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Places of Interest
Spain has 15 National Parks, of which 10 are on the mainland, 1 in the
Balearic Islands and 4 in the Canary Islands.
Cabo de Gata Nature Park An area of volcanic rock formations on the
Costa de Almeria coastline.
Doñana National Park Situated in a triangle between Cadiz, Sevilla and
Huelva, this is the largest and most important wetland area in Spain,
amounting to over 1,300 sq Km.
Los Alcornocales Nature Park 170,000 Ha of Cork forest (one of the
worlds largest) straddling the borders of Cadiz and Malaga.
Sierra de Grazalema Nature Park The highest rainfall in the Iberian
peninsula has shaped this landscape where there are forest of Spanish
Pine and over 1300 other plant species, including some that are unique.
Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park Covering 18,000 Ha with some of the
deepest caves in the world, forests of the rare Spanish Pine, and 90
species of birds breeding here in the backdrop to Marbella.
Sierra Nevada National Park Covering 86,000 Ha and including the two
highest peaks of mainland Spain.
Aragon
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park Stunning valleys, forests,
meadows with wild flowers and one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees
complete with glacier.
Asturias Redes Natural Park Near the Picos de Europa, this rugged
partially forested area is an extremely picturesque area for walking.
Picos de Europa National Park Said by many to be the most picturesque
mountains in Spain, also is home to the deepest caves. There is
something for everyone here.
Balearic Islands Archipiélago de Cabrera National Park An island with
100 inhabitants and 18 surrounding islets, 10 Km south of Mallorca, with
a well preserved land and sea environment.
Castilla La Mancha Cabaneros National Park 41,000 Ha of varied landscape
which some have described as African in nature - a birdwatchers
paradise, particularly for birds of prey .
Tablas de Daimiel National Park A unique wetland on the migration route
for many waterfowl.
Places to Visit in Murcia
The region
of Murcia is steeped in history and offers everything from Roman
Amphitheatres and fortresses, to national parks, stunning coastlines and
cosmopolitan cities. The major cities of Murcia, Lorca, and Cartagena
offer a wide range of historical buildings, bars, restaurants, clubs and
entertainment, while the vineyards of Yecla and Jumilla, natural spa in
Archena, and the local crafts of Lorca, offer a chance to see a
different side of the region.
Murcia City – Cathedral and old city
Cartagena - Roman amphitheatre and port
Lorca – Mediaeval Fortress
Caravaca – Historic churches
Yecla – Wine region
Archena – Hot spas in the beautiful Ricote Valley
Moratalla – 15th Century Castle, Running of the Bulls, Waterfalls and
mountain scenery
La Manga Club – Europe's premier sporting resort
Sierra Espuña – Natural park
Calblanque – Nature reserve
Holiday
in Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca had a modern, cosmopolitan feel while retaining
much of its traditional culture. It is an area of tremendous natural
beauty, flanked by mountains and varied terrain there is a huge amount
of things to see and do - from mountain hikes, nature reserves and
parks, islands, authentic Spanish villages to beautiful beaches. Many
visitors to the Costa Blanca are drawn by the cuisine, with a range of
local and international restaurants offering some of Spain's best
cuisine, emphasizing fresh fish and meat dishes.
Holiday in Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is a hundred mile stretch of rugged, spectacular
coastline in the region of Catalonia in the North East corner of Spain
where there is an abundance of summer sunshine, natural beauty and miles
and miles of sandy beaches. You'll find modern, international tourist
resorts with all the amenities beside medieval towns with ancient
castles, unspoilt fishing villages, and secluded rocky coves.
Holiday in Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol stretches from Gibraltar in the west to Nerja in
the east and boasts a host of sandy beaches. The Costa del Sol has long
been a popular holiday destination. Whether you are looking for culture,
museums & historical sights, an elegant cuisine & vibrant nightlife, or
sporting facilities of almost any type, they are here in abundance. The
area is also well known for having some of the most beautiful white
washed villages in the world; most of them looking out to sea from high
up on the mountainsides. These villages still follow Spain's
traditional, slower place of life and provide an ideal retreat from the
hustle and bustle. The Costa del Sol is well known for its mild climate,
making it an ideal destination for visitors year round.
