Uniquely located between the sea and the mountains, Alicante is a beautiful port city and a commercial town in Valencia, Spain. It is also the second largest Valencian city and is the headquarters of the province of Alicante. Home to over 0.3 million people, Alicante is also a popular tourist destination in Europe.
Alicante has a compact city center, which would mean that many of the tourist attractions can be visited by roaming around in foot. The city is pre-historical and hence there are lots of historical places of interests in Alicante that are worth a visit. Iglesia de Santa Maria - the 15th century church – is one such edifice, also the oldest in Alicante. The interesting aspect with Iglesia de Santa Maria is that it was a mosque during the Moorish times. The MUBAG and Town Hall are situated quite nearby. The Monastery de la Santa Faz, built in 1752, 5 km from the city center, is another historic site worth paying a visit.
However, the most prominent attraction of Alicante is the Castle of Santa Barbara, which overlooks the sea and the city itself, from the top of Mount Benacantil. For tourists, the castle can be reached by road or by means of a lift that ascends from Paseo Maritimo. Another historic palace in the city is the Gavina Palace. The edifice now houses the Provincial Gallery, and its collection of 19th century paintings.
Alicante is also famous for its many museums and the stunning artifacts it houses. In a way, it won’t be wrong if to mention that a trip through the history and heritage of Alicante is never complete without a visit to its museums. The Archeology Museum is one such repository that has some invaluable collections of artifacts from the medieval Spanish era. The Nativity Scene Museum at San Augustin Street that houses various scenes and figures from across the globe is one of its kinds and is worth paying a visit. The entry is free of cost. The Cathedral of San Nicolas de Bari is located just around the corner from the museum.
The biggest of attractions of Alicante, however, is its beautiful beaches and thrilling nightlife that is one of the best in the whole Spain. San Juan Beach, running from north to south, is broad and long and is a popular clubbing destination. Almadraba and Albufereta - famous for water sports activities – the city beach Playa del Postiguet - and Urbanova are other top beaches in the city.
Regarding nightlife, the thick of the activities is centered on El Barrio. This area is crammed with pizza joints and bars and beer cellars. If you are looking for a modern setting replete with sophisticated restaurants and elegant pubs, choose the zone between Alfonso El Sabio Street and Explanada, the best and appealing promenades in Alicante. Some beer and a walk along the promenade – a lazy vacation evening cannot get any better than this.
Alicante airport has connections to all parts of Spain and Europe. Alicante also has a bus station and a central train station that offers daily connections to Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona and Seville. Bus services cover virtually every part of Spain. You could catch more info about Alicante from the city website.
Showing posts with label spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spain. Show all posts
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Just Why Is Denia In Alicante So Popular?
Anyone that visits the Costa Blanca in Spain would no doubt end up visiting Denia that lies just eighty-five kilometers north of Alicante, especially as this city is famous for its many holiday attractions. If you are one of those that love a long drive then you can reach Denia using the N-332 that is a wonderful road that takes you along the coastline of Costa Blanca to the city itself. The other road you may want to use is the A7 highway.
The N332 provides you with wonderful opportunities to discover for yourself the beauty of the area and the views are absolutely spellbinding, which you will be sure to love. An even more suitable way of reaching Denia would be to use the narrow gauge railway that connects Denia and Benidorm as also Alicante. In any case, Denia lies between the southern town of Javea and has Gandia to the north, and is a place most visited during the summertime.
It also is situated just outside the mountain named Montgo and it allows the visitors excellent surfing prospects as well. The weather can become very hot with temperatures reaching forty degrees Celsius in the summertime, though it is only four degrees in the winter. Among the most visited tourist attractions in Denia is the castle that was built between the eleventh and twelfth centuries and from where you can get a spectacular view of the sea, and the city as also the backlands.
The castle itself holds the Palau del Governador and a museum are among the more interesting museums in Denia is the Museo Etnologico that provides visitors with an idea of the rich history and also the culture of Denia. The city also holds much by way of attraction in its many bars and small restaurants and when in Denia, makes sure to taste the very tasty cakes and the abundant sweets made at the local confectionaries and bakery shops because these delicacies are what also make Dernia very famous among tourists.
There are also great golf courses in Denia and you will get occasion to play some very good rounds of golf at the many courses here. Denia is also a place where real estate market is booming in this Costa Blanca region and as you enter the city you will be confronted by many real estate agencies and you also won’t be able to miss the great amount of construction that is taking place, especially on the outskirts.
