Valencia is the third largest city in Spain. It is a melting pot of the traditional and the modern, and home to a very friendly and warm population. From a tourist’s perspective, the city and its outskirts have lots of tourist attractions, stunning beaches, museums, culture and arts, and in short, everything that one would expect to see and experience in a vacation hotspot. Reaching there is quite easy as Valencia is well connected by air and road to all major towns and cities in Spain as well as other European countries.
One of the major highlights of Valencia is its festivals, most of which are celebrated in the summer months, starting February to June. This includes February carnivals, the Las Fallas festival in the following month, Holy Week and Easter celebrations, Corpus Christi in the month of June, and the San Juan bonfires in June end. The ‘Tomato Warfare’ in Bunol every summer and fireworks in Paterna in August are other notable festivals.
Regarding other must-visit places, the first on the list is the magnificent Valencia City of Arts and Science, which includes the L'Hemisfèric Planetarium, the leisure complex Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofia, the artificial marine world Parque Oceanográfico, and the treasure cove of information and artifacts, the Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe.
Also, it is worth visiting the Miguelete Tower, offering a panoramic view of the city, Nicolau Primitiu Library, Palacio de la Música, the music palace, and Palacio de Justicia.
Historic edifices of interest include Antigua Universidad de Valencia, the 18th century hall – Ayuntamiento - the World Heritage Site of Lonja, Puente del Mar – the 400 year old sea bridge – and the main port, Puerto de Valencia. The small town of Sagunto, on the northern outskirts of Valencia, has some ancient Roman edifices and ruins.
For shopping, Plaza Redonda and Plaza de la Virgen would be ideal. Also, it’ll be a nice experience to walk around the historic square at the heart of the city’s Old Quarter, Plaza de Manises, or to savor the sight of Plaza de Toros, the 19th century Valencia bullring.
No visit to Valencia would be complete without a visit to the city’s some extraordinary museums, especially if you are somebody who loves history and archeology. The famous museums in the city include Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueologia, Museo de la Ciudad, Museo Taurino, and San Pious V Museum.
For those who love sea, the beaches, and water sports, there are plenty of those along the Valencia coastline. The coastal resort of Benidorm, the charming Alicante - to the south of Valencia – and Balearic Islands – east of Valencia – including the island of Ibiza with its 50 beaches, offers more than one would expect from a beach tourist destination.
More information on Valencia tourism is available at http://www.valencia-guide.eu
Showing posts with label valencia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label valencia. Show all posts
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Benidorm
Benidorm is a major city lying along the Costa Blanca, about 45 km north of Alicante, in Valencia, Spain. Home to over 65,000 people, it is the fifth most populous town in the Alicante province. However, outside of Spain, the popularity of Benidorm is borne out of the fact that it is one among the much sought after tourist resorts along the Mediterranean coast. Despite its modern look and feel, the city is synonymous with night life and beaches, and a popular vacation hotspot. The mild weather is another factor that attracts lots of tourists to Benidorm.
Benidorm was a small village until the beginning of the 1960s. That was when the earlier waves of tourism industry started to caress the quite settlements in and around Alicante. Once the pace was set, Benidorm’s transformation from a sleepy village to a bustling tourist center was almost sudden, and soon the town was hosting thousands of vacationers and beach goers, whose numbers only increased with the every passing year, to the point where it is today. According to tourist statistics, every year during summer, the population of Benidorm swells to over 1.5 million, a million of them tourists from different parts of Europe, especially Britain.
As mentioned already, the major attractions of Benidorm are its sandy beaches and the thrilling nightlife that not many towns in Spain can claim to have. The three major beaches in Benidorm are Poniente, Levante, and Mal Pas, all with a blue flag, the best quality standard recognized by the European Union. The Poniente and Levante beaches are about 5km in length. However, since a heavy traffic road passes by Poniente, the scene can be a bit noisy. Hence, if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing bath by the sun, opt for Playa de Levante. Regarding nightlife, the city has over 30 discos and 1000 odd restaurants; the entertaining mix of good food and leg tapping music, party lovers can have it in plenty in Benidorm.
Other Benidorm attractions include the casco antiguo - the old Benidorm city center – Terra Mitica, the theme park, the animal park Terra Natura, Mundomar Park, and Aqualandia Water Park. The latter two are located on the Lavente side, at the city outskirts, while the ‘Terra’ parks are located at the foothills, outside Benidorm town limits. For golf lovers, there are few top class golf courses in and around Benidorm. The yearly Benidorm International Song Festival is a major event in the town. Try not to miss it if you are in the town during the occasion.
The best mode of transport in Benidorm is by car. You could hire a car for rent during your stay in the town. Alicante is the nearest airport. It has connections to all parts of Spain and Europe. From the airport to Benidorm, one can either go by car or bus, or can take the narrow gauge railway. Alicante is connected to Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, or Seville by daily bus and train services. To know more about Benidorm and its tourist attractions, see the city/Alicante tourism website.
Benidorm was a small village until the beginning of the 1960s. That was when the earlier waves of tourism industry started to caress the quite settlements in and around Alicante. Once the pace was set, Benidorm’s transformation from a sleepy village to a bustling tourist center was almost sudden, and soon the town was hosting thousands of vacationers and beach goers, whose numbers only increased with the every passing year, to the point where it is today. According to tourist statistics, every year during summer, the population of Benidorm swells to over 1.5 million, a million of them tourists from different parts of Europe, especially Britain.
As mentioned already, the major attractions of Benidorm are its sandy beaches and the thrilling nightlife that not many towns in Spain can claim to have. The three major beaches in Benidorm are Poniente, Levante, and Mal Pas, all with a blue flag, the best quality standard recognized by the European Union. The Poniente and Levante beaches are about 5km in length. However, since a heavy traffic road passes by Poniente, the scene can be a bit noisy. Hence, if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing bath by the sun, opt for Playa de Levante. Regarding nightlife, the city has over 30 discos and 1000 odd restaurants; the entertaining mix of good food and leg tapping music, party lovers can have it in plenty in Benidorm.
Other Benidorm attractions include the casco antiguo - the old Benidorm city center – Terra Mitica, the theme park, the animal park Terra Natura, Mundomar Park, and Aqualandia Water Park. The latter two are located on the Lavente side, at the city outskirts, while the ‘Terra’ parks are located at the foothills, outside Benidorm town limits. For golf lovers, there are few top class golf courses in and around Benidorm. The yearly Benidorm International Song Festival is a major event in the town. Try not to miss it if you are in the town during the occasion.
The best mode of transport in Benidorm is by car. You could hire a car for rent during your stay in the town. Alicante is the nearest airport. It has connections to all parts of Spain and Europe. From the airport to Benidorm, one can either go by car or bus, or can take the narrow gauge railway. Alicante is connected to Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, or Seville by daily bus and train services. To know more about Benidorm and its tourist attractions, see the city/Alicante tourism website.