Holiday in Costa Dorada
The Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) is named after the color gold -
warm, bright and soft - which is predominant in the area, in the
southern part of Catalonia. The twenty towns and villages that comprise
the Costa Dorada encompass a stretch a hundred and fift miles long, with
plenty of uncrowded beaches with clean fine sand and transparent shallow
water. Sandwiched between the mountains and the see, visitors will find
many areas clustered with sleepy towns and villages and peaceful
farmland, where olive trees, hazels, carobs, vineyards and almond trees
grow.
Holiday in Ibiza
Ibiza is a great place if your looking for nightclubs but contrary to
popular belief its not just a party island. This island has around 125
miles of coastline and some of the best beaches in the Balerics. Being
only 125 miles from the Spanish mainland its also just a relatively
short hop from the UK.
Holiday in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is a gorgeous island in the Islas Canarias (Canary
Islands) and has the oldest history and the longest beaches in the
islands. Fuerteventura is a beautiful island with some of the best
beaches in Europe and is well known for a wide range of water sports
activities from whale watching to surfing.
Holiday in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is in many ways a continent in miniature, offering
verdant forests, exotic fauna and flora, desert dunes, mountains,
volcanic craters, occasional snow on the highest peaks, the most lively
capital city in the Canary Islands, stunning coastlines and beautiful
beaches.
Holiday in Lanzarote
This sundrenched island boasts some of the best beaches in the
Canaries and spectacular inland volcanic landscapes. It lies a mere
sixty miles off the coast of Africa and the warm winds that blow from
there make it a perfect choice for windsurfing. Whether you want to
relax on soft sands and soak up the sun or enjoy some great watersports,
Larzarote is an ideal destination.
Holiday in Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is in the heart of the country and is
a perennial favorite for tourists who find the city to be a very
friendly, beautiful and relaxing place. In the centre Madrid, the old
part of the city whisks visitors back to years gone by, with winding
cobbled streets and old buildings. There is no shortage of things to see
and do in Madrid from restaurants, bars, theme parks, and huge range of
historical attractions. Whether you prefer to spend your time relaxing
in the cafes and bars or admiring the scenery and art, Madrid has
something for everyone.
Holiday in Majorca
Most visitors to Majorca seek out the plentiful sunshine, unspoilt
beaches and warm sea, but the island also has a lot more to offer.
Majorca has great examples of gothic architecture, old villages, olive
groves and secluded beaches. For those seeking something a little
wilder, twenty-four hour parties and clubbing are the norm on Majorca.
Palma, Majorca's capital city is especially lively, with many cultural
sights and a great nightlife.
Holiday in Menorca
The quite jewel in the crown of the Balerics this beautiful island
is smaller than Majorca but has many beautiful beaches and coves. The
pace of life is slow and relaxed and there are a large number of resorts
suitable for families. The short flight time from the UK is an extra
bonus.
Holiday in Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and enjoys almost
constant good weather, making it an ideal holiday destination year
round. The North of the island is a topical paradise, full of palm trees
and banana plantations and breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Inland,
you'll find yourself in traditional rural towns the hillside villages
and extraordinarily unusual landscapes formed from the twisted lava-rock
of the largest mountain in Spain, Mount Tiede. One of Tenerife's most
popular resorts is Playa de Las Americas, known for not only its
nightlife, but its many beaches, some composed of black volcanic sand.
Enjoying a great variety of shops, bars and restaurants, Playa de Las
Americas is definitely the pulsating heart of the island.
Places of Interest Benidorm
Places to
visit in Spain
Peacock Island
named after the birds there is a 10-minute boat ride from the port and
you get splendid views of Benidorm’s skyline. Boats go back andf forth
about every hour. The waters around the island are a marine reserve so
there is abundant underwater life. There is no shade on the island
except for one small cafe. You can go snorkleing in the sea and take a
glass boat ride to see the fish.
The north side of the island has grottos and slopes that drop down to 25
metres / 82 feet acts as a natural barrier against the current. This
location is called 'El Cristo' named after a small statue of the patron
saint sunk by divers a couple of years ago (which has now been stolen)
The south part of the island has the dive sites 'El Faro' and 'Punta de
Garbí'. In depths between 15 and 30 metres / 49 and 98 feet, you will
find a succession of sheer walls, ledges and shallow caves, a variety of
seaweed, sponges, octopi and conger eels.
