Lanzarote Budget Breaks
Despite the current economic climate and the depreciation of sterling against the euro the small Spanish island of Lanzarote, in the Canaries, expects to welcome well over one million tourists during the course of 2009. With British and Irish holiday makers comprising the largest contingents of visitors.
This figure will still be way down on previous years however. As island tourist authorities have already recorded a 20% drop in arrivals during the first quarter of this year. As some consumers opt to either stay at home or journey outside of the euro zone. But many more still find that a good value break in a destination such as Lanzarote can even work out cheaper than a holiday in the UK.
Self catering holidays on islands such as Lanzarote can in fact work out to be very affordable. The cost of a weeks stay in many Lanzarote apartments for example starts at around €170 per week. And this is the price per room, rather than per person. Those looking for a really good accommodation deal should search for apartments in Puerto del Carmen. As Lanzarote?s biggest resort offers the largest range of choice, boasting hundreds of complexes.
Accommodation is available in both the New and Old Towns – both popular holiday locations in their own right. Offering good facilities, such as swimming pools and maid service at highly competitive prices. Puerto del Carmen has also enjoyed a recent revamp, with a new marina nearing completion in the Old Town Harbour area. Whilst the main beachfront strip, the Avenida de las Playas has been partly pedestrians. Making it a for more pleasant place to stroll.
There?s a wide selection of high quality Lanzarote villas available for rent across the island. All offering high standards of accommodation with prices starting from around €400 per week. For a two bedroom villa with private pool. There are more villas in Playa Blanca, the newest destination on the island, than in any other resort. Thanks to the fact that hundreds of overseas investors have snapped up property here in recent years to rent out to their fellow tourists.
Details of holiday deals on holiday villas in Playa Blanca and apartments in Puerto del Carmen can be found here.
Playa Blanca is an ideal location for a break in the sun. Not least as it enjoys the best microclimate on the island. And is also home to some of Lanzarote?s finest beaches – such as the set of coves at Papagayo, which are just fifteen minutes walk from the town centre. Along with Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo in the heart of the resort itself.
No matter where you choose to stay on the Island of Lanzarote just as with the other Canary Islands you can be assured of a warm reception and a fantastic holiday.
May 21, 2009
A Century and a Half of Eixample
This Barcelona commemorates the 150th anniversary of the expansion of the city. The redevelopment plan was hatched was by Catalan engineer Ildelfons Cerd? and it remains one the supreme examples of town planning throughout the world. Nowadays it is one of barcelona hotels most densely populated neighbourhood and remains the most popular area to live in.
From high above, whether you are up on top of Mount Tibidabo or on a plane coming into land at Barcelona airport, the layout of the Eixample is unmistakable and impossible to miss. The 420 symmetrically aligned residential blocks create an obvious pattern and from above you can see the building blocks with the open square in the middle which either serves as a garden area for the residents or as plaza for the general public.
The Eixample was designed so that people could get from the sea to the mountains and from side of the city to the other with relative simplicity. It connected the main part of the city with Graci?, now a district within the city, but was then actually a village outside of the city area.
It contains many well off tenants with some beautiful hotels in barcelona. The Sagrada Familia district is one nicer parts of it in which to live but the most expensive apartments can be found high up above the Passeig de Gracia, where one can expect to pay several thousand a month in rental price or millions if wishing to buy. However it does contain some less off sections which contain decaying buildings. These can be mainly found in the fringe areas of the area.
To celebrate 150 years of the Eixample, the city is launching a series of activities on the 11th June which will include exhibitions. From 4th November 2009 to 7th February 2010, at the shipyards in Drassanes, you will be able to find out why Ildefons Cerd?’s Eixample has become a prime example of modern urban planning.
May 9, 2009
Why Barcelona ought to be your next holiday destination
These reasons below should be enough for you to consider hotels in barcelona:
SUN – For the vast majority of us we just cannot resist a good holiday in the sun. As summer approaches, Barcelona is getting warmer and warmer by the day and you can gradually see the general population getting their summer kit on. Temperatures have already been hitting close to the 30 degree mark so get your skates on and book a flight out here!
SAND – You of course know that here we are located on the coast so sand is one resource we’re not short of at all! In the city and the surrounding areas there are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore. One worth visiting if you don’t want to leave the city would be the one at Vila-Ol?mpica. If you fancy travelling a little further then Sitges is just a short journey on the train away.
