For visiting London, proximity to King’s Cross is the perfect location. An intersection of six tube lines, including the Northern, Picadilly, and Circle Lines, to name a few, can get you virtually anywhere from King’s Cross. King’s Cross is also a train terminal, in the case that you are planning to visit the north of the UK. But let’s not get off track and get back to seeing London via King’s Cross. London, the cultural melting pot that it is, offers amazing and varied shops of anything you could desire. Located near the major shopping zones of London, both commercial and artisan, King’s Cross is a convenient place for a shopping tour in London. The city is also a magnet for great and creative minds, as is well known by all the thinkers, writers and artists who both came to and from London. The wide range of museums and galleries reflects this intellectual breeding ground, and again, King’s Cross is a skip, hop and a jump away from many of these world-class museums. Less conventional tours to start from King’s Cross could include a round of the city’s parks, exploring the wide web of the tube itself, or the nearby nightlife hotspots. So, whether it’s shopping, rich culture, or any fun explorations that you’re after, King’s Cross will guide you there quickly and efficiently.
For the shoppers! Have an early and hearty breakfast (you will need the energy) and put yourself on the Northern Line, heading for Camden Town, where you will find open air markets selling art, crafts, clothes, accessories and much more. It’s best to spend time here in the morning, as the area isn’t the safest at night. After you’ve stocked up on original craft gifts at the market, head back to your hotel, drop them off, and back on the tube! Via the Picadilly Line, head towards Covent Garden, a famous indoor market, and the surrounding area, full of boutiques, shops, and nice cafes. This picturesque market makes a nice lunch stop, with some cozy restaurants nearby. Picadilly Circus comes next: very commercialized, with many well-known brand stores. Picadilly is a fun place to return to at night, as the lights and pubs draw partiers to them like moths to the flame! Head on to Knightsbridge to see the world famous Harrod’s Department store. After this detour, it’s on to Oxford Circus to join the crowded throng admiring and buying the riches of Oxford Street, which is equivalent to New York’s Fifth Ave, a street of fancy department stores interspersed with chic shopping boutiques. If your spending needs are still not satiated, check out other markets, such as Portobello, or just by walking through London, you will find hidden gems of stores throughout the city. If, however, Oxford Street sums up the shopping day nicely for you, head back into the Oxford Circus tube, and the Victoria Line will conveniently take you right back to King’s Cross.
For the culture seeker, you will start your day heading in the opposite direction of the shopper. Head south on the Picadilly Line to Russell Square, and just a few blocks south of the shady square is the British Museum. After your explorations, you may also enjoy Covent Garden for its history and theater – check out the listings as they may draw you back in the evening. Nearby is Trafalgar Square, home of the National Gallery. From here, continue on to Green Park, and gasp at the size and beauty of Buckingham Palace. Changing of the Guard takes place nearby, so check the season’s schedule if you are interested. Slide down the Jubilee Line to Southwark, and enjoy the neighboring Tate Modern and Globe Theatre. Make your way back north of the river to Tower Hill, and explore London’s Tower. Take the Circle line back to King’s Cross to conclude the cultural loop.
The adventurer who wants to learn the city by randomly coming across the interesting things may enjoy traveling from park to park, always great for people watching and discovering the wide variety of London’s inhabitants. Regents, Hyde, Green, and St. James Parks are the main ones, each with distinctive personalities. The Tube itself is extremely interesting, and it’s worth reading the entertaining advertisements of the tube, listen to some talented and not-so-talented musicians, pick out who the tourists are and who the natives are… the tube can be really enjoyable during your voyage. Take advantage of being in this unique London sub world! King’s Cross is also nearby to Leicester Square and Picadilly, both popular night out areas. Or try traveling round Circle line and seeing how many pubs you can manage to stop at… after which, see if you manage to find your way back to King’s Cross on this concentric line!
King’s Cross, recently made famous through Harry Potter’s platform 9 ¾, is more than a fictitious train platform. It’s a station that literally will get you anywhere in London (and beyond) very conveniently. If you’re visiting London to shop, to learn its culture, or just to explore it for face value, King’s Cross is the best starting and ending point. You will get to where you need to go quickly, and at the end of the long day, you won’t have to wait long to be back at your London home, sweet home.
Read More..
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
A Gem In Miami
If you're thinking about basking under tropical sunshine, then Miami Beach's Royal Palm Resort is the perfect place. Among the many Miami hotels and travel lodges, this one offers cheap rates for a four-star hotel. Plus, it faces the beach, so you wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore and an amazing beach view. Located at central South Beach, clients can literally walk to each and any of the attractions. The Convention Center is just a short distance away, as well as other fine-dining restaurants and exclusive boutiques. The clubs and bars that dot the area around the resort also make for an exciting nightlife. It also takes only 20 minutes to reach the airport from the hotel. The Miami Ballet, Ocean Drive, Botanical Gardens, and other tourist attractions are less than a mile away from the hotel. Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Groves, and other tourist attractions are just a short drive away.