Alicante An Amazing City In The Costa Blanca Region Of Spain
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.
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.
Costa Blanca
For anyone that wants to enjoy some fun and sun in Spain, the Costa Blanca region that is close to the Mediterranean Sea would be the best place to visit. Costa Blanca is a part of the Alicante Province that begins with the little town known as Denia and ends up at Torrevieja, which is another popular tourist destination. Costa Blanca or ‘white coast’ has some very splendid beaches that both residents as also the many tourists come to enjoy.
On a visit to Costa Blanca you might want to check out a few important and well liked holiday spots where you can unwind on the beaches including Altea, Javea, Moraira as well as Benidorm, Torrevieja and Guardamar. And, there are many wonderful villas that serve as ideal accommodation and are a favorite among tourists with something of special interest in each one. To reach Javea that lies about ninety kilometers from Alicante on the east coast of Iberia and a hundred kilometers from Valencia, you can take a plane and land at one of the international airports in either of these two cities. Or, if you are planning to drive down, then you can travel the A-7 from any part of Europe.
Javea is particularly exciting and well worth visiting having some of the best mountains including the peak of Montgo along with many wondrous landscapes and of course the excellent beaches. Such is the attraction that Costa Blanca holds for tourists that millions of them converge here to enjoy the beautiful beaches every year, especially the towns of Denia and Javea. You would also find Elche another attractive hot spot and this place is known as the palm capital of the world.
Traveling the entire Costa Blanca is possible using the Carretera National Highway that follows the coast and provide you with the opportunity to also stop and take a break at the many small villages along the way. Among the more tourist oriented places, you would like the entertainment park known as Terra Mitica that is situated at Benidorm and there are also the bays of Altea as well as a place called Calpe. There are also the smaller towns that are very attractive and among them you should check out Villajoyosa that is close to Benidorm and to its south having an old town and plenty of yummy chocolates as well.
Anyone that wants to enjoy a good round of golf in these parts would love the Costa Blanca golf resorts of which there are many and you can locate individual ones by studying the maps that are available at the Airport or in downtown Alicante. Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the Costa Blanca would no doubt emanate from the sea villages. Costa Blanca is also a place where tourists are tempted by the more than two hundred kilometers of coastline and rather unsurprisingly the tourist industry here is well developed and Costa Blanca is a hot favorite for many British and also German tourists and many other nationalities including the sun-starved Scandinavians that flock here for the ample warmth and plenty of sunshine that is available here.
On a visit to Costa Blanca you might want to check out a few important and well liked holiday spots where you can unwind on the beaches including Altea, Javea, Moraira as well as Benidorm, Torrevieja and Guardamar. And, there are many wonderful villas that serve as ideal accommodation and are a favorite among tourists with something of special interest in each one. To reach Javea that lies about ninety kilometers from Alicante on the east coast of Iberia and a hundred kilometers from Valencia, you can take a plane and land at one of the international airports in either of these two cities. Or, if you are planning to drive down, then you can travel the A-7 from any part of Europe.
Javea is particularly exciting and well worth visiting having some of the best mountains including the peak of Montgo along with many wondrous landscapes and of course the excellent beaches. Such is the attraction that Costa Blanca holds for tourists that millions of them converge here to enjoy the beautiful beaches every year, especially the towns of Denia and Javea. You would also find Elche another attractive hot spot and this place is known as the palm capital of the world.
Traveling the entire Costa Blanca is possible using the Carretera National Highway that follows the coast and provide you with the opportunity to also stop and take a break at the many small villages along the way. Among the more tourist oriented places, you would like the entertainment park known as Terra Mitica that is situated at Benidorm and there are also the bays of Altea as well as a place called Calpe. There are also the smaller towns that are very attractive and among them you should check out Villajoyosa that is close to Benidorm and to its south having an old town and plenty of yummy chocolates as well.
Anyone that wants to enjoy a good round of golf in these parts would love the Costa Blanca golf resorts of which there are many and you can locate individual ones by studying the maps that are available at the Airport or in downtown Alicante. Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the Costa Blanca would no doubt emanate from the sea villages. Costa Blanca is also a place where tourists are tempted by the more than two hundred kilometers of coastline and rather unsurprisingly the tourist industry here is well developed and Costa Blanca is a hot favorite for many British and also German tourists and many other nationalities including the sun-starved Scandinavians that flock here for the ample warmth and plenty of sunshine that is available here.
Calpe
Calpe is a beautiful town, situated on the northern part of Alicante Province, on the Costa Blanca region. Once an ancient fishing village, Calpe has now become a large scale charming tourist town. Steeped in history, Calpe is a fantastic blend of ancient Valencian culture and modern culture. Even before the centuries, the place was visited and settled by many voyagers. The remains of Iberian tribes found on the place are a fine example for this. It has also been revealed that the Romans, Christians, and Moors once settled here. Its strategic location near Benidorm, which is only a 20-minute drive away, and such scenic towns as Denia makes it one of the sought-after destinations not only in Spanish regions but also in the world. In this article, we will discuss some of the prime attractions of the place.
Significant of the Calpe attractions is the Penon de Ifach – a towering 332 m high rock, which is the highest in the entire Mediterranean, dividing the shorelines of Calpe into two. Penon is of immense historical significance, as its foot was earlier the site of a Roman factory for drying salt fishes, and this spot is now known as the Queen’s Baths. Besides, several other interesting things are associated with this landmark. Declared a sheltered natural reserve in 1987, this rock takes after the rock of Gibraltar, and renders awe-inspiring views of Costa Blanca regions and the bays surrounding it. Also, it is home to some of the rare plants as well as sea birds.
Another great attraction of the place is its golden sandy blue flag certified beaches, including Playa de la Fossa with superb facilities such as tennis courts, children’s park areas, and bowling greens, and Playa Cantal Roig – a rocky as well as scenic beach. The la fossa and the bay of Gasparet are the other prominent beaches in the area.
In addition, splendid options are available for those who want to explore the history of the place, with its countryside filled with a multitude of ancient houses containing arched porticos; historic castles like the Moorish Castle overlooking the Mascarat ravine; and museums such as the Fiestas Museum and the Museum of Archeology – all of them housing historic monuments and murals. Also, worth mentioning are the Calpe’s Old Town Walls and the ancient churches including Iglesia Vieja – a classic example of the Mudejar-Gothic architecture. Calpe’s attractions also cover an awesome modern marina situated along the old fishing port and Calpe fish market.
Above all, Calpe offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy an excellent range of water sport activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, yachting, and waterskiing, apart from other activities like rock climbing, trekking, sightseeing, and dining, with a chain of restaurants and bars offering delectable cuisines and savoring drinks.
By road, Calpe is easy reachable via the main highways. Further, Calpe is only a 50 minutes drive from the airport of Alicante.
Calpe’s pleasant climate, scenic tourist attractions and its proximity to many of the major towns, attracts holidaymakers from across the globe.
