The magnificent city of Cadiz is located in southern Spain close to the city of Seville. If you are looking for a more traditional holiday to Spain then Cadiz is the ideal choice for you. Thought to be the oldest city in Europe, Cadiz is steeped in history with places of historic interest and

Cadiz Cathedral

museums to keep you occupied on your cheap package holidays to the Costa De La Luz. Cadiz also has a good selection of restaurants, tapas bars and shops.

The charming old quarter of Cadiz is Moorish in appearance with narrow cobbled lanes connecting large plazas, white washed houses, a cathedral with a stunning golden dome and the remains of the city’s 18th century walls.

Donana National Park

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Donana National Park, will be of particular interest to nature lovers. The park occupies the right bank of the Guadalquivir River at its estuary on the Atlantic Ocean. This diverse park has marshland, fixed and moving dunes, lagoons, scrub woodland and maquis. It is also home to one of the largest heron colonies in the Mediterranean region, five threatened bird species and is the winter habitat for hundreds of thousands of water fowl every year. The park is also home to Spanish lynx, Adalbert’s eagle, Black vulture, red kite, reptiles and amphibians.

Lying inland from Cadiz are the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) which are small villages with chalk coated houses which date back to the Middle Ages. Four of the best villages to visit are Setenil, Grazalema, Arcos de la Frontera and Zahara de la Sierra. Bird watchers will be in their element with many species of eagles and vultures being found in the villages. There are also some bull breeding farms around Medina Sidonia where you can see the bulls grazing in

Cadiz

their natural environment.

Situated at the end of Cadiz is the 2 mile stretch of Blue Flag beach called La Victoria. During the peak summer months there are small beach bars and facilities available at the beach which narrows as it reaches Santa Maria del Mar Beach and is accessed by ramps and steps from the promenade. Sitting between the Castle of Santa Catalina and San Sebastian is La Caleta Beach which is usually much busier than La Victoria and Santa Maria del Mar. Less than two miles out of Cadiz is the beautiful white sandy beach of Playa de la Cortadura which is ideal for lazing in the sea and taking a dip in the clear blue sea.

Cadiz Port lies between the Atlantic and Northern Africa, near to the Strait of Gibraltar. The port is a popular stop-off for many cruise ships and is also the terminal for ferries travelling between Spain and the Canary Islands.

There are many towns in the surrounding area including Jerez de la Frontera which is the centre of the sherry industry and home to the regional airport. A tour of the bodegas (cellars) and a visit to the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art are a must on your last minute holidays to Cadiz.

Spain’s Costa Dorada stretches south west from Barcelona to Tarragona on the east coast. With beautiful sandy beaches backed mountains, quaint villages and coastal towns the Costa Dorada is a popular all year round choice for bargain holidays. Families flock to the area not just for the excellent climate and superb sandy beaches but also for the great children’s attractions. Together with the resorts of Cambrils and La

Costa Dorada Coastline

Pineda, Salou forms a 10 mile continuous beach resort. This 10 mile stretch of the Mediterranean has beautiful sandy beaches which are ideal for relaxing in the sun, swimming and a wide range of water sports.

The whole family will love a trip to the Aquopolis Water Park at La Pineda and to Spain’s best known theme park at Universal PortAventura. The Aquopolis Water Park is located on the outskirts of La Pineda and is a great place for cooling down when the weather hits its peak. You will even get the chance to swim with sea lions at the park! PortAventura theme park has 5 themed zones with thrilling rides, shows, restaurants and shops to keep the whole family happy throughout their visit. When you need to take a break from the thrilling rides there is PortAventura Aquatic Park which is a themed park with splash

PortAventura Rollercoaster

pools and a large indoor area.

Salou is the liveliest of the Costa Dorada resorts and is ideally placed for visiting PortAventura. Cap Salou is much quieter and an excellent choice if you want to relax on the beautiful Salou beaches and in the secluded coves. Downtown Salou offers a great choice of restaurants, cafes, bars, discos and nightclubs.

Cambrils is a more traditional resort with sandy beaches, cobbled streets, restaurants, tapas bars and a pretty fishing harbour. Some of the best Costa Dorada restaurants, serving exquisite Catalan cuisine, are found in Cambrils.