Also, don’t forget to take a boat round trip to Javea, Benidorm and Altea. If you like, you can also choose to rent a car and do some visiting as there are plenty of great places to see. Among the many other tourist cities in Spain, Denia is perhaps the most frequented by tourists and today it is a very modern city where you can enjoy spectacular views while sampling the cuisine, especially tapas that are very small portions of tasty food. Along with an accompanying glass of beer or wine, you will certainly not have anything to complain about in the beautiful city of Denia.
http://www.lovealicante.com/areas/denia/index.html
The N332 provides you with wonderful opportunities to discover for yourself the beauty of the area and the views are absolutely spellbinding, which you will be sure to love. An even more suitable way of reaching Denia would be to use the narrow gauge railway that connects Denia and Benidorm as also Alicante. In any case, Denia lies between the southern town of Javea and has Gandia to the north, and is a place most visited during the summertime.
It also is situated just outside the mountain named Montgo and it allows the visitors excellent surfing prospects as well. The weather can become very hot with temperatures reaching forty degrees Celsius in the summertime, though it is only four degrees in the winter. Among the most visited tourist attractions in Denia is the castle that was built between the eleventh and twelfth centuries and from where you can get a spectacular view of the sea, and the city as also the backlands.
The castle itself holds the Palau del Governador and a museum are among the more interesting museums in Denia is the Museo Etnologico that provides visitors with an idea of the rich history and also the culture of Denia. The city also holds much by way of attraction in its many bars and small restaurants and when in Denia, makes sure to taste the very tasty cakes and the abundant sweets made at the local confectionaries and bakery shops because these delicacies are what also make Dernia very famous among tourists.
There are also great golf courses in Denia and you will get occasion to play some very good rounds of golf at the many courses here. Denia is also a place where real estate market is booming in this Costa Blanca region and as you enter the city you will be confronted by many real estate agencies and you also won’t be able to miss the great amount of construction that is taking place, especially on the outskirts.
Also, don’t forget to take a boat round trip to Javea, Benidorm and Altea. If you like, you can also choose to rent a car and do some visiting as there are plenty of great places to see. Among the many other tourist cities in Spain, Denia is perhaps the most frequented by tourists and today it is a very modern city where you can enjoy spectacular views while sampling the cuisine, especially tapas that are very small portions of tasty food. Along with an accompanying glass of beer or wine, you will certainly not have anything to complain about in the beautiful city of Denia.
http://www.lovealicante.com/areas/denia/index.html
Torrevieja, A Hotspot For Tourist And Ex-Pats
For active holiday makers who are looking for something different during their vacation trip, one of the best options is Torrevieja. Located midway between Alicante in the north and Murcia in the south - Torrevieja is an exquisite Spanish coastal city on the beautiful coast of the Mediterranean Sea on the sunny southern part of Costa Blanca.
Torrevieja, literally meaning ‘Old Tower,’ gets its name from an ancient tower known as la Torre Vieja, which was built to safeguard the place from the attack of the Berber pirates. Once a fishing village, Torrevieja has now developed to a prosperous seaside town.
Places of interest in Torrevieja include an enchanting chain of monuments and ancient churches including Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción, constructed in the 18th century; Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built in 1896; and Paseo de la Dique de Levante. In addition, a host of museums can be found here, including Parque de las Naciones, also known as the Park of the Nations; Museo del Mar y de la Sal or Sea and Salt Museum; Museum Ricardo Lafuente; and floating museums like Dolphin S-61 and Albatross III.
Also, must-visit Torrevieja attractions are natural parks, which among many others, are The Lagunas, La Mata, El Honda, and the Salinas of Santa Pola, all of which are wrapped in natural beauty and house a wide variety of birds. Other worth-mentioning attractions are the Casino, an ancient building; Torre del Moro, sometimes known as Cape Cervera Tower; Tour de la Mata Salt Jetty Square; the Harbour; and the Old Railway Station. In addition, Torrevieja has to its credit some of the most magnificent beaches in the area. Above all, Torrevieja has two huge salt lakes, which are famed for salt production.
Apart from these attractions, Torrevieja renders opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities for tourists. For instance, first-rate facilities are available for fun loving tourists, such as water fun parks, boasting a range of awesome pools and slides.
