Category Archives: European Destinations

European Destinations

Benidorm Palace

At the Benidorm Palace they have a permanent show program without competition in the whole of Spain. Through our carefullyBenidorm Palace selected dance routines, acrobatics, comedy shows and musical effects we assure our clients and friends maximum the enjoyment possible. It all began that night in 1977… Hours before, that magical night on the 12th of July 1977, the last sound and lights checks where still taking place, in the newly created Benidorm Palace night club. Hours before the doors opened for the first time, nerves where flourishing and the excitement was high amongst all the people involved.

Meanwhile, the people started to arrive, when the doors finally opened, 1500 people where congregated, from the waiters to the management, they all had the same feeling, all that hard work and effort where finally going to pay off. Good evening, We welcome you all to the dream that is now a reality for all of us. Welcome to Benidorm Palace. With those first applauses, the emblematic history for the music, culture, dance and rhythm commenced.

After its first few years of success, the Benidorm Palace consolidated it self as a prestigious night club with a unique and un-comparable product on the peninsular coast. The events where the talk of the coast and the biggest national and international stars performed and shinned at the Benidorm Palace.

Since 1990 and with a genius like Nureyev performing on its stage, the Benidorm Palace suffers a change of direction as it counts with a new ownership and general management, a changed that brought a series of fantastic artistic productions and some of the biggest shows possible. From this decade, thousands and thousands of people will remember such shows such as Like the wind, Beautiful Girls, Picasso, Imagination, etc. It is round about this time when some of the most modern, risky and challenging stage scenes come true and take place, all the light systems, sound effects and infrastructures all evolve with the times, an infrastructure to provide a restaurant service for more than 1000 people is also introduced boosting the amount of events.

European Destinations

Travel to Pafos

Capital of the West and positively teeming with history is Pafos, site of the island’s second international airport. The resort town has as its focal point a charming fishing harbour by Pafos Fort, lined with open-air cafes and tavernas that serve a tempting menu of the day’s catch.

It was on Pafos shoreline that the mythological Goddess Aphrodite was born a legend that spawned a massive wave of cult worship from neighbouring countries that lasted several centuries. The large rock that juts from th sea is known as “Petra tou Romiou”- The venus Rock- while the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis also echoes her apparent penchant for the island. At Palepafos, Kouklia lie the remains of the Goddess earliest Sanctuary.

Another “first” for Pafos was its early recognition of Christianity. While under Roman rule in 45 A.D., it was here that Saint Paul converted the first ruler to the faith.

The legacy from its remarkable history adds up to nothing less than an open museum, so much so that UNESCO simply added the whole town to its World Cultural Heritage List. Among the treasures unearthed, are the remarkable mosaics in the House of Dionysos, Theseus ans Aion, beautifully preserved after 16 centuries under the soil. Then there are the musterious vaults and caves, The Tombs of the Kings, the Pillar to which Saint Paul was allegedly tied and whipped, the ancient Odeon Theatre and other places of interest including the Byzantine Museum and the District Archaelogical Museum.

Geroskipou with its remarkable five-domed Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi, and its Folk Art Museum is a village known for many years for its special delight “loukoumi”.

Agios Neofytos Monastery, famous for its ‘Encleistra’, Enclosure, carved out of the mountain by the hermit himself, boasts some of the finest Byzantine frescoes of the 12th and the 15th centuries. Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery makes its own range of wines using homegrown grapes. A small museum dedicated to Archibishop Makarios, is found at Pano Panagia. From here it is a rewarding drive to the majestic Cedar Valley. home of the indigenous Cyprus horned sheep, the moufflon.

Lempa village can be singled out as one with particylar historic significance. In its pretty setting near the sea, Lempa’s link with prehistory is the site of a chalcolithic settlement. today the faithful reconstruction of several dwellings, gives an insight into chalcolithic life on the island.
Further north lies the resort-town of polis, overlooking the beautiful Chrysochou Bay with its charming fishing refuge of Latsi. The relatively unspoilt state of the countryside and villages make the area a real delight for the walker and naturalist.