GREAT FOOD – With literally thousands of restaurants at your disposal, you are truly spoilt for choice. Cuisine from all over the world is littered across Barcelona. Should you be a fan of Japanese then check out Yashima in Les Corts, or if you fancy gorging on some fine Argentinean meats then Freeway is the place for you, with their all-you-can-eat buffet. While tapas don’t actually originate from Barcelona, you can still find find a good tapas bar if you’re willing to look hard enough. Ones that I would recommend are la Cerveseria Catalana in Eixample near your barcelona hotels and Cal Pep.
SIGHTSEEING – The city is filled to the brim with ‘must-see’ tourist attractions. From the Sagrada Familia to Parc Guell, Montju?c to Tibidabo, there’s so much to see that even the most adventurous explorer won’t run out of things to do. And of course you know that all these attractions look better when bathed in the glorious sunshine the city’s currently receiving!
JUST PLAIN GOOD FUN! – The city has so much on offer to keep you occupied. This remains true when the sun goes and the stars appear. Barcelona’s nightlife could compete with anywhere else in the world. And whether it’s just a quiet bar in which you’re looking for a relaxing drink or you fancy dancing the night away in one of the city’s many glamorous nightclubs, you will be guaranteed something to satisfy your needs.
So come on, book you barcelona hotels now and just get away from it all!
May 6, 2009
Spain Balearic Islands Travel Guide
Did you know that mayonnaise came from the Balearic Islands? The Balearic Islands is a Spanish archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It is also a great travel destination because of its benevolent climate and beautiful beaches. There are many other things to do on the islands besides swimming, sunbathing and surfing, though. In fact, there are plenty of fun activities to keep you occupied during your holidays in the Balearic Islands.
For one, you can go birdwatching at the Mondrago Natural Park on the island of Majorca (Mallorca in Catalan). The Mondrago Natural Park was declared an ‘Area of Special Protection for Birds’ in 1995, particularly since it is home to many species of migratory birds. You can simply enjoy the views of stunning natural landscapes at the park, too, or take a walk through the oak woods while admiring different types of lovely orchids.
There are many other places to tour in Majorca during your holidays in the Balearic Islands, as well, such as museums, fortifications and religious architecture. These include the Royal Monastery of Valldemossa, where Frederic Chopin and George Sands once stayed; the Palma Cathedral, which is a magnificent example of Gothic archictecture; and the Can Planes Museum in Sa Pobla, which is a museum of toys and contemporary art.
There are many things you can do in Minorca, too, which is the island right beside Majorca. Watching a horse show at the Club Escola Menorquina or Ganaderia Son Martorellet is recommended, where you can see the Menorcan horses perform their own style of dressage. These purebred black horses are the pride of Minorca. You can watch horse races on the island, too.
You can also get a glimpse of some archaeological treasures in Minorca. Indeed, Minorca has several prehistoric settlements such as the settlement of Talat? de Dalt, the settlement of Torre Llafuda and the Trepuco settlement - all known for their talayotic structures.
The most impressive megalithic tomb in the Balearic Islands can be found on the island of Formentera, though, which is the smallest and southernmost island. This is the tomb of Ca na Costa, a collective burial tomb dating back to the Bronze Age, and a must-see attraction for your holidays in the Balearic Islands. While in Formentera, you can go cycling, too, while enjoying breathtaking views.
Finally, a trip to the Balearic Islands is not complete without stopping by Ibiza, which is often referred to as the clubbing capital of the world. Indeed, the island is known for having some of the world’s best clubs, including Es Paradis, Amnesia, Space and Privilege, which is also the largest club in the world. If you prefer something quieter, you can also watch a concert or a theatrical production on the island.
The cuisine of the Balearic Islands is world-renowned, too, so make sure you eat well during your holidays in the Balearic Islands. Try to schedule your visit during a festival, as well, so you can participate in the lively atmosphere and the rich culture. This way, you will surely end up with a more enriching experience and a more memorable vacation.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Spain Balearic Islands. To book your Spain Balearic Islands cheap car hire, or learn more about cheap car rental worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
Tags: balearic islands, holidays in spain balearic islands, holidays in the balearic islands, spain balearic islands
May 2, 2009
Mirador de Colom
Standing over 60m tall at the bottom of the Ramblas, the monument of Christopher Columbus is a popular choice among photograph loving tourists. The statue of Columbus himself stands 7m tall atop the huge column close to your barcelona hotels.
