambo, Eden and Es Paradis and party until the early hours (or even into the next day). This famous holiday island enjoys a wonderful climate and San Antonio Ibiza weather is pretty reliable during the summertime when most visitors arrive, the winters are quieter and this could be the best time to visit if you are not looking for the clubbing scene. The attractive San Antonio Bay and busy fishing harbour are a popular place to visit, there are some fine beaches such as Cala Bassa and Cala Conta, and there are some interesting places to visit nearby, and throughout Ibiza. You can view a map of the resort here: Map of San Antonio Ibiza.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The Holiday Island of Mallorca
Though it may seem a world away, the beautiful island of Mallorca is easily reachable from the Costa Blanca region and well worth a visit if you have a few days to spare. A short flight from Alicante airport or a ferry ride from the resort of Denia, will see you on the holiday island in no time.
Mallorca (normally called Majorca in the UK) is the biggest of the Spanish Balearic Islands, the other main islands are Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera and Cabrera, Mallorca itself is often likened to a continent rather than a small island, due to is rich and diverse landscape, which varies from the alpine like mountains of the Serra Tramuntana and the Serra de Levant to the flat fertile plains of central Mallorca. The island is also rich in flora and fauna and its natural parks such as the wetlands of S’Albufera in northern Mallorca, provide important protection for hundreds of bird and animal species.
Mallorca was one of the pioneers in mass tourism during the 1960’s and 1970’s and many of its popular resorts became over developed, but don’t let that put you off the place, get away from the built for tourism resorts (mostly gathered on the south coast), and you will find some charming little towns and villages, which remain much as they have for hundreds of years. Though almost nowhere is Mallorca is totally untouched by tourism, and most places rely on it, in one way or another, there is plenty to see that has not been spoiled by it.
Mallorca was first inhabited in around 5000 BC and its first organised culture was known as the Talaiotic Culture which built settlements in Capocorb Vell and Artà in 1000 BC. The Talaiots left their mark in the form of great stone towers which can still be seen today (the neighbouring island of Menorca is particularly rich in these structures). The Romans conquered Mallorca in 123 BC and called it Balearis Major, they built their capital at Pollentia (Alcudia) and introduced vineyards and olives, though it remained an outpost of the Roman Empire and less important than the Spanish mainland. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Vandals arrived on Mallorca, persecuting the Christian population, though their control was relatively brief and they were ousted by the Byzantines who restored Christianity and order to the island, under Byzantine control Mallorca became a province of Sardinia.
The next major year in Mallorca’s history was 902 AD when the Moors invaded, incorporating the island into the Caliphate of Córdoba, the Arabs called it Medina Mayurqa and set to work improving the irrigation of the island with their advanced techniques, introducing new crops such as oranges and almonds.
Mallorca was re-conquered for the Christians in 1229 by King Jaime I of Aragon, his son Jaime II was later to become the 1st King of Mallorca
Mallorca suffered numerous pirate attacks throughout the 16th to 18th centuries and a number of watchtowers were built around to coast to warn the inhabitants of these attacks.
In late 1936 during the Spanish Civil War, Mallorca was attacked by Republican troops, the attack was repulsed and the island remained in Nationalist hands throughout the war (1936-39).
Mass tourism arrived in the 1960’s with the opening of the Son Sant Joan Airport and Mallorca catered for this modern invasion by developing its southern coastline, in 1983 the balearic Islands became an autonomous region of Spain, with Palma de Mallorca as its capital.
Mallorca (normally called Majorca in the UK) is the biggest of the Spanish Balearic Islands, the other main islands are Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera and Cabrera, Mallorca itself is often likened to a continent rather than a small island, due to is rich and diverse landscape, which varies from the alpine like mountains of the Serra Tramuntana and the Serra de Levant to the flat fertile plains of central Mallorca. The island is also rich in flora and fauna and its natural parks such as the wetlands of S’Albufera in northern Mallorca, provide important protection for hundreds of bird and animal species.
Mallorca was one of the pioneers in mass tourism during the 1960’s and 1970’s and many of its popular resorts became over developed, but don’t let that put you off the place, get away from the built for tourism resorts (mostly gathered on the south coast), and you will find some charming little towns and villages, which remain much as they have for hundreds of years. Though almost nowhere is Mallorca is totally untouched by tourism, and most places rely on it, in one way or another, there is plenty to see that has not been spoiled by it.