The Costa Dorada resort of Sitges is particularly popular with the gay community. This cosmopolitan resort has elegant mansions, top class museums and plays host to many carnivals and film festivals. Sitges is well known for its vibrant nightlife.

Barcelona

When on your holiday deals to the Costa Dorada don’t forget to visit the amazing city of Barcelona where you will find amazing sights and some great trendy restaurants. When you need a break from the beach you take a trip to Tarragona where you will find Roman ruins and a magnificent cathedral and a visit to the monastery at Montserrat is also a must do. Hikers and nature lovers will be amazed at the surrounding countryside which stretches inland towards the mountains. Discover quaint little villages and wander through the vineyards and almond orchards for quiet relaxing day out.

If you are looking for a great Spanish holiday then the Costa Dorada makes an excellent choice with plenty to do and see.

Located on the east coast of Spain, Alicante is a popular holiday destination just 25 miles south of Benidorm. The city has miles of beautiful sandy beaches lined with palm-shaded promenades. Holidaying in Alicante gives visitors the chance to sample real Spanish life unlike the more commercialised neighbouring resorts. The city attracts sun lovers, families, water sports enthusiasts, golfers and naturists. The old town

Alicante

of Alicante attracts visitors to its narrow streets, Spanish tapas bars, restaurants with various types of paella on the menu, bars and excellent shopping facilities. Visitors interested in art and culture will love the displays of treasures including Roman and Moorish sculptures, medieval tapestries and works of art by Dali and Picasso which are housed in the museums and buildings of the city. Alicante is well known for its great shopping opportunities with a huge central market selling just about everything. The streets of the town offer excellent bargain and souvenir hunting at the traditional craft shops, markets stalls, upmarket stores and designer outlets.

Playa del Postiguet Beach

Playa del Postiguet is Alicantes main beach and is a long stretch of fine pale sand. After a dip in the beautiful waters here you can enjoy a tasty al fresco lunch in one of the many beachside cafes. Other popular sandy beaches in the area include Albufereta Beach and San Juan Beach which stretches from Cabo de Huertas to Campello. At Cabo de Huertas there are secluded rugged coves and the beach of Playa del Coco are popular with those looking for quieter beaches. Local buses and trams run an excellent service which links all of the Alicante beaches.

Away from the beach there is plenty to do on your family holidays to Alicante. A visit to the cathedral and Santa Barbara Castle, the harbour and the marina should not be missed. Santa Barbara Castle sits on a hillside and not only offers amazing panoramic views of the city and the coastline but also houses several exhibitions of Arabic and medieval art. The whole family will love a tram ride along the coast to picturesque Campello, a boat trip to the small island of Tabarca and of course a visit to Benidorm. There are also plenty of theme parks, water parks and zoos along the coast for family days out. Alicante is a spacious city with lots of green space with plenty of parks, gardens and woodland where you can take a picnic

Alicante harbour

and enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna. For the more energetic there is a leisure park which is located by the Tossal Mountain where a range of activities like mountain biking, skating, mini-golf and bowling can be enjoyed. Alicante is surrounded by some beautiful countryside with woodland, mountain paths and marshland waiting to be explored. Guided walks make a welcome escape from the beaches on your family holidays to the Costa Blanca. Carrascal De La Font Roja nature reserve has beautiful pine forests which are home to a multitude of different animals and birds, including badgers, wild boar and golden eagles.

Carrascal De La Font Roja

Alicante offers a wide range of different dining venues including traditional Spanish restaurants alongside restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, from Moroccan to Thai. The city also has plenty of cafes and bars for a quiet relaxing break.

Due to the city’s close proximity to the airport and great all-year-round mild climate Alicante is a popular destination for direct holidays during the summer and also during the winter season. From May to October Alicante enjoys fine sunny weather, especially in the peak months of July and August. Summer temperatures reach up to 29C with the height of the season seeing around 10 hours of sunshine every day. Winter temperatures rarely fall below 13C, often seeing 5 hours of sunshine a day.

