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Holidays in Spain have been the choice for British holidaymakers for decades and with good reason. Spain offers a seductive blend of gorgeous weather, exotic locations, dazzling beaches, grand monuments, tantalizing food and drink, and a host of activities such as swimming and golf along with a pulsating nightlife. But in a country so overrun with visitors, where do you go to find the authentic Spain? If you want to find the real Spain with all the conveniences of modern living, head for the Costa de Almeria. Here’s why Almeria is the place for your holidays in Spain.
For one thing, there’s the location. Costa de Almeria stands on the Mediterranean in the eastern part of Andalucía – home of flamenco and bullfights and birthplace of Picasso. Other than beaches and scenic fishing villages, the area is studded with the magnificent remains of ancient Moorish civilisation, orange groves, and orchards of white grapes.
Its Moorish castle, Alcazaba, is the second in size of Andalusia’s Islamic fortresses after the Alhambra. This magnificent hilltop structure features stout walls and towers and commands stunning views of the surrounding area.
Another Almeria attraction is one for film buffs. This is where they shot the old Spaghetti westerns and today it’s rewarding to visit the sets of such films as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in the desert of Tabernas.
If you love nature, you’ll enjoy a visit to another local treasure- the natural park of Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata. This large terrestrial-maritime reserve covers the town of Carboneras, the mountain range of Sierra de Cabo de Gata, and 120 km² of the sea as a part of a Marine reserve. It’s home to 1100 species of fauna the majority of which are birds making it an ornithologists’ delight.
Another thing that makes Costa de Almeria so special is the weather. The region offers a unique desert climate with sunny dry winters and hot summers tempered by the coastal breezes. This means that any time of the year is perfect for your Spanish holiday. The region gets over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and has the greatest number of cloudless days in the whole of Spain.
This sublime climate, combined with the fact that the Costa de Almeria is home to the longest stretches of coastline in the whole of Andalucía, makes it the perfect place to enjoy water sports such as sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing and rowing. Almeria is a great place to search out deserted empty beaches with hidden coves and then sunbathe or go diving in the warm, limpid water. The 2005 Mediterranean Games were held here and a sporting feel still lingers throughout the area.
And if golf is your activity of choice, you’re in for a special treat. For one thing, this is the only spot in Europe where you can play golf in the middle of a desert. Golfing in Spain is a treat in Almeria; the region is home to seven first class golf courses many set against the dramatic backdrop of the coastline. Playing a round of golf here is a very comfortable and informal affair. You can play in shorts and t-shirt on any day of the year. All the facilities you need are on hand to ensure memorable Spain golf holidays – shops, bars, hotels, cafes and restaurants.
So if you want a rich and relaxed lifestyle with all the activities you could ever wish for, visit the Southeast of Spain and you’ll surely fall under the spell of the serene beauty of Costa de Almeria. Getting there is now a snap. Almeria International Airport is less than an hour’s drive away and offers regular, scheduled and budget flights from most UK airports. You can also get there by flying to Murcia International Airport, and Alicante International Airport, both are not more than two hour’s drive from Almeria.
After you’re trip, you may decide to join the many who after their holidays in Spain decided the Spanish lifestyle was for them and invested in a Spain property. Buying a property in Spain as a second or main home is a great investment and allows you to transform that holiday into a lifelong experience. If you decide to invest in a Spain property, be sure to get professional advice. Best of all, buy into a reputable resort project to get all the facilities you need around your home.
With world-class courses, excellent transport links and warm weather all year round, its little wonder that golf holidays in Spain are so popular. According to the BBC Spain Magazine, the country is a fantastic destination for golf enthusiasts and is home to some of Europes finest courses.
”It might not be much fun nipping out for 18 holes on a wet and windy spring Saturday in Minehead or Manchester or Muirfield, but it’s a different story in Spain,” the publication noted.
The south of Spain basks in sunshine for most of the year and is well-served by a number of UK airlines including bmibaby, Ryanair and British Airways. La Manga Club, one of Spains finest resorts, boasts three championship golf courses, along with a range of top-class practice facilities and expert tuition.
