Prior to the 1960s, Benidorm was a small village. Today it stands out for its hotel industry, beaches and skyscrapers, built as a result of its tourist-oriented economy. Now it is one of the most important holiday resorts in Spain. Due to the unique skyline formed by its numerous tall hotels and apartment buildings it is sometimes referred to as the “Manhattan of Spain” or “Beniyork”, which is unlike any other on the Costa Blanca (White Coast). According to the Urban Age project, Benidorm has the most high-rise buildings per capita in the world. Benidorm is surrounded by one of the most impressive mountains of the Costa Blanca, the 1406 m tall Puig Campana.

View Benidorm – Spanish Manhattan in Costa Blanca in a larger map

The post Benidorm – Spanish Manhattan in Costa Blanca appeared first on Europe Explored.

Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy by mat’s eye

The main street in Castell’Arquato is known as Via Dante and anyone visiting the town will have to make their way up the street if they plan on reaching the castle. On your way up, you will pass a number of nice restaurants and shops. After you have climbed halfway up the hill, you will come to the Palazzo del Duca whose fountain was built back in 1292. Near the Palazzo you will find a tower from the 16th century that dominates the skyline.

Once you get to the top and before you can ever make it to the castle, you will come to the Palazzo Pretorio and Piazza Municipio which dates back to the late 1200s. During the months of July and August, the Enoteca Communale offers music and free wine tasting on Thursday nights.

Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy by Benjamin Claverie

The Rocca Viscontea di Castell’Arquato is the castle in the center of the town. It is a masterpiece to say the least. You can wander through the courtyards and even visit the fortress museum. However, if you want to see the surrounding countryside around Castell’Arquato, you will need to pay a small fee to climb the stairs to the top of the castle’s tower. But before you leave the town, make sure to stop and rest in the park just outside of the castle before making your way back down to the lower parts of Castell’Arquato.

The post Castell’Arquato – Roman military settlement in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.