The low-lying scenery around Pafos, much of it cultivated with banana plantations and backed by the gentle foothills of the western Troodos range, has an attractively open quality to it. This is the gateway to the Penisula of Akamas, a natural wilderness of incredible beauty with breathtaking gorges, spectacular coastlines and enjoyable nature trails

European Destinations

Valencia, Spain: Holiday Exploits

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Valencia, Spain: Holiday Exploits

The city of Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain. The city is spread across the Mediterranean coast south of Barcelona. This geographical privilege affords Valencia with beautiful and stunning beaches and coastal fronts and a good climate.

Aside from the pristine beaches, Valencia has everything that you can ask for a holiday destination. It has a rustic countryside lined with rugged mountains and populated by orange groves. And on the urban and modern side, the city is proud to showcase its urban landscape dotted by futuristic architecture. And it also has a colorful and bustling old town to contrast the modernity of the city.

Things to Do in Valencia

1. Soak up the Sun

Since Valencia is on the Mediterranean coast, the city is blessed with beautiful beaches and a nice climate conducive for sunbathing and other beach activities.

Top 5 Beaches in Valencia

  • Playa de Malvarrosa
  • Playa e Levante o de la arenas
  • El Saler
  • Devesa
  • Puerto de Sagunto Beach

2. Hot Spring Dipping

If you’re tired of the same old beaches, you can try hot springs. The hot spring is only 90km north of Valencia. This spot is still unknown to may tourists and travelers, so the place is still pristine and unspoiled. This is perfect if you want to avoid crowds of eager tourists. Or if you are adventurous, you can climb the cliff over the lagoon and jump directly into the bubbling hot spring below.

3. Do the Fallas

Fallas is a local festivity for their patron Saint, Saint Joseph the carpenter. Fallas were the combustible materials burnt during the eve of the festivity. In this festival, you can see huge paper mache models built by the locals, fireworks popping everywhere and lots of dancing and parades on the streets.

4. Shop ‘till you Drop

If you love shopping, you can visit Valencia’s Central Market, which is located at the Plaza del Mercado, opposite the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange). This market is one of the oldest in Europe and has an outstanding architecture. You can buy anything here from different produce to souvenirs.

Things to See in Valencia

1. City of Arts and Science

This is the famous and most beautiful landmark of the city. It’s a mega complex designed by Valencia’s own architect, Santiago Calatrava. This architectural wonder has an aquarium, which is the biggest in Europe, Science Museum, planetarium and an IMAX laser cinema.

2. Torres de Quart

Torres de Quart is a magnificent fortress which is part of the old fortification of the city. The walls here bore the scars of the Napoleon’s canon balls.

3. Torres de Serranos

Torres de Serranos is one of Valencia’s famous landmarks. It is an ancient gateway to the city constructed in Gothic style and it is the largest in Europe.

4. La Lonja de la Seja – Silk Exchange

This magnificent complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was constructed during the 15th century when Valencia was at the summit of its golden age.

5. Cathedral of Santa Maria de Valencia

This is a Gothic-style cathedral constructed between the 13th and 15th century. The Cathedral has in its possession some examples of rare Quattrocento paintings.

Trips to Valencia
Most visitors to the Valencia region stay by the beaches south of Valencia to enjoy a week or two in the Spanish sun. However, there is plenty of reason to schedule a city break to Valencia itself. Do the falls, explore the food or see the sights of the Valencia Capital. Of course, if you are staying in one of the sea side beach resorts south of Valencia on the Costa Blanca such as Denia, Gandia, Altea or maybe in a holiday rental in Javea, Calpe or Moraira – a day trip or weekend away from the beach to enjoy the wonders of Valencia during your vacation might be the perfect variation thats puts the icing on the cake and makes it your dream holiday in Spain

 

European Destinations

Gandia beach – The Real Spain

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Are you sat reading this in the UK and looking out of the window at the rain dripping down the windows? Gloomy huh? What about a bit of sun to cheer you up? It’s a rare thing to see that shiny orange hot thing in the UK, but I know a place where it’s abundant all year year round, in fact, I know somewhere that if you are looking for a holiday in the sun, you will love this place.

Gandia beach. No, it’s nothing to do with Ghandi, the Indian fella (!), it’s a lovely, small resort on the northern Costa Blanca, on Spain’s east coast and its services by both Alicante and Valencia airports, with regular flights from most Uk destinations.

The town is about an hours drive north from the famous resort of Benidorm, but is much further away in terms of class, style, and authenticity, attracting a discerning holidaymaker, and the area is home to several nationalities of expats such as British, Irish, French, German, Norwegian and Dutch, so a real international flavour, but retaining that “real” Spain feel.