For golf freaks, excellent options are made available, with golf courses like Golf club Las Ramblas de Orihuela and Golf club Alenda.
There are also excellent options for such activities as shopping, with a superb network of shops from hypermarkets to small shops. Likewise, Torrevieja’s dining is superb, with dishes like Caldero. Further, the nightlife in Torrevieja is exciting with a vibrant array of clubs such as Bésame Mucho, Casablanca, and Tirachinas, all of them in the El Baluarte region of La Punta district. From budget hotels and luxury resorts to the most sophisticated apartments and rustic villas, accommodation is aplenty in Torrevieja.
Since surrounded by natural salt water lagoons, Torrevieja’s climate is considered highly beneficial for people with asthma, arthritis, and rheumatism. With these umpteen attractions and recreational facilities, Torrevieja caters to visitors of all ages and preferences. Further, Torrevieja is within easy reach of almost all attractions like Benidorm, Villamartin, and Denia. Nearest airport is El Altet in Alicante, 35 km away.
http://www.lovealicante.com/areas/torrevieja/index.html
Torrevieja, literally meaning ‘Old Tower,’ gets its name from an ancient tower known as la Torre Vieja, which was built to safeguard the place from the attack of the Berber pirates. Once a fishing village, Torrevieja has now developed to a prosperous seaside town.
Places of interest in Torrevieja include an enchanting chain of monuments and ancient churches including Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción, constructed in the 18th century; Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built in 1896; and Paseo de la Dique de Levante. In addition, a host of museums can be found here, including Parque de las Naciones, also known as the Park of the Nations; Museo del Mar y de la Sal or Sea and Salt Museum; Museum Ricardo Lafuente; and floating museums like Dolphin S-61 and Albatross III.
Also, must-visit Torrevieja attractions are natural parks, which among many others, are The Lagunas, La Mata, El Honda, and the Salinas of Santa Pola, all of which are wrapped in natural beauty and house a wide variety of birds. Other worth-mentioning attractions are the Casino, an ancient building; Torre del Moro, sometimes known as Cape Cervera Tower; Tour de la Mata Salt Jetty Square; the Harbour; and the Old Railway Station. In addition, Torrevieja has to its credit some of the most magnificent beaches in the area. Above all, Torrevieja has two huge salt lakes, which are famed for salt production.
Apart from these attractions, Torrevieja renders opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities for tourists. For instance, first-rate facilities are available for fun loving tourists, such as water fun parks, boasting a range of awesome pools and slides.
For golf freaks, excellent options are made available, with golf courses like Golf club Las Ramblas de Orihuela and Golf club Alenda.
There are also excellent options for such activities as shopping, with a superb network of shops from hypermarkets to small shops. Likewise, Torrevieja’s dining is superb, with dishes like Caldero. Further, the nightlife in Torrevieja is exciting with a vibrant array of clubs such as Bésame Mucho, Casablanca, and Tirachinas, all of them in the El Baluarte region of La Punta district. From budget hotels and luxury resorts to the most sophisticated apartments and rustic villas, accommodation is aplenty in Torrevieja.
Since surrounded by natural salt water lagoons, Torrevieja’s climate is considered highly beneficial for people with asthma, arthritis, and rheumatism. With these umpteen attractions and recreational facilities, Torrevieja caters to visitors of all ages and preferences. Further, Torrevieja is within easy reach of almost all attractions like Benidorm, Villamartin, and Denia. Nearest airport is El Altet in Alicante, 35 km away.
http://www.lovealicante.com/areas/torrevieja/index.html
The Magical City Of Valencia
If you are interested in perhaps getting the best experience that you can from a visit to the country of Spain, then you absolutely must take a trip to the city of Valencia. Valencia is a city that many people have either heard of or visited and with many beautiful tourist attractions such as the amazing L'Oceanografic (oceanographic park), part of the breathtaking Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City Of Arts And Sciences).
Valencia is both a city and a province and as well as being the 3rd largest city in Spain, it also happens to currently be the 15th largest city in the European Union with a population of approximately 1 million people, and as you might guess, tourism is a large reason as to why the economy is so vibrant.
If you are interested in really experiencing the great authenticity of the different areas of Valencia, then one thing you are going to need to do is to learn the different names for food in Valencia and experience all of the different culinary tastes of the area. In fact, one of the reasons that you have probably heard of Valencia is because of the great diversity of food there and you will find everything from delicious potato omelettes to exotic Paella and squids served at the majority of the best restaurants in the city.
