Many northern Europeans, attracted by Javea’s mild climate, have bought retirement homes there, and the town boasts a lively expatriate community. It is a popular tourist destination as well, combining the charm of a traditional fishing village with an abundance of facilities and activities for tourists. Here are 10 things to see and do when you visit.

Javea beach, Spain by Adrian Scottow

1. Playa la Granadella

This rocky beach is situated in a secluded cove about 20 minutes drive from Javea. The beach is popular with divers and snorkelers. Dramatic pathways wind around tall forested cliffs surrounding the beach area.

2. Arenal Beach

This beach is clean, sandy, and dotted with palm trees. There are several play areas and a wide selection of beachfront shops and restaurants.

3. Arenal Promenade

The newly refurbished Arenal promenade offers a wide selection of shops and market stalls, plus outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants. It is a great place to linger over coffee and people watch. A night market is open along the beachfront every night in the summer until midnight.

Playa de la Granadella, Spain by Carlosu7

4. Montgo Natural Park

This park features winding paths up the Montgo mountain. The paths zigzag most of the way, with a steep rock scramble near the peak. At nearly 2,500 feet above sea level, the climb is well worth it for the fantastic views over the town. There is a variety of trails, both easy and challenging, for hiking or cycling. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park.

5. Churches

Two very different churches dominate the landscape of the town. The Church of Nuestra Senora de Loreto, near the fishing port, was built in 1967 of reinforced concrete in a modern style. Its roof depicts a ship’s hull, and twelve anchors supporting the church are meant to represent the 12 apostles. The Church of San Bartomeu dates back to the 14th century, and is the centerpiece of Javea’s historic district.

6. Javea Golf Club

This is an inexpensive, pleasant 9-hole golf course with a terrace restaurant.

7. Old Town

The Old Town offers winding streets to explore, the town hall, museums, art galleries as well as a wide variety of restaurants and nightclubs.

Sunset over Javea, Spain by Adrian Scottow

8. The Town Market

Every Thursday morning, Javea hosts a market in the center of town, with dozens of stalls selling fresh, locally grown produce. It is an ideal place to pick up your picnic lunch for your hike up Montgo Mountain.

9. The Marina

Visit Javea’s picturesque marina and fishing port for a flavor of old Spainish maritime life.

10. Cap de la Nau and Cap de San Antoni

Both of these spots have scenic lighthouses and spectacular views of Javea and the coastline.

This article was sent in to us by British expat Bob Green. Bob is retired and moved to Javea in 2010 when he purchased his villa in Javea from expert property finders Spanish Property Sales. Bob enjoys writing about his expat life in Spain and plans to start a blog.

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The area

Historically Torrevieja was renowned for its production of sea salt, which has been one of the area’s leading exports since Roman times. In more recent times the area has become famed for its golden sandy beaches and superb water sports and sports fishing opportunities. As recently as the 1980s Torrevieja was a sleepy fishing village, but in the last couple of decades the area has been transformed into a holiday maker’s paradise. The area boasts some fantastic restaurants offering tastes from all over the world, and if you’re a sucker for the beach, there are four sandy stretches with calm, clear waters right on your doorstep.

Cove in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Jose M Martin Jimenez

The beaches

If you like nothing better than spending a good portion of your holiday flat out on the beach then you will not be short of choice in Torrevieja. Playa de los Locos is one of the larger beaches within walking distance of Torrevieja centre that boasts a 700 metre stretch of sand as well as calm, blue waters perfect for swimmers of all abilities.

Playa del Cura is particularly popular with the locals due to its stunning backdrop of palm trees and charming restaurants. The beach’s small size and popularity does mean it gets busy in peak season, so you might have to set off early to secure your spot.

Playa de la Mata is regarded by many as the most beautiful beach in Torrevieja, and is less protected than the area’s other beaches, making it a haven for water sports lovers. Windsurfers, kite surfers and sailors flock to the beach from miles around, but thankfully the beach has a large of expanse of sand, so you should always find your own little sunny spot.

Beach in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Phillip Capper

The attractions

The town’s rich heritage as a major producer of sea salt is encapsulated by Torrevieja’s sea and salt museum. Although you may not think you’ll be immediately taken by the history of the salt industry, this museum is of real interest and well worth an hour of your time.

The Park of Nations is an excellent place to relax, escape the crowds and enjoy an oasis of tranquillity. The beautifully landscaped and verdant park, complete with lake, fountain and palm trees make you feel like you’re a million miles away from a bustling tourist resort.