The Costa Blanca Casino is one of the
largest casinos in Spain. There’s also a restaurant and bar. Games
tables featuring French roulette, American roulette, black jack, chemin
de fer, punto y blanco. Photo ID / Passport is required to enter; smart
casual dress; entrance fee. Open from 8 pm to 4 am, near Villajoyosa on
the Road to Benidorm (10 km from Benidorm).
The Medieval Tournament on the
outskirts of Benidorm offers you a chance to watch armoured knights on
horseback joust and duel before the king and queen. plus feasting and
merrymaking medieval-style for all ages
Terra Mitica is a large theme park set
out in different periods of time such as Egyptian and Roman and the
rides there are set accordingly (Such as a Minator ride in Greece). Just
five minutes from the centre of Benidorm, Terra Mitica is a popular
attraction for those who like a bit of adventure.
Benidorm Palace puts on a glittering 3 hour, Las Vegas-style
show. Spanish dancers and flamenco, jugglers and magicians, along with a
live dance band/orchestra. Benidorm Palace has produced the finest
extravaganzas in Europe, and its seating capacity of over 1,500 has
accommodated events such as the "Miss Spain" contest, the European An
evening meal is included in the entrance fee & is usually made up of 4
courses.
Aqualandia: There is a huge wave pool and lots of slides and drop
slides (Big Band, Kamakaze), smaller slides for children. Zig zag slides
and a rapids. There is a water activites area (Laguna) with ropes,
jumping off areas and slides that go through the rock and end in mid air
so you fall into the water. Next to Laguna is Niagara with waterfalls
and a cave which you can swim through. You will probably stay here about
4 hours
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Castilla y Leon Sierra de Gredos Nature Park A mountain range west of
Madrid, running along the southern border of Castilla y Leon and
extending into Extremadura, with spectacular scenery and plenty of
opportunities for outdoor activities.
Catalunya Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park A truly
stunning area in the Pyrenees with many lakes and rivers.
Ebro Delta Natural Parque At the mouth of the great river Ebro, half way
between Valencia and Barcelona, this is Spain's second most important
wetlands where a wide variety of waterfowl may be seen.
Extremadura Monfrague National Park A varied and attractive landscape -
a bird watchers paradise, particularly for birds of prey and waterfowl.
Galicia The Fragos do Eume Nature Park An important Atlantic forest
which has survived from the late stone age with very little change.
The Dunes of Corrubedo National Park An important sand dune complex,
including one very large moving dune, lagoons, wetlands, and the
important associated ecosystems.
The Islas Atlanticas National Park Four groups of islands off the south
west coast of Galicia and an important sea-land ecosystem supporting
many colonies of birds.
Murcia Sierra de Espuña A mostly forested park offering a contrast of
terrain in this dry region.
Valencia L'Albufera Natural Parque Running south almost from the
outskirts of Valencia, these wetlands have been the site of rice
production for Valencias famous dish, the paella and provides some
important aquatic habitats.
Canary Islands Caldera de Taburiente National Park on the island of La
Palma, one of the worlds largest sunken volcanic craters, 10Km across
and upto 2Km deep creates a unique landscape with indigenous flora.
Garajonay National Park on the island of La Gomera, shows how each of
the Canary Islands can be very different, this is a humid subtropical
forest of the type that would have covered most of southern Europe
before the last ice age.
Mount Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife, the volcanic crater
15 Km across and the peak of Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain and
any Atlantic island at 3,718m.
Timanfaya National Park on the island of Lanzarote, 5,000Ha of a luna
like landscape formed from solidified lava, where there are geysers, hot
springs, and the rock below are hot enough to cook food over a hole in
the ground.
Southeast Spain along the Costa de
Almeria is an unspoilt paradise. A world away from the high-rise hotel
blocks and apartments that are associated with some other coastal areas
of Spain, this Costa is subdued and altogether much more inviting. Mile
upon mile of sandy beach stretches out along the coastline, truncated
ever so often by headlands that crash out into the sea. For discerning
families looking for a quiet Spanish holiday getaway, the Costa Almeria
is the place to go.
Beyond the beaches
There are a wide variety of places to visit that are within a short
drive of the Costa de Almeria coastline. Here are some of the best…
Tabernas - Home to the 'Westerns' of the 1960s and 1970s, Tabernas is
formed of desert-like rocky outcrops and canyons that have played host
to some of the most memorable movies of this era. Clint Eastwood's A
Fist Full of Dollars, A Few Dollars More and The Good, The Bad & The
Ugly were filmed here, as was The Magnificent Seven. The movie sets
(there are three 'wild west' towns to visit) are now tourist
attractions, with live wild west shows, stagecoach rides and working
saloon bars to enjoy.