Another reason that Valencia is so popular is that you can spend your whole trip there as an academic excursion to learn as much of the world and Valencia, in particular, as possible. The spearhead sites for you to do this at, are the fifteen museums that are located within the borders of the city and these museums are very eclectic; covering topics from sciences all the way to the history of Valencia. You can learn a lot just from visiting these 15 museums and their high quality in general as museum institutions is one thing that brings a lot of people to Valencia every single year.
A popular event that is celebrated every year in Valencia is La Tomatina. This is a tomato fight that happens every year in the city where people throw tomatoes at each other and in general have a great time in the process. There are many other such events that people can experience in Valencia and the surrounding areas and therefore this city remains and will continue to be one of the great tourism areas of the world.
You will find a place in your heart for Valencia and return to discover more of this lovely Spanish destination.
Valencia is both a city and a province and as well as being the 3rd largest city in Spain, it also happens to currently be the 15th largest city in the European Union with a population of approximately 1 million people, and as you might guess, tourism is a large reason as to why the economy is so vibrant.
If you are interested in really experiencing the great authenticity of the different areas of Valencia, then one thing you are going to need to do is to learn the different names for food in Valencia and experience all of the different culinary tastes of the area. In fact, one of the reasons that you have probably heard of Valencia is because of the great diversity of food there and you will find everything from delicious potato omelettes to exotic Paella and squids served at the majority of the best restaurants in the city.
Another reason that Valencia is so popular is that you can spend your whole trip there as an academic excursion to learn as much of the world and Valencia, in particular, as possible. The spearhead sites for you to do this at, are the fifteen museums that are located within the borders of the city and these museums are very eclectic; covering topics from sciences all the way to the history of Valencia. You can learn a lot just from visiting these 15 museums and their high quality in general as museum institutions is one thing that brings a lot of people to Valencia every single year.
A popular event that is celebrated every year in Valencia is La Tomatina. This is a tomato fight that happens every year in the city where people throw tomatoes at each other and in general have a great time in the process. There are many other such events that people can experience in Valencia and the surrounding areas and therefore this city remains and will continue to be one of the great tourism areas of the world.
You will find a place in your heart for Valencia and return to discover more of this lovely Spanish destination.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Benidorm, Costa Blanca’s Popular Destination
Benidorm is situated on Spain’s east coast (Costa Blanca),on the shores of the Mediterranean sea, and is protected on three sides from most adverse weather, by the mountains of Sierra Helada to the east, Aitana to the north and Tussal de la Cala to the west, with Benidorm’s fourth side dominated by two deeply curved bays which keep the sea tranquil, and ensure that sunbathers and swimmers remain in a safe and warm environment for most of the year.
Situated off the N-332 approx 40 minutes from Alicante airport, Benidorm is rated as Spain’s top holiday destination, due mainly to its year round temperatures, which average between 12 degrees in winter and 28 degrees in summer, and its three Blue Flag natural golden beaches.
There is an abundance of activities to be found here, for those that require the thrill a minute type holiday, with water sports that include jet skiing, kayaks, water skiing (try the cable ski off the Rincon de L'oix, at the northern end of Levante beach), parascending, scuba diving (three actual professional/amateur clubs) and snorkelling. You can also hire boats or organise fishing trips and scuba diving trips to Peacock Island, where you can swim with an extravaganza of marine life.
For the fresh water enthusiasts there is Aqualandia with its waterfalls, zigzags, rapids, cascades, lakes, kamikaze rides, black hole wave swimming pool, or for those that don't want the “gimmicks”, there is an Olympic swimming pool in Foietes sports complex and a swimming school Lope de Vega.For those without webbed feet, there is Foietes sports complex, with athletics of various diversities on offer including several bowling alleys, bowls clubs, billiard clubs, go-karts, horse riding, tennis, golf, paintball, trekking, quad biking and adventure expeditions.If this isn’t your idea of a holiday, why not just relax, soak up the sun, on one of the three beaches Benidorm has to offer. To the north there is Levante (sunrise) beach, nestled below the Old Town is Mal Pas cove and to the south is Poniente (sunset) beach, so you can sunbathe from sunrise to sunset on these golden beaches.