Mallorca was first inhabited in around 5000 BC and its first organised culture was known as the Talaiotic Culture which built settlements in Capocorb Vell and Artà in 1000 BC. The Talaiots left their mark in the form of great stone towers which can still be seen today (the neighbouring island of Menorca is particularly rich in these structures). The Romans conquered Mallorca in 123 BC and called it Balearis Major, they built their capital at Pollentia (Alcudia) and introduced vineyards and olives, though it remained an outpost of the Roman Empire and less important than the Spanish mainland. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Vandals arrived on Mallorca, persecuting the Christian population, though their control was relatively brief and they were ousted by the Byzantines who restored Christianity and order to the island, under Byzantine control Mallorca became a province of Sardinia.
The next major year in Mallorca’s history was 902 AD when the Moors invaded, incorporating the island into the Caliphate of Córdoba, the Arabs called it Medina Mayurqa and set to work improving the irrigation of the island with their advanced techniques, introducing new crops such as oranges and almonds.
Mallorca was re-conquered for the Christians in 1229 by King Jaime I of Aragon, his son Jaime II was later to become the 1st King of Mallorca
Mallorca suffered numerous pirate attacks throughout the 16th to 18th centuries and a number of watchtowers were built around to coast to warn the inhabitants of these attacks.
In late 1936 during the Spanish Civil War, Mallorca was attacked by Republican troops, the attack was repulsed and the island remained in Nationalist hands throughout the war (1936-39).
Mass tourism arrived in the 1960’s with the opening of the Son Sant Joan Airport and Mallorca catered for this modern invasion by developing its southern coastline, in 1983 the balearic Islands became an autonomous region of Spain, with Palma de Mallorca as its capital.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Valldemossa Chopin and George Sand
Valldemossa Chopin and George Sand - One of the big attractions on the cultural tourist route of Mallorca, Spain is the small town of Valldemossa, which sits in the mountains north of the capital Palma de Mallorca. What makes this place so special is that for a short time in the winter of 1838-39, it became the home of French novelist George Sand and her lover composer Frederick Chopin, who went there to escape the gossip of Paris, and also in the hope that it would aid Chopin’s bad health (he suffered from tuberculosis). Ironically that winter the weather in Valldemossa was not kind to its new visitors and it remained wet and windy for most of their stay. The celebrities were also apparently given the cold shoulder by the locals as they were not married, and George Sand wrote a derogatory book about their stay called “A Winter in Mallorca” in which she called the local inhabitants savages and thieves. Their visit has still not been forgotten and the book can still be found on sale in the town!
Valldemossa Map
Valldemossa Map
Monday, June 30, 2008
Majorca Towns - Palma de Mallorca
The capital of Mallorca (Majorca) and of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca is home to almost half the resident population of the island, and also welcomes millions of visitors each year by way of its International Airport.
The city itself has some wonderful attractions including the famous La Seu Gothic cathedral, which boasts one of the biggest stained glass windows in the world with 1,236 pieces and measuring some 11 metres across – amazing.
Founded as a camp by the Romans in about 123 BC, Palma de Mallorca became an important port on the Mediterranean trade route. Known as Medina Mayurqa to the Arabs, its name is actually taken from the Roman city of Palmaria. Much of the original Roman city still exists below the present day city, and Roman remains are being found all the time.
Map of Palma de Mallorca
Check out today's weather in Palma de Mallorca
The city itself has some wonderful attractions including the famous La Seu Gothic cathedral, which boasts one of the biggest stained glass windows in the world with 1,236 pieces and measuring some 11 metres across – amazing.
Founded as a camp by the Romans in about 123 BC, Palma de Mallorca became an important port on the Mediterranean trade route. Known as Medina Mayurqa to the Arabs, its name is actually taken from the Roman city of Palmaria. Much of the original Roman city still exists below the present day city, and Roman remains are being found all the time.
Map of Palma de Mallorca
Check out today's weather in Palma de Mallorca
Friday, June 27, 2008
Andratx and Port d'Andratx for Mallorca Holidays
The charming old Mallorca town of Andratx sits in the shadow of the 3,366 foot Puig de Galatzo mountain at the south-western end of the island, overlooked by medieval watchtowers, built to warn of raids by pirates and renegades in centuries past. The fortress like Santa Maria church is well worth a visit if you are in the town.
Completely separate from the old town is the equally old port and harbour area, previously just a tiny fishing village, it has been transformed into a popular and exclusive resort, visited by the rich and famous who moor their luxury yachts in the new marina. Andratx has some famous residents including the likes of Tom Cruise and Claudia Schiffer who both own homes there.