Calar Alto Observatory - The province of Almeria lays claim to one of
the sunniest spots in Europe. On average there are over 3100 hours of
sunshine to be had in the area each year. Taking advantage of the
exceptionally clear skies in this part of Spain is the Calar Alto
Observatory - a collection of five giant telescopes, three of which are
operated by the Max-Plank Institute in Germany. Although chiefly a
scientific research establishment the white telescope domes are a
spectacular sight at any time of the day or on a moonlit night. It is
also possible to arrange visits to one or more of the domes by
appointment in the Sierra de los Filabres.
Sierra Nevada Mountains - When on the Costa de Almeria you cannot fail
to notice the magnificent peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the
west of the province. Snow capped for some six months of the year, the
Sierra Nevada Mountain range is an all-year-round paradise. During the
summer and autumn, hiking is the #1 activity, the mountainside yielding
a fine network of paths to explore. During the winter and spring the
Sierra Nevada becomes Europe's most southerly ski resort.
Granada - A short distance downslope from the Sierra Nevada mountains is
the beautiful town of Granada and its most famous of attractions - the
Alhambra. A palace residence of Moslem kings that dates back to the 9th
century, the Alhambra is a fortress (alcazaba), palace (alcazar) and a
city (medina) all rolled into one.
Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park - On the south-easternmost tip of
Almeria is the 29,000-hectare Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. Pristine
beaches, jagged cliffs, salt flats and lagoons await all who explore
this natural paradise. With eagles, peregrines, cormorants and
razorbills on show, this is the place to come if you enjoy wildlife.
Things to do and see on El
Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain
Apart from the wide range of sports and
outdoor activities you can do here, there are plenty of spectacular
natural sites to be seen, some excellent cuisine to be sampled and lots
of other things to do and see.
One of the most spectacular sites on the island is the enormous El Golfo
depression. It’s a broad semi-circle that drops off into the sea from a
staggering 700 metres, in places.
The beach areas are also well worth a visit. They’re surrounded by a
massive amphitheatre of imposing cliffs that have now been declared a
national monument because of their geo-morphological value. Timijiraque,
in particular, is fascinating!
An absolute must see is the Ventejis mountain range. It’s located in the
north east of the island. Ventejis is stunning and the views are superb.
This the site where the Garoe Holy Tree was knocked over by a storm in
the XVII century
Frontera Rural is the largest park on the island. There are a huge
variety of ecosystems existing here. Some interesting places include; El
Julan, where you’ll see some fascinating rock engravings and aboriginal
ruins; and La Restinga, the area with the most recent volcanic activity.
Other sites on the island no to be missed include; the El Hierro Craft
Centre in Valverde; the Guinea Eco Museum, in Frontera; the Punta Grande
Hotel (the smallest hotel in the world!); and the Conservation &
Research centre, in Frontera (home to the famous Salmor Lizards.
Don’t leave without trying the superb Vina Frontera Blanco. It’s
definitely the best white wine on the Canary Islands. Try it with the
local cheese (a blend delicious of cow, sheep and goat milk) - very
tasty!
Places to Visit Almeria
Alcazaba
High on a ridge lying parallel to the coaststands the Alcazaba,
looking out towards the sea. Its 1430 metres offortified walls enclose
an area of 4 hectares (about 18 acres). Thesite was once occupied by
the Cartheginians but the presentfortification dates from 955 A.D, when
Almeria was the principalMoorish port. It fell briefly to the Crusaders
(1147- 1157), only tobe reconquered by the Moors,...
Almería Call: 950 271 617
Almeria Museum
In Museo de Almería´s collections, special attention must be
paid to the materials of the important Copper Age bed Los Millares
(Santa Fe de Mondújar) due to their relevance in the Metal Age, though
there are other beds dating from this period that has been so intensely
researched into in the Almería province. However, in addition to Los
Millares bed, what this province really outstands for from...
Almería Call: 0034 950 649800
Almeria Solar Platform Center
The Almeria Solar Platform Center is the s is the largest center
for research, development and testing of concentrating solar
technologies in Europe.If you would like to visit the platform please
call or email first.Tickets €4La Plataforma Solar de Almería es el mayor
centro de investigación de energía solar de Europa.El Centro de
Visitantes ofrece una posibilidad única de tomar contacto...