Levante BeachThis is generally the most populated beach area, where it is ideal for the snorkelling beginner, as there are some smooth rocks on the seabed, a home for many fish, without the swimmer getting out of his/her depth.
On this beach it is only a short walk from the waters edge to a nearby bar, cafe or restaurant, where, if your feeling in need of exercise, order a pint instead of a half, and watch the muscles in your arm work out.
Mal Pas coveThis is a small bay adjacent to the marina, where tranquil water laps onto the golden sands, with a natural wind-break of the Old Town cliffs behind you, an ideal spot for the sun worshipper. This is also an ideal spot for the snorkelling beginner, as the water is calm and fairly shallow.
Poniente beachThis is arguably the best beach in Benidorm, and it is also the longest, less crowded of the beaches, but be aware, you have slightly longer to walk for a drink or something to eat, so maybe take a picnic with you.Benidorm does not close down in winter, like other holiday destinations in Spain and still attracts visitors all year long, due to its average temperatures and entertainment on offer. With between 800 and 1300 bars (depending on which write up you read), it’s easy to see why so many Hen and Stag parties are staged here.
There is also an extensive and varied entertainment schedule on offer, with places like Benidorm Palace, which has their extravaganza evenings with full show, 3 course meal, drinks and dancing for 40 euros.
In Villajoyosa there is Casino Mediterraneano with its Buffet dinner (3 course),wine and show for 24 euros, plus a flutter at the tables or on the bandits if you desire it.
Molino Benidorm, mainly drag show and drinks, plus a multitude of different bars offering a variety of entertainment shows consisting of singers, comedians, karaoke etc, plus a vast assortment of Disco, R &B, House music clubs such as Cafe Benidorm, Hippodrome, Loch Ness and Champions to name but a few.
For the party animal, Benidorm is probably the “Mecca de Espana”, with its main Spanish rival possibly being Ibiza and described by some as a Spanish Blackpool but with a different culture, more sun and better beaches.
This is not all that Benidorm has to offer, for with its all year round diverse entertainment for singles, couples or families, young and old alike, this is truly a holiday experience not to be missed.
Family EntertainmentBenidorm has rich and varied list of activities for families with children of all ages, amongst the best are: Terra Mitica, Terra Natura, Mundomar, Aqualandia and Desafio Medieval (medieval show, with knights jousting etc, plus dinner) all can be found on the internet for more detailed information.
Hire CarThis is a very good idea, to enable you to explore the beautiful villages and towns outside of Benidorm, and with all the major car hire companies along Avenida del Mediterraneo, just off Levante beach, such as Hertz, Avis, Europa and Centauro, so shop around for the best deal.ExcursionsMost hotels organise some sort of excursion package which you can take, but there are also five free sightseeing trips on offer, taking you to the markets at Altea, through 7 Spanish villages, Guadelest, Botanical Gardens or the wine making valley of Jalon (where you can taste the merchandise).
For the free excursions, just contact the Round Town news Tourist information office located in the Rincon side of Benidorm, opposite the hotel Melia, for your tickets. Round Town office also assists in all your holiday queries, including some Spanish phrases, for those of you that want to get into the true spirit of your holiday.HotelsThere are apparently 145 hotels, with a total of 38,000 beds on offer, plus numerous Apartments (this is the third highest in Europe, behind London and Paris). For the people that are not afraid of heights, stay at theHotel Gran Bali **** which is the tallest building in Spain, standing at 51 floors high.HistoryBenidorm was officially born in 1325, when the lord of the Baronia de Polop awarded it a town charter to establish its own identity within Spain. The locals are fiercely proud of their heritage, mainly of aseafaring nature, where for over 200 years have had the majority of the Mediterranean tuna fishing industry. Since the 19th century, Benidorm has provided most of Spain’s sea captains and crew members.
Take a stroll through the old town and see St. James church which was built in the 18th century, and many other interesting buildings along the narrow cobbled streets and plazas. You can also take all this in doing a “Tapas and Vino” crawl, along two designated routes through the Old Town, which is much more civilised than the usual pub crawl.
Fiestas
The Three Kings - 5th JanCarnivals- 16th-20th FebFallas - 14th-19th MarchSemana Santa - 1st-8th AprilHogueras de san Juan - 19th-24th JuneVirgen del Carmen - 16th-22nd JulyAiguera Park (musicians and shows) – 1st-31st AugustFiestas Barrio L, Malsa - 11-28th-30th SeptMoors and Christians - 4th-7th OctSpectacular free show plus fireworks - New Years Eve
Plus many other smaller fiestas, to many to list, get the full itinerary from the tourist office or Round Town News.