Significant of the Calpe attractions is the Penon de Ifach – a towering 332 m high rock, which is the highest in the entire Mediterranean, dividing the shorelines of Calpe into two. Penon is of immense historical significance, as its foot was earlier the site of a Roman factory for drying salt fishes, and this spot is now known as the Queen’s Baths. Besides, several other interesting things are associated with this landmark. Declared a sheltered natural reserve in 1987, this rock takes after the rock of Gibraltar, and renders awe-inspiring views of Costa Blanca regions and the bays surrounding it. Also, it is home to some of the rare plants as well as sea birds.
Another great attraction of the place is its golden sandy blue flag certified beaches, including Playa de la Fossa with superb facilities such as tennis courts, children’s park areas, and bowling greens, and Playa Cantal Roig – a rocky as well as scenic beach. The la fossa and the bay of Gasparet are the other prominent beaches in the area.
In addition, splendid options are available for those who want to explore the history of the place, with its countryside filled with a multitude of ancient houses containing arched porticos; historic castles like the Moorish Castle overlooking the Mascarat ravine; and museums such as the Fiestas Museum and the Museum of Archeology – all of them housing historic monuments and murals. Also, worth mentioning are the Calpe’s Old Town Walls and the ancient churches including Iglesia Vieja – a classic example of the Mudejar-Gothic architecture. Calpe’s attractions also cover an awesome modern marina situated along the old fishing port and Calpe fish market.
Above all, Calpe offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy an excellent range of water sport activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, yachting, and waterskiing, apart from other activities like rock climbing, trekking, sightseeing, and dining, with a chain of restaurants and bars offering delectable cuisines and savoring drinks.
By road, Calpe is easy reachable via the main highways. Further, Calpe is only a 50 minutes drive from the airport of Alicante.
Calpe’s pleasant climate, scenic tourist attractions and its proximity to many of the major towns, attracts holidaymakers from across the globe.
Alicante Hotels
Located amid picturesque mountains on the eastern Costa Blanca region, Alicante is an exceptional tourist destination, brimming with stunning attractions such as historic places, exquisite beaches and vibrant shopping streets. Alicante also boasts one of the only international airports in the region, which is regarded as a quick gateway to the whole Costa Blanca region. Besides, Alicante is only a short drive from such popular places as Malaga, Murcia, Valencia, and Benidorm.
Alicante renders world-class accommodation and accommodation options in Alicante include a chain of hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast accommodation and conference centers. With these numerous options, one can easily choose accommodation that suits any tastes and needs. For instance, if you are a business traveler, it would be better to choose an accommodation facility located within the city center, such as Hotel Hesperia Lucentum Alicante, Hotel NH Alicante, Hotel Kris Alicante, and Abba Centrum Alicante Hotel, all of them combined with superb facilities and amenities. Likewise, for a vacationer who has come to explore the attractions and beauty of Alicante, the best option would be to select a hotel or resort near wonderful Alicante beaches or harbour areas, including Holiday Inn Alicante in the quaint area of Playa San Juan; Palm Beach hotels – just 700 meters from the beach; Hotel Albahia with breathtaking views of the sea and Servigroup Pueblo Benidorm Hotel within close proximity to Levante Beach.
Alicante hotels can also be chosen according to the budget of the travelers. There are hotels, specially designed for luxury travelers, including Hesperia Alicante Golf Spa Hotel, Melia Alicante, Gravinocinco, Spa Morta Maris, and Eurostars Mediterranea Palace Hotels, of which many of them are coupled with most sophisticated facilities such as multi cuisine restaurants, golf clubs, fitness centers, spa, swimming pools, suites, round the clock room services, and shopping facilities. For budget conscious travelers, discount or cheap hotels are available that are priced less than EUR 50, prominent being Hotel Castilla Alicante, Hotel Ibis Alicante, Express by Holiday Inn Alicante, Hotel Estudiotel, and Hotel Tryp Ciudad De Alicante. Similarly, for travelers who can spend some more, hotels ranging between EUR 50 and EUR 70 can be opted.
However, prior to the selection of an Alicante hotel, it is important to make thorough research with regard to rates, service, and professionalism. The internet is undoubtedly the most perfect way to shop for the best hotel deals. One can also lean on reviews written by real users. Since majority of the hotels have their sites on the web with physical location details and telephone numbers, one can directly contact the hotels to get information regarding rates and bookings. Above all, a plethora of travel agencies are in the scenario, which assist not only in finding the best hotel deals but also help you in booking flights.
No matter what Alicante hotel you choose, whether luxury or budget, they are mostly within the easy reach of any of Alicante’s prime attractions, such as Museu de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada, Elche Palm Forest, or Castell de Santa Barbara Castle.
Alicante renders world-class accommodation and accommodation options in Alicante include a chain of hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast accommodation and conference centers. With these numerous options, one can easily choose accommodation that suits any tastes and needs. For instance, if you are a business traveler, it would be better to choose an accommodation facility located within the city center, such as Hotel Hesperia Lucentum Alicante, Hotel NH Alicante, Hotel Kris Alicante, and Abba Centrum Alicante Hotel, all of them combined with superb facilities and amenities. Likewise, for a vacationer who has come to explore the attractions and beauty of Alicante, the best option would be to select a hotel or resort near wonderful Alicante beaches or harbour areas, including Holiday Inn Alicante in the quaint area of Playa San Juan; Palm Beach hotels – just 700 meters from the beach; Hotel Albahia with breathtaking views of the sea and Servigroup Pueblo Benidorm Hotel within close proximity to Levante Beach.
Alicante hotels can also be chosen according to the budget of the travelers. There are hotels, specially designed for luxury travelers, including Hesperia Alicante Golf Spa Hotel, Melia Alicante, Gravinocinco, Spa Morta Maris, and Eurostars Mediterranea Palace Hotels, of which many of them are coupled with most sophisticated facilities such as multi cuisine restaurants, golf clubs, fitness centers, spa, swimming pools, suites, round the clock room services, and shopping facilities. For budget conscious travelers, discount or cheap hotels are available that are priced less than EUR 50, prominent being Hotel Castilla Alicante, Hotel Ibis Alicante, Express by Holiday Inn Alicante, Hotel Estudiotel, and Hotel Tryp Ciudad De Alicante. Similarly, for travelers who can spend some more, hotels ranging between EUR 50 and EUR 70 can be opted.
However, prior to the selection of an Alicante hotel, it is important to make thorough research with regard to rates, service, and professionalism. The internet is undoubtedly the most perfect way to shop for the best hotel deals. One can also lean on reviews written by real users. Since majority of the hotels have their sites on the web with physical location details and telephone numbers, one can directly contact the hotels to get information regarding rates and bookings. Above all, a plethora of travel agencies are in the scenario, which assist not only in finding the best hotel deals but also help you in booking flights.