The hotel offers a $200 rate for an overnight stay in an ordinary room. But the ordinary things that are in Royal Palm are not ordinary at all. It is a 17-story affair of Art Deco design. The beachfront resort, like most Miami hotels and travel lodges, offers luxurious suites and rooms all with Atlantic Ocean views courtesy of the private balconies. All rooms have basic amenities which include hair dryers, coffee makers, mini bars, data ports, and voice mail. These may seem very basic, but these are essentials especially for an individual traveling for business. Rooms vary and range from guest rooms, suites, non-smoking, double-bedded, and single-bedded rooms. Families with pets need not worry about living their pooches and cats at home since the hotel allows guests to bring pets, provided that these pets have been checked and vaccinated. Located near the beach, the hotel even provides an outdoor pool and a whirlpool. People who are concerned about their fitness and bodies need not sweat the lack of exercise during their stay because the hotel has an on-site gym and fitness center.
Personal services are thoroughly provided at the hotel. Aside from the multilingual staff that speaks English, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, German, Greek, and Portuguese, the hotel also features accessible ATM machines, a laundry and dry cleaning service, baby-sitting, a laundry room, and safety deposit boxes. The hotel also has concierge services and the standard room services. Business travelers can also avail of copying services, courier, Internet, fax, computer use, printing services, and car rentals. Truly, in terms of personal services and world-class facilities, Royal Palm is indeed a gem among the many Miami hotels and travel lodges.
Read More..
The hotel offers a $200 rate for an overnight stay in an ordinary room. But the ordinary things that are in Royal Palm are not ordinary at all. It is a 17-story affair of Art Deco design. The beachfront resort, like most Miami hotels and travel lodges, offers luxurious suites and rooms all with Atlantic Ocean views courtesy of the private balconies. All rooms have basic amenities which include hair dryers, coffee makers, mini bars, data ports, and voice mail. These may seem very basic, but these are essentials especially for an individual traveling for business. Rooms vary and range from guest rooms, suites, non-smoking, double-bedded, and single-bedded rooms. Families with pets need not worry about living their pooches and cats at home since the hotel allows guests to bring pets, provided that these pets have been checked and vaccinated. Located near the beach, the hotel even provides an outdoor pool and a whirlpool. People who are concerned about their fitness and bodies need not sweat the lack of exercise during their stay because the hotel has an on-site gym and fitness center.
Personal services are thoroughly provided at the hotel. Aside from the multilingual staff that speaks English, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, German, Greek, and Portuguese, the hotel also features accessible ATM machines, a laundry and dry cleaning service, baby-sitting, a laundry room, and safety deposit boxes. The hotel also has concierge services and the standard room services. Business travelers can also avail of copying services, courier, Internet, fax, computer use, printing services, and car rentals. Truly, in terms of personal services and world-class facilities, Royal Palm is indeed a gem among the many Miami hotels and travel lodges.
Read More..
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A fresh look at Ibiza
Ibiza has long been one of the world’s premier summer-sun holiday destinations, although in recent years many visitors (including myself) have been put off by the seedy ‘Ibiza uncovered’ style publicity that the island has received. Thankfully, the White Island is now moving away from this tacky lads-on-holiday image, and is once again attracting a more up-market style of tourism.
This is hardly surprising if you take a moment to consider what Ibiza can offer to the discerning visitor, with fabulous white beaches adored by the rich and famous for decades, unspoilt pine forests, white-washed villages, a whole range of restaurants offering the best of world cuisine, world-famous nightlife and some of the friendliest locals you will ever meet.
Ibiza is again becoming ‘the’ place to be seen, so for those after a piece of the limelight, strut your stuff through the old Ibiza institution Pacha, or have a long lunch on the beach at the Jockey Club, and you are guaranteed to be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
If you are looking for a relaxing week away from it all, take my advice and go in early May; the weather is perfect, and the island is all but deserted compared to the madness of August. You will get beautiful beaches all to yourselves, and great service at all the restaurants.
The level of service has improved greatly as well, with activities such as water sports, hot air ballooning, mountain-biking, boat rental and yoga easy to find and well-priced. For the full rock-star service, I would recommend hiring a villa complete with chef, maid and chauffeur; some villa rental agents are even offering a concierge service through which you can book tables at exclusive restaurants, get VIP tickets to the best clubs or arrange other services such as masseurs in your villa.