If you need refreshment, there are a few bars and cafes dotted around that are run by expats, so if you miss your favourite food, it is here, but not to the extent of the more traditional resorts.

Gandia is very traditional and low-key and does NOT attract the lager louts or beetroot-red “ee love, fish and chips twice mate” type of crowd, clad in their Primark Union jack shorts, tattoos, and only missing one more thing, the pit bull, because they couldn’t get it past customs.

 Low key holiday.

Gandia is low key and that’s why people come here, that’s what they like. Gandia is split into two main areas, the town, and the beach. The town is a great place to look around and get a real feel for the “real” spain, and see everyday folk going about their business. This gives you a feel for what it must be like to live here.

In addition, there are several local fiestas worth watching, in fact as I write this, there is a (Very noisy) moors and Christians festival going on as we speak!

A short drive brings you to Gandia beach (“Playa Gandia”) and you will find a lovely wide, sandy beach which goes on for about 2 miles, and is lined with low rise buildings and quaint little bars and restaurants, meaning that, once again comparing to Benidorm, this is as far removed as you can get from a tacky tourist spot, and walking around here you get a feeling of calm, great for a peaceful holiday away from theme parks, screaming kids and the ubiquitous sunglasses sellers who pester people in the resorts down south.

The real spain.

As I said above, you will NOT find KFC, fish n chips or a decent Cornish pasty, NOTE: YOU ARE IN SPAIN!!….and therefore there are plenty of opportunities to dine in a variety of restaurants during your stay, and can sample any type of dish you care to imagine, although most of it is Spanish food, and if you are on vacation here, you would be best advised to actually try it, you never know, you might like it!

There are also boat trips available, to soak up even more of the Spanish sun, and trips can be taken to Denia, Jávea, Calpe and Altea, however if you have time on your hands, it is actually possible to take a boat from nearby Denia, to Ibiza, if you really feel you can’t spend the week here without going wild and partying till you drop!

There are lots of day trips to be taken to nearby towns, or an hour and half up the motorways, you can visit the wonderful cvity of Valencia which has museums, galleries, attractions and more bars and restaurants than you can shake a stick at!

All in all, for a peaceful, authentic and “real” holiday in the sun, check out Gandia beach this year, I think you will enjoy it!

Gandia Travel Report from Guy Alexander Bell

European Destinations

Marina Alta Holidays on the Mediterrenean

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The Marina Alta area of Spain stretches along the coast of the Mediterranean from Denia in the North to Calpe further south. Along the Marina Alta route you´ll find plenty of charming villages and busy sea side beach resorts, that all make for excellent holiday destinations with each their special characteristics and features.

Using the Marina Alta area as the base for a sailing vacation on the Mediterranean adds an entirely new dimension however. The glorious mountainous coastline, the hidden little coves that are only accessible from sea and tiny uninhabited islands are spread all along the Costa Blanca coast.

marina alta seasailing-holiday-mediterranean

It is possible to hire boats of largely all sizes, types and levels however obviously you still need to book your spaces in the marinas you wish to visit along the way. Alternatively, of course you can make the journey to the Mediterranean yourself and the marinas will cater for your needs during the journey.

The marina in Denia makes for a rather large, luxurious and well equipped starting point of a Marina Alta holiday at sea in the Mediterranean. The Americas Cup used the Denia marina facilities, several cruise ships enter the picturesque town every year and the marina area has every pleasant facility a sailor about to head to sea might need (read more about holidays in Denia).

Heading south from Denia you pass the Cabo De San Antoni that stretches out from the iconic mount Montgo. Behind the cape you reach the Jávea port with its relatively small but lively marina. The Jávea port features a vibrant latin vibe with promenades along the seafront, plenty of excellent seafood restaurants and narrow little shopping streets to explore. Spending a few days in Jávea will allow you to further investigate the traditional village life in the historic center, lay on the sandy Arenal beach in the tourist part of town to catch some sun (read more about Javea beaches) or time your sailing holiday visit in Jávea to coincide with one of the exciting authentic Spanish fiestas such as Fogueras De San Juan, Moors and Christians or Jesus De Nazareth.

