Walk Around In Spain

Posted: February 8th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Destination Guides | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Spain is certainly somewhere that is a great place to visit no matter what the season and the problem with the country is that when people are there thinking about it they are usually thinking about those villas and hotels but there are so many other things there to do.

Villa

Although there are many types of holidays you can take in Spain there is nothing better than renting a villa for a couple of weeks, or is there. The great thing about a villa is that it can give you a lot of freedom and will also give you privacy wherever you are which is always very nice. One of the major problems with staying in a hotel is that you always get that annoying family that just love to be the centre of attention and to be honest it is just a pain in the ass and it can really wreck the holiday.

Anything Else?



Spain of course has many other things to offer like self drive holidays and these can be very relaxing indeed. There are so many holidays out there where you can go out walking and although it doesnt sound like one of the most exciting things to do it can be very relaxing. If you are actually thinking about doing something like this then I would certainly say getting a guide is well worth doing. It just makes a nice change from the usual things that you can do in the country.

Both Costa Rica holidays and Chile Holidays can be had in this way too so keep that in mind!


Winter Breaks in The Canaries

Posted: January 27th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Destination Guides | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

As the summer season comes to and end across Europe there’s one southern outpost where the sun continues to shine.  Although in fairness Lanzarote – and the rest of the Canaries – are in fact located many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula and mainland Europe, off the coast of Africa.  Whilst retaining European Union membership as part of Spain.

As a result the Canaries welcome visitors throughout the year and after Catalonia are the second most popular holiday destination in Spain.  Arrivals have fallen by around 20% during 2009 thanks to the current economic crisis.  But millions of tourists will still be booking holidays in the region this autumn, despite the downturn.

The journey time to the islands is also an important plus factor.  With flights at a bearable four hours.  Shorter than any competing mid-haul destination such as Egypt.  And usually at much cheaper prices too – thanks to growing completion on the route between low cost flight operators such as Ryanair and easyJet.  With both airlines offering cheap flights to Lanzarote this winter from all major airports in Britain. 

What sort of weather can visitors expect to enjoy during the winter months?On Lanzarote the temperature averages at around 20 degrees Celsius.  With hardly any rainfall at all.  The days are also longer than back in the UK – with the sun not setting before 6pm at the earliest.  Whilst the Trade Winds that normally buffet the island from March through to August have dampened down. 

The island offers high standards of accommodation too.  Covering all of the bases from high quality hotels through to simple studio apartments.  A growing number of visitors now prefer to book their own accommodation online too – thanks to the growth in internet usage.  And as result interest in – and bookings for – Lanzarote villas have increased enormously over the last decade.

Of course the increase in demand for Lanzarote apartments and villas is good news for visitors to Lanzarote as property owners are being driven to ensure standards are very high, and all mod cons and traditional extras are now included gratis

The resort of choice during he winter months is Playa Blanca, which is located right at the southern foot of the island. And consequently enjoys the best weather.  Playa Blanca has rapidly evolved over the last decade to become the second most popular destination on the island.  With a wide range of villas in Playa Blanca available for rental with prices starting from around £400 per week.  As well as a fine selection of good quality four star hotels lining the shoreline such as the Princesa Yaiza and the Timanfaya Palace.

Lanzarote is a exceptionally well visitied all year holiday destination with an excellent range of places to stay. Follow the links for even more information about villas in Playa Blanca in particular or other Lanzarote villas and apartments.


What to do While on Vacation in Nerja Spain

Posted: November 13th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Destination Guides | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Nerja is one of the resort towns along Spain’s Costa del Sol or Sun Coast, aptly named for its clement weather and beautiful beaches. Because of this, it is a good idea to stay in a Nerja apartment and spend your holidays in Nerja while trying out the exciting activities it has to offer, like those listed below.

Spelunking at the Caves of Nerja

The approximately five-million year-old cave complex of Nerja is a must-see attraction for tourists on holidays in Nerja since it offers natural wonders such as the largest calcite column in the world and various remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations. It also has a show gallery with exhibits of the skeletal remains that were unearthed inside the caves, although most of them are displayed at the museum outside, as well as prehistoric wall paintings, many of which can be seen by joining special tours. There is also a concert hall, where a summer music festival and various concerts and ballet performances are held each year.

Make a Splash at Burriana Beach

Like the towns along the Costa del Sol, Nerja has its share of idyllic beaches, which is why spending a day on the sand or in the warm Mediterranean waters is one of the things to do in Nerja. The most famous beach is Burriana Beach, located just fifteen to twenty minutes from the town centre, a blue-flag beach with many restaurants and excellent facilities, including a water sports centre. Take the plunge and go scuba diving or get your dose of excitement by surfing or jetskiing. You can also simply take a stroll along the coast, too, which is particularly a good idea if you’re staying at one of the apartments in Nerja nearby.