The Spanish resort of Benalmadena is located about 12 miles from Malaga airport, between Torremolinos and Fuengirola. A popular destination with families and holiday makers of all ages the resort offers good affordable accommodation, plenty of facilities and a beautiful sandy beach.

Benalmadena

The beautiful beaches of Benalmadena stretch for six miles along the Costa del Sol coastline. This long wide sandy beach has shallow waters which ideal for safe swimming for the whole family on their holiday deals to this popular resort. Parents can relax on the beach knowing there are lifeguards on duty who are keeping a watchful eye on the children playing in the sea. The promenade behind the beach is lined with hotels, apartments, cafes, bars and small shops. For quieter, more secluded sunbathing there are rocky coves and inlets along this coastline.

Benalmadena Marina

Benalmadena is also home to an award-winning marina brimming with modern yachts and luxury cruisers. The marina is home to an aquarium, sailing centre and numerous cafes and bars. Scuba-diving and sailing are available from the marina, as well as boat hire, deep-sea fishing trips, catamaran cruises and excursions to Torremolinos and Fuengirola.

Away from the beach is the authentic Andalusian village of Benalmadena Pueblo. Sitting up in the mountains, this traditional Moorish village with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, quaint shops and lookout castle, the Castillo de Colomares, is a must to visit on your cheap package holidays to Benalmadena. As with all the resorts on the Costa del Sol there are plenty of golf courses to choose from along with other activities including water sports such as scuba-diving, wakeboarding, water-skiing, sailing and kayaking, fishing, horse-riding and cycling. For the more adventurous there is quad biking, off-road buggy riding and paintballing. The whole family will enjoy Tivoli World

Benalmadena Cable Car

theme park, the Aquarium and a cable-car ride up the mountains. On the cable-car ride you will be taken 800m above sea level where you will see stunning views of the coastline and across the sea to Gibraltar and Africa. On reaching the summit visitors can take a donkey ride tour of the area and also visit the Bird Sanctuary. If you are feeling really energetic forget about coming back down in the cable-car and instead come down on foot or by mountain bike. Tivoli World is the largest theme park on the Costa del Sol with rides, attractions, concerts, shows and gardens with fountains, making a great day-out for all the family. If you are looking for a day out of history, culture, shopping and dining then a trip to the cities of Seville and Grenada will fit the bill.

Benalmadena enjoys a lively nightlife, including a casino for those wanting to have a flutter. The resort has a wide range of evening entertainment including jazz and salsa clubs, discos, bars and restaurants, many of which are found in the marina area.

Benaldamena Beach

Enjoying a typically Mediterranean climate, Benalmadena has an annual average temperature of 21C and around 330 days of sunshine each year. The peak season sees average highs of 26C with up to 11 hours of sunshine a day but the coastal breezes help to make the heat less stifling. Water temperatures at this time are around a pleasant 22C. Spring and autumn temperatures average between 17c and 22C with 7 hours of sunshine a day and is a popular time for visitors wishing to partake in outdoor activities like walking, cycling and sightseeing. December and January are popular for golfing holidays as the temperature drops to around 15C, making perfect conditions for a round or two.

The romantic city of Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is an excellent base for mountain holidays. Served by Federico Garcia Lorca airport, Granada is just over 9 miles from the airport and has road and rail links to the rest of Andalusia. During the winter months visitors can ski and snow board in the mountains and hike, cycle and bird

Granada

watch in the summer. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are about 20 miles from the centre of Granada and has 38 miles of ski slopes over 45 pistes, with slopes suitable for all levels of experience. The Sierra Nevada National Park is a stunning beauty spot where you can hike, mountain bike, horse ride, paraglide, fish, canoe and raft. The park is so diverse it includes rivers, waterfalls, glcial lakes, gorges and snow covered peaks two miles high.

Often referred to as the jewel in the crown of Andalusia, Granada is home to the elegant Moorish Alhambra Palace.Built in the 14th century for the last Muslim emir, the palace is a fine example of intricate arabesque architecture and has beautiful gardens complete with amazing water features.