The Jávea port features an active little fleet of fishermen’s boats and trawlers attached to the marina lending extra life and activity to the area – and ensuring amazingly fresh dishes at the local sea food restaurants.

portitxol island

Heading further south from Jávea you have the opportunity to enjoy amazing scenery at places like Portitxol island and cove, the Cabo De La Nao and Granadella cove. Plenty of these coves provide sheltered waters that are ideal for letting the anchor sink and have an enjoyable break in the stunning nature of the Northern Costa Blanca.

The option is there to follow the coastline further south past El Moraig, Benitatchell and Moraira to finally land at the tourist resort in Calpe. The town of Calpe is a rather busy little seaside town, particularly during the hot summer months, but the surrounding nature still has unique and unspoilt features to behold and enjoy.

costa blanca sailing

Sailing the Marina Alta part of the Mediterranean sea might just prove to be the perfect holiday in Spain for you and your family. The nature simply has to be experienced in all its overwhelming beauty, the sea is relatively peaceful outside of the stormy seasons and the marinas are all welcoming visiting sailors with open arms and plenty of charm!

European Destinations

Løkken – Danish Beach Resort

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During the cold Danish winters the coastal village of Løkken is a sleepy little town without much going on. In the summer time however it springs to life as a magnet for beach happy Scandinavians and tourists from further afar. The main feature of Løkken is a stunning sand beach that stretches for kilometers just beyond the dunes from the picturesque little village in Northern Jutland of Denmark.

Loekken Denmarkloekken strand

The beaches in Denmark are public and free to visit. Pack your picnic bag and head down for a day of joy in the sand. The beaches are kept at a high standard in terms of cleanliness and strict regulations hinders tacky shops or buildings from shooting up on the beach areas. All those types of things stay beyond the dunes in the resorts, thus leaving the beaches pleasantly clean and unspoilt.

Løkken itself is a charming little town in the summer with a very active night life featuring several discotheques, night clubs and bars. During certain years Løkken has rightly obtained a bit of a reputation for being too much of a youth party location in the summers with camp-site events involving little else than alcohol and disco vibes. More recently though a nice balance has been found making it a pleasant and happening location for all ages.

Danish summers can be temperamental weather wise, but luckily the Løkken beach resort is within easy driving distance of the interesting city of Aalborg, that has plenty of activities to offer for days away from the beaches. Another option is a little daytrip up to the Northern tip of Jutland, Skagen. Famous for its ancient tiny fishermans houses, painters such as Holger Drachmann, Krøyer and not least, Anna and Michael Ancher. On top of the sea food restaurants, the rich cultural inputs and the amazing old buildings in Skagen, you can walk out onto the exact tip of the European peninsula and stand there with one foot in each ocean, exactly where they meat.

European Destinations

Costa Blanca Amusement Parks

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Your life in the city is far from boring. However, at times you are too stressed out with the same sight every day that you want to drive to the airport, get a ticket and board a plane that’s going somewhere else where there’s a definitely different view. And Spain is absolutely one great destination you should consider visiting.

This European country has been a top destination for tourists coming from all corners of the world for its traditional architectural designs, wonderful climate, and amazing places to see. One of them is the Costa Blanca Region, the “White Coast” of Europe. And if you are looking for a fun-filled adventure in this place, you shouldn’t miss out on Costa Blanca theme parks and nature parks.

terra-mitica-costa-blanca-spain

Costa Blanca Nature Parks
Isn’t it great to see the natural beauty of God’s creation? It makes you think that there is more to life than taxis, restaurants and subways.  Costa Blanca theme parks are not just about architectures and man-made landscapes; they also feature what we can call the “Paintings by God.”

Palm orchards are one of the relaxing greens of the earth. Their shades can bring out the good vibes in you. Huerta del Cura Park is the marvelous garden where these trees found their roots. By just strolling around the park can be fairly calming.

If you love the heights, panoramic views and go a good hiking distance, the Montgo Natural Park in the town of Javea awaits your excited steps. This gathering limestone ascends above the towns of Denia and Javea. The summit will make you realize how small you are compared to the world, because the scene you are about to see when you get to the top is the boundless view of Javea and beyond other towns, including Spain’s famous island of Ibiza. An additional bonus of the park is the chance to see unique species of foxes, weasels, rabbits and other animals.

