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Holidays in Portugal

Mirco — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:03:47 +0000

Talking about Spain and the Costa del Sol with its nice beaches and the fantastic weather another nice place to go on holidayin Europe is Portugal which is not really far away from the sunny coast of Spain. Thinking about Portugal vacation the first thing that gets into my mind is the Algarve in south Portugal which is a popular destination for tourism, primarily because of its beaches, Mediterranean climate, safety and relatively low costs. And the Algarve is only 3 hours away from the Costa del Sol. The beaches are similar to the Spanish beaches but better, the water is a little bit colder, but the sand is yellow to white, nearly like in the Caribbean. The safety and low cost are a perfect reason for Portugal family vacation as vacations with the whole family always cost a fortune, but not in Portugal, wich is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to enjoy your vacations. Maybe that’s why so many British, German, Dutch and Scandinavian people visit the Algarve. But the Algarve is not the only region for vacations in Portugal. Other tourist areas are the capital Lisbon and the Portuguese Islands like Madeira and Azores. If you are looking to do some vacations somewhere in Portugal a good place to look is at Olimar, which has been elected as the no. 1 best foreign Portugal tour operator by Portugals leading tourism trade journal Publituris. And the prices are really good.

Holidays and Nature in Sicily

Mirco — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:19:55 +0000

The largest island in the Mediterranean is a variegated world of landscapes and colours: from the Etna’s top covered with snow to the warm and wild coast of the Zingaro nature reserve, from the parched mountains of the hinterland to the verdant Madonie, from the Greek temples of Agrigento and Segesta to the windmills and salt pans of Trapani. Few other regions can boast such a variety of natural landscapes and nature reserves like Sicily.

A stay on the outskirts of a nature reserve could be the ideal place to discover another side of Sicily, the one with unspoilt nature, with small mountain villages full of history and culture situated in the Parco delle Madonie or on the slopes of the Mount Etna, or also to enjoy a memorable holiday exploring the unique landscape of Trapani salt pans. DiCasaInSicilia offers a great variety of accommodation in the vicinity of the regional parks and of the island’s nature reserves.

MOUNT ETNA NATIONAL PARK

Mount Etna national park is a protected nature reserve of some 60 thousand hectares that rises on the slopes of the highest volcano in Europe. The park has many natural attractions, among them are several small towns such as Trecastagni and Nicolosi and the “Grotta del Gelo” that is a cave with a perennial glacier where the temperature is always below -6 degrees even in summer.

Right in Nicolosi, a picturesque hill town situated at 700 metres above sea level, on the southern side of Mount Etna, is Casa di Filli, a typically small villa of this area surrounded by a wonderful garden with low stone walls, aromatic, ornamental plants and the local species of trees of the national park.

Just a few kilometres away, close to Ragalna, at a height of 830 metres above sea level, is situated Vigna Mascalisi, a nest for two on the slopes of Mount Etna. The house is constructed entirely from lava rock and blends perfectly into the surrounding landscape of Mount Etna with its vineyards, oak trees, olive groves and low stone walls. The dwelling is located on an estate devoted to organic produce that offers a little restaurant and a mini bed & breakfast (3 rooms). Where tastings of a whole range of regional products can be sampled and there is also the possibility to buy excellent olive oil, wine, fruit and vegetables among other tasty treats.

MADONIE

Along the northern Sicilian coast, in the Palermo province, raises the Madonie mountain chain. In order to protect the geological peculiarity and the cultural heritage of the area, the Madonie together with the Nebrodi have been given the status of National Parks back in the eighties. These Apennine mountains, that reach their peak at nearly 2000 metres, are sheer to the sea and create extraordinary landscapes. For those who would like to stay just a short way from the Madonie and enjoy the wonderful view of Cefalù, one of the Sicilian pearls, the house Arte Mare & Blu is the ideal choice. It is situated in the medieval centre of Cefalù, in a stunning position… from its terrace, visitors have an enchanting view over the roofs of the medieval town, the Norman cathedral and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The furniture and the warm colours of the rooms create a pleasant, cosy atmosphere: the rooms feature an original, individual style mix, reflecting the colourful tastes of the owner, who took charge of renovating the house herself.

SALT PANS AND EGADI ISLANDS

Set up in 1995, the Saline nature reserve of Trapani and Paceco offers some really unforgettable backdrops, among them mountains of salt, the view of the sunset beyond the Casa del Passito, situated just outside Marsala, gives one of the most charming landscapes of the western Sicilian coast: the Egadi Islands looming on the horizon and the ancient salt pans standing out in the mainland. The view is fascinating and the house complements its surroundings, with its two floors featuring original porthole windows.