No matter what Alicante hotel you choose, whether luxury or budget, they are mostly within the easy reach of any of Alicante’s prime attractions, such as Museu de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada, Elche Palm Forest, or Castell de Santa Barbara Castle.
Alicante Property
Situated on the eastern coast of Spain, Alicante is the second largest town in the Costa Blanca region of Valencia Province. With its much regarded boulevard, pleasant climate, swaying palm trees, teeming nightlife, miles of sandy beaches, and vibrant streets, Alicante draws tourists from across the globe, particularly from countries such as Germany, Netherlands, and the UK. Alicante is also within easy reach of such famed resort towns as Benidorm, Denia, Murcia, Torrevieja, and Villamartin. Further, Alicante boasts an international airport, which is the only facility in the region, thereby serving as convenient as well as quick gateway to the entire regions in the Mediterranean Coast.
Perhaps, for these reasons, real estate in the region is booming, and Alicante property is always of special demand. Owning a property in Alicante has been proved to be a great investment, as tourist flock here year-round and hence there is no problem in finding a tenant or renting them out. This helps you to yield huge returns from your investment, especially during summer when demand for vacation rentals is at its peak. The market trend reveals that the property price in the region has reached the record highs. Not only great as an investment, Alicante property also allows you to enjoy annual vacation in one of the exciting as well as sought after destinations in the world.
A fabulous range of Alicante property is available to choose from for investments according to your budget and preferences, such as building plots, townhouses, country houses, elegant villas, and beautiful apartments with such facilities as gardens and swimming pools. No matter if the property you have chosen is re-sale or new construction, both have their own benefits. The prime benefit of a re-sale property is that it allows you to own the property within a short span of time. But in the case of new construction, one of the greatest benefits is that you can design layout according to your tastes and needs.
Even mortgages are available to purchase an Alicante property, and all you have to possess in order to avail a registration number, namely, NIE, which in turn is vital to sign certain important documents. However, it is important that you make a thorough research with regard to the property, before owning them. Although a plethora of real estate firms are here to fetch you the best deal, it is recommended to utilize the service of an expert attorney to check vital documents related to property, like contract and title deeds. The internet also serves as an excellent source to make a research on recent market condition of Alicante property. Above all, there are specialist companies in the scenario, which not only minimize the risk associated with the purchase of Alicante property but also ensure maximum returns from these properties.
Besides investment properties, there are a lot number of properties, exclusively designed for vacationers who take advantage of the place for short breaks or just to enjoy a weekend. From rustic apartments and villas to hotels and resorts coupled with the most modern facilities, all vacation Alicante properties are awesome and comfortable.
Perhaps, for these reasons, real estate in the region is booming, and Alicante property is always of special demand. Owning a property in Alicante has been proved to be a great investment, as tourist flock here year-round and hence there is no problem in finding a tenant or renting them out. This helps you to yield huge returns from your investment, especially during summer when demand for vacation rentals is at its peak. The market trend reveals that the property price in the region has reached the record highs. Not only great as an investment, Alicante property also allows you to enjoy annual vacation in one of the exciting as well as sought after destinations in the world.
A fabulous range of Alicante property is available to choose from for investments according to your budget and preferences, such as building plots, townhouses, country houses, elegant villas, and beautiful apartments with such facilities as gardens and swimming pools. No matter if the property you have chosen is re-sale or new construction, both have their own benefits. The prime benefit of a re-sale property is that it allows you to own the property within a short span of time. But in the case of new construction, one of the greatest benefits is that you can design layout according to your tastes and needs.
Even mortgages are available to purchase an Alicante property, and all you have to possess in order to avail a registration number, namely, NIE, which in turn is vital to sign certain important documents. However, it is important that you make a thorough research with regard to the property, before owning them. Although a plethora of real estate firms are here to fetch you the best deal, it is recommended to utilize the service of an expert attorney to check vital documents related to property, like contract and title deeds. The internet also serves as an excellent source to make a research on recent market condition of Alicante property. Above all, there are specialist companies in the scenario, which not only minimize the risk associated with the purchase of Alicante property but also ensure maximum returns from these properties.
Besides investment properties, there are a lot number of properties, exclusively designed for vacationers who take advantage of the place for short breaks or just to enjoy a weekend. From rustic apartments and villas to hotels and resorts coupled with the most modern facilities, all vacation Alicante properties are awesome and comfortable.
Altea
Altea is undoubtedly one of the most wonderful places in Spain, located on White Coast, in Alicante Province, on the Costa Blanca region. Situated just 11 km away from Benidorm and 62 km north of the El Altet International Airport in Alicante, Altea is strategically situated on the N332, which is easily accessible via the A7 motorway running between Valencia and Alicante. Sometimes referred to as the artists’ capital of Costa Blanca – the place is filled with such great attractions as medieval cobbled streets, historic monuments, shingled beaches, and art galleries. Discussed in detail in this article are some of the significant attractions of Altea.
One of the most distinctive highlights of Altea is the Parish Church of the Virgin del Consuelo at the Old Town Center, which is noted for its glorious blue dome and dazzling ceramic tiles in white color. Also, don’t forget to climb atop the church to enjoy the panoramic views of the Altea Bay. Alongside the church are fabulous cobbled streets lined with marvelous white washed houses. Another great attraction of Altea is the mountainous area of Sierra de Bernia, which is up to 1130m high. It is a paradise for nature lovers, climbers, and sightseers. Lying at the foot of the hill is the stupendous sea promenade as well as the much favored commercial street, namely the Avenida del Rey Jaime. Further, some of the best hotels and apartments of the place can be seen in this hilly area. Nearby is Cactuslandia - a haven for a variety of rare cactus and some exotic birds.
Also astounding in Altea are the beaches. The main beach of the area is Playa la Roda - a marvelous blend of golden sand and pebbles. To the south of the town is another great beach of the area, namely, Playa de Cap Blanch, stretching up to the resorts of Alfas del Pi, which in turn is another striking beach offering the breathtaking views of the bays of Altea and Calpe. Noteworthy beaches in Altea also include Playa de Cap Negret whose black pebbles make it unique, and L’Olla beach, which is situated adjacent to a small island. Apart from these beaches, you can find an amazing chain of shingled coves, such as La Baretta, La Galera, and La Solsida, at Mascarat Point, located at the northern end of the Altea Bay.
In addition, Altea boasts two sophisticated water sports center, such as, El Puerto Deportivo Luis Campomanes, alternatively named Greenwich Marina, and EL Club Nautico de Altea. Both of them offer opportunities to enjoy a host of activities including fishing, diving, windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, and boat cruises. The town’s must-visit highlights also cover the Luis Campomanes harbour, which has to its credit some of the best cruisers and yachts.
Above all, Altea houses a chain of bars, restaurants, street cafes, and night clubs, all of them hosting a range of cultural events as well as entertainment, apart from serving a mouthwatering array of cuisines and drinks.
Further, such attractions as the Moorish Mountain Fortress located at Guadalest and Penon de Ifach at Calpe are within close proximity to Altea.
