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

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

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.

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

Fantastic Penthouse in La Manga Mar Menor

Fantastic Penthouse in La Manga Mar Menor - Unique opportunity to buy a penthouse duplex style apartment in the beautiful resort of La Manga, located on the Costa Calida in the Murcia region of south-eastern Spain. Offered fully furnished to a high standard this superb property has a large balcony with panoramic views over La Manga, the Marina and the famous Mar Menor. Apartment offers comfortable lounge / dining room, opening onto large balcony, independent fitted kitchen, main bedroom with en-suite bathroom opening onto balcony, 2 additional bedrooms both with balconies and wardrobes, another bathroom, solarium, outside kitchen, BBQ, outside shower etc. La Manga is a world famous sports resort, best known for the La Manga Club golf and sports complex, it is in a wonderful location and benefits from a fantastic climate with La Manga weather being congenial throughout the year. The asking price for this stunning La Manga apartment is 395,000 euros (about 316,000 pounds). La Manga Map