Like the Seville region, the province of Cordoba is landlocked, though that should not be a reason for the more adventurous traveller to not visit either for they both are fascinating. The region of Cordoba is split by the mighty Rio Guadalquivir on which lies the ancient city of Cordoba, founded by the Romans, though it flourished under the Moorish occupation and this is evident in the architecture found all over the city.
Built on a sharp bend of the river which is crossed by the Roman bridge, the El Puente Romano, the city was once a port. When the Moors were replaced by the Christians, the city’s beauty was left untouched and the Christian cathedral was built within the mosque, the Mezquita. The Mezquita dates back to the 12 century and symbolises the power of the Moorish Islamic influence on this region of Andalucia. Built in 785AD by Abd al Rahman, the mosque has been added to over the generations by both Christian and Islamic faiths as they each controlled this area.
At the centre of Cordoba is the old Jewish quarter where little has changed in centuries, narrow streets and garden plazas, tapas bars and restaurants, an ideal area to explore and relax in the Spanish way. The bull fighting museum and the cool and refreshing fountains and gardens of the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos are well worth a visit both being open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Move outside of the city into the area of Cordoba, and you'll find it quite unoccupied, most of the population live in the city itself while the remainder are spread out in this large unexploited region. Summers here are dry and hot, so the best time of the year to visit is during the cooler spring and autumn months, where you will find villages that still hold on to their Spanish values, something that has almost all but disappeared from the Costas to the south.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
A brief guide to Andalucia, Spain
Andalucia is probably one of Spain's most varied areas with its mountainous regions leading down to the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de Almeria and to the far west bordering Portugal, the beautiful Costa de la Luz. It is ideal for a holiday in winter as well as summer as there is skiing in the Sierra Nevada.
The white towns (pueblos blancos) named because of the Moorish tradition of whitewashing the buildings are a glance back in time to traditional Spain. Towns such as Ronda, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera to name but a few.
Inland, rural Andalusia has three wonderful cities to explore, namely Cordoba, Granada and the capital of the region - Seville. In addition to these historic cities with their Moorish past, there are many traditional and picturesque whitewashed villages to visit, as well as nature reserves or simply walking or hiking in the scenic countryside.
In the east of the Malaga region Antequera is a busy market town within easy reach of Malaga for a day trip. It is a more traditional town and is well known for producing olive oil. It is possible to walk around the walls of the 13th century hilltop castle from where there are wonderful panoramic views over the surrounding area.
Some of the smaller rural villages in this area are Villanueva de la Concepcion, Alcaucin and the pretty white village of Competa. Here and in similar villages you will find a wealth of culture and a taste of real Spain. We have many holiday fincas and cortijos to rent as well as charming village houses all set in rural andalucian locations, yet the sea in most cases is within an hours drive. If you are looking for a vacation rental to get away from it all, then this is the area of choice.
The white towns (pueblos blancos) named because of the Moorish tradition of whitewashing the buildings are a glance back in time to traditional Spain. Towns such as Ronda, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera to name but a few.
Inland, rural Andalusia has three wonderful cities to explore, namely Cordoba, Granada and the capital of the region - Seville. In addition to these historic cities with their Moorish past, there are many traditional and picturesque whitewashed villages to visit, as well as nature reserves or simply walking or hiking in the scenic countryside.
In the east of the Malaga region Antequera is a busy market town within easy reach of Malaga for a day trip. It is a more traditional town and is well known for producing olive oil. It is possible to walk around the walls of the 13th century hilltop castle from where there are wonderful panoramic views over the surrounding area.
Some of the smaller rural villages in this area are Villanueva de la Concepcion, Alcaucin and the pretty white village of Competa. Here and in similar villages you will find a wealth of culture and a taste of real Spain. We have many holiday fincas and cortijos to rent as well as charming village houses all set in rural andalucian locations, yet the sea in most cases is within an hours drive. If you are looking for a vacation rental to get away from it all, then this is the area of choice.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Country Within A Country: Travel To Barcelona
The distinctive regional culture of Barcelona is largely due to geography and a plentitude of national pride and elitism. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of Spain's 17 semi-autonomous states. The regional language is Catalan, along with the national language of Castilian Spanish. There has long been pressure from the Catalonian government and nationalists to earn complete autonomy from Spain. Consequently, the exclusive culture can be difficult to adjust to and there is significant animosity towards foreigners around the main tourist street of Las Ramblas. To thoroughly enjoy the sweet life and gentle hospitality of Barcelona, leave this busy area and explore the many diverse districts, endless with possibility.
Barcelona is truly a city that never sleeps, particularly during the warm Mediterranean summers. Avoid standing out like a sore thumb by eating dinner when the locals do: after 10 p.m. It is common to see children, grandparents and the family dog gathering at the outdoor cafes at these hours when the day's work is finished and time for friends and family has commenced. Since Barcelona hosted the Olympics in 1992, the city has been revamped with visitor friendly attractions such as the massive Olympic Village, a string of swanky restaurants, state-of-the-art nightclubs and boutiques along the beach. Most nightclubs do not get going until after 1 a.m. and club-goers typically wander out onto the beach around 5:30 to watch the sunrise over the Mediterranean.