If you are planning your summer holidays, think twice before rejecting the idea of Ibiza as your chosen destination…I think you will find yourselves as pleasantly surprised as I was.
Read More..
This is hardly surprising if you take a moment to consider what Ibiza can offer to the discerning visitor, with fabulous white beaches adored by the rich and famous for decades, unspoilt pine forests, white-washed villages, a whole range of restaurants offering the best of world cuisine, world-famous nightlife and some of the friendliest locals you will ever meet.
Ibiza is again becoming ‘the’ place to be seen, so for those after a piece of the limelight, strut your stuff through the old Ibiza institution Pacha, or have a long lunch on the beach at the Jockey Club, and you are guaranteed to be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
If you are looking for a relaxing week away from it all, take my advice and go in early May; the weather is perfect, and the island is all but deserted compared to the madness of August. You will get beautiful beaches all to yourselves, and great service at all the restaurants.
The level of service has improved greatly as well, with activities such as water sports, hot air ballooning, mountain-biking, boat rental and yoga easy to find and well-priced. For the full rock-star service, I would recommend hiring a villa complete with chef, maid and chauffeur; some villa rental agents are even offering a concierge service through which you can book tables at exclusive restaurants, get VIP tickets to the best clubs or arrange other services such as masseurs in your villa.
If you are planning your summer holidays, think twice before rejecting the idea of Ibiza as your chosen destination…I think you will find yourselves as pleasantly surprised as I was.
Read More..
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A day trip to Cordoba, Spain
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.
Read More..
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.
Read More..
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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.
Café Life and Nightlife for the Night Owl
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.
A Modernista Mecca
The architectural wonders of Barcelona will keep even the most novice eye bewildered and intrigued. Antoni Gaudi decorated Barcelona with his treasures of modernism as a painter on a canvas. The grand boulevard of Passeig de Gracia is lined with elaborately adorned Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, both with the most intricate rooftops known to modern architecture. Arguably the most stunning of Gaudi's work is the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Each of the church's facades are meticulously designed with different themes and styles combining nature with religion and the soaring towers topped with mosaic grapes are built around a conch-like coiled staircase that visitors may choose to take instead of the elevator. Another tribute to Barcelona's artistic heritage is the Palau da la Musica Catalana. A view of the glass and mosaic inverted chandelier on the ceiling of the theater is alone worth the visit. Daily tours are offered in addition to the regularly held musical performances. Afterward, get lost in the tiny twisting passages of the surrounding historic Gothic Quarter.
Traveling Barcelona Right Not Your Weekend Visit
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 should be traveled with care and patience. The only disappointment visitors have is the inability to see all of the city's landmarks and hidden corners in a realistic amount of time.
Read More..
Café Life and Nightlife for the Night Owl
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.
A Modernista Mecca
The architectural wonders of Barcelona will keep even the most novice eye bewildered and intrigued. Antoni Gaudi decorated Barcelona with his treasures of modernism as a painter on a canvas. The grand boulevard of Passeig de Gracia is lined with elaborately adorned Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, both with the most intricate rooftops known to modern architecture. Arguably the most stunning of Gaudi's work is the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Each of the church's facades are meticulously designed with different themes and styles combining nature with religion and the soaring towers topped with mosaic grapes are built around a conch-like coiled staircase that visitors may choose to take instead of the elevator. Another tribute to Barcelona's artistic heritage is the Palau da la Musica Catalana. A view of the glass and mosaic inverted chandelier on the ceiling of the theater is alone worth the visit. Daily tours are offered in addition to the regularly held musical performances. Afterward, get lost in the tiny twisting passages of the surrounding historic Gothic Quarter.
Traveling Barcelona Right Not Your Weekend Visit
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 should be traveled with care and patience. The only disappointment visitors have is the inability to see all of the city's landmarks and hidden corners in a realistic amount of time.
Read More..
Monday, January 26, 2009
A Cornish Pilgrimage - Falmouth
The road veers right and begins the steady climb to the heady heights of Pendennis Point. My modest car huffs and puffs as traffic files patiently behind me. A barrier to my left clouds the seascape and the temptation to peep is too immense. I stop the car and stride eagerly to the wall and peer over. The scene is impressive, revealing a small section of old Falmouth harbour. A vast warship, presumably undergoing maintenance prior to setting out to defend the shores dominates the visible harbour view.
As the road continues to twist and climb en route for the summit, hungry seagulls swoop overhead, groups ever-increasing as we approach the peak and assembled tourists. Surprisingly, parking is free, hence I immediately set off to take in the diverse panorama at the top.