In Marettimo – an island of fishermen belonging to the Egadi archipelago that is entirely considered as a protected area because of its unique botanic species – is situated Hiera, a dwelling dating back to the first decade of the twentieth century. The apartment boasts a great example of decorated concrete floors and is furnished with country Tuscan style furniture of the eighteenth century and with ancient ethnical pieces, such as the head of the beds coming from Morocco.

To book just send an email to info@dicasainsicilia.com or visit the website www.dicasainsicilia.com or call the 0039 0941 361681.

Estepona – nice little city in western Malaga

Mirco — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:56:55 +0000

Estepona is one of the towns of the west side of the Costa del Sol, situated between Marbella and Manilva, surrounded by the Sierra Bermeja, a mountain range that protects Estepona from the cold winds and helps it to have a special mild climate all year round. Estepona has a micro climate with over 325 days of sunshine per year. The old town has still the typical andalucian architecture with beautiful balconies decorated with flowers contrasting with the white facade of the houses. Estepona has now become a tourist place in first order, not just because of the fabulous beaches it has but also because of all the services and installations it offers to their visitors. Its worth to mention the School of Equestrian Art, Adventure Park Selwo, the Marina, water sports activities, all the Golf courses you can find in the surroundings and even challenging trekking routes . If Estepona is a great place to spend your holidays, imagine to live here permanently.

Discounts on 4×4 cars on the Costa del Sol

Mirco — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:21:01 +0000

30% discount in 4×4 Cars in Estepona and Marbella. Everybody hears here und there how bad the car business is going, but 80% less sales in the last quarter of 2008 compared to last year in the some period is causing massive problems to the branch in the coast. The Head directors of those car companies are worried not just because of the obvious profits effects but what to do with the stock of all the not sold cars? Can you imagine the place needed to keep around 25 Land Rover? They are beating the situation offering 30% discounts. Now is actually the time for those who have some money kept back, ever dreamed of such an opportunity to buy a four-by-four car with amazing discounts. The level of discount offered depends on the amount of time a vehicle has been in stock. There is no expectation to get any better in the economy this year and not even for next year, what kind of discounts are they going to offer end of this year?

Gibraltar International Boat Show

Mirco — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:50:58 +0000

Gibraltar’s first international Boat show will be held in the Easter week from the 9th to the 12th of April, Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, in the new marina of Ocean Village an its Leisure Island. The entry will be free of charge so this first exhibition is to expect a massive number of visitors from the Costa del Sol, Gibraltar and even from Morocco. Plenty of activities are planned for the show days for boat lovers of all ages. You can learn how to canoe or sail your own dinghy, see what its like to be part of the Armed forces. And why not have a look at the new Ocean Village enjoying the fabulous range of eating, drinking and entertainment options available in Leisure Island, with its range of cafes, bars, restaurants and diversions to suit all tastes. Ocean Village is the biggest residential and leisure development in Gibraltar. But the most important of the Gibraltar International Boat Show are the big yachts of up to 37 metres in length from companies like Sunseeker, Ferretti, Penguin and Azimut. The show will also include a celebrity football tournament at the Victoria Stadium.

Las Fallas celebration in Valencia

Mirco — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:26:01 +0000

The Falles, or in spanish Las Fallas, is an internationally known fire celebration in Valencia, which was this week. It is a Valencian traditional celebration in praise of Saint Joseph. Every citizen in Valencia works and prepares himself for this few days of festivity with the biggest enthusiasm man can have for this tradition. It is being held between the 14^th and the 19^th of March mainly in the city of Valencia, where for example on Thursday they have burned 772 monuments, specially built for this occasion. All of this monuments, called Ninots represent actual themes with a satire point of politics, comedy and social life, some of the Ninots can get up to 30 m high and are exposed until their burning. The party goes continuously from one morning to the other during the 5 days surrounded by fireworks, massive amount of firecrackers and the smell to gunpowder.

Free Guidebook to Lanzarote Out Now

Mirco — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:05:38 +0000

Planning a holiday in Lanzarote? Or simply want to find out more about this unique Canary Island? Then download the new edition of Lanzarote Guidebook – the free, in-depth tourist guide to the Island of Fire.

Lanzarote Guidebook is researched and written by long term island residents. Which means that it provides readers with the real inside track to the island. And it is published every quarter. Ensuring that information is always accurate and up to date.

The new Spring 2009 edition is packed with useful information for visitors. Along with some fantastic pictures of the island from local photographer James Mitchell. And can be downloaded for free at www.lanzaroteguidebook.com.