Those staying at the resort can enrol in the La Manga Club Golf Academy, where PGA-qualified tutors are on hand to help players improve their game. La Manga Club is well known for its golfing facilities – it boasts three championship courses, practice facilities and a training centre all dedicated to the sport – however there is more to the resort than just golf.
For those looking to enjoy alternative or more laid back sports while on a villa holiday in Spain can find a variety of activities on offer at La Manga Club. The tennis centre offers a variety of leisure options for active and less active holidaymakers including access to a gym and spa where personal trainers and physiotherapists are on hand to offer support and assistance. For a relaxed sport with a more laid back pace and beautiful surroundings, try your hand at a game of bowls on the bowling green or a game of boules on the petanque court.
A climbing wall located is also located at the tennis centre for the more adventurous holidaymakers. And for those who simply insist on practicing their putting but wish to do so in a more novel setting, try the crazy golf course, a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Golf enthusiasts often choose to take a holiday in Spain, particularly in the region of Murcia, because of the number of golf courses on offer in the area.
Murcia, which is also appealing to those seeking the perfect family holiday in Spain, is host to some of the world’s best golf courses, including Polaris World’s Condad de Alhama development, featuring three championship courses designed by pro golfer Jack Nicklaus. “It’s like a little community of its own, so even if you don’t play golf, there’s loads to do,” Elaine Wallace of Scotland told the Sun. “It’s going to be a great place for our family.” La Manga Club boasts a number of quality golf courses, which are ideal for a golf holiday or for a golf break during a family holiday.
The club also offers a golf academy, as well as private lessons from PGA-qualified professional instructors
When it comes to popular tourist destinations of the world, Spain ranks among the top five. And not just for holiday purposes, the country experiences a huge surge of people who are interested to buy property here and also stay. Spain can prove to be a wonderful treat for you, in any way you want to experience it.
Spain for Residing Purposes
Every region of Spain has something unique to offer. Every part of the country has its own flavour and you can enjoy it all during your vacations. The weather is lovely round the year and you can lead a relaxed lifestyle in any of the popular Spanish mainland resorts. You can invest in luxurious Spanish villas, apartments or penthouses and lead a comfortable life with all the amenities that will complement your lifestyle.
Spain as Holiday Destination
Make the best use of your holidays by visiting the lovely golden beaches of the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The white sand, the warm sun and the deep blue sea waters are just the ingredients for you to rejuvenate and revive. Added to this are the various water sports that will re-ignite the enthusiasm in you.
Golf in Spain
Not just water sports, Spain has a range of other interesting sports that you can both watch and also play. You can unwind yourself in Polaris World, where there are numerous golf courses and golf resorts. Polaris World, as considered by some serious golf buffs, is a heaven for golf lovers.
Apart from Golf, you can also enjoy the famous Spanish Bull Fight and other interesting sports and other forms of entertainment.
Spanish Villas
If you intend to buy Spanish Villas, the best way to deal with this is by approaching a professional agent. Now you can get the services of honest and efficient property agents at the click of a mouse.
Spain is a prime destination for tourists from every country. Visitors from around the world regularly visit and return to this lush country. A Spanish holiday is a memorable event that will be cherished for a lifetime.
One of the greatest factors that make this country so popular with visitors is the variety of attractions and activities. It is a destination with something for every member in your family. Amid the many unique attractions are the number of Blue Flag beaches. In 2007, Spain received more blue flag awards for the quality of their beaches than any other country in Europe.
The prestigious blue flag is only awarded to beaches that maintain a rigorous level of attention to many factors. The beach must observe safety and cleanliness. It is also required to be maintained in an environment friendly manner. The Spanish coasts offer 3,000 established beaches.
If swimming is not your sport of choice, don’t forget the numerous water sports available. Kayaking, boating, sailing and windsurfing are popular water activities. The visitor is also welcome to any of a host of dry land activities. Other sporting activities popular include golfing and soccer. Spain also welcomes those daredevils who want a more thrilling vacation experience. Hot air balloons, parasailing and skydiving excursions are available. The Spanish Grand Prix is a hot spot for catching amazing feats of driving skills.