One of the most distinctive highlights of Altea is the Parish Church of the Virgin del Consuelo at the Old Town Center, which is noted for its glorious blue dome and dazzling ceramic tiles in white color. Also, don’t forget to climb atop the church to enjoy the panoramic views of the Altea Bay. Alongside the church are fabulous cobbled streets lined with marvelous white washed houses. Another great attraction of Altea is the mountainous area of Sierra de Bernia, which is up to 1130m high. It is a paradise for nature lovers, climbers, and sightseers. Lying at the foot of the hill is the stupendous sea promenade as well as the much favored commercial street, namely the Avenida del Rey Jaime. Further, some of the best hotels and apartments of the place can be seen in this hilly area. Nearby is Cactuslandia - a haven for a variety of rare cactus and some exotic birds.
Also astounding in Altea are the beaches. The main beach of the area is Playa la Roda - a marvelous blend of golden sand and pebbles. To the south of the town is another great beach of the area, namely, Playa de Cap Blanch, stretching up to the resorts of Alfas del Pi, which in turn is another striking beach offering the breathtaking views of the bays of Altea and Calpe. Noteworthy beaches in Altea also include Playa de Cap Negret whose black pebbles make it unique, and L’Olla beach, which is situated adjacent to a small island. Apart from these beaches, you can find an amazing chain of shingled coves, such as La Baretta, La Galera, and La Solsida, at Mascarat Point, located at the northern end of the Altea Bay.
In addition, Altea boasts two sophisticated water sports center, such as, El Puerto Deportivo Luis Campomanes, alternatively named Greenwich Marina, and EL Club Nautico de Altea. Both of them offer opportunities to enjoy a host of activities including fishing, diving, windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, and boat cruises. The town’s must-visit highlights also cover the Luis Campomanes harbour, which has to its credit some of the best cruisers and yachts.
Above all, Altea houses a chain of bars, restaurants, street cafes, and night clubs, all of them hosting a range of cultural events as well as entertainment, apart from serving a mouthwatering array of cuisines and drinks.
Further, such attractions as the Moorish Mountain Fortress located at Guadalest and Penon de Ifach at Calpe are within close proximity to Altea.
Why Costa Blanca Property Is So Sought After
Situated on the eastern coast of Spain, Costa Blanca is the second largest town in the Costa Blanca region of Valencia Province. With its much regarded boulevard, pleasant climate, swaying palm trees, teeming nightlife, miles of sandy beaches, and vibrant streets, Costa Blanca draws tourists from across the globe, particularly from countries such as Germany, Netherlands, and the UK. Costa Blanca is also within easy reach of such famed resort towns as Benidorm, Denia, Murcia, Torrevieja, and Villamartin. Further, Costa Blanca boasts an international airport, which is the only facility in the region, thereby serving as convenient as well as quick gateway to the entire regions in the Mediterranean Coast.
Perhaps, for these reasons, real estate in the region is booming, and Costa Blanca property is always of special demand. Owning a property in Costa Blanca has been proved to be a great investment, as tourist flock here year-round and hence there is no problem in finding a tenant or renting them out. This helps you to yield huge returns from your investment, especially during summer when demand for vacation rentals is at its peak. The market trend reveals that the property price in the region has reached the record highs. Not only great as an investment, Costa Blanca property also allows you to enjoy annual vacation in one of the exciting as well as sought after destinations in the world.
A fabulous range of Costa Blanca property is available to choose from for investments according to your budget and preferences, such as building plots, townhouses, country houses, elegant villas, and beautiful apartments with such facilities as gardens and swimming pools. No matter if the property you have chosen is re-sale or new construction, both have their own benefits. The prime benefit of a re-sale property is that it allows you to own the property within a short span of time. But in the case of new construction, one of the greatest benefits is that you can design layout according to your tastes and needs.
Even mortgages are available to purchase an Costa Blanca property, and all you have to possess in order to avail a registration number, namely, NIE, which in turn is vital to sign certain important documents. However, it is important that you make a thorough research with regard to the property, before owning them. Although a plethora of real estate firms are here to fetch you the best deal, it is recommended to utilize the service of an expert attorney to check vital documents related to property, like contract and title deeds. The internet also serves as an excellent source to make a research on recent market condition of Costa Blanca property. Above all, there are specialist companies in the scenario, which not only minimize the risk associated with the purchase of Costa Blanca property but also ensure maximum returns from these properties.
Besides investment properties, there are a lot number of properties, exclusively designed for vacationers who take advantage of the place for short breaks or just to enjoy a weekend. From rustic apartments and villas to hotels and resorts coupled with the most modern facilities, all vacation Costa Blanca properties are awesome and comfortable.
Perhaps, for these reasons, real estate in the region is booming, and Costa Blanca property is always of special demand. Owning a property in Costa Blanca has been proved to be a great investment, as tourist flock here year-round and hence there is no problem in finding a tenant or renting them out. This helps you to yield huge returns from your investment, especially during summer when demand for vacation rentals is at its peak. The market trend reveals that the property price in the region has reached the record highs. Not only great as an investment, Costa Blanca property also allows you to enjoy annual vacation in one of the exciting as well as sought after destinations in the world.
A fabulous range of Costa Blanca property is available to choose from for investments according to your budget and preferences, such as building plots, townhouses, country houses, elegant villas, and beautiful apartments with such facilities as gardens and swimming pools. No matter if the property you have chosen is re-sale or new construction, both have their own benefits. The prime benefit of a re-sale property is that it allows you to own the property within a short span of time. But in the case of new construction, one of the greatest benefits is that you can design layout according to your tastes and needs.
Even mortgages are available to purchase an Costa Blanca property, and all you have to possess in order to avail a registration number, namely, NIE, which in turn is vital to sign certain important documents. However, it is important that you make a thorough research with regard to the property, before owning them. Although a plethora of real estate firms are here to fetch you the best deal, it is recommended to utilize the service of an expert attorney to check vital documents related to property, like contract and title deeds. The internet also serves as an excellent source to make a research on recent market condition of Costa Blanca property. Above all, there are specialist companies in the scenario, which not only minimize the risk associated with the purchase of Costa Blanca property but also ensure maximum returns from these properties.
Besides investment properties, there are a lot number of properties, exclusively designed for vacationers who take advantage of the place for short breaks or just to enjoy a weekend. From rustic apartments and villas to hotels and resorts coupled with the most modern facilities, all vacation Costa Blanca properties are awesome and comfortable.
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.
Discover The Beauty Of Valencia In Spain
VALENCIA - A city of two integrated parts, is rapidly becoming one of the hottest destinations in Spain.The combination of Gothic and Modern architecture makes Valencia a visual and cultural feast.This new Valencia, whilst still embracing its past history and culture, is a city that far from getting outdated, is entering the new millennium as one of the most futuristic cities in Europe.