Lanzarote Guidebook contains comprehensive information about all of the island’s resorts, towns and places. Including maps, restaurant and accommodation recommendations and sightseeing tips. As well as detailed information about where to find the best beaches on the island. An introduction to the works of the island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique. And a guide to all of the islands many attractions.

In addition Lanzarote Guidebook contains a handy Essentials section. Providing useful information on details such as bank opening times, hiring a car, driving on the island, duty free allowances, shop opening hours and a list of emergency contact numbers.

This indispensable guide is published in a handy and portable A5 format and is distributed free to tourists on the island via car hire companies, hotels and private villas.

Visitors to the Lanzarote Guidebook website will also find even more in-depth and detailed information about the island online. Where they can catch up on all of the latest island news, check live weather reports and use in-depth climate information to work out when best to visit. The site even features a Tourist Advice Line, which allows visitors to ask specific questions direct – along with interactive island maps.

Lanzarote Guidebook also features a large selection of over 300 apartments and holiday villas. Along with links to the leading low cost flight operators to the island. Enabling visitors to construct their own holiday online.

More Information:
Nick Ball
nick@lanzaroteguidebook.com
0034 660 121717

Sierra Nevada ski resort

Mirco — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:12:13 +0000

Sierra Nevada is a ski resort near Granada only one hour away from the beach. It is a popular tourist destination, as its high peaks make skiing possible in Europe’s most southern ski resort, even this area along the Mediterranean Sea is more known for its warm temperatures and yearround sunshine. But just have in mind that the highest point of continental Spain, the Mulhacén mountain at 3,478 metres is situated in the Sierra Nevada. Just to go up to the Sierra Nevada from any corner of the Costa de Sol is an easy and cheap way to ski and only takes an hour or two. For 40 € you get your daily ski pass and you can enjoy about a 100 km of slopes with up to 350 cm of depth. We haven’t had this amount of snow for a long time and it’s actually a shame not to have more free time left to spend skiing up in the Sierra Nevada.

More Info: Sierra Nevada Ski Resort Official Website (In Spanish)

Nerja caves – La cueva de Nerja

Mirco — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:54:25 +0000

50 years ago, 5 children discovered the Nerja caves or better known as “La Cueva de Nerja”, when they were just playing and looking for bats. In 2008, the caves received 415,000 visitors, which makes it the second most visited monument in Andalucia after the Alhambra in Granada, even though they have just investigated 15% of the Nerja cave yet. This year a group of Anthropological scientists has been formed to study and follow with the diggings in the Chamber of the Mine, here is where they believe to find the rests of the last Neanderthals of Europe. In this anniversary year they planned plenty of activities like conferences, seminars and a special edition of the international festival of music and dance of the Cave, which also celebrates its half-century anniversary this July. In summer the caves are opened from 10:00 to 19:30 and the price is 8,50 Euro for adults and 4,50 Euro for children. Be sure to check out the caves when you visit Nerja!

Getting married on the Costa del Sol

Mirco — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:08:38 +0000

In the last years the number of foreign couples getting married in a corner of the Costa del Sol like Nerja, has multiplied. Especially the Irish couples love to celebrate their wedding day in a really special and different way with friends and family on the Mediterranean shore. There are companies which take care of every single detail from the photographer to the Honeymoon, the wedding planners from abroad. They prepare even activities for the guests before or after the big day. Costa del Sol wedding organisers joined together to create “Costa del Sol Bride of the Year” competition where you can win a tailor-made wedding worth 12.000 €.

Discover Lanzarote – César´s Empire

Mirco — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:30:50 +0000

The small Canary Island of Lanzarote is a hugely popular tourist destination. Attracting around 1.5 million foreign visitors every year. Thanks to a great year round climate, over ninety beautiful beaches, unique volcanic scenery and some of the most unusual tourist attractions to be found anywhere in the world. During the 18th century Lanzarote experienced one of the longest lasting volcanic eruptions ever witnessed in the modern world. This cataclysmic event buried about one quarter of the island under a sea of lava. Destroying some of Lanzarote´s finest agricultural land in the process – and forcing many of the islands inhabitants to leave for a new life abroad.

Today – Lanzarote is best known for the 300 plus volcanoes that dot the landscape. Whilst the Timanfaya Volcano Park is the island’s leading tourist attraction. Welcoming close to one million visitors every year.

The landscape at Timanfaya is often likened to the surface of the moon. And apparently Apollo astronauts were shown pictures of the park prior to their lunar missions.

Visitors are greeted by a scene of utter devastation – as mile after mile of twisted lava shapes and spent volcanoes extends into the distance. But Timanfaya has its own unique and awe inspiring beauty – as the landscape here looks very much like how our planet must have appeared when first formed many millions of years ago.