And what better way to walk off your dinner than with an evening stroll along Torrevieja’s gorgeous beach front and marina. Order a drink and watch the world go by in one of the town’s charming cafes or bars.

Author: If you’re looking for great apartments in Costa Blanca then Los Locos Beach offer comfortable, well equipped, spotlessly clean self-catering apartments with breathtaking sea views. Pop along to the website to see the full range of apartments.

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The Party Pad – Grand Flamingo, Los Flamingos Golf, Benahavis, Marbella

This modern villa features in the top five to rent in Marbella because of its contemporary design, party perfect layout; it sleeps 20 people and has a few little surprises.

Grand Flamingo, Los Flamingos Golf, Benahavis, Marbella / Photo by lamarproperties.com

It’s situated in Los Flamingos in Benahavis which is a very short drive to Puerto Banus and Marbella centres. This villa is situated on a gated community within 5000m2 of private beautifully landscaped grounds and therefore is very self-contained. It is perfect for the golf enthusiast as it has a putting green as well as a professional golf course (Los Flamingos) practically on the door step. It boasts outdoor and indoor heated pools, three Jacuzzis, a tennis court and a pool/snooker table.

Locational Perk – Palazzo delle Lucce, La Zagaleta, Benahavis, Marbella

La Zagaleta is thought to be the most expensive urbanisation in the world and set just above San Pedro just in the mountains. This villa is a palatial residence which lives up to the neighbourhood.

Palazzo delle Lucce has probably the most fantastic bedrooms in Spain, with a terrace overlooking the lawns and domed ceiling which lets light in through coloured glass in the ceiling. There are six more generous double bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms. As for facilities there is an extensive pool area and home cinema which seats 10 comfortably. Being in La Zagaleta also has its advantages as use of the private equestrian centre and golf course is permitted for those who reside in this exclusive development.

Beachside Chill-house – Villa Casablanca, Golden Mile, Marbella

This villa is five bedroomed and only 300 metres from the beach on the Golden Mile. It’s effortlessly stylish with modern furnishing and four designer bathrooms. The situation is the major selling point to this villa, as it’s less than five minutes’ drive away from both Puerto Banus and Marbella or a very enjoyable walk. Although it’s right on the seafront it also has a swimming pool and garden to relax in and enjoy with friends.

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Playa De Las Americas, Tenerife, Spain by Mate Marschalko

At the top of the list is a resort located in Tenerife. The magnificent Abama Golf & Spa Resort is a privately owned estate in the prosperous Guia de Isora area. One can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from this prime location. It provides a wide range of sumptuous facilities which include swimming pools, restaurants, theme bars and a well equipped wellness and spa center. Other facilities include a kids’ club, an extensive lush golf course and Jacuzzi.

Located on the Eastern coast of Lanzarote is the remarkable Sandy Beach Resort. As the name suggests this hotel is situated right on the beach. It is equipped with some of the most modern and technical entertainment amenities available today. Among its facilities are swimming pools, an exclusively private lagoon, numerous wading pools, restaurants and an expansive fitness center. The sandy beach Resort is a great place especially for family vacations.

The Mare Nostrum Resort is close to the famous Beach Of Playa De Las Americas and celebrated as one of the biggest resorts in Europe. It comprises of a couple of 5-star hotels that deliver superlative services to the entire family. Due to its size it can offer a large selection of facilities such as, conference facilities, live shows, casino, and outdoor tennis courts. In addition guests can spend time in hair salons, boutiques, or enjoy snorkeling and diving activities.

Papagayo beach, Lanzarote, Spain by Luc Viatour

Sitting calmly on a private estate along the Mediterranean coastline, the Blau Porto Petro Beach Resort & Spa is a scenic and very beautiful place for tourists to relax and enjoy the many amenities it offers. The most unique feature of this resort is that it has breathtaking views of the luxuriant forest and vegetation surrounding it and extensive sandy beaches. This is a beautiful facility that can meet even the most whimsical desires that anyone could have.

Right at the seafront is the Iberostar Grand Hotel Anthelia. It has countless engaging and relaxing activities that are bound to capture any guest’s interests. This hotel is renowned for its scrumptious meals that are served in a peaceful and relaxed environment that is hard to match. For guests who are after being pampering and taken care of, they are more than accommodated in the hotel’s spa and wellness center.

Spain is truly a land of many beaches, and prides itself with having one of the best summer experiences for the tourists. That is one of the main reasons why its hospitality industry has been growing in leaps and bounds over the years.