Alhama

 Surrounding the palace is the old Moorish medina, a maze of streets and alleyways called the Albaicin. These streets lead to the Plaza de San Nicolas where you will find amazing views of the Alhambra and the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Locals and tourists mingle at the plaza where you will often catch an impromptu flamenco concert by local performers using the Sierra Nevada mountain range backdrop as their stage.
Other cultural attractions in Granada include the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion and the Museo Parque de las Ciencias.

Granada’s tropical coastline has over 60 miles of beaches including Malaga, Los Llanos and Montril. Most beaches offer water sports such as diving, snorkelling, swimming, windsurfing and sailing.

For golf enthusiasts there are three golf courses all within easy reach of the city, including the 18 hole courses at the Club de Golf Granada and the Medina Elvirs Golf. These courses are beautifully landscaped with lakes, pine trees and mountain views.

Dining out is an exciting experience on your last minute holiday deals to Granada. The centre of the city has a large array of restaurants and bars which serve a variety of Andalusian, Iberian and European cuisine.

Not to be missed is a visit to the Altiplano de Granada, a high plateau in the north with amazing cave dwellings set in a spectacular mountain setting. Also worthy of a visit is the Zaidin district of Granada which holds a huge outdoor market on Saturdays and the Sacromonte district which is known as the flamenco song and dance area.

With a fantastic reputation, Granada is a destination not to be missed when looking for travel deals for your next mountain holiday.

Sitges is a cosmopolitan resort set on a headland at the northern end of Spains Costa Dorada, just 25 miles from Barcelona. Holidays to Sitges became popular in the early 1900′s, leaving a legacy of luxurious mansions and villas.

Sitges

 Today Sitges has a trendy laid-back Bohemian atmosphere and is very popular with the gay community. With Catalan tapas bars, restaurants, fashion boutiques, designer shops and antique shops the town attracts many trendy arty people. The beautiful seafront promenade and the narrow winding streets of the old town offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the main town. The old town and the seafront come to life at night with many clubs, discos, bohemian bars, traditional restaurants and sidewalk cafes.

Discover Sitges heritage by visiting the three museums which are home to works by Picasso and El Greco, the 17th century waterfront church and by exploring the maze of tiny streets lined with fascinating Catalan architecture.

Sitges

Sitges has over 3 miles of beautiful sandy beaches including nine which have been awarded a Blue Flag. The beaches here cater for everyone with stretches of beach for families, gay areas and secluded nudist areas. There is a range of watersports available on the Sitges beaches including scuba diving, jet skiing, water skiing, water motor biking, windsurfing, surfing, sailing and pedalos. Many of the beaches offer group excercise classes and have organised beach games such as volleyball. The beaches are less busy in the Autumn when temperatures hover around 20C to 25C with sea temperatures still a very pleasant 20C to 23C.

Away from the beach activities include hiking in the Garraf Mountains, horse rides along the coastal paths and golf. For the more adventurous there is skydiving, hang-gliding, hot-air ballooning, 4×4 adventure trips and quad biking.

Carnival Time

Sitges is home to the famous Carnival, lasting for days on end and attracting thousands of people. Watch out for the late deals to Sitges and experience the amazing carnival drag shows. Other events which take place in Sitges include the International Film Festival, the Corpus Christi exhibition, the Classic Car Rally, Jazz and Tango Festivals and many concerts throughout the summer months.

This vibrant town has a typically Mediterranean climate with more than 300 hours of sunshine a year. During July and August temperatures often reach 28C and humidity levels can be high. Popular for family holidays all year round Sitges offers the opportunity to visit the amazing city of Barcelona, Tarragona and Montserrat, not forgetting the fantastic Port Aventura theme park which is a day out the whole family will love.

The Jalon Valley is located in Spain’s Northern Costa Blanca, west of the resorts of Denia and Javea and about 90 minutes from Alicante. An ideal rural location this is the perfect destination for those seeking peace and quiet in a beautiful country setting. The Jalon Valley features vibrant

Jalon Valley

farmland, vineyards, orange and lemon groves, almond, fig and cherry orchards and magnificent mountains. Accommodation here ranges from friendly rural hotels to converted country houses and comfortable smart villas.