During the 1970´s Lanzarote faced another kind of burial. As property developers and hotel chains eyed the island greedily. Hoping to replicate their recent successes on the Spanish Costas. Where they had submerged swathes of land beneath a sea of hotels and apartment complexes.

Lanzarote looked set to share a similar fate. But the island was saved by a local artist called César Manrique. Who was determind to preserve Lanzarote´s natural beauty and integrity intact.

Working in close tandem with his friend Pepin Ramirez – who was also head of the island government at this time – Manrique fought and won. Securing a ban on all high rise construction. Whilst also successfully outlawing advertising hoardings.

As a result Lanzarote today remains largely unspoiled. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination. With the three main resorts all carefully contained.

Manrique also sought to do more than just preserve the island´s scenery though. As he also created a series of unique tourist attractions. Such as the Jameos del Agua and the Mirador del Rio. Where he fused art with nature In order to illustrate that there were alternatives to the water parks and golf courses dominating in other Spanish sun spots.

In 1994 Manrique´s efforts were rewarded. As Lanzarote became the first island in the world to be declared a UNESCO protected biosphere.

Holidays In Lanzarote
The island is serviced by all of the leading UK tour operators such as Thomson and Thomas Cook. As well as leading low cost operators such as Monarch and easyJet. With flights to Lanzarote starting from around £180 return.

The best hotels in Lanzarote are located in the south of the island. In Lanzarote´s newest resort of Playa Blanca. And whilst this is a year round holiday destination the best time to visit is either October or November. When the Trade Winds have died down a little and there are fewer tourists on the island.

Andalucia Tennis Experience

Mirco — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Marbella tries to climb the tennis-world. This April between 4th to 12th the 1st edition of the Andalucia Tennis Experience is to be held at the Hotel Puente Romano or better the Puente Romano Tennis Club in Marbella. The Andalucia Tennis Experience is a new category of International Tennis Series tournament of the WTA circuit. This project was started by former tennis player Conchita Martinez, the only Spanish woman who won the Wimbledon singles title in the 1994 Women’s Singles. This tournament will be attended by three world number one tennis players, like the recent winner of the Australian Open Serena Williams, Serbian Jelena Jankovic who ranked World No. 1 for seventeen consecutive weeks until she was overtaken by Serena Williams on February 2, 2009 and Amelie Mauresmo from France, a former World No. 1 who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006. Tickets for this international Tennis Tournament are on sale since February 16 at www.ticktackticket.com, FNAC, Carrefour and El Corte Inglés Centers. Ticket prices range between 15 and 25 euros a day. Spectators can enjoy the preliminary round for only 5 euros a day on Saturday or Sunday. The price for the entire Andalucia Tennis Experience tournament will be 100 euros and 55 euros for children.

Holidays in luxury villas in Sicily

Mirco — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:26:19 +0000

It’s not the Costa del Sol, but another nice-looking coast, so discover the ancient charm of Sicily and enjoy an exclusive holiday of comfort and relax in a luxury villa.

The refined atmosphere of the lifestyle of Sicily’s noble 19th-century families, immortalized in Luchino Visconti’s film “il Gattopardo”, still arouses an authentic, unique charm. Sicilian countryside, coast and islands are full of real gems that in the past were the Sicilian, noble families’ summer residences.

Today it is possible to live again this enchanted atmosphere suspended in time by going on a holiday in one of the wonderful Sicilian villas. Sicily offers a wide selection of dwellings, surrounded by nature or set on the sea front, that suit the most exigent guests.

In the countryside of Modica, right in the heart of the Sicilian Baroque, is Torre del Cozzoverro an ancient, beautiful farmstead whose origin dates back to the end of the eighteenth century. This exclusive country residence is a perfect example of local traditional architecture and culture that has been thoughtfully restored retaining the original charm. The villa consists of a main building with courtyard (Masseria) and an adjacent tower (Torretta). It has a well maintained garden with lawn, almond-trees, citrus and centuries-old olive trees and a big swimming pool with hydro massage and a room with toilets, showers and dressing-rooms, surrounded by a wide solarium-terrace with parquet flooring.

Il Faro is a gorgeous villa in Art Nouveau style with private pool, situated in the north-eastern part of Sicily, in Messina close to the two characteristic salt-lakes “Faro” and “Ganzirri”. The villa, which until few decades ago was a laboratory for the extraction of essences from the citrus fruits, is surrounded by a wide park where one can enjoy nice walks in the shade of centuries-old trees and then have a pleasant swim in the swimming pool.