Author Bio: Boris Dzhingarov is experienced traveler. He loves writing about his travel experience. He recommends you if you want to find summer vacation (interesting is that the Danish term is find sommerferie) deals to browse on the web.

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Benidorm, Spain by Siocaw

Change Up The Quids When You Get There

You will get a better rate in Spain than back home in the UK. However, be careful as there are many con artists who will rip you right off if you give them half a chance. A common trick many of the exchange shops pull is by advertising that they do not charge commission. On closer inspection, you will notice that written in tiny letters under the main attraction is a disclaimer which normally states that commission won’t be charged when exchanges of over 3000 euros are made’. Most people are not changing that much money in one go so you can imagine how many people get nipped this way. That is not to say all exchanges in Benidorm are like this. One of the most popular and reputable places to switch up your cash is ‘Sheila’s’. Run by a British woman, you can guarantee a fair transaction.

Stock Up On Suntan Spray

If you forget to bring this, two things are bound to happen. Firstly, you will get burnt to a crisp and look like you have holidayed under a cloud of acid rain. Secondly, the local vendors are extremely aware that holidaymakers will be hunting for sun protection lotions and will want them quickly so they can enjoy the rest of their day ‘tanning it up.’ Therefore, prices are sky high for run of the mill products. However, if you shop at home, your choices are basically unlimited. The way to go is organic. These types of creams contain no harmful ‘parabens’ and will comfort your skin whilst at the same time protecting it from harmful rays.

Benidorm, Spain by Ross Hawkes

Buy A Decent Book

Most of your time will be spent on the beach, lounging in a deck chair or chilling out in the air con room. During these relaxing moments, having a good book by your side can be a great companion. As I am sure you are aware there are plenty of bookstores and magazines outlets in the departure lounge of any international airport. Most will stock the newest and hottest releases around as well as some good old gossip magazines. ’Beni’ itself is great for second hand books. You will find many paperbacks for less than three euros in  the used book shops, so it might be worth holding on to see what you can find when you get there. One place to recommend is the ‘book swap shop’ located in the indoor market.

Don’t Forget The Adapters

How many times has it happened that you have gone to plug something in and found out that the socket is different from the connection you have at the end of your lead? As most of Europe is different to the UK power outlets, you will need some sort of convertor to change the voltage for your electrical goods. Again, buy one before you get there. The adapters you find in the pound shop are just as good as the ones in the local chemist , but they are a lot cheaper. If you wait and expect to grab one easily when you arrive in Benidorm, and then think again. These are one of the most popular ‘forgettables’ among visiting tourists. Because of this, they run out of stock very quickly and are priced astronomically.

Noel Gallagher’s favourites

I’m not sure if I should be encouraging this, but both cigarettes and alcohol wondrously cheap. Rather than buying duty free at your departure lounge, wait until you get there. Boxes and bottles of these two vices can found everywhere and are a great solution to beating the bar prices if you fancy a warm up before a night out. However, if you really want to save money on tobacco, my best advice is to kick it to the curb.

Summary

Benidorm is great fun. Whilst taking some of this on-board, remember you are going on holiday, so don’t stress yourself out too much. Due to the amount of people vising the resort, things normally run very smoothly and the list above is probably all you are going to have to worry about, except having a good time!

Enjoy!

This article was written by Ted Hunter on behalf of Travel Republic. Travel Republic offers some of the Holidays to Benidorm available. Ted is a seasoned traveller having visited many of the world’s travel destinations and enjoys submersing himself in the local culture to gain the true experience of the country he visits.

The post The Bargains of Benidorm: What to Purchase When You Get There and What to Buy At Home appeared first on Europe Explored.

Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, Spain by Terry Whalebone

Where to Stay in Puerto del Carmen

Like all Canary Islands, Lanzarote offers a great selection of hotels and other types of accommodation. Go all inclusive at a five-star resort, or, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, try a self-catering holiday. For instance, a quick bout of online research lead us to Lanzarotevillas.ie, which offers holiday bungalows for rent from €447 per week, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping up to five people, not to mention the access to a shared pool.

What to Do in Puerto del Carmen

If you’re traveling with the little ones, you might want to take this opportunity to try out new, fun activities, such as go-karting, which is available locally, or, for families with elder children, all sorts of different water sports. Go down to Playa Grande, also known as Playa Blanca, rent a boat, go paragliding for a bit of an adrenaline rush, rent a pedalo or a banana boat. Or, for a more relaxing time, lounge in the sun at any of the three awesome beaches: Playa Grande, Playa de los Pocillos, and Playa de Matagorda (the least crowded one of the three).