It is best to avoid traveling to Spain in August, when most of the locals (and most of Mediterranean Europe) take their vacations. Chances are that the restaurant you wanted to visit will be closed and museums will have extremely curtailed hours. August can also be uncomfortably hot.
Barcelona is truly a city that never sleeps, particularly during the warm Mediterranean summers. Avoid standing out like a sore thumb by eating dinner when the locals do: after 10 p.m. It is common to see children, grandparents and the family dog gathering at the outdoor cafes at these hours when the day's work is finished and time for friends and family has commenced. Since Barcelona hosted the Olympics in 1992, the city has been revamped with visitor friendly attractions such as the massive Olympic Village, a string of swanky restaurants, state-of-the-art nightclubs and boutiques along the beach. Most nightclubs do not get going until after 1 a.m. and club-goers typically wander out onto the beach around 5:30 to watch the sunrise over the Mediterranean.
It is best to avoid traveling to Spain in August, when most of the locals (and most of Mediterranean Europe) take their vacations. Chances are that the restaurant you wanted to visit will be closed and museums will have extremely curtailed hours. August can also be uncomfortably hot.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Plan A Tour And Enjoy Your Vacation In Boston
A Boston vacation is a mesmerizing trip through the nation’s past and to a celebration of its future and center of learning. Here in one city you can experience the start of the revolutionary war, see a coral reef, take a bus on a river, and experience the campuses of MIT and Harvard - and all before dinner.
You’ll find Boston vacations a refreshing mixture of historic and modern buildings. And what’s even better is you can see it all - or most - by walking. That’s right the ole soft shoe shuffle. You’ll save time and see more by expending some shoe leather.
One of the best and most unique tours is the Duck Tour ride. This is a popular 80-minute tour for first-time Boston vacation visitors. But be warned, during the summer tours are usually sold out by lunchtime - so make them reservations in advance. You can pick-up and buy tickets for the tour at two places: The Museum of Science, and The Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile easy-to-follow red brick line that links 16 historical sites together around the streets of Boston and it’s free! It’s starts from Boston Common and winds its way through Boston landmarks such as the State House, Boston Massacre Site, Paul Revere’s House, USS Constitution, before ending up at the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown.
Other places to visit on your Boston vacation are The New England Aquarium, Beacon Hill, The J.F.K Library and Museum at Columbia Point in South Boston - and the Boston Harbor Islands, tours to the islands leave from Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf, both located near the aquarium.
You’ll find Boston vacations a refreshing mixture of historic and modern buildings. And what’s even better is you can see it all - or most - by walking. That’s right the ole soft shoe shuffle. You’ll save time and see more by expending some shoe leather.
One of the best and most unique tours is the Duck Tour ride. This is a popular 80-minute tour for first-time Boston vacation visitors. But be warned, during the summer tours are usually sold out by lunchtime - so make them reservations in advance. You can pick-up and buy tickets for the tour at two places: The Museum of Science, and The Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile easy-to-follow red brick line that links 16 historical sites together around the streets of Boston and it’s free! It’s starts from Boston Common and winds its way through Boston landmarks such as the State House, Boston Massacre Site, Paul Revere’s House, USS Constitution, before ending up at the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown.
Other places to visit on your Boston vacation are The New England Aquarium, Beacon Hill, The J.F.K Library and Museum at Columbia Point in South Boston - and the Boston Harbor Islands, tours to the islands leave from Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf, both located near the aquarium.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Make Palm Springs, California Your Ideal Tourist Destination
Palm Springs, California is a two-hour drive approximately 100 miles east of the city of Los Angeles in beautiful Riverside County. First inhabited by the Cahill Indians, the name Palm Springs comes from the Indian phrase meaning “The Palm of God’s Hand”. By 1950, Palm Springs became a getaway resort for the rich and famous. As of the year 2,000, almost 43,000 people resided in this lush area. In the wintertime, this number jumps to almost 75,000 people, with around 27,000 people living in second vacation homes.
Palm Springs has an unusually warm, dry climate. This is because it is surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains on the west, the Santa Rosa Mountains on the south, and the Little San Bernadino mountains to the north. Although temperatures rise above 100 in the summer, you will still remain comfortable due to the low humidity.
Palm Springs lies in the California Desert on the western edge of the Coachella Valley. At 487 feet above sea level and covering 96 square miles, it offers a beautiful view of the impressive Mt. San Jacinto. In addition to natural landmarks, the city offers its residents an almost endless number of activities including tennis courts, golf courses, an Olympic sized pool, a dog park, a water park, and trails of all kinds (including bike routes and horseback trails). Palm Springs even has a baseball stadium. Palm Springs is also noted for its vast city library and museums. In addition to these activities, Palm Springs also offers visitors the chance to visit boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and night clubs.