For those who prefer a terrace with a breathtaking sea view there is the wonderful villa l’Ulivo di Pollara in Salina, one of the Aeolian islands. The property, built according to the typical, Aeolian architecture, is situated in a charming location amid beautiful natural scenery: all around is an oasis of sheer Mediterranean vegetation, luxuriant growings of “malvasia” grapes (famous dessert wine) and capers bushes, behind stands the “Monte dei Porri”, facing a stunning sea view with Alicudi and Filicudi islands silhouetting against the horizon.

Away from crowded streets and beaches, Sicily is the perfect destination for who want to fulfil a great holiday. DiCasaInSicilia gives an opportunity for those who pursue the best to live and enjoy a custom-made holiday in unique dwellings that provide all the comforts.

About dicasainsicilia

A young team but with experience and a deep knowledge of the country.
Since 1992 we have offered an exclusive selection of villas, houses of charm and holiday apartments, that differ in type, location and atmosphere.

We are specialists at satisfying every need, providing tailor made and high quality services, assisting in the country, keeping constantly in touch with our clients.

These are our values, that are always present to suggest the best holiday accommodation in the most striking settings, from sea to cities full of art, from countryside to the smaller islands experience, and that contribute to making our guests holiday a happy, relaxed experience, discovering the true soul of this wonderful island: Sicily.

Di Casa In Sicilia S.a.s.
Via Luca della Robbia 7
98060 Marina di Patti (ME)
ITALIA

Site: www.dicasainsicilia.com
e-mail: info@dicasainsicilia.com

Enjoy your holidays in Villa Mercedes in Nerja

Mirco — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:48:20 +0000

Villa Mercedes is a typical “Andalusian style” house which is now for rent on a weekly basis. The villa is located approximately 5 minutes from Nerja in the very east of Malaga on the Costa del Sol. The spacious house has about 150 sq meters of which the kitchen and living room take about 40 sq meters. The house is fully equipped with washing machine, dishwasher, oven, stove, freezer, refrigerator, microwave and a cozy fireplace in the living room. In a long hallway are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, two of them en-suite. All rooms are on one level. The master bedroom also has a cozy fireplace. The bathroom has its own whirlpool with 2.00 m x 1.20 m and a spacious shower. Villa Mercedes has air conditioning throughout the house. Furthermore, there is satellite television, a very large terrace with BBQ and a big pool. The house is now for rent for a weekly price between 600 and 1.300 Euro. For more information please click here: Villa Mercedes.

Footsteps through the City of Malaga – Newly published visitors guide

Mirco — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:25:12 +0000

(Article by Brian Jones, writer of the book) Visitors to Malaga, and those living along the coast or in the hinterland may like to know of the publication of a new guide to the city. It is something which grew out of the experiences of my wife and I showing friends around the city over the past five years. The guide is designed to make life as simple as possible. No poring over street plans, to find places of interest, and work out how to get from one to another. Instead the first half of the guide present straight-forward instructions for a circular walking route, taking in all the principal points of interest: the old lighthouse, the port, the Paseo del Parque, the Atarazanas market, Calle Marques de Larios, Plaza de la Constitucion, Plaza de la Merced, the Picasso Museums, the Modern Art Musuem, the Roman Theatre, the Alcazaba and the Castillo del Gibralfaro, the Hospital Noble, the Bullring, the English cemetery, and much much more. The route takes from four to five hours, walked at a leisurely place: but as the guide warns – stop and linger on the way and it can give a lifetime of pleasure.

Beside the route instructions there are boxes providing basic information about things you will see – but deliberately no more than can sensibly be absorbed while walking along. And in the second half of the book there are features on aspects of the city’s history, culture and leading historical figures – the story of General Torrijos; Dr Joseph Noble; the wreck of the Gneisanau; the English Cemetery and so on.

So if you do not know Malaga as well as you would like, why not track down a copy of this colourful and inexpensive guide. Once you have it to hand you can start anywhere on the circular route. Just follow the footsteps in the text! And, of course, winter-time is just perfect for such exploration.

Footsteps through the City of Malaga (ISBN 978 0 956 1014 0 2) is available at a growing number of bookshops (such as Rayuela Idiomas on Plaza de la Merced, and Libreria Luces on the Alameda). Or it can be purchased online at www.guide-to-malaga.co.uk, through Amazon UK, or on E-Bay (£4.99 + p&p).

And if you use the guide do please let me have some feedback. Just drop me a line at brian.jones@guide-to-malaga.co.uk

Many thanks, Brian Jones ( Author of the book )

costablog.com

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Estepona – nice little city in western Malaga

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