A Little Bit of Nightlife for Mum & Dad

While Puerto del Carmen is generally laidback and dominated by a hassle-free, family friendly atmosphere, this does not mean it is in the least bit dull. There are a ton of bars for adults and young adults alike to choose from. Most of them are lined up in the entertainment center of the resort, the Avenida de las Playas, which translates as “the avenue of the beaches”. You can admire the variety of architectural styles displayed by the hotels there, go shopping at any of the many boutiques—and don’t let it come as a shock if you hear English spoken all around you. The beaches in Puerto del Carmen, as well as the nightlife spots there have been popular with British tourists since as early as the 1960s.

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The problem is though that we can only get one holiday per year. Some of us might be lucky enough to get too, but for the most part our finances and our time off work are restrictive and we’re limited to just the one. When you’ve got so many places to choose from, and only two weeks to enjoy them, how do you decide where to go?

Well there are plenty of places to choose from indeed, but here for your consideration we shall be looking at Lanzarote and putting forward the case for making this beautiful island your next stop. Here are some of the top reasons you should choose Lanzarote…

El Golfo – One of the famous points on Lanzarote!, Canary Islands, Spain by Moni Sertel

The Weather: The weather in Lanzarote is what you would expect from one of the Canary islands – sunny and warm and actually ideal for lounging in the sun. However at the same time there is also a constant cool breeze which many people find highly relaxing and which prevents the heat from becoming overbearing and unpleasant. There are plenty of holiday resorts on the island too.

The Desert: Almost all of the holiday destinations most people consider have great weather though. They also have great beaches and lots more for the casual holidaymaker besides. One thing that you can get from Lanzarote that you wouldn’t get from just ‘any’ holiday destination though is a desert – and short of travelling to Egypt this is the best way to combine a little desert trekking with your other more standard holiday activities. El Jable is a small desert, but that’s part of the charm meaning you’re perfectly safe and unlikely to get badly lost – it’s just enough to try something different and get some great pictures (or a great day out riding camels).

Volcano: One of the big advantages of all of the Canary islands is the volcanic landscapes that they feature. It’s beautiful in a desolate kind of way, but it also makes for some interesting natural demonstrations and days out. Visit Timanfaya Volcano National Park for instance and sample meat cooked by volcano…

Lanzarote Coastline, Canary Islands, Spain by Luc Viatour

Surf: The beaches are ideal for relaxing and chilling out in the sun, but that’s not all they have to offer. If you really want to experience them in a more active way then this is also an ideal holiday destination for surfers. Head to Famara and you’ll have plenty of great surfing beaches and a vibrant community of enthusiasts.

Mountains: Okay so you’ve already got great beaches, a desert and a volcanic park. However what Lanzarote can also offer you – and what you won’t get to the same degree many other places – is a great mountain landscape which can make for scenic walks or just a fantastic backdrop while you’re swimming in the sea.

The Green Lagoon: For a stunning and unusual natural phenomenon, head over to El Golfo Beach to witness the green lagoon. Separated by red rock, this is generally a very colourful site and well worth seeing.

Vueva de los Verdes: And while you’re visiting wonderful natural formations, why not go to Cueva de los Verdes and explore beautiful caves formed by natural volcanic eruptions.

Variety: In short then you really can’t beat Lanzarote for its variety. It has all the shops and amenities you would expect of a holiday hotspot, and it has great weather and resorts. But at the same time this is also an island that can offer volcanoes, mountains, caves, lagoons and even desert…

James Ben is a renowned adventurer who started his own travel and adventure blog, featuring holidays tips and advice. He recommends Lanzarote as a top holiday destination.

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Playa del Rincón de la Victoria, Costa del Sol, Spain by Cayetano

Whilst many people choose to holiday down on the coast itself, there are a growing number of visitors choosing to rent properties dotted around the hillside towns and rural areas of Montes de Malaga.   Set back from the coast the so called ‘white villages’ offer a glimpse of more traditional Spanish life, of how it used to be before mass tourism hit the Costas.   With breathtaking views from their mountainside perches, often as far as Morocco on a clear winter’s day, village life is peaceful and tranquil with only the ringing of the church bells to disturb your sunbathing.   Here you will still see the occasional donkey or vans traversing the villages selling fresh fish and vegetables and spend a lazy hour over a drink or two and watch the locals as they go about their daily business.