Mundomar Aquatic Park is for the water lovers. Sea-creatures are the main characters of the different aquatic shows for your entertainment. But they take the backstage if you’re more of an adventurous traveler. The park is also place of slides, bridges, wall climbing, swings, rappelling, and ramps among others.

terra-mitica-costa-blanca-spain-2aqualandia-alicante

Costa Blanca Amusement Parks
If you think nature is not so much of a fun vacation to you at this time of the year, Costa Blanca theme parks that are filled with adrenaline rushing rides will worth your every dime.

Torrevieja Aquopolis Water Park is the right blend of sun and water. Their attractions are divided into three categories: children, moderate, and high emotion. Warning: If your heart’s weak, don’t get your blood rushing into the high emotion rides like the Kamikazee or Speed slides. Blackhole is yet another scary water ride as you plunge into darkness aboard a mere float.

Terra Mitica Theme Park is perhaps the most celebrated attraction in the whole of Costa Blanca because of its ancient-civilization-inspired landscape and designs. Based fro the five empires – Greece, Rome, Iberia, Egypt and Mediterranean Islands—Terra Mitica is more than just roller coasters. You will be taken centuries back with the shows that tell the legends and myths of the ancient world. Read more about the Costa Blanca Terra Mitica here.

aqualandia-costa-blancaaqualandia-benidorm

Discount Entry To Costa Blanca Theme Parks
It can be expensive to take your entire family to the theme parks of the Costa Blanca. However, most of them feature discount schemes and vouchers to be found for rebates on entry or rides.

For instance, Aqualandia and Terra Mitica have several discount vouchers available that you can pick up at Costa Blanca McDonalds restaurants, BP petrol stations and several other places. Be on the lookout or ask your travel agent.

European Destinations

Beach Holidays in Spain

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Summer has arrived in Europe but the spoils are unevenly split. Northern Europe and the UK are struggling through heavy rain, floods and cold cloudy days whilst life by the Mediterranean is lived by the beaches in over 30degrees with night time temperatures even creeping above 25.

But where to take your family for a perfect holiday on the beach? The options are many and the beaches are sandy!

Spanish Beaches are Perfect Holiday Destinations
In general the Spanish beaches are extremely pleasant, safe and featuring all the facilities your family might need. There are exceptions of course, but generally the bigger the resort around the beach, the more facilities and activities there will be. Obviously, a bigger resort comes with more crowded beaches, a bigger potential for petty theft types of crimes and a noisy night life as well, whereas some of the cosy smaller resorts might be more relaxing surroundings for a family break in Spain.

The first step before booking your dream holidays in Spain is to consider your preferences for a second.

Do you want to go out for wild fiestas and parties all night or do you prefer a calm and quiet holiday with orderly family meals in pleasant restaurants without disturbances from loud discos? Are you bringing young toddlers that need activities and particularly safe beaches to have a nice stay in Spain? Do you love or hate big crowded beaches with thousands of other people swimming and sunbathing?

The answers will determine the best beach in Spain to be heading for!

Benidorm – Glorious Beaches, Package Deals and Crazy Night Life
The biggest beach resort on the Costa Blanca is Benidorm. Famous for huge inviting sandy beaches but also for the influx of travelers on cheap package deals primarily interested in the crazy night life, cheap bars and all night discos.

Benidorm has everything the heart might desire and is in effect a huge multicultural party town built round the white sandy beaches. If you are a gang of mates wanting a fun week away from the rain, Benidorm is perfect!

Benidorm_beach

However, if your preference is a more relaxing holiday with your kids, Benidorm might not be the best option as the wild parties tend to spill out into the streets and onto the beaches, the sheer size of the place makes it less comfortable with small kids and the volume of tourists tend to attract unpleasant criminal elements too.

However, if you want some of the best beaches in Europe combined with fun nights out and endless entertainment, there is no better place than Benidorm!

Javea – Perfect Holidays in Spain
Javea is perhaps the ideal location for a holiday with kids in Spain. The shallow bay and safe Blue Flag beaches of Jávea are white and sandy with plenty of activities in the surrounding areas to keep the entire family amused and entertained. The town has that perfect combination of sandy beaches, facilities for tourists and traditional Spanish life that makes for a really pleasant vacation abroad. It isnt all just created in honor of the visiting tourists, but there is plenty of interesting social activities, pleasant spots to visit and lovely restaurants in Jávea to form the perfect surroundings for a summer in the sun.

javea beach bar

Javea is still a small enough resort that it doesnt attract the problems bigger resorts do such as crime, drunks or overcrowding but the village resort is equally big enough that the restaurants are plentiful and the Javea night life vibrant.  Further, Jávea has the authentic Spanish charm that is often lost in the beach resorts and the traditional village has its own life with cultural events, crazy Spanish style fiestas all summer long and the port sports a pleasant marina with promenades and sailing trips out to sea.

