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Posts Tagged ‘Spain destination guides’
Costa less: family fun in the Costa del Sol!
Spain’s Costa del Sol’s got the lot – Sun, Sea, Surf and Sangria. And if there’s one more Big S that should be added, it’s got to be Savings.
Recently, across Europe the Euro exchange rate hasn’t been doing us Brits many favours, but the good news is that it’s still possible to enjoy an affordable Spanish holiday without it breaking the bank.
The trick is to swap a resort hotel for a self-catering apartment. Good restaurants and cafes are plentiful in this part of Spain and there are many cheap but charming no-frills options too. So if you don’t want to cook, you don’t have to. And if you do, there are lots of good supermarkets around. Either way, self-catering in Spain will make your holiday Euro go a lot further.
Where to go
Head for Manilva or Estepona or even Marbella, and you can’t go wrong.
In addition to great self-catering apartments by the sea, they offer all that’s best about a fun-filled, sun soaked Spanish holiday for the whole family.
Make the most of Manilva
The charming village of Manilva combines a backdrop of mountains and vineyards. Within half-an-hour you can be shopping in Marbella or Puerto Banus, walking in beautiful mountain scenery in the Sierra Bermeja or visiting the wildlife park at Selwo.
But with nearly five miles of golden sands, most people come for the beach.
Beach activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing and fishing, and it’s a super playground where young children can paddle and build those all-important castles of sand.
Away from the beach, there are picturesque fishing harbours, including the exceptionally beautiful one at Castilo. Here, you can eat the day’s catch fresh from the nets and get a real taste of Spanish cuisine.
And further inland you can play golf on some spectacular courses, or explore the wild natural beauty of the Andalusian landscape, either on foot or horseback.
Estepona – where life’s a beach
With more than 20 kilometres of beaches, the area around Estepona is another hit with families and couples alike.
The most popular is La Rada, which sprawls to the east of the marina. You’ll also find tiny, tucked-away coves and – if you dare to bare – a nudist beach. And when you need a little refreshment, there are plenty of lively watering holes and restaurants right on the sand.
Marbella, a millionaire’s playground
You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy Spain’s answer to Monte Carlo. It costs nothing to walk the Paseo Maritimo, a spectacular 6km- long boardwalk that hugs the coast.
Or explore the quiet streets of the old town. They’re far too narrow for the Ferraris and Porsches. Stop at a pavement café and, for the price of an iced coffee, watch the world go by. You may even spot a celeb or two.
And if you fancy a little flamenco – at Flamenco Ana Maria in the Old Town the price of a ticket includes a free drink.
Costa del Golf
The Costa del Sol has more golf clubs than you can swing a seven iron at. So you’re sure to find something that fits your standard and your pocket. Many have special offers like free golf buggies included in the green fees.
At the other end of the scale is Los Flamingos’ golf course near Marbella, which offers top notch facilities for serious ball players.
Back in time
Round and about you’ll see many a sign of the region’s old and rich history. In its time, it has been invaded by the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Moors who have all left their marks on the landscape with interesting buildings and monuments.
Where to eat
In Manilva, The Parapiros is an Italian family-run restaurant in the plaza de La Fuente. It serves Italian cuisine and pizzas with great service and even greater prices.
For something special in Estepona, there’s La Menorah restaurant, situated in Ctra. de Cádiz, where Chef Paco specializes in Basque and Spanish dishes. And the lively town centre is packed with pubs and bars.
For dinner with a free show, head to El Tintero restaurant In Cartama, near Marbella, Here, waiters don’t take your o
rder; they shout out asking if there are any takers for the dishes they have on offer instead.
A feast of festivals
The Spanish love to party and with over 3,000 festivals happening every year throughout the Costa del Sol you’re sure not to miss out.
Women wear mantillas and high combs, while the men sport cropped jackets and ride strutting horses, and music plays and the wine flows. Visitors are welcome to join in and best of all – festivals are free.
Getting there
Many low-cost airlines fly from the UK to Malaga throughout the summer. Prices depend on when you book, the earlier the cheaper. Ryanair fares can start from as little as £50 return.
Where to stay
Self-catering holiday specialist, PV-Holidays.com, has two hot offers for Spain. The Pierre & Vacances Terrazas Costa del Sol Holiday Village in Manilva features fully equipped self-catering apartments with panoramic views of the Costa del Sol and the rock of Gibraltar.
Developed around a main square with patios, fountains and palm trees, the village offers many leisure activities including a swimming pool and kids clubs for 3-18 year olds.
Located less than an hour’s drive from Malaga airport, the property features a large infinity pool, private beach area with tapas bar, fitness clubs, kids playground and bike rental. Prices start from £375 for seven nights in a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four people.
The Pierre & Vacances Caledonia Golf Resort residence in Estepona is a new holiday destination for summer 2009, located just 25km from Marbella on the Costa del Sol. All 301 apartments are spacious, comfortable and equipped with air-conditioning, a balcony and a fully fitted kitchen area.