Restaurants
Benidorm has everything your taste buds desire, from Italian, French, Indian, German, English and of course Spanish cuisines. There are too many to list, without upsetting the rest, so go on a cuisine cruise, and go back on the diet when you get home.
Shopping
This is definitely the place where you can shop till you drop, from cheap clothes shops to more expensive ones, try Plaza del Mar shopping centre in Finestrat. Best buys probably leather coats and jackets, and of course get your cheaper spirit and cigarettes for home.
In conclusion, Benidorm is a diverse city, where you can have a fun-packed holiday or a quiet and relaxed cultural holiday, with something for everyone, but to do Benidorm full justice, you will just have to come and see it for yourselves.
Copyright LoveAlicante.com
http://www.lovealicante.com/
Benidorm is situated on Spain’s east coast (Costa Blanca),on the shores of the Mediterranean sea, and is protected on three sides from most adverse weather, by the mountains of Sierra Helada to the east, Aitana to the north and Tussal de la Cala to the west, with Benidorm’s fourth side dominated by two deeply curved bays which keep the sea tranquil, and ensure that sunbathers and swimmers remain in a safe and warm environment for most of the year.
Situated off the N-332 approx 40 minutes from Alicante airport, Benidorm is rated as Spain’s top holiday destination, due mainly to its year round temperatures, which average between 12 degrees in winter and 28 degrees in summer, and its three Blue Flag natural golden beaches.
There is an abundance of activities to be found here, for those that require the thrill a minute type holiday, with water sports that include jet skiing, kayaks, water skiing (try the cable ski off the Rincon de L'oix, at the northern end of Levante beach), parascending, scuba diving (three actual professional/amateur clubs) and snorkelling. You can also hire boats or organise fishing trips and scuba diving trips to Peacock Island, where you can swim with an extravaganza of marine life.
For the fresh water enthusiasts there is Aqualandia with its waterfalls, zigzags, rapids, cascades, lakes, kamikaze rides, black hole wave swimming pool, or for those that don't want the “gimmicks”, there is an Olympic swimming pool in Foietes sports complex and a swimming school Lope de Vega.For those without webbed feet, there is Foietes sports complex, with athletics of various diversities on offer including several bowling alleys, bowls clubs, billiard clubs, go-karts, horse riding, tennis, golf, paintball, trekking, quad biking and adventure expeditions.If this isn’t your idea of a holiday, why not just relax, soak up the sun, on one of the three beaches Benidorm has to offer. To the north there is Levante (sunrise) beach, nestled below the Old Town is Mal Pas cove and to the south is Poniente (sunset) beach, so you can sunbathe from sunrise to sunset on these golden beaches.
Levante BeachThis is generally the most populated beach area, where it is ideal for the snorkelling beginner, as there are some smooth rocks on the seabed, a home for many fish, without the swimmer getting out of his/her depth.
On this beach it is only a short walk from the waters edge to a nearby bar, cafe or restaurant, where, if your feeling in need of exercise, order a pint instead of a half, and watch the muscles in your arm work out.
Mal Pas coveThis is a small bay adjacent to the marina, where tranquil water laps onto the golden sands, with a natural wind-break of the Old Town cliffs behind you, an ideal spot for the sun worshipper. This is also an ideal spot for the snorkelling beginner, as the water is calm and fairly shallow.
Poniente beachThis is arguably the best beach in Benidorm, and it is also the longest, less crowded of the beaches, but be aware, you have slightly longer to walk for a drink or something to eat, so maybe take a picnic with you.Benidorm does not close down in winter, like other holiday destinations in Spain and still attracts visitors all year long, due to its average temperatures and entertainment on offer. With between 800 and 1300 bars (depending on which write up you read), it’s easy to see why so many Hen and Stag parties are staged here.
There is also an extensive and varied entertainment schedule on offer, with places like Benidorm Palace, which has their extravaganza evenings with full show, 3 course meal, drinks and dancing for 40 euros.
In Villajoyosa there is Casino Mediterraneano with its Buffet dinner (3 course),wine and show for 24 euros, plus a flutter at the tables or on the bandits if you desire it.