Enjoy a Stroll through the Balcony of Europe

The Balcon de Europa or Balcony of Europe is a wide palm tree-lined promenade built on the site of a 9th century fortress. If you want to enjoy the most stunning views of the city or the ocean, or catch glimpses of the surrounding mountain ranges and even the coast of Africa on a clear day, there is no better place to go to than here. You can also stop by the El Salvador church, dine at one of the fine restaurants on the Balcon or hire a horse-drawn carriage from here to see the rest of the town.

Volunteer at the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary

The Nerja Donkey Sanctuary is dedicated to caring for rescue and retired donkeys, although you will also find horses, mules, goats, pigs, dogs and other animals in the sanctuary when you visit. This is one of the most rewarding things to do in Nerja since you can get a chance to help out by feeding, grooming and walking the animals, particularly the donkeys and dogs, aside from simply petting them. If you want to help out further, you can even adopt a donkey for a year. Don’t worry, you won’t have to bring the donkey home. You just have to make a donation.

Nerja Nightlife

The nightlife in Nerja may not be as dynamic as that of other Spanish towns, but it is still something to enjoy during your holidays in Nerja. If you’re staying at a Nerja apartment near the Balcon de Europa, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a good bar or pub where you can drink, dance or simply interact with the locals, although you will eventually have to head out to Tutti Frutti Plaza or Antonio Millon. If you’re staying in Playa Capistrano, though, you will need to go to Burriano Beach or make your way to the town centre, where you’ll have a better chance of catching a flamenco show.

Learn Spanish in Nerja

Like many towns and cities in Spain, Nerja has several language centres where you can learn Spanish. This is an opportunity you should seize during your holidays in Nerja since this will help you understand and get along with the locals better. Some language centres even offer excursions at the end of the course, which gives you a chance to practice your Spanish as you tour the town and the best attractions around.

There are certainly many activities you can do during your holidays in Nerja which will help you truly enjoy your vacation. To have more chances of trying them out or make your own discoveries to add to the list, stay at a Nerja apartment during your stay. There are many great ones available, all of which can help you make the most of your trip.


Finding The Best Villas in Lanzarote

Posted: October 25th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Accommodations, Destination Guides | Tags: , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Lanzarote has been a favourite vacation spot for in excess of 35 years, primarily due to its almost tropical climate, an abundance of quality beaches and relatively unspoilt scenery. Surprisingly given its relative close proximity to the west coast of Africa Lanzarote like the rest of the Canary Island remain Spanish. The first major tourist hotspot to be developed on Lanzarote was Puerto del Carmen which nestles on the south eastern coastline.

The island is favoured as much for its winter climate as for the hot weather that prevails during the summer, and even though you wouldn’t expect it in December daytime temperatures tend to remain anywhere between a nice and warm 20 – 24 degrees. Making holidays on the island an option all year round, with a large selection of apartments in Lanzarote and accommodation suitable for most budgets and holiday makers requirements.

In recent times, there has been a considerable increase in Villas in Lanzarote available for private rental. Making tailor-made breaks in the sun a firm favourite with many visitors. The range of holiday villas in Lanzarote is wide ranging, especially in the popular resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.



Most villas in Lanzarote come with their own swimming pool (some may be covered), secluded tropical gardens and interiors tastefully decorated and fitted with all the mod cons you would have at home, such as dishwashers, an internet connection and essentially in the hot summer months air conditioning. And often they have extras including hot tubs, table tennis and a DVD library. With prices starting from around the £500 per week mark for a standard two bedroom rental property.

There is also a good selection of self catering accommodation in Lanzarote available for private rental, with a large concentration the centre of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote’s oldest and most popular resort on the island.  Apartment complexes provide all the equipment expected of self-catering accommodation, and most will have sunbathing facilities and a shared or communal pool.

The area also boasts some outstanding sandy beaches and as a bonus most are within a few minutes walk form the accommodation.

If you like to persue an active lifestyle during your vacation you’ll be well catered for in Puerto del Carmen, with plenty to do including fishing and horse riding for the equine enthusiasts. all readily available to holidaymakers.  And those who enjoy their nightlife are also well catered for, with an abundance of restaurants and bars overlooking the sea or arranged around the town harbour.

One particular aspect of the island is very aparrant to most visitors and that is the lack of development which has been resticted to ensure that it doesn’t cease to offer an enjoyable holiday experience, whilst still maintaining its unique roots and culture. Making holidays in Lanzarote ideal for tourists who require modern amenities without compromising on their surroundings.