The region attracts visitors looking for plenty of outdoor activities in a mild sunny climate. The Jalon Valley is particularly popular with walkers, cyclists and artists who come to paint pictures of the amazing countryside, vineyards and orchards. The region also offers excellent horse riding, fishing, golf and watersports on the coast. Walkers can enjoy the trails in the spectacular Barranco del Inferno Gorge, the amazing open ridge walks in the unspoilt limestone mountains of the Marina Alta, visit the quaint traditional villages of Lliber, Guadalest, Orba, Alcalali and Parcent, and take a welcome break at the beauty spot of Algar Falls. Nature lovers will love the abundance of flora and fauna at Montgo Park near Javea and the Pego marshlands. For the more adventurous who love an adrenal rush there is paragliding and rock climbing in the Coll de Rates Mountains.

The Jalon Valley is an ideal base for visiting the coastal towns of Javea, Altea,Denia and Moraira, all of which are quite traditional with really great beaches, including Blue Flag beaches and secluded little coves.  And of course you must visit the sleepy market town of Jalon which is renowned for it’s locally produced honey and cured ham, and sample some wine at the local bodegas (wineries). The Jalon Valley region has many restaurants, cafes and tapas bars where you can sample local specialities like almond pastries, cakes, cured ham, sausages, locally produced honey and local vintages of wine.

The Jalon Valley makes an excellent base for family holidays as there are plenty of attractions in the region to keep everyone happy. The whole family will enjoy trips to Spain’s popular Terra Mitica theme park, Aqualandia, Mundomar and Vergel Safari Park when on their holiday packages to Spain.

The Jalon Valley enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and sunny days throughout the year. To enjoy the outdoors on your cheap package holidays, the best time to visit is in the spring or autumn when the days are warm with between 6 and 9 hours of sunshine a day.

Levante Beach (also known as Sunrise Beach) is one of two beaches in the resort of Benidorm on Spain’s Costa Blanca, just over 20 miles from Alicante. Close to Benidorms town centre, Levante Beach has a long promenade lined with cafes and bars which is lively throughout the day and at night.

Levante Beach

At night you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment as the areas discos, pubs, clubs, cabaret venues, comedy clubs, casino and much more come to life. For those seeking quieter evenings there are lots of restaurants serving different types of food where you can enjoy some fine cuisine and have fun just ‘people watching’.

The gently shelving golden sandy beach is extremely safe for children, hence the resort of Benidorm is very popular with families. There are also organised beach activities and entertainment on offer for children at the beach which is more than a mile long.

Paragliding, waterskiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving and

cable-skiing

 snorkelling are some of the many watersports on offer here at Levante Beach. For those looking for something a bit different the unique sport of cable-skiing is also available here. Along with the many watersports on offer there are also diving rafts and slides for some fun in the sea.

Apart from the beautiful beach here families can enjoy a great day out at one of the areas theme parks – Terra Mitica, Mundomar and Aqualandia. Other day trips include a visit to Algar Falls and Canelobre Caves. Also on offer locally is golf, an aquarium, botanical gardens, safari park, boat and catamaran trips, go-karting, mountain biking,

Terra Mitica

rock climbing, jeep safaris, quad bike tours and glass-bottom boat rides.

Levante Beach enjoys all year round sunshine, with 5 hours of sunshine a day in the winter and 10 hours during the summer. Temperatures average 30C during July and August but can reach as high as 40C.

Levante Beach has something for all the family to enjoy when on one of the great holiday packages available to this glorious resort.

When planning your next holiday to Spain look-out for the many holiday deals which are available throughout the internet.

The Costa del Sol (Sun Coast) is located in the south of Spain between Costa de la Luz and Costa Tropical. Stretching for more than 90 miles, it includes the city of Malaga and the resorts of Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Marbella, Fuengirola and Nerja.

Costa del Sol

Originally made up of fishing villages, the Costa del Sol became a popular tourist destination back in the 1950′s.

The Costa del Sol has something for everyone, including great hotels, beautiful beaches and clear, calm blue Mediterranean waters, restaurants, bars, nightlife, golf courses, theme parks, waterparks, amusement parks, safari parks, zoos, casinos, flamenco shows, history, culture and architecture.