Valencia is full of tourist appeals which are eager to captivate them - Museums, Festivities, Beaches, Sports events, Catering and Leisure Centres, together with a rich and varied historical, cultural and natural heritage waiting to be discovered.
HOW TO GET TO VALENCIA - Valencia Airport (VLC) is located 9km from the city centre, and one has a choice of 2 buses (Aerobus is more direct) or a taxi ride (approx. cost 10euros).
BY TRAIN - mainly from Madrid or Barcelona, the Estacion Del Norte is located in the centre of the city.
BY ROAD - Approx. 2 hours drive from Alicante along the A7 main toll road and approx. 3 hours drive from Barcelona. There are many bus and coach trips that go into Valencia Bus Station, which is about 15 minutes walk from the centre.
BY SEA - There is a ferry service to the nearby Balearic Islands of Mallorca (about 3 hours) and Ibiza (about 2 hours). VALENCIA'S CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE - The city of arts and sciences, the Congress Centre, The Alameda Underground Station or the transformation of the port in preparation for the America's Cup Sailing event in 2007, have brought to Valencia the talents of such great 20th century architects as Santiago Calatrava, Norman Foster and Felix Candela. Between them they have drastically changed the outward appearance of the integral port area, with steel, white concrete and ceramic panelling intermingling with water features, high planted areas and lush lawns.
Conceived as a place to make known scientific and artistic knowledge, the city of arts and sciences has five main areas - L'HEMISFERIC - A half sphere surrounded by some enormous metal "eyelashes" and which is duplicated through its reflection in the spectacular pool that surrounds it. With a semicircular screen of 900 metres square, where three-dimensional films in the Imax format are projected, this building seeks to instruct people in the subjects that are normally the province of scientists.
THE REINA SOFIA PALACE OF ARTS - This is the jewel of the city of arts and sciences, with 40,000 metres square distributed over three auditoriums dedicated to opera, dance, theatre and music in general. Like a large symbolic sculpture, its nautical shape is a contrast between the opaque and the transparent, giving rise to feelings that change as we move. This building created by Santiago Calatrave is full of architectural surprises, a place that according to its creator, seeks to "take people into a circular place so that they can move around music".
THE PRINCIPE FELIPE SCIENCE MUSEUM - The educational approach inherent in the complex, finds its greatest expression here. In a centre that seeks to synthesise the contents of the 17 museums of this kind of Spain. It is an iron, glass and concrete structure that plays with light, creating the sensation of seeing the skeleton of a great white dinosaur. Modernity and Technology are combined at the service of a museum of the future, a place where the visitor ceases to be a mere spectator and is transformed into an interactive element in this new way of understanding science.
L'UMBRACLE - This huge covered central promenade of sculptured steel, fantastically pleasing to the eye, is a walkway of different trees and plants which blend in with the concrete and metal of its modern settings. A truly serene place to pontificate about life.
L'OCEANOGRAFIC - This is a new kind of aquarium, an underwater city of 80,000 square metres that makes it possible to discover the treasures of the seven seas. Designed by the late architect Felix Candela, the oceanographic park is considered the largest in Europe in the number and variety of its animal species and one of the worlds largest in volume of water.
THE HISTORICAL CITY OF VALENCIA - The historical centre of Valencia is the section of town which arose around the cathedral and was included within the medieval wall built in 1356, parts of which are still preserved.
The Casco Antiguo (old town) consists of five districts. Among which the Barrio del Carmen (Carmen district) is most outstanding and popular. Visiting the roman, Muslim and visigothic remains at La Almoina, the Portal del la Valldigno or the Banos Arabes del Almirante will allow you to go deeply into the historical roots to the evolution of the town. The archaeological remains around the Plaza de la Almoina take you back over 2,000 years to roman times. Valencia was originally a walled town with towers sited in strategic locations, with two still standing, the Quart and the Serranos towers. The Quart towers were built between 1441 and 1460, for protection of the Quart gate and the road to Castilia. The Serranos towers were built between 1392 and 1398 next to the bridge of the same name, for defending the road from the region of the Serranos, hence their name. Both towers have been used as prisons. Quarts as a womans prison in 1626 and Serranos for noblemen and knights between 1586 and 1887. Also of note is the cathedral of Valencia which was built between 1262 and 1356 on the site of a roman temple and later a Muslim mosque. One can view recently discovered 15th century frescoes by Francesco Pagano and Paolo De San Leocadio on exhibition.
For the history lovers there are many other beautiful historic buildings, plus a number of emblematic monuments, notably Plaza De La Reina. Also fantastic museums (24 in total) such as Museo De Bellas Artes (founded in 1683 and is the museum of fine arts), Almudin (built in the 14th century and between 1908 and 1991 became the museum of paleontology) and Museo De La Ciudan (for the full history of Valencia) to name but a few. LEISURE - For the Horticulturist there are some beautiful gardens (jardines) in Valencia, most inherited from the Arab culture. Some of the must sees are the Jardines De Viveros (nursery gardens) which previously belonged to the palace of Muslim king ABD Al-Aziz, Alameditas De Serranos which is a garden area on the right hand side bank of the river Turia, constructed in 1830 with many sculptures set amongst the varied fruit and palm trees and multiple flora. Jardines De Monforte (now classified as a national artistic garden) and Jardin De La Glorieta (the oldest garden in Valencia built between 1817 and 1844) BEACHES - Valencia is blessed with four beaches all with fine golden sand and range from 2,700 metres long to 4,940 metres in length. Two beaches, Pinedo, south of Valencia's seaport and Arenas-Malvarrosa which are the city beaches, both have bars and restaurants along the adjacent avenues, whilst El Saler and La Devesa beaches are a short walk from car parking areas and therefore much quieter beach areas. GOLF - There are five golf courses set around Valencia, Club De Golf El Bosque (18 holes), Club De Golf Escorpion (27 holes), Club De Golf Manises (9 holes and the oldest club),Club De Oliva Nova (18 holes) was designed by Severiano Ballesteros, and Club De Golf El Saler (18 holes) is considered one of the best golf courses in the world. SAILING - Valencia has a fantastic port which has recently been significantly upgraded to host the Americas Cup and is open to the public with a host of activities, games, restaurants, bars and shops. MOTORCYCLE RACING - Valencia has its own circuit which has been named after Ricardo Tormo, the first Valencian rider to win a world championship.