The most famous celebration held annually in Spain is the famous Carnival. The city of Tenerife is famed for their enthusiastic embrace of this joyful time. Tenerife’s celebration is rumored to be the largest in all of Europe. Each region has its own distinct variation on the festivities. Masquerades, dancing, music, dining and pageants are held from dusk until dawn. Some cities prefer to celebrate Carnival with music, while others enjoy wine celebrations and dining on exquisite fare.
Spain has much more to offer if you desire a more informative outing. Visitors can enjoy the many historical monuments and landmarks during their Spain holiday. Historians have the opportunity to explore a lot of this country’s history. Many of the most notable civilizations in history have made their mark in the Spanish countryside. Guests are welcome to explore evidences of the Iberians, Phoenicians and Roman settlements. History buffs can also enjoy the Celtic monuments. Visitors should look for excursions to such attractions as:
* Avila
* Puente Viesgo (Cantabria)
* Santillana del Mar (Cantabria)
* Benaojan (Malaga)
Each attraction offers a spectacular glimpse into ancient times. The UNESCO, also known as the World Heritage Committee, regularly selects important locations that bear much history. This award promises the area will be protected from the destruction of development. Spain has a list of valuable monuments that will keep visitors intrigued and fascinated.
Art lovers are also amazed to see the number of native artists and their contributions to their respective field. Salvador Dali is a Spanish artist who gained worldwide acclaim for his unique style. Pablo Picasso is yet another brilliant artist. Major art galleries are available in all major cities. Madrid even offers a walking tour to highlight their reverence for artistry.
Wine tasting excursions are regularly available to many of the numerous vineyards of Spain. These delicious outings can last a few hours or an entire day. Guests are welcome to join any of the day excursions throughout the countryside.
Spain’s unique cuisine is also a highlight for travelers. A wealth of gourmet restaurants have various hours of operation to suit guests’ convenience.
A Spanish holiday is the ultimate tourist destination for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It is easy to see why so many travel to this beautiful country.
Spain has become one of the most popular tourist and holiday destinations on the planet. The total number of visitors and holiday makers who come to Spain each year is more than 150% the numbers of the whole of the Spanish population!
So what is it that makes Spain such an attraction for all these tourists and holidaymakers?
-For most Brits, the first reason they are likely to give is the weather- the fantastic Spanish climate which just gets better and better the more one travels further and further south into this country. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it is true that regions such as the Costa Del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa Almeria are a tremendous draw for anyone looking to escape the grey of a Northern Europe winter or even Northern European summers of late!
-In addition to the climatic adavantages, Spain is a country which offers tremendous geographical variety and diversity. Believe it or not, this land of golden palm fringed beaches is the 3rd most mountainous country in Europe- indeed, where else in Europe can you ski in the morning and be on the beach basking in 25c of sunshine in the afternoon? Well, you can in the Sierra Nevada mountains which lie just 1 hours drive north of Malaga and the beaches of the Costa Del Sol.
-Culturally, Spain is amazingly diverse as you will notice in its art and architecture, cuisine and its peoples. All across the southern province of Andalucia, itself a Moorish word, you will find evidence of a people who came to occupy this part of Spain from North Africa hundreds of years ago, bringing with them a rich tapestry of cultural, artistic, linguistic and architectural styles and mores. The Alhambra Palace in Granada is probably one of the most famous and impressive legacy of Moorish architecture in the whole of this region.
-Linguistically too, Spain is very diverse. Catalan, a language as much akin to French as Spanish, is widely spoken in the North East of Spain and in great historical cities such as Barcelona you will see signs written in both Catalan and Spanish.
-Perhaps one of the biggest attractions for many tourists is the Spanish way of life. Whilst the often referred to “manana” culture can sometimes be very frustrating if you need something done in a hurry, there is no doubt that the outdoor lifestyle which is enjoyed by the Spanish people is much to be admired and envied by us Northern Europeans who are confined to indoor activities only for many months of the year.