The property is set around a large swimming pool and is close to ‘Los Flamingos’ golf course, as well as the luxurious marinas of Puerto Banus, just 12km away. Free recreational activities are provided for adults and children throughout the day and the beach is only 1.5km away. Prices start from 420 Euros for seven nights in a studio apartment sleeping two people.
PV-Holidays: Big fun in Port Aventura on a budget
It’s hardly surprising that Port Aventura, Spain’s all-singing all dancing theme park on the Costa Dorada has proven such an enduring hit with British families.
In addition to first-class rides and attractions, this Spanish land of fun guarantees far better weather than Disneyland Paris and comes in far cheaper than a long haul pilgrimage to meet Mickey Mouse and his pals in Florida or Orlando.
Yet, as every parent knows, a day out, let alone a week’s holiday in a theme park resort can, when you tot up all the meals and treats, add up to a hefty sum, and the current Euro exchange rate will put an extra squeeze on your budget this summer.
But the good news is that but there’s no need to forego your family holiday in Spain if you follow our handy hints for a fabulous trip to Port Aventura on a budget…
Stay off-site
While, there are now three full-service hotels in the theme park, it’s far cheaper to swap a package deal for a self-catering apartment and book your own cheap flights to Spain. Book a self-catering apartment close to the park and you’ll enjoy all the resort’s attractions while keeping costs down by preparing your own meals. Do a big supermarket shop as soon as you arrive so you can enjoy breakfast and dinner in the privacy of your apartment and prepare yummy packed lunches to take with you to the park.
Cheap tickets
Even better, for customers who stay off-site, Port Aventura offers exclusive ticket deals to visitors from the UK and Ireland which are cheaper than buying at the gate. These tickets are available through all major tour-operators or bookable direct through the Port Aventura website
The star attractions
Located in the heart of Costa Dorada between the coastal towns of Salou and Vila-seca, just 100 kilometers from Barcelona.
Port Aventura is the most complete vacation destination on the Mediterranean. It has two parks: the Port Aventura theme park and the Caribe Aquatic Park water park.
The Port Aventura theme park covers 117 hectares laid out in five themed areas: Mediterranea, Polynesia, China, Mexico and the Far West. The park offers more than 30 attractions, 100 daily live shows, 75 snackbars and restaurants, 28 stores with exclusive products and 10 game areas for the whole family.
White knuckle rides
Adrenalin junkies should make a beeline for the biggest and scariest ride in the park – Furius Baco. This rollercoaster ride is all about speed and takes off at135kph in 3.5 seconds. That’s faster acceleration than a Formula 1 car.
Test your courage on Dragon Khan, which takes you on a stomach-churning whirl with eight inverted loops before braving Hurakan Condor – a ride that lifts you to twice the height of Nelson’s Column, and then drops you to the ground catching you at the bottom with magnetic brakes.
Thrills for little ones
For young children, there’s a wide choice of charming children’s rides, including a baby rollercoaster and log flume, as well as plenty of play areas around the park with ball ponds, slides and swings.
And for older children and nervous adults who prefer gentler alternatives to the big ‘coasters, there’s Tutuki Splash – a giant log flume -, the swings, the teacups, the runaway train, and the Grand Canyon.
Showtime hits
Port Aventura Park also puts on more than 100 performances per day of incredible shows – all included within your Park ticket. The must-see entertainments include the hula girls and Polynesian hunks in the Polynesian show.
Also see the French Can Can show, the acrobatics in the China Town show and the award-winning firework spectacular on the lake.
Waterbabies
The Caribe Aquatic Park, a Caribbean-themed water park comprises 34,262 square meters of fun laid out in two zones: one indoors and other open-air. It includes indoor and outdoor attractions, game areas, restaurants and spectacular swimming pools.
Beach fun
The Beach Club is a new area within a superb setting, right on Salou’s Playa Larga beach. Its location brings visitors closer to the sea and nature.
The Beach Club is divided into seven different aquatic areas where the entire family can relax and enjoy sports activities. Its location also offers direct access to the beach and wide variety of delicious restaurants when you want to eat out for a treat.
Where to stay
P&V has a special offer for its Pierre & Vacanaces Residence Cala Cristal, Miami Platja, Costa Dorada this summer. Seven nights start from £427 (previously £535) for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping up to four people.
Pierre & Vacanaces Residence Cala Cristal, Miami Platja strong> is located 130km south of Barcelona and just 25km from the Port Aventura theme park, making this residence a perfect location for a fun-filled family break.
The property benefits from direct access to the long sandy beach of Platja Cristal, a snack bar with a terrace and a swimming pool overlooking the sea. For more information, please visit www.pv-holidays.com.
Getting there
By plane: Port Aventura is just an hour from Barcelona airport and 15 minutes from Reus airport.
By car: From Barcelona, one hour by the AP7 Freeway (La Jonquera-Valencia). Take the direct exit to the park (exit 35). Alternatively, you can take highway N-340 (Barcelona-Valencia), N-420 (Tarragona-Teruel) and N-240 (Tarragona-Lleida).