Molino Benidorm, mainly drag show and drinks, plus a multitude of different bars offering a variety of entertainment shows consisting of singers, comedians, karaoke etc, plus a vast assortment of Disco, R &B, House music clubs such as Cafe Benidorm, Hippodrome, Loch Ness and Champions to name but a few.
For the party animal, Benidorm is probably the “Mecca de Espana”, with its main Spanish rival possibly being Ibiza and described by some as a Spanish Blackpool but with a different culture, more sun and better beaches.
This is not all that Benidorm has to offer, for with its all year round diverse entertainment for singles, couples or families, young and old alike, this is truly a holiday experience not to be missed.
Family EntertainmentBenidorm has rich and varied list of activities for families with children of all ages, amongst the best are: Terra Mitica, Terra Natura, Mundomar, Aqualandia and Desafio Medieval (medieval show, with knights jousting etc, plus dinner) all can be found on the internet for more detailed information.
Hire CarThis is a very good idea, to enable you to explore the beautiful villages and towns outside of Benidorm, and with all the major car hire companies along Avenida del Mediterraneo, just off Levante beach, such as Hertz, Avis, Europa and Centauro, so shop around for the best deal.ExcursionsMost hotels organise some sort of excursion package which you can take, but there are also five free sightseeing trips on offer, taking you to the markets at Altea, through 7 Spanish villages, Guadelest, Botanical Gardens or the wine making valley of Jalon (where you can taste the merchandise).
For the free excursions, just contact the Round Town news Tourist information office located in the Rincon side of Benidorm, opposite the hotel Melia, for your tickets. Round Town office also assists in all your holiday queries, including some Spanish phrases, for those of you that want to get into the true spirit of your holiday.HotelsThere are apparently 145 hotels, with a total of 38,000 beds on offer, plus numerous Apartments (this is the third highest in Europe, behind London and Paris). For the people that are not afraid of heights, stay at theHotel Gran Bali **** which is the tallest building in Spain, standing at 51 floors high.HistoryBenidorm was officially born in 1325, when the lord of the Baronia de Polop awarded it a town charter to establish its own identity within Spain. The locals are fiercely proud of their heritage, mainly of aseafaring nature, where for over 200 years have had the majority of the Mediterranean tuna fishing industry. Since the 19th century, Benidorm has provided most of Spain’s sea captains and crew members.
Take a stroll through the old town and see St. James church which was built in the 18th century, and many other interesting buildings along the narrow cobbled streets and plazas. You can also take all this in doing a “Tapas and Vino” crawl, along two designated routes through the Old Town, which is much more civilised than the usual pub crawl.
Fiestas
The Three Kings - 5th JanCarnivals- 16th-20th FebFallas - 14th-19th MarchSemana Santa - 1st-8th AprilHogueras de san Juan - 19th-24th JuneVirgen del Carmen - 16th-22nd JulyAiguera Park (musicians and shows) – 1st-31st AugustFiestas Barrio L, Malsa - 11-28th-30th SeptMoors and Christians - 4th-7th OctSpectacular free show plus fireworks - New Years Eve
Plus many other smaller fiestas, to many to list, get the full itinerary from the tourist office or Round Town News.
Restaurants
Benidorm has everything your taste buds desire, from Italian, French, Indian, German, English and of course Spanish cuisines. There are too many to list, without upsetting the rest, so go on a cuisine cruise, and go back on the diet when you get home.
Shopping
This is definitely the place where you can shop till you drop, from cheap clothes shops to more expensive ones, try Plaza del Mar shopping centre in Finestrat. Best buys probably leather coats and jackets, and of course get your cheaper spirit and cigarettes for home.
In conclusion, Benidorm is a diverse city, where you can have a fun-packed holiday or a quiet and relaxed cultural holiday, with something for everyone, but to do Benidorm full justice, you will just have to come and see it for yourselves.
Copyright LoveAlicante.com
http://www.lovealicante.com/
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Alicante or Alicant (Valencian Catalan) is the largest city in the Costa Blanca region of Spain and is one of the most beautiful places you could wish to travel to if you take the time and the effort to explore the region and some of it’s sheer beauty.
Located between Murcia and Valencia, Alicante has some of the best beaches in Spain with San Juan, Muchavista and Campello beaches being real gems with beautiful, clean sea and sand which appeal to both families, couples and surfers alike with calm days and days when the waves can be quite high due to strong winds of late.