The main attraction of Jávea is still the glorious beach, the Arenal Beach of Javea, however there are plenty of activities for kids in Javea all summer long, trips available to the natural parks on Montgo and several hidden gems such as the Granadella beach and Portitxol Island to explore and admire.

If you want just one recommendation for a holiday in Spain, it would be Jávea.

javea beach

Torrevieja – Pearl Of The Southern Costa Blanca
Torrevieja has no less than 5 blue flag beaches, several marinas and plenty to see and do – read the indepth look at Torrevieja Beach Holidays here

Denia – The Classy Beach Resort To The North
The former Americas Cup host Denia has something very stylish and classy about it. Is it the gold plated rubbish bins or the amazingly well kept marina? Who can say?

But the beaches are nice, the prices are high and the quality is excellent at a Denia Beach Holiday

Denia_desde_el_Montgódenia

Moraira – Tranquil and Family Friendly
On the “You know you have lived too long in Spain”-meme Moraira is featured as the place everyone forgot existed. Truth be told, it isnt the most happening place in the world, but it does have some severely appealing features, that might just make it a perfect destination for you anyway.

Moraira is a calm and authentic Spanish village resort, the beach is family friendly, the tourists tend to be a bit more mature than the drinking gangs of Benidorm and crime is virtually non-existing. Read all about Holidays in Moraira

moraira spaincalpe and moraira

The beaches of Spain are perfect for summer holidays in the sun! Take your pick and enjoy a fantastic vacation with your family.

 

European Destinations

Guadalest, Spain: An Eagle’s Nest Perched on Top of a Mountain

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Having a holiday break on the Costa Blanca or nearby areas ? A place not to be missed is the village Gaudalest in Spain. It doesnt matter if you are enjoying a city break in Valencia, a bohemian trip round the villages of Marina Alta or a week at the beach on your Javea Vacation. Guadalest is a must visit! The ancient village houses are literally perched on top of a mountain in a truly unique way that you wont find equalled anywhere else! Guadalest or locally known as El Castelle de Guadalest is a small town in Valencia. The village is precariously perched on top of a granite mountain in a mountainous part of the comarca of Marina Baixa in the province of Alicante, Spain.

And if you have the privilege of viewing it from the top, you can see that it’s like an eagle’s nest on top of a rock. The town is nestled deep in the mountain, nearly touching the clouds. And going up there is an amazing experience in itself. The breathtaking views that you will pass will take your mind off the fact that you are climbing twisting roads upwards.

Guadalest_-_Castillo_del_ReyPantano de Guadalest

Places to Visit

Because of the rich history of Guadalest, the town is littered with historical remnants and structures like castles, churches and towers.

1. The Walled Town

This is an ancient fortress built around the city to protect it from its conquerors and enemies. Entering the walled town is very interesting. You have to go through a tunnel which is carved through a rock.

Interesting Sites Inside the Walled Town:

a. Castles

  • San Jose Castle

This castle was one of the defensive structures of the old city, and it was where the       ancient king of the village resided. It was built around the 12th century. The castle is             situated on top of a cliff towering over the walled town. So going there will afford you            a picturesque and panoramic view of the walled town and the surrounding areas.

  • Alcozaiba Castle

This is another castle that was part of the ancient fortification. This is the only castle in   the town that was not stormed or impregnated. So, most of the structure is still intact.

  • Benimantell Castle
    This castle is one of the many casualties of the ancient war that ravaged the old town. But the ruins is still beautiful to visit.

Guadalest (Alicante)

 

b. Orduña House

This is the first building you will see upon entering the walled town. It is a museum that offers access to the castles. The structure of the house is interesting because one half of it is supported by rock formations while the other half is part of a chapel of an adjoining church.

c. Our Lady of the Assumption Church

This is the church attached to the Orduña House Museum. It is rendered beautifully in Baroque style.

guadalest town hallview from Guadalest

d. The Rock of Alcala

This is a towering rocky peak that shoots up from the surrounding land of the walled town. Access is difficult and only half of the cylindrical castle tower can be seen. This is one of the famous images of the town.

