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.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
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.
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
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.
Elche, A Magical Town In Alicante Spain
The capital city of the Baix Vinalopo District as well as the second largest city of the Alicante Province, Elche is a charming tourist destination, situated within the Valencian Autonomous Community, in the Costa Blanca Spanish region. Elche has a prosperous history dating back to the times of Iberian, and hence it is home to a plethora of historical sites.
Acknowledged as the ‘The City of Palms,’ Elche is much famed for its expansive palm tree grove, also known as the Palmeral of Elche, which is credited to be the only Palm forest in Europe, consisting of over 10,000 palm trees, of which majority of them are date palms. Covering an area of more than 3.5 sq km, the grove is believed to have been planted by the Phoenicians during the 6th century BC, although cultivated and designed by the Moors between 8th and 13th century. Most spectacular of the forest’s sight is the Imperial Palm, boasting seven stems and taking after the shape of a Candelabra. Further, many of the areas within the grove have now been developed into beautiful gardens and parks. Another interesting thing regarding this grove is that it is still watered by the irrigation system of the River Vinalopó, devised during the 10th century. The forest has been now declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Equally fabulous is the Mystery Play of Elche, which is conducted annually. Declared as the masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2001 by the UNESCO, the play is a sacred cum lyrical program dating back to the 15th century. Further, it is the only proof of the medieval religious European theatre.
Apart from these, Elche boasts a continuum of museums, such as the Municipal Festa Museum, Pucol Agricultural Museum, and La Alucida, all of them housing a range of rare artifacts. Popular among the city’s monuments are Torre de la Calahorra, Basilicca de Santa Maria, Town Hall, and Torre de Calendura. In addition, excellent options are available for nature as well as wildlife lovers, such as El Honda Nature Park and Clot de Galvany.
Attractions in Elche also cover some fabulous white beaches like La Marina, El Carabassi, L’ Altet, Arenals del Sol, and El Penet, each of them coupled with excellent facilities for a range of water sport activities. Further, Elche hosts a variety of fiestas, including Palm Sunday, The Hallelujas, Fiestas of the Virgin’s Arrival, and Nit de l’Alba.
Besides being home to a range of stunning as well as historically significant places, Elche is one of the leading producers of footwear in Europe.
The city’s gastronomy is usually Mediterranean in style, al though a continuum of restaurants serving international cuisine such as Valencian, European, and Spanish can be seen here.
Elche is within easy reach of almost all popular tourist destinations in Costa Blanca. For instance, Elche is only an hour’s drive from Alicante, which is at its northwest and half an hour drive from Benidorm – one of the most prominent tourist resorts across the shorelines of the Costa Blanca.
Acknowledged as the ‘The City of Palms,’ Elche is much famed for its expansive palm tree grove, also known as the Palmeral of Elche, which is credited to be the only Palm forest in Europe, consisting of over 10,000 palm trees, of which majority of them are date palms. Covering an area of more than 3.5 sq km, the grove is believed to have been planted by the Phoenicians during the 6th century BC, although cultivated and designed by the Moors between 8th and 13th century. Most spectacular of the forest’s sight is the Imperial Palm, boasting seven stems and taking after the shape of a Candelabra. Further, many of the areas within the grove have now been developed into beautiful gardens and parks. Another interesting thing regarding this grove is that it is still watered by the irrigation system of the River Vinalopó, devised during the 10th century. The forest has been now declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Equally fabulous is the Mystery Play of Elche, which is conducted annually. Declared as the masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2001 by the UNESCO, the play is a sacred cum lyrical program dating back to the 15th century. Further, it is the only proof of the medieval religious European theatre.
Apart from these, Elche boasts a continuum of museums, such as the Municipal Festa Museum, Pucol Agricultural Museum, and La Alucida, all of them housing a range of rare artifacts. Popular among the city’s monuments are Torre de la Calahorra, Basilicca de Santa Maria, Town Hall, and Torre de Calendura. In addition, excellent options are available for nature as well as wildlife lovers, such as El Honda Nature Park and Clot de Galvany.
Attractions in Elche also cover some fabulous white beaches like La Marina, El Carabassi, L’ Altet, Arenals del Sol, and El Penet, each of them coupled with excellent facilities for a range of water sport activities. Further, Elche hosts a variety of fiestas, including Palm Sunday, The Hallelujas, Fiestas of the Virgin’s Arrival, and Nit de l’Alba.
Besides being home to a range of stunning as well as historically significant places, Elche is one of the leading producers of footwear in Europe.
The city’s gastronomy is usually Mediterranean in style, al though a continuum of restaurants serving international cuisine such as Valencian, European, and Spanish can be seen here.
Elche is within easy reach of almost all popular tourist destinations in Costa Blanca. For instance, Elche is only an hour’s drive from Alicante, which is at its northwest and half an hour drive from Benidorm – one of the most prominent tourist resorts across the shorelines of the Costa Blanca.
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.
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