Surely the essence of a relaxing holiday is to be able to relax over an evening meal eaten ” al fresco” washed down with beautifully refreshing Spanish wines such as Rioja or Ribera Del Douro? Wander through villages and small towns and stop to buy fresh produce at the many markets you will come across, enjoy a peaceful and relaxing “paseo” or evening stroll after an evening meal and rub shoulders and share pleasant and light hearted conversation with the locals- that is how to get to know, experience and enjoy the real Spain!
Top Tips As To How To Make The Best of What Spain Has To Offer?
Whilst there are many hotels of all sizes and descriptions which one could stay in, in my opinion the best way to experience this fabulous country, is to consider renting one of the may thousands of holiday homes, holiday villas or apartments which can be found on any high quality web based holiday property rental website.
When you rent a holiday home whether that be a holiday villa or holiday apartment in one of the many regions of Spain, you will instantly appreciate the benefits that this offers as opposed to the confines and limitations of staying in a hotel or pension. You can come and go from your holiday home as you please, you can organise sleeping and eating arrangements to suit the size and mood of your group and best of all you can experience first hand the real Spanish way of life by staying in authentic rural Spanish villages or energetic towns and cities.
As much as Spain is a fantastic destination for a holiday or short weekend break, the wrong or inappropriate choice of accommodation can totally ruin your experience and enjoyment. That is why I would strongly encourage you to go self catering and to seek out a holiday villa or holiday apartment to rent in one of the many diverse resorts and regions of Spain.
From coastal villas, apartments, townhouses, studios or rustic fincas you can take advantage of Spain’s wonderful sun drenched beaches, fabulous golfing resorts, or if its rural tranquillity which you seek, then accommodation set against a backdrop of soaring mountain peaks, lush green valleys and quiet rural retreats will be just for you.
The urban landscape of Barcelona provides a coastline stretching more than four kilometers and the beaches have earned a name for themselves as popular leisure spaces. It was around the 1980s that the project of first opening the city to the sea was first undertaken. The redeveloped seafront has become one of Barcelona’s popular spot for recreation and leisure. The beaches have all necessary facilities and services which guarantee a pleasant and safe day at the beach. And, with the development of the shoreline Barcelona has gained new areas for leisure. One part of the shoreline has been developed into a new marine wildlife park. The new bathing area of the shoreline is different from normal beaches in that it has been specially designed to create an area of calm waters which are soothing to the senses.
Barcelona is a city well known for its night life. There are exciting cultural activities which provide entertainment and leisure suitThe urban landscape of Barcelona provides a coastline stretching more than four kilometers and the beaches have earned a name for themselves as popular leisure spaces. It was around the 1980s that the project of first opening the city to the sea was first undertaken. The redeveloped seafront has become one of Barcelona’s popular spot for recreation and leisure. The beaches have all necessary facilities and services which guarantee a pleasant and safe day at the beach. And, with the development of the shoreline Barcelona has gained new areas for leisure. One part of the shoreline has been developed into a new marine wildlife park. The new bathing area of the shoreline is different from normal beaches in that it has been specially designed to create an area of calm waters which are soothing to the senses.
Barcelona is a city well known for its night life. There are exciting cultural activities which provide entertainment and leisure suitable to all tastes and styles. Check into one of the hotels in Barcelona to entertain yourself at the numerous shows, bars, discotheques, concerts and popular fiestas which are the attractions of the city. A tourist to Barcelona will never find a dull and boring moment while in the city. The range that Barcelona offers for a night out on the town at times causes one to find it difficult to choose from all the various offerings. The city has a host of champagne and cocktail bars where one can drop in for an evening of entertainment. Another good option is to venture into any of the good restaurants to savor from a wide and varied range of authentic food from across the world. Most Barcelona hotels also have good specialty restaurants serving authentic Spanish food of the traditional Mediterranean variety.
There are a variety of Barcelona Spain hotels suitable to the needs of all travelers and tourists. The economical traveler can check into cheap Barcelona hotels or Barcelona budget hotels for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The more stylish travelers can look forward to the finest of luxury hotels in Barcelona where the best of services and amenities are provided. The young crowd especially fond of dancing and jiving will love the look of Barcelona with its multitude offerings of discotheques, clubs and dance halls. There are many live music clubs to be found where the guests who do not like to move their bodies can head to for an evening of fun and entertainment. The variety of style ranges from jazz and blues to African music. Those desirous of showcasing their musical talents can make use of the opportunity of their tour to try out a karaoke club.