NIGHTLIFE - Valencia offers a wide and varied entertainment scenario for the young and not so young, straight and gay. From theatres (14 in total), concerts, discos, casinos, flamenco and fiestas, it’s all here in large quantities. SHOPPING - Valencia is a shopaholic mecca from the Mercado Central which is the biggest covered market in Europe. Across the street to Mur Mur, just alongside La Lonja is the 15th century silk exchange for classy gifts and souvenirs.For the stylist amongst you there are the streets of Marques De Dos Aguas, Poeta Queroi and Salva in the centre of the city, a Gucci glide from the wanna-bes on Calle Colon, have come together to create Dos Aguas luxury shopping, where all the top names in fashion and ceramics wait to serve you. There are a number of one-off shops, like the particular shop that sells 400 models of shaving brushes and another that only sells tomatoes in jars (pureed, chopped, juiced) with herbs, spices or just plain. Truly a remarkable shopping experience. HOTELS - Being Valencia there is, as expected, a huge choice of exceptional hotels from three to five stars. To name but a few, Hilton Valencia (5 stars), Hospes Palau De La Mar (5 stars), Sorolla Palace (5 Stars), Barcelo Valencia (4 stars), AC Valencia (4 stars), Husa Chil Art (4 stars), Husa Reina Victoria (4 Stars), Expo Hotel (3 stars), Beta Hotel Valencia (3 stars) and Renasa (3 stars). Other options are, Red Nest Hostel and Purple Nest Hostel which are good budget options in the city centre and Home Hostels have four hostels around the town. To rent an apartment go to Accommodation Valencia Apartments, who have over 40 centrally located and equipped apartments. FIESTAS - Jan 17th -San Anton ( a parade of pets and animals along Sagunto Street) Mar 1st-19th - Las Fallas (this is the most important festival in Valencia and not to be (best 17th-19th) missed. Fire is the main element of Fallas, that and the very impressive "sculptures" made each year) Apr 2nd-8th - Holy Week (the processions of the Semana Santa Marinera, at the Maritime District) May 13th - Virgin of the Helpless (along Miguelete Street) June T.B.A. - Corpus Christi (not to be missed. The Moma dances on the "eve" procession) Jun 23rd-24th-Sant John (numerous bonfires set on the city beaches at night) July T.B.A. - July Fair (the battle of the flowers on Alameda Avenue) EATING OUT - There is an abundance of good restaurants and tapas bars in Valencia, too many to list fairly, but suffice to say, whatever your gastronomic pleasure, its to be found here. Paella is the most famous and most requested dish by tourists, but beware of the microwave variety, it should be cooked fresh every day. Nearly every ingredient used in Valencian cooking is either grown, reared, cultivated or caught in its region or seas. Valencia has much more to offer the tourist or historical buff. It must be ranked as one of the most dynamic and versatile cities in Europe. Come see for yourselves.
Valencia is full of tourist appeals which are eager to captivate them - Museums, Festivities, Beaches, Sports events, Catering and Leisure Centres, together with a rich and varied historical, cultural and natural heritage waiting to be discovered.
HOW TO GET TO VALENCIA - Valencia Airport (VLC) is located 9km from the city centre, and one has a choice of 2 buses (Aerobus is more direct) or a taxi ride (approx. cost 10euros).
BY TRAIN - mainly from Madrid or Barcelona, the Estacion Del Norte is located in the centre of the city.
BY ROAD - Approx. 2 hours drive from Alicante along the A7 main toll road and approx. 3 hours drive from Barcelona. There are many bus and coach trips that go into Valencia Bus Station, which is about 15 minutes walk from the centre.
BY SEA - There is a ferry service to the nearby Balearic Islands of Mallorca (about 3 hours) and Ibiza (about 2 hours). VALENCIA'S CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE - The city of arts and sciences, the Congress Centre, The Alameda Underground Station or the transformation of the port in preparation for the America's Cup Sailing event in 2007, have brought to Valencia the talents of such great 20th century architects as Santiago Calatrava, Norman Foster and Felix Candela. Between them they have drastically changed the outward appearance of the integral port area, with steel, white concrete and ceramic panelling intermingling with water features, high planted areas and lush lawns.
Conceived as a place to make known scientific and artistic knowledge, the city of arts and sciences has five main areas - L'HEMISFERIC - A half sphere surrounded by some enormous metal "eyelashes" and which is duplicated through its reflection in the spectacular pool that surrounds it. With a semicircular screen of 900 metres square, where three-dimensional films in the Imax format are projected, this building seeks to instruct people in the subjects that are normally the province of scientists.
THE REINA SOFIA PALACE OF ARTS - This is the jewel of the city of arts and sciences, with 40,000 metres square distributed over three auditoriums dedicated to opera, dance, theatre and music in general. Like a large symbolic sculpture, its nautical shape is a contrast between the opaque and the transparent, giving rise to feelings that change as we move. This building created by Santiago Calatrave is full of architectural surprises, a place that according to its creator, seeks to "take people into a circular place so that they can move around music".
THE PRINCIPE FELIPE SCIENCE MUSEUM - The educational approach inherent in the complex, finds its greatest expression here. In a centre that seeks to synthesise the contents of the 17 museums of this kind of Spain. It is an iron, glass and concrete structure that plays with light, creating the sensation of seeing the skeleton of a great white dinosaur. Modernity and Technology are combined at the service of a museum of the future, a place where the visitor ceases to be a mere spectator and is transformed into an interactive element in this new way of understanding science.
L'UMBRACLE - This huge covered central promenade of sculptured steel, fantastically pleasing to the eye, is a walkway of different trees and plants which blend in with the concrete and metal of its modern settings. A truly serene place to pontificate about life.
L'OCEANOGRAFIC - This is a new kind of aquarium, an underwater city of 80,000 square metres that makes it possible to discover the treasures of the seven seas. Designed by the late architect Felix Candela, the oceanographic park is considered the largest in Europe in the number and variety of its animal species and one of the worlds largest in volume of water.
THE HISTORICAL CITY OF VALENCIA - The historical centre of Valencia is the section of town which arose around the cathedral and was included within the medieval wall built in 1356, parts of which are still preserved.
The Casco Antiguo (old town) consists of five districts. Among which the Barrio del Carmen (Carmen district) is most outstanding and popular. Visiting the roman, Muslim and visigothic remains at La Almoina, the Portal del la Valldigno or the Banos Arabes del Almirante will allow you to go deeply into the historical roots to the evolution of the town. The archaeological remains around the Plaza de la Almoina take you back over 2,000 years to roman times. Valencia was originally a walled town with towers sited in strategic locations, with two still standing, the Quart and the Serranos towers. The Quart towers were built between 1441 and 1460, for protection of the Quart gate and the road to Castilia. The Serranos towers were built between 1392 and 1398 next to the bridge of the same name, for defending the road from the region of the Serranos, hence their name. Both towers have been used as prisons. Quarts as a womans prison in 1626 and Serranos for noblemen and knights between 1586 and 1887. Also of note is the cathedral of Valencia which was built between 1262 and 1356 on the site of a roman temple and later a Muslim mosque. One can view recently discovered 15th century frescoes by Francesco Pagano and Paolo De San Leocadio on exhibition.