By train: Port Aventura has its own station.
Have you stayed in a P&V property recently? Tell us about it!
Contact us by leaving a comment or getting in touch via the side of the page.
Thanks for reading,
P&V
PV-Holidays: Last call for Carnival in Alicante!
Few nationalities know how to party quite like the Spanish, and the land famed for its flamenco, tasty tapas and sangria also plays host to fabulous fiestas throughout the year.
Of all the festivities, the annual Carnaval (carnival) celebrated in towns and villages across the country in February offers the biggest buzz for party animals.
If you’re desperate to escape wintry old Blighty for a short break fix of fun and sun – there’s still time to snap up a cheap flight and join the party. But which party? To enjoy the warmest climes for your Carnival carousing, head south to Alicante, one of the most well-known and vibrant towns on the Costa Blanca.
The hot date: This year’s knees-up in Alicante runs from 19th February to 1st March.
The party: Preparations for Carnival begin months before the big event with locals making ever more flamboyant costumes and floats in a bid to make each carnival even better than the year before!
Everything from the city’s major monuments to the street benches gets a decorative party makeover, while the locals put the final sparkles on their masks and bar owners prepare for nights of dancing in the streets.
The ten days of unbridled Carnaval fun in Alicante includes costume competitions, street parties, live music, masked balls, and the highlight of the event is the huge all-singing, all-dancing fancy dress parade down Rambla de Méndez Núñez and El Barrio on February 21st.
To ensure that carnival also ends with a bang, the final day is celebrated with the crazy ritual of Velatorio y Entierro de la Sardina – that translates as the ‘Funeral Wake and Burial of the Sardine’ in English! This bizarre farewell to party time takes place on El Barrio, where crowds gather to ‘bury’ masks and make-up until the following year. In keeping with this sad affair, everybody wears black and carries candles as a sign of mourning!
Break for the beach
When you’re all partied out, make your way to the beaches of the Costa Blanca, which stretch along 200 km of glorious Mediterranean coast. There still plenty of fun to be had in the low season, and the top resorts include the smaller gems of Moraira, Altea and Calpe, which are popular with Spanish tourists, as well as the popular British haunt of Benidorm.
In addition to a lively throng of bars and restaurants, Benidorm offers plenty of entertainment for families including the Terra Mitica theme park on the edge of town. All are within easy reach of Alicante airport.
Where to stay
For affordable self-catering holidays in Costa Blanca, the new Pierre & Vacances Villa Puerto Beach residence in Altea offers some of the best deals for families or couples on a budget.
Located just 7km from Calpe and 18km from Benidorm, the residence offers large two-bedroom apartments, sleeping up to five people, all boasting a balcony with sea views. A pebble beach is located in front of the residence and restaurants, bars and pubs can be found on the port, just 100 metres away. Prices start from £312 for a two-bedroom apartment, sleeping four to five people.
Thanks for reading,
PV-Holidays
PV-Holidays: Celebrate and Easter with a difference in Costa Del Sol!
If you’ve taken up jogging to fight the winter flab, why not up the ante by pitching your go faster trainers – and your wits – against the bulls in ol’ Andalucia this Easter?
If you’re always up for a challenge and fancy some Spanish culture of the bovine kind, along with your next fix of sun, sea and sangria, make your way to the magical whitewashed village of Gaucin.
This small Andalucian village, perched 626 metres above sea level, not only has glorious sweeping views to Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of North Africa, but celebrates Easter Sunday with a real bang.
The annual bull-run, the Toro de Cuerda, has put this little hilltop gem on the map with tourists flocking in every year to join the locals as they race – and shriek – their way through the streets.
The hot date: 12th April 2009
The event: You’ll get two chances to run with the bulls on the big day as the village organisers release one bull in the morning and another in the afternoon. All cars and other vehicles are removed from the streets but unsurprisingly mayhem always ensues, which means all participators join the throng at their own risk.
The cost: Joining the bull-run event is free! Even better, you’ve got till Easter to get slick and lithe – and save up for your post run celebrations in Gaucin’s finest watering holes.
The wider attractions: While little Gaucin might not have much to keep you for a longer stay, the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol are just a 30-minute drive away. So when you’ve had your adrenalin rush, head to Spain’s popular holiday coast, where you’ll also find great golf courses and spas.
The bed: If you decide to make your Easter holiday base in the Costa del Sol, you’ll find a wide choice of accommodation from self-catering apartments to luxury hotels.
Among the best low-cost new openings for 2009, is the Pierre & Vacances Terrazas Costa del Sol Holiday Village in Manilva.
This a brand new holiday destination offers fully equipped self-catering apartments with panoramic views of the Costa del Sol and the rock of Gibraltar.
Located less than an hour’s drive from Malaga airport, the holiday village features a large infinity pool, private beach area with tapas bar, fitness clubs, kids playground and bike rental.
Prices start from £375 for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four people.
And finally….If your Spanish is a sharp as your running ability, check out the official event website