To check out the rich heritage of Barcelona one must take time out for a visit to the numerous museums of the city where you will be able to get a glimpse of the culturally rich exhibitions displayed. The Museo Picasso and Fundacion Joan Miro are the more renowned museums of the city.able to all tastes and styles. Check into one of the hotels in Barcelona to entertain yourself at the numerous shows, bars, discotheques, concerts and popular fiestas which are the attractions of the city. A tourist to Barcelona will never find a dull and boring moment while in the city. The range that Barcelona offers for a night out on the town at times causes one to find it difficult to choose from all the various offerings. The city has a host of champagne and cocktail bars where one can drop in for an evening of entertainment. Another good option is to venture into any of the good restaurants to savor from a wide and varied range of authentic food from across the world. Most Barcelona hotels also have good specialty restaurants serving authentic Spanish food of the traditional Mediterranean variety.
There are a variety of Barcelona Spain hotels suitable to the needs of all travelers and tourists. The economical traveler can check into cheap Barcelona hotels or Barcelona budget hotels for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The more stylish travelers can look forward to the finest of luxury hotels in Barcelona where the best of services and amenities are provided. The young crowd especially fond of dancing and jiving will love the look of Barcelona with its multitude offerings of discotheques, clubs and dance halls. There are many live music clubs to be found where the guests who do not like to move their bodies can head to for an evening of fun and entertainment. The variety of style ranges from jazz and blues to African music. Those desirous of showcasing their musical talents can make use of the opportunity of their tour to try out a karaoke club.
To check out the rich heritage of Barcelona one must take time out for a visit to the numerous museums of the city where you will be able to get a glimpse of the culturally rich exhibitions displayed. The Museo Picasso and Fundacion Joan Miro are the more renowned museums of the city.
Are you planning your next vacation and thinking about a place that is far away from the hustle and bustle of the regular life? A Vacation in Spain can be the ideal option if you are thinking of spending some leisure hours with your family and friends. You can book holiday rentals in Spain through your regular travel agents or simply online with one of the many websites offering direct rentals from the owners. People tend to prefer to stay in self catering holiday rental apartments, townhouses or villas mainly because unlike hotels, holiday rentals allow for flexibility and are well equipped with all modern amenities and facilities that shall not only make your stay comfortable but also your vacation in Spain a memorable occasion.
There are all kinds of rental properties available in Spain and they normally have facilities tailored for holidaymakers. In the most part they are fully equipped so that the tourists get a feeling of staying in a home away from home. Most of the villa rentals in Spain have picturesque locations with special private areas, such as outdoor entertainment, swimming pools & built in BBQ’s.
Local markets in Spain provide an amazing array of meats, vegetables and fruits that you wouldn’t normally find at home, and for a fraction of the price too. Most restaurants even in tourist areas are relatively inexpensive.
Other standard amenities available near most holiday rentals in Spain are golf courses, fabulous beaches, water sports and excellent cuisine. If you book online most companies will endeavor to provide the facilities that suit your taste. Villa rentals in Spain are specially designed and decorated with colorful interiors and exteriors, with palm trees surrounding some of the pathways. There are holiday rentals suitable for all kinds of budgets and all tourists. Everything makes a comfortable and pleasant stay making your vacations in Spain memorable.
There are several companies who advertise online there portfolio of Holiday Rental Apartments, Townhouses and Villas Spain. So if you would like to know more about booking a self catering vacation in Spain and how to book your place of stay, you can take the help of online companies.
The greatest advantage of booking online is that you can search by location, regions, or even a specific village. Most of the websites have descriptive maps with details about the accommodations available. You not only get to know more about the accommodation, but you also can know about the facilities and amenities that you can avail. You get the opportunity to compare the rate of different rentals and then choose a vacation of your choice. If you need to be extra sure about the place and amenities available in the villa rentals or holiday rentals you can read reviews written by people that have stayed previously. Word of mouth is the best kind of feedback that you can get!
Viva Espana!
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How about Las Vegas next time?
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