Andratx and the whole of Mallorca is blessed with a fantastic climate and Andratx weather is particularly pleasant during the summer months, but also quite agreeable during the winter months.
Andratx is a great location for Mallorca holidays, situated in the south-west of the island of Mallorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands and can be accessed from the MA-1 from Palma de Mallorca, you can see a map here: Andratx Map
Completely separate from the old town is the equally old port and harbour area, previously just a tiny fishing village, it has been transformed into a popular and exclusive resort, visited by the rich and famous who moor their luxury yachts in the new marina. Andratx has some famous residents including the likes of Tom Cruise and Claudia Schiffer who both own homes there.
Andratx and the whole of Mallorca is blessed with a fantastic climate and Andratx weather is particularly pleasant during the summer months, but also quite agreeable during the winter months.
Andratx is a great location for Mallorca holidays, situated in the south-west of the island of Mallorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands and can be accessed from the MA-1 from Palma de Mallorca, you can see a map here: Andratx Map
History of the Ancient City of Cartagena Spain
Not to be confused with the city of the same name in Columbia, South America, the Spanish city of Cartagena is located in the Murcia region on a stretch of coastline known as the Costa Calida (“Warm Coast”).
Cartagena has a long and interesting history which goes back to the times of the Punic Wars between the Carthaginians and the Romans. The first settlement there was by the Iberians and called Mastia, upon this early settlement the first real town was built by the Carthaginian General Hasdrubal in 223 BC, making us of a natural deepwater harbour. The Carthaginians named the town Quart Hadas (New City) and it later became an important base for the famous Hannibal (of elephant fame), during his exploits in Spain and beyond.
After the defeat of the Cathaginians by the Romans it was re-named Carthago Novo (New Carthage) and was developed as a significant mining area. Cartagena still has some remains from these early days including the Punic Ramparts and the Augusteum.
Cartagena fell into decline during the Middle Ages but made a brief recovery during the 18th century when it became an important naval base. The collapse of the mining industry caused further depression in Cartagena in the 19th and early 20th centuries, though the city is undergoing renewed recovery as it eases itself into the 21st century.
Places of interest to see in the city include Cartagena port, where you will find one of the world’s first submarines, the Castillo de la Conceptión, the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Wall, the Maritime Museum and the Casa Cervantes (Cala Mayor) amongst others.
The area benefits from a superb climate and the weather in Cartagena is sunny and dry for over 300 days each year so do not expect rain during your visit to the city.
Cartagena has a long and interesting history which goes back to the times of the Punic Wars between the Carthaginians and the Romans. The first settlement there was by the Iberians and called Mastia, upon this early settlement the first real town was built by the Carthaginian General Hasdrubal in 223 BC, making us of a natural deepwater harbour. The Carthaginians named the town Quart Hadas (New City) and it later became an important base for the famous Hannibal (of elephant fame), during his exploits in Spain and beyond.
After the defeat of the Cathaginians by the Romans it was re-named Carthago Novo (New Carthage) and was developed as a significant mining area. Cartagena still has some remains from these early days including the Punic Ramparts and the Augusteum.
Cartagena fell into decline during the Middle Ages but made a brief recovery during the 18th century when it became an important naval base. The collapse of the mining industry caused further depression in Cartagena in the 19th and early 20th centuries, though the city is undergoing renewed recovery as it eases itself into the 21st century.
Places of interest to see in the city include Cartagena port, where you will find one of the world’s first submarines, the Castillo de la Conceptión, the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Wall, the Maritime Museum and the Casa Cervantes (Cala Mayor) amongst others.
The area benefits from a superb climate and the weather in Cartagena is sunny and dry for over 300 days each year so do not expect rain during your visit to the city.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Apartment for Sale by Owner in Algorfa Spain
Apartment for Sale by Owner in Algorfa Spain - Recently reduced this terrific 2 bedroom ground floor apartment in the Fontana complex in the village of Algorfa on the Costa Blanca, Spain, is offered fully furnished direct from the owner and at a price that is 40,000 euros below a recent bank valuation. Most people are aware that now is the time to buy in Spain as prices have been dropping to levels that are more affordable. Certain to be a good investment this Algorfa apartment has 2 bedrooms, bathroom, living / dining room, American style kitchen, utility area, private patio, use of communal pool and solarium (accessed by elevator). Algorfa is a charming little Spanish village with a good range of facilities. The asking price for this Spanish Property for sale by the owner is just 98,000 euros – an excellent price. Algorfa Map
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