Palm Springs has an unusually warm, dry climate. This is because it is surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains on the west, the Santa Rosa Mountains on the south, and the Little San Bernadino mountains to the north. Although temperatures rise above 100 in the summer, you will still remain comfortable due to the low humidity.
Palm Springs lies in the California Desert on the western edge of the Coachella Valley. At 487 feet above sea level and covering 96 square miles, it offers a beautiful view of the impressive Mt. San Jacinto. In addition to natural landmarks, the city offers its residents an almost endless number of activities including tennis courts, golf courses, an Olympic sized pool, a dog park, a water park, and trails of all kinds (including bike routes and horseback trails). Palm Springs even has a baseball stadium. Palm Springs is also noted for its vast city library and museums. In addition to these activities, Palm Springs also offers visitors the chance to visit boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and night clubs.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Cebu, Philippines Can Become An Exciting Travel Spot
Cebu, as mentioned, is in the Philippines. As one of the major ports of the country, Cebu is directly accessible from other countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong and China. There are many places to visit in this beautiful tourist spot.
The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary should always figure prominently in a tourist’s travel plan to Cebu, Philippines. In this sanctuary, tourists are able to catch a glimpse of different species of migrating birds coming from places as far as China and Siberia.
Cebu’s Fort San Pedro is the oldest tri-bastion fort in the Philippines. Built in 1565, its 8-foot thick walls and 30-foot tall tower bore witness to several wars, not the least would be World War II, in which it served as barracks for American soldiers.
Casa Gorordo Museum is also one of the well-loved destinations of tourists once they arrive in Cebu. Taking a tour of this well-kept museum is like stepping into another time and era, thanks to the lovely antique furniture on display and the conservation of residential features from the old days such as the magnificent courtyard.
And speaking of Gorordo, make sure that you visit 415 Gorordo Avenue in Lahug, Cebu City because that is the address of the Sala Piano Museum. In this museum, you’d be able to a see a collection of about hundreds of pianos of different shapes and sizes.
Lastly, there’s the Kawasan Falls in Matutinao, Badian. The sight of this majestic waterfall would no doubt make you think how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful world.
The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary should always figure prominently in a tourist’s travel plan to Cebu, Philippines. In this sanctuary, tourists are able to catch a glimpse of different species of migrating birds coming from places as far as China and Siberia.
Cebu’s Fort San Pedro is the oldest tri-bastion fort in the Philippines. Built in 1565, its 8-foot thick walls and 30-foot tall tower bore witness to several wars, not the least would be World War II, in which it served as barracks for American soldiers.
Casa Gorordo Museum is also one of the well-loved destinations of tourists once they arrive in Cebu. Taking a tour of this well-kept museum is like stepping into another time and era, thanks to the lovely antique furniture on display and the conservation of residential features from the old days such as the magnificent courtyard.
And speaking of Gorordo, make sure that you visit 415 Gorordo Avenue in Lahug, Cebu City because that is the address of the Sala Piano Museum. In this museum, you’d be able to a see a collection of about hundreds of pianos of different shapes and sizes.
Lastly, there’s the Kawasan Falls in Matutinao, Badian. The sight of this majestic waterfall would no doubt make you think how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful world.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Turkey: The Most Sought After Holiday Hotspot
Turkey is a vast country with a rich historical and cultural background that offers the summer holidaymaker some of the most stunningly beautiful and unspoilt beaches on the Mediterranean Sea and some of the most exciting resorts which are becoming increasingly popular with European sports stars and celebrities.
The summer sunshine shines in southern Turkey from March until October giving tourists the chance to sample the delights of this inimitably interesting nation throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
In the winter Turkey plays host to winter sports fans and those in need of some après ski fun in a wide range of sophisticated ski resorts where prices are far lower than in Austria, Italy or Switzerland but where the quality of facilities and amenities are on a par with those of the best European winter sport resorts.
Prices for holiday accommodation to rent or even buy in Turkey are the lowest in the entire Mediterranean region and it’s possible for a family of four to rent a villa with sea views and a private pool for a tenth of the price of a similar property in Spain, Cyprus, Italy or France. The accessibility of Turkey is improving all the time as more airlines open up more routes to and from Turkey from across Europe.
The summer sunshine shines in southern Turkey from March until October giving tourists the chance to sample the delights of this inimitably interesting nation throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
In the winter Turkey plays host to winter sports fans and those in need of some après ski fun in a wide range of sophisticated ski resorts where prices are far lower than in Austria, Italy or Switzerland but where the quality of facilities and amenities are on a par with those of the best European winter sport resorts.
Prices for holiday accommodation to rent or even buy in Turkey are the lowest in the entire Mediterranean region and it’s possible for a family of four to rent a villa with sea views and a private pool for a tenth of the price of a similar property in Spain, Cyprus, Italy or France. The accessibility of Turkey is improving all the time as more airlines open up more routes to and from Turkey from across Europe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