Places to visit and things to do

The following are just a few of the many attractions and places to visit in the Costa del Sol.

Tivoli World – Benalmadena
For a great day out for all the family, Tivoli World is an amusement park with lots of rides, entertainment and an open-air theatre.

Dolphin Watching – Benalmadena
There are many dolphin watching areas in the resort of Benalmadena which will be enjoyed by the whole family.

Crocodile Park – Torremolinos
The park has over 300 crocodiles which can be safely viewed from a distance of under 2 metres. An African museum, small zoo, small cinema, reptile house, kid’s playground and restaurant are also found at the park.

Marbella Beaches
Marbella not only has great nightclubs but it also has over 17 miles of glorious beaches.

Puerto Banus – Marbella
This is a luxury marina and shopping centre which is also home to a very interesting aquarium where you can see lots of different species of mediterranean sealife. There is also a great market here on Saturdays.

The El Pimpi – Malaga
A visit to the the El Pimpi restaurant is worth visiting, not only for it’s good food (which is reasonably priced) and great wine (make sure you ask for it from the barrell, not from the bottle) but most of all for its wonderful atmosphere and decor.

The Picasso Museum – Malaga
The museum, named after Pablo Picasso who was born in Malaga, houses many of the famous artists works.

Alcazaba – Malaga
This well preserved Moorish fortress in the capital Malaga has a the ruins of a 2nd century roman theatre at its entrance and is well worth a visit.

Gibralfaro Castle – Malaga
Perched on a hill overlooking the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle is a fine example of 14th century architecture.

Golf
With more than 30 golf courses, the Costa del Sol is the perfect location to polish up on your golfing skills.

Climate
The Costa del Sol enjoys dry, hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in May and June is 22-27C which is probably the best time to visit as temperatures soar to an average of 29C until early October when they drop back to an average of 23C.

No matter what your age, one of the cheap package holidays to Spain will be ideal for all the family.

With it’s mild climate and beautiful sandy beaches, the Costa del Sol is a popular last minute holidays tourist destination choice all the year round.

Laredo is located on the Cantabrian Coast, between the River Treto and the Bay of Santona.
 

Laredo

The town is divided into three different areas.
The old village consists of small streets with large stately homes which date from the 16th-18th century. This area was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1970. Also in this area you will find the gothic parish church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion which is home to a fantastic Flemish reredos.
The second area stretches to Plaza de Carlos V and is the commercial and administrative centre.
The third area stretches between Plaza de Carlos V and El Puntal. Here you will find three avenues which run parallel to each other and are flanked by the town’s two beaches.

La Batalla de Flores

Laredo is well known for its festivals, especially La Batalla de Flores (the battle of the flowers) which takes place on the last Friday of August. During this festival large floats, covered with flowers and petals, parade along the main streets of Laredo. It is tradition for a group of men to parade a large sardine through the town at the end of the festivities. This is called Entierro de la Sardina (burial of the sardine) as the sardine is eventually burned on the sand after a firework display.

Laredo beaches

BEACHES

Regaton
This golden, sandy beach is located at the tidal inlet of Treto and has very calm waters. At the end of the beach, beside the Puntal del Pasaje, there is a marina and a campsite.

Los Barcos
Located at the entrance to the Cape Quejo estuary, Los Barcos beach has golden sands, calm waters and sand dunes. Here you can hire pedaloes and there are four campsites in close proximity to the beach.

La Salve (Laredo Beach)
This sandy beach is ideal for surfing and windsurfing as the waters are less calm than at the other beaches in Laredo. Here you will find a long promenade that goes up to the Puntal del Pasaje where nudism is common place.

Cala de Tunel
This is a gravel beach with moderate waters and gets its name from the pedestrian tunnel that you have to go through to reach it (from Menendez Pelayo Street). Here you will find a nice viewing point offering wonderful views of the Cantabrian Coast.

For a relaxed break to Spain there are many cheap holidays available throughout the internet.

With one of the many last minute holiday deals on offer you can enjoy a really good holiday with the family to the ever popular country of Spain.

For more information on Spain and to view my latest articles please visit my Spain Blog.