Posts Tagged ‘torrevieja’

The Costa Blanca And Alicante In Its Festive Mood

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

large family accommodation in BenidormThe Costa Blanca and Alicante area runs north to south or south to north, you can begin your holiday travel either way. The Costa Blanca, on the Mediterranean Sea coast is situated in the Province of Alicante, entering in the south through the town of Pilar de la Horadada or maybe Torrevieja might sound a little more familiar, all being part of the Valencian Community. Costa Blanca in English means ‘the White Coast’ probably because of its clear white beaches, the white washed buildings and the sunny weather which brightens all its villa like Guardamar, Javea, Altea, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Moraira and Alicante.

Navigate your own route in Costa Blanca

Being as Alicante was last mentioned and it has the advantage of its international airport called the Altet, you can start an entertaining holiday there. As you arrive into the city either by public bus, mini-bus from your hotel or by taxi, you will love how it is set at the foot of a hill where the Saint Barbara Castle still remains. It was built in 300 B.c. by the Carthaginians and even though it has undergone many wars, it has been kept in good condition, which nowadays houses an excellent restaurant. It is also surrounded by extended beaches with only a beautiful tiled promenade lined with all kinds of flowers and palms to separate them from the busy city and the harbour. Stroll along this refreshing central walkway where hand made goods are always set up in booths, or in the summer months, different bands and orquestras play soothing music to accompany the night breeze. Or delve into a good guide book with map of Alicante to be able to choose a special holiday festival such as The Saint John Bonfires with spectacular carton and wooden monuments depicting local and international characters which are finally burnt to the ground, carrying out a pagan tradition of wanting to eliminate all bad spirits.

Benidorm, which has excellent transport from the Alicante airport is also a very moving city. During the day you can either choose to relax and enjoy the long out stretching beaches or take the kids and family to one of the many parks around. You can choose from one of the Theme parks like Terra Mitica which has set up rides and attractions having to do with ancient Egypt or Rome, Aqualandia, a water park right within Benidorm where there are rides for the wee folks, younger dare devils and just splashing pools for the older ones. A good keep cool day! If animals are the theme for the day, go to Terra Natura also within the city and have your children come into full contact with very different kinds of animals. Here too, you can cool off in an area where there are water rides, underwater diving or nature climbing and trekking. At night, the nightlife is quite moving and the selection of places to dine go from fast food restaurants to the most exquisite delicacies, whatever you feel affordable for you.

Altea, the next village you can see on the map, has kept its old town atmosphere while offering good places to stay. There are usually pebble beaches and many exclusive coves to hide out in – a very recommendable tranquil ambience. Calpe is the next villa on our map tour so that you can get a glimpse of the Rock of Ifach, a steep rugged hill made of rock formation that has captured amateur and professional mountain climbers from all over the world. Whether you have used your energy rock climbing or just lazing around on the white soft beaches, you must head over to the harbour area for either lunch or dinner. There, you have an endless show of seafood and fish to choose from and have it cooked as you like, or just trust others and go for the caldereta, a stew of many kinds of seafood with a succulent broth.

Save time for Javea

Javea, on the east coast, lies a little over 100 kilometres from Valencia and just 94 kilometres from Alicante city. At either of these cities you can find international flights making travel plans easy to arrange all year round. On the map of Spain, just a little south of Denia and right near the outstanding Montgo mountain peak, Javea can be found.

This park was declared under national protection in 1987 so that its marvellous richness in fauna and flora could be conserved and further studies could be done on its archaeological discoveries. These discoveries can be seen in one of the many museums in the town. But what makes travelling to Javea so much fun is its traditional and cultural activities of long times ago, especially on the Costa Blanca and made available for the tourist to see nowadays. One of these activities is the sport called ‘ Valencian Ball’. There are two teams, usually two players on each team. It can be played right in the middle of the street, without a referee. Many times it is the public who must decide if the ball was fair or foul.The ball is made up of rags that have been tightly wound and covered with other rags. The players use their hands as rackets, using a special wrap to protect the palm of their hands. If you are looking for a good game, head to the Nou Street or to the Jesus Nazareno Street, or ask at the tourist office.

You will never have enjoyed your Spain vacation stay so much thanks to the variety and friendliness of the people who are awaiting to share their Costa Blanca with you.

Discover The Costa Blanca In Spain

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

family accommodation alicanteThe city of Torrevieja in Spain is located about half way between Alicante and Cartagena. It belongs to 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.