Amongst the many varied and more popular attractions are the Castillo de Santa Barbara (Alicante City), Terra Natura (Benidorm), Terra Mitica (Benidorm) and Mundomar (Benidorm). There are also areas of outstanding beauty such as the mountains of Busot village situated just outside of Campello (also known as El Campello). Not only does Busot have it’s popular attraction Cuevas de Canelobre (Canelobre Caves) but it also has vast amounts of stunning scenery in complete tranquillity. To get to these spots you need to do some investigating, but it is well worth it because you will find yourself all alone on some breath-taking trails overlooking Campello and surrounding villages.
To see all that is on offer, you have to arrange car hire in Alicante from either the airport or from a local town or city and prices start at €10 per day for a small car and reserving before your visit is essential in busy periods of the year.
Where else but Alicante can you find such a diverse amount of activities, places of interest and things to do. In the morning you could travel to the Sierra Nevadas (Grenada) and be snowboarding and in the afternoon soaking up the sun, sea and sand on a beautiful, spacious beach. Not only this, but you can also get ferries to Majorca, Ibiza and Tabarca Island from Alicante harbour, so you will never have a lack of options available to you.
Real estate property in Alicante is another reason for visitors to come and like the rest of Costa Blanca, is a popular place where expats come to invest or to emigrate to. Property prices have rapidly increased over the years due to demand and the Euro being introduced, but if you are prepared to move inland slightly, or away from popular areas such as Benidorm and Javea, you can find some real bargains in comparison to the UK property market. Purchasing property in Spain is more expensive tax and legal-wise but it is still worthwhile as long as the Euro is weaker than the Pound.
Alicante’s hotels are varied and you have a wide variety of choice when coming to this region of Spain and if you do some research you will get a hotel to suit your budget and requirements, just remember to book early in high-seasons to ensure a beach-side location.
Getting cheap flights to Alicante has never been easier thanks to Alicante airport being such a popular international destination and it is expanding continuously with new airlines operating from there.
Copyright LoveAlicante.com
http://www.lovealicante.com/
Located between Murcia and Valencia, Alicante has some of the best beaches in Spain with San Juan, Muchavista and Campello beaches being real gems with beautiful, clean sea and sand which appeal to both families, couples and surfers alike with calm days and days when the waves can be quite high due to strong winds of late.
Amongst the many varied and more popular attractions are the Castillo de Santa Barbara (Alicante City), Terra Natura (Benidorm), Terra Mitica (Benidorm) and Mundomar (Benidorm). There are also areas of outstanding beauty such as the mountains of Busot village situated just outside of Campello (also known as El Campello). Not only does Busot have it’s popular attraction Cuevas de Canelobre (Canelobre Caves) but it also has vast amounts of stunning scenery in complete tranquillity. To get to these spots you need to do some investigating, but it is well worth it because you will find yourself all alone on some breath-taking trails overlooking Campello and surrounding villages.
To see all that is on offer, you have to arrange car hire in Alicante from either the airport or from a local town or city and prices start at €10 per day for a small car and reserving before your visit is essential in busy periods of the year.
Where else but Alicante can you find such a diverse amount of activities, places of interest and things to do. In the morning you could travel to the Sierra Nevadas (Grenada) and be snowboarding and in the afternoon soaking up the sun, sea and sand on a beautiful, spacious beach. Not only this, but you can also get ferries to Majorca, Ibiza and Tabarca Island from Alicante harbour, so you will never have a lack of options available to you.
Real estate property in Alicante is another reason for visitors to come and like the rest of Costa Blanca, is a popular place where expats come to invest or to emigrate to. Property prices have rapidly increased over the years due to demand and the Euro being introduced, but if you are prepared to move inland slightly, or away from popular areas such as Benidorm and Javea, you can find some real bargains in comparison to the UK property market. Purchasing property in Spain is more expensive tax and legal-wise but it is still worthwhile as long as the Euro is weaker than the Pound.
Alicante’s hotels are varied and you have a wide variety of choice when coming to this region of Spain and if you do some research you will get a hotel to suit your budget and requirements, just remember to book early in high-seasons to ensure a beach-side location.
Getting cheap flights to Alicante has never been easier thanks to Alicante airport being such a popular international destination and it is expanding continuously with new airlines operating from there.
Copyright LoveAlicante.com
http://www.lovealicante.com/
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