In October 1492 having set off a couple of months before from Palos de la Frontera in the southwest of Spain, Columbus found land and confirmed his place in history of being the first European to discover AND successfully colonize the Americas. 500 years previous to this a Norse, Leif Ericsson, discovered it and set up a temporary settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows.
It was in 1881 that Barcelona City Council decided to erect the monument and finally in 1888 during the ceremonies marking the Universal Exhibition, it was dedicated to the renowned world explorer. The decision was taken to build the monument in the city because it was Barcelona that Columbus decided to disembark in on his return from the Americas.
Nowadays anyone is able to enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the monument 60m above the rest of the centre of the city. With an elevator now installed in the middle of the monument, visitors can easily access a spectacular view of the city.
If you look north you will be able to see the Gothic Quarter the bustling Ramblas below. Looking easterly you can see the two towers which mark the entrance to the Olympic marina. To south you can see the beautiful Montju?c Hill and the castle and finally if you look to the west you can look upon the spectacular Mount Tibidabo and the Collserola Tower.
The column is made entirely of cast iron and the statue of Columbus on top is of bronze. The bottom of the monument is a circular structure that is flanked by two cast iron lions. These have been used for many a funny photographic opportunity!
So if you’re in Barcelona anytime soon, take this great opportunity and go up the monument, near your hotels in barcelona. From May to October it is open from 09:00 – 20.30 and costs 2.12€ for adults and 1.27€ for children up to the age of 12.
May 1, 2009
Holidays in Spain Canary Islands
Tenerife. Gran Canaria. Fuerteventura. Lanzarote. La Palma. La Gomera. El Hierro. These are the major volcanic islands which make up the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands or the Canaries. Each of them offers amazing beaches and spectacular scenery, too, which you can enjoy as much as you like when you spend your holidays in Spain Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands has two capital cities, one of which is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, also the capital of the island of Tenerife. Aside from being the largest island in the Canaries, Tenerife is also known for being the site of the highest mountain in Spain, EL Teide, as well as the historic city of La Laguna. What attracts tourists the most, though, are the island’s spectacular golf resorts, as well as its various marinas and spas.
Gran Canaria is the island with the largest population, though, and is also a great destination for your holidays in Spain Canary Islands. This is because Gran Canaria has various tourist spots, such as fun theme parks, interesting museums, grand concert halls and charming villages. Gran Canaria arguably has the best beaches in the archipelago, too, like Amadores and Playa de Puerto Rico.
Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands. It is well known for its secluded sandy beaches, ancient flour-grinding mills and craftwork. The island is particularly popular among scuba divers and windsurfers. In fact, the annual windsurfing World Championships are held here.
Lanzarote is also a popular destination for those spending holidays in Spain Canary Islands, particularly because of its awe-inspiring volcanic landscape. The most famous places on the island are Teguise, with its castle built on a volcanic cone, Timanfaya National Park and Jameos del Agua, one of the creations of great landscape designer Cesar Manrique.
The Canary Islands is home to the one of the last remaining laurisilva rainforests in the world, as well, which can be found in the Garajonay National Park on the island of La Gomera. The Garajonay National Park, which was made a World Heritage Site in 1986, is the island’s main attraction, although it is also known for its traditional whistling language and exotic cuisine.
The island of La Palma also has its own leafy laurel woodlands, although its popularity comes from the Caldera de Taburiente, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. La Palma is also a haven for stargazers, who come to try out the astrophysical observatory at Roque los Muchachos.
Last but not the least, there is the island of El Hierro. This island has many natural wonders, including juniper woodlands, colossal cliffs and pine forests. It is particularly known for its spectacular underwater wildlife, so make sure you don’t neglect this island during your holidays in Spain Canary Islands. In fact, make sure you visit all the islands for a truly unforgettable adventure.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Spain Canary Islands, by car. To book your cheap rental car Spain Canary Islands, or learn more about car rental worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
Tags: canary islands attractions, holidays in canary islands, holidays in spain canary islands, spain canary islands, vacation in spain canary islands