Choose from a cortijo, a small traditional farmhouse or rustic fincas, charming little cottages and rural country houses which have been lovingly restored and designed to provide a perfect holiday home with everything you could possibly need to enjoy your time in the sun.  Fully equipped, often with private pools and barbeques they are a great option for those of you who don’t like the rigidity of hotels or prefer a little more space and privacy.   Satellite televisions, wi-fi, every modern kitchen gadget and tasteful furnishings make these properties a home from home, some so luxurious that you will be reluctant to raise yourself from your sun lounger to venture outside your little haven.

Nerja, Costa del Sol, Spain by Miika Silfverberg

If you prefer to be amongst the action on the coast you will be able to choose from a wide range of apartments and villas, often set in complexes with every amenity you can think of from large swimming pools and gym complexes.  And for those of you who want the flexibility of being in your own property but don’t want the hassle of self catering, properties are available in serviced complexes which have restaurants available for breakfast, lunch and dinner and those all important pool side snacks.  Some of the larger complexes even boast sports centres complete with tennis courts, bowls and golf and evening entertainment too.

So if it is a self catering holiday you are searching for make sure to check out some of the properties available as holiday rentals on the Costa del Sol.

Sue Wright is an avid traveller and writer and has spent many years working with travel companies including Travel and Leisure Group.  She has spent the last eight years living and working in Cyprus.

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Tossa del Mar, Costa Brava / Jay Cross

Going Back in Time

The Costa Brava is an ancient region and nowhere is this more evident than in Tossa del Mar, where the Vila Vella is an amazing sight. The name means old town. It’s a well preserved walled city, part of which was constructed in the 12th century. Later additions included the fortifications, completed some time in the 14th century. There are other sights to see nearby (such as the Sant Vincenc Gothic Cathedral and a striking lighthouse) so it’s worth planning a day trip to this area.

Going even further back in time, you can also explore the area’s medieval history. Ulla is worth a look and you can also visit the medieval ramparts of the Torroella de Montgrí in La Bisbal. Summer offers a surreal experience as you listen to the sounds of a modern music festival in this ancient setting. And the time travel experience doesn’t end there. The early Iberians left traces of their passage on the Sant Andreu mound – find out more about these 7th century settlers in the archaeological museum in Ullastret.

La Bisbal d’Empordà (Costa Brava) / Jean Robert Thibault

Exploring Natural Beauty

While there’s plenty of natural beauty on show as you walk or drive along the Costa Brava region, there’s one more must-see for nature lovers – the Santa Clotilde Gardens. These exquisite gardens are done in an Italian Renaissance style with fountains and ornate sculptures set among the beautiful flora. The gardens’ location on a hillside give access to gorgeous views and if you look carefully, you might be able to spot Fenals beach, which makes a nice place to relax after your visit.

There’s lots more to see on the Costa Brava, but these attractions make a good starting point for a memorable and enjoyable visit.

Marian Jaime writes for Suntransfers. She recommends the company’s’ low cost airport transfers from Barcelona to get your holiday off to a wonderful start.

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Benidorm bay / Andrew Parnell

Beach lovers will find Spain holidays to be the safest bet for a summer sun, sea and sand holiday, with the Costa del Sol, Costa Dorada and Cost Brava lined with family friendly beach resorts with every facility you could wish for.

Cheap Benidorm holidays are a great choice for families, couples, singles – in fact, everyone who fancies some fun in the sun that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The main beach, Playa Levante, stretches out for over 2km and is home to over 5,000 sunloungers. This gives an indication of just how busy this beach gets in peak season.

It’s easy to see why this beach is so popular, as its facilities are second to non. A wide range of watersports are available for adults, as well as mobile magazine libraries for those who just want to kick back and relax. For little ones, several play areas have been built on the beach, as well as a wet play area, water slides and diving boards. Clean and safe (colourful picture boards help prevent children getting lost in the crowds), this beach is the pride of Benidorm, and a real treat for those booking Benidorm holidays.

Away from the beach Benidorm has plenty to offer. Spend a fun-filled day at the Terra Mitica theme park, or the Aqualandia waterpark. Or wander the Old Town to discover a different side of Benidorm.

If you can’t be persuaded that Benidorm is for you, why not try family friendly Salou or lively Torremolinos instead? Or the quieter resort of Benalmadena? You’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing summer holidays to Spain as it’s the place to be for fun in the sun this summer.

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