The journey to the summit merits every second. To the north lie the Falmouth docks and an abundance of vessels anticipating their next voyage on the open sea. Facing eastwards, the eye is drawn to the glut of yachts spread throughout Falmouth Bay, sailing freely in the steady sea breeze. In the distance sits the appealing little town of St Mawes, a mile or so across the water.
“Magnificent view over there,” remarks an elderly fellow standing beside me, gesticulating towards the yachting event and its zealous sailors. I smile in acknowledgement as he shuffles back to his car and his waiting wife. I frequently wonder if folks living here fully appreciate such magnificent surroundings or if the beauty becomes taken for granted. Coming from central England, the sea has always held fascination with me, vacations to the coast forever keenly anticipated.
Look due south and on a clear day your eye is drawn along the magnificent, rugged coastline leading to Lizard Point, the most southerly part of Britain. As the wind howls and pounds the shoreline, a flock of seagulls unleash a cacophony of sound, daily rituals unperturbed by the resident tourist.
While the road twists and turns back towards sea level, my thoughts drift to the competing yachts, racing in the bay. What a wonderfully liberating sensation it must be sailing open sea. Envy races through my mind, but my thoughts return to the road. I’m heading west along the A394 to where my dad claims to have had the finest pint of ale in Britain – Helston.
Read More..
As the road continues to twist and climb en route for the summit, hungry seagulls swoop overhead, groups ever-increasing as we approach the peak and assembled tourists. Surprisingly, parking is free, hence I immediately set off to take in the diverse panorama at the top.
The journey to the summit merits every second. To the north lie the Falmouth docks and an abundance of vessels anticipating their next voyage on the open sea. Facing eastwards, the eye is drawn to the glut of yachts spread throughout Falmouth Bay, sailing freely in the steady sea breeze. In the distance sits the appealing little town of St Mawes, a mile or so across the water.
“Magnificent view over there,” remarks an elderly fellow standing beside me, gesticulating towards the yachting event and its zealous sailors. I smile in acknowledgement as he shuffles back to his car and his waiting wife. I frequently wonder if folks living here fully appreciate such magnificent surroundings or if the beauty becomes taken for granted. Coming from central England, the sea has always held fascination with me, vacations to the coast forever keenly anticipated.
Look due south and on a clear day your eye is drawn along the magnificent, rugged coastline leading to Lizard Point, the most southerly part of Britain. As the wind howls and pounds the shoreline, a flock of seagulls unleash a cacophony of sound, daily rituals unperturbed by the resident tourist.
While the road twists and turns back towards sea level, my thoughts drift to the competing yachts, racing in the bay. What a wonderfully liberating sensation it must be sailing open sea. Envy races through my mind, but my thoughts return to the road. I’m heading west along the A394 to where my dad claims to have had the finest pint of ale in Britain – Helston.
Read More..
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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.
An Andalucia vacation has much to offer from its National Parks to a visit to Jerez for some sherry tasting. Also not to be missed are a day out to the wonderful city of Granada with its Alhambra Palace, Jaen or similarly Cordoba which also has much Moorish history.
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.
Western rural Andalusia is home to the wonderful city of Ronda. It has a spectacular setting being located on a huge outcrop of rock. It is also famous for its bullring, which is the oldest in the country. The Punte Nuevo - 'the New Bridge' spans the gorge and links the old part of Ronda with the new. This part of Andalusia is also home to the whitewashed villages - pueblos blancos - of Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera as well as picturesque towns and villages such as Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre and Coin. Also in this area near the village of El Chorro is the geographical wonder of the Garganta del Chorro, a vast natural chasm in the limestone mountain. The national park of El Torcal is also popular with walkers, hikers and nature lovers.
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.
Read More..
An Andalucia vacation has much to offer from its National Parks to a visit to Jerez for some sherry tasting. Also not to be missed are a day out to the wonderful city of Granada with its Alhambra Palace, Jaen or similarly Cordoba which also has much Moorish history.
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.
Western rural Andalusia is home to the wonderful city of Ronda. It has a spectacular setting being located on a huge outcrop of rock. It is also famous for its bullring, which is the oldest in the country. The Punte Nuevo - 'the New Bridge' spans the gorge and links the old part of Ronda with the new. This part of Andalusia is also home to the whitewashed villages - pueblos blancos - of Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera as well as picturesque towns and villages such as Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre and Coin. Also in this area near the village of El Chorro is the geographical wonder of the Garganta del Chorro, a vast natural chasm in the limestone mountain. The national park of El Torcal is also popular with walkers, hikers and nature lovers.
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.
Read More..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)