For the history lovers there are many other beautiful historic buildings, plus a number of emblematic monuments, notably Plaza De La Reina. Also fantastic museums (24 in total) such as Museo De Bellas Artes (founded in 1683 and is the museum of fine arts), Almudin (built in the 14th century and between 1908 and 1991 became the museum of paleontology) and Museo De La Ciudan (for the full history of Valencia) to name but a few. LEISURE - For the Horticulturist there are some beautiful gardens (jardines) in Valencia, most inherited from the Arab culture. Some of the must sees are the Jardines De Viveros (nursery gardens) which previously belonged to the palace of Muslim king ABD Al-Aziz, Alameditas De Serranos which is a garden area on the right hand side bank of the river Turia, constructed in 1830 with many sculptures set amongst the varied fruit and palm trees and multiple flora. Jardines De Monforte (now classified as a national artistic garden) and Jardin De La Glorieta (the oldest garden in Valencia built between 1817 and 1844) BEACHES - Valencia is blessed with four beaches all with fine golden sand and range from 2,700 metres long to 4,940 metres in length. Two beaches, Pinedo, south of Valencia's seaport and Arenas-Malvarrosa which are the city beaches, both have bars and restaurants along the adjacent avenues, whilst El Saler and La Devesa beaches are a short walk from car parking areas and therefore much quieter beach areas. GOLF - There are five golf courses set around Valencia, Club De Golf El Bosque (18 holes), Club De Golf Escorpion (27 holes), Club De Golf Manises (9 holes and the oldest club),Club De Oliva Nova (18 holes) was designed by Severiano Ballesteros, and Club De Golf El Saler (18 holes) is considered one of the best golf courses in the world. SAILING - Valencia has a fantastic port which has recently been significantly upgraded to host the Americas Cup and is open to the public with a host of activities, games, restaurants, bars and shops. MOTORCYCLE RACING - Valencia has its own circuit which has been named after Ricardo Tormo, the first Valencian rider to win a world championship.
NIGHTLIFE - Valencia offers a wide and varied entertainment scenario for the young and not so young, straight and gay. From theatres (14 in total), concerts, discos, casinos, flamenco and fiestas, it’s all here in large quantities. SHOPPING - Valencia is a shopaholic mecca from the Mercado Central which is the biggest covered market in Europe. Across the street to Mur Mur, just alongside La Lonja is the 15th century silk exchange for classy gifts and souvenirs.For the stylist amongst you there are the streets of Marques De Dos Aguas, Poeta Queroi and Salva in the centre of the city, a Gucci glide from the wanna-bes on Calle Colon, have come together to create Dos Aguas luxury shopping, where all the top names in fashion and ceramics wait to serve you. There are a number of one-off shops, like the particular shop that sells 400 models of shaving brushes and another that only sells tomatoes in jars (pureed, chopped, juiced) with herbs, spices or just plain. Truly a remarkable shopping experience. HOTELS - Being Valencia there is, as expected, a huge choice of exceptional hotels from three to five stars. To name but a few, Hilton Valencia (5 stars), Hospes Palau De La Mar (5 stars), Sorolla Palace (5 Stars), Barcelo Valencia (4 stars), AC Valencia (4 stars), Husa Chil Art (4 stars), Husa Reina Victoria (4 Stars), Expo Hotel (3 stars), Beta Hotel Valencia (3 stars) and Renasa (3 stars). Other options are, Red Nest Hostel and Purple Nest Hostel which are good budget options in the city centre and Home Hostels have four hostels around the town. To rent an apartment go to Accommodation Valencia Apartments, who have over 40 centrally located and equipped apartments. FIESTAS - Jan 17th -San Anton ( a parade of pets and animals along Sagunto Street) Mar 1st-19th - Las Fallas (this is the most important festival in Valencia and not to be (best 17th-19th) missed. Fire is the main element of Fallas, that and the very impressive "sculptures" made each year) Apr 2nd-8th - Holy Week (the processions of the Semana Santa Marinera, at the Maritime District) May 13th - Virgin of the Helpless (along Miguelete Street) June T.B.A. - Corpus Christi (not to be missed. The Moma dances on the "eve" procession) Jun 23rd-24th-Sant John (numerous bonfires set on the city beaches at night) July T.B.A. - July Fair (the battle of the flowers on Alameda Avenue) EATING OUT - There is an abundance of good restaurants and tapas bars in Valencia, too many to list fairly, but suffice to say, whatever your gastronomic pleasure, its to be found here. Paella is the most famous and most requested dish by tourists, but beware of the microwave variety, it should be cooked fresh every day. Nearly every ingredient used in Valencian cooking is either grown, reared, cultivated or caught in its region or seas. Valencia has much more to offer the tourist or historical buff. It must be ranked as one of the most dynamic and versatile cities in Europe. Come see for yourselves.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Alicante Spain
Alicante is a historic Mediterranean port city situated in the southern part of the Land of Valencia, in Spain. Uniquely located between the sea and the mountains, the city, it is both a commercial town and a popular tourist destination in Spain. In administrative terms, Alicante is the headquarters of the province of Alicante. It is also the second biggest Valencian city, which is home to over 0.3 million people.
If to browse through the pages of Spanish history, it becomes evident that Alicante has had inhabitants since at least 7000 years back. Its early inhabitants were the hunter gatherers who moved down from Central Europe to the Spanish terrains between 5000 and 3000 BC. Greek and Phoenician traders followed suit in 1000 BC. But, the events that had permanently altered the destiny of Alicante came not before the 6th century BC, when the region started to figure in the territorial expansion plans of the two powerful conflicting armies of that time - the Carthage and Rome. In fact, that was a period that had impacted virtually every traditional
settlement of the early Europe. Not many parts of Europe had escaped the Roman invasion in those times, and the destiny of Alicante was also no different from theirs.
After the decline of the Romans in the 5th century, Alicante passed hands quite a number of times, came under the war lord Teodmiro, and had a brief period of Arab occupation, before it eventually fell under the rule of the Castellan king Alfonso X in 1246. However, that was not to end the cycle of wars and conquests – which was a common phenomenon in the medieval Europe – Alicante has to withstand as it took another three more centuries to settle down as a major trading station in the continent.
Historians consider this 15th century period as the golden age of Alicante. But, as it is said that there is every low for every high, the city went through another low in the 18th and 19th centuries owing to different political reasons. But the end of the 19th century saw a vast revival of fortunes for Alicante and the city slowly clawed its way back to prosperity, thanks to international trade and a new world order (Spain was a neutral nation during the World War I).
The present day economy of Alicante is mostly based on tourism, wine production and export, and a thriving service industry. In terms of tourism, Alicante has some of the best beaches in the world, and its heritage is something that is unmatched in the whole of Europe.
The major attractions in and around the city include the “Castillo de Santa Barbara", City Hall
Building, Paseo de la Explanada, Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari and other cathedrals from the medieval periods, Palacio Gravina, Museo Municipal Casa de la Asegurada, and its many beaches - La Playa de San Juan, La Albufereta, and El Saladar and Los Judios, to name a few. Bonfires of Saint John and Moros y Cristianos are the two festivals characteristic of Alicante that are must-see events.
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. To know more about Alicante, visit the city page.
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