 2. The Reservoir

After checking all the places inside the walled town, you can visit the beautiful countryside surrounding the town. You can check out the dam that was built below one of the castles. The reservoir was built across the Guadalest River and it is a prefect place for fresh water fishing.

European Destinations

Torrevieja – Pearl Of The Mediterranean

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Offering 320 days of sunshine and boasting the healthiest and cleanest air quality in Europe, Torrevieja is also known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’ Located just 45 minutes from two major airports, Alicante and Murcia (San Javier) Torrevieja is Spain’s fastest growing and most multicultural small city, with 124 nationalities making up the population of almost 104,000 registered residents. Torrevieja has its own microclimate, having a ring of mountains 30-kilometers away, two of Europe’s largest salt lakes, five Blue Flag beaches and parkland, which accounts for almost 65% of the municipality.

Torrevieja has long history of maritime affairs. It has not one, but three marinas, with berthing for more than 1,200 yachts, making it one of the biggest in the Mediterranean and most visited by those cruising along the coast. The city has an ever-expanding floating museum that attracts over 100,000 unique visitors each year. This includes the completely restored Pascual Flores, the last yacht that was built on the city’s beaches, back in 1917; the Albatross III Customs Boat and Spain’s only decommissioned submarine that is open to the public, the Delfin S61. Torrevieja has a number of rowing teams and are Spanish Champions in different categories. Each year there are a number of sailing regattas including the Optimist series for youth sailors, plus kayaking, power boating and scuba diving, not to mention swimming from the city’s fine, white sand, beaches.

Torrevieja_alicantetorrevieja beach

One of the best Sports facilities is Spain is found in Torrevieja. For a city of its size, there is nothing else to rival it anywhere in the country. The complex possesses four pavilions; in one an Olympic size swimming pool, which is used for national championships, synchronised swimming and International water polo, a 5,000 seat sports area for handball, football, gymnastics and concerts; the second is specifically designed for gymnastics, fitness and sports therapy; the third houses a gymnasium and squash courts while the fourth is also used for handball, basketball, indoor football, gymnastics and roller hockey.

The complex also has three full size artificial grass football pitches, with stadium seating, an athletic complex with grass for football, rugby and cricket and a 400 metre track, an International standard multi-use football/rugby facility, the Nelson Mandela Stadium, tennis, font-tennis and padel courts plus a municipal football stadium, with seating for 8,000 spectators, the Vicente Garcia. The facilities are popular for competitions, tournaments and where International teams can train year round for football and rugby, due to the city’s temperate climate.

Torrevieja fiesta gigantesTorrevieja church maculada

Culture plays a big part as a local attraction. Each month the city has at least one fiesta, which includes the International Habaneras Choir Competition, Semana Santa Easter Processions, Carnival, the May Fair, Three Kings Christmas Parades and performances in the city’s three city centre theatres. Torrevieja has just opened its Conservatory of Music and International Music Auditorium and Convention Centre, which can cater for up to 1,400 spectators for a performance.

There are four exhibition rooms and five museums around the city with a fifth, the new Semana Santa museum in construction while in July the City shall also host a local Titanic Exhibition, one of the very few in the region (www.TitanicExpo.com). When it comes to large-scale events, the city also has a performance area that holds upwards of 35,000 spectators and the city has welcomed such artists as Shakira, OMD, REM, Raphael, The Commitments, Bachelors, Supremes, Glen Miller and Count Bassie Big Bands, Lionel Blair, Frank Carson, Roy Walker, Jimmy Cricket and the Temptations. The list just goes on and on.

Torrevieja Monumento MediterraneoTorrevieja Monumento Coralista

There is plenty to do for kids; two Aquaparks, go-karts, amusement centre, fun fairs, regular circus visits, bowling, plus courses in football, rugby, swimming, tennis, languages and of course the excellent beaches. The region has a number of fine hotels, a four star Spa resort and many other hotels and guesthouses close by. Spain’s largest shopping mall is being built ten minutes drive away while there is plenty of shopping in the down town and commercial areas offering everything you need. Torrevieja is one of those cities that has something for everyone, as long as you know what you are looking for.