Tabernas Call: 950 387 990
Aquarium
Submerge yourself in an exciting world where you will learn
about the water cycle in an entertaining way. Trip through different
ecosystems to discover their sub-aquatic life and interesting
biodiversity. See above for opening times. Well worth a visit. If you
are brave enough you can actually touch some of the creatures.
Roquetas de Mar Call: 950 160 036
Cabo de Gata Natural Park
The 71,500 acres of Cabo de Gata stretch east from Retamar, to
the east of Almeria, across the cape to the Barranco del Honda, just
north of Agua Amarga. Classed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, it has
been protected since 1987. It is volcanic in origin and land height
ranges from 493m above sea level to 60m below. With an annual average
rainfall of 100m.m, it is the driest place in Europe. Despite...
San José, Cabo de Gata, Las Negras
Castle of Marques de los Velez
Overlooking the town of Velez Blanco and originally a Moorish
alcazaba stands the Castle of Marques de los Velez. A stunning
Renaissance castle built in the early 16 century by the Marquises of
Velez Blanco. Sadly today it is a shadow of it’s former self. From the
outside the castle looks complete, but in 1904 an American millionaire
bought the castle and decided to take all its internal features back...
Vélez Blanco Call: 0034 950 415001
Caves Houses
Almeria is famous for it’s cave house and you can see some fine
examples just outside Cuevas del Almanzora. Some of the caves have been
inhabited for over 3000 years. Contact Juan Cañadas Arroyo who will
personally take you on a tour of his former home.Almería es bien
conocida por la existencia de casas cueva. Un ejemplo de esto lo podemos
encontrar en la población de Cuevas de Almanzora. Algunas...
Cuevas del Almanzora Call: 0034 950450651
Circuito de Almeria
You can find the Circuito de Velocidad de Almería on Km 485,
Carretera Nacional 340 (the old road that use to join the capital city
of Almería with the capital city of Murcia). The circuit is 4025 meters,
the track varies from 10 to 12 meters of width and it has 8 right bends
and 5 left bends. This is a very technical circuit. The track was opened
in April 2000 and since then the infrastructure...
Call: 950 545 000
Cuevas Castle
This castle was built in the 16th century by the Marquis of los
Velez . Originally an Moorish fortification. The castle is well
preserved and inside it’s wall are two important buildings; Casa de la
Tercia which is home to the Archaeological Museum and the palace of the
Marqués de los Vélez, which was built in the sixteenth century and now
is the seat of the Antonio Manuel Campoy Museum of Contemporary...
Cuevas del Almanzora Call: 0034 950458063
Los Millares
Los Millares, considered the most important European
archaeological site of the Copper Age, is located in the municipality of
Sante Fe de Mondújar, some 17 kilometers from Almeria, on a spur shaped
plateau between the Andarax River and the Rambla de Huechar. It consists
of a settlement of circular houses fortified with a wall and next to it,
a cemetery with over 80 megalithic tombs. The inhabitants...
Alhama de Almería Call: 0034 677 903 404
Roquetas Castle
Originally a 10th century Arabic castle. The Castillo of Santa
Ana or de Las Roquetas is situated by the port and has been carefully
restored. It is now been used as an exhibition centre.El Castillo de
Santa Ana o de Las Roquetas es una fortificación del siglo XVII y
durante años sirvió como refugio. De su estructura original sólo se
conserva una de las torres. El castillo ha sido restaurado y es...
Roquetas de Mar
Sierra Maria Natural Park
Sorbas Caves
These caves are the most important of there kind in Europe and
are well worth a visit. They are located in the protected natural area
of Karst in Yesos de Sorbas.You have a choice of four routes:Basic Route
– Easy and suitable for everybody (adults and kids). Duration
approximately one and a half to two tours. Tours every tour. Adults
€12, Kids 3 to 11 years old €8Combination Route – Medium difficulty...
Sorbas Call: 0034 950 364 704
Vera Bullring & Musem
This is the oldest bull ring in the province of Almeria. Built
in 1879 with money generated from the local mines. Its Mudejar style has
suffered slightly through several restorations during the years, but
nowadays, it can be seen an enjoyed during the bullfighting season or
just visiting the ring and its small museum of memorabilia.Es la plaza
de toros más antigua de la provincia y fue inaugurada...
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