Archives: Sightseeing

Ibiza Town

ibiza-town-at-night.jpgEverybody who thinks about Ibiza thinks about party and mass tourism. But this is only a short part of what is standing for Ibiza. On this Balearic Island you can also enjoy the nature and a lot of sightseeing. If you plan a Ibiza holiday you should definitely visit Ibiza Town. It is the capital of Ibiza and Formentera. If you are looking for Ibiza Hotels you should choose one in the southeast of the island where the city is located.
In the city you will find a huge Catalan influence which explains why the city is called Eivissa - the Catalan name of it. Probably the was built by the Phoenicians in 700 B C. During its history the city was conquered by several nations - the Romans, Vandals and Moors. Finally in 1256 the Catalans captures Ibiza Town and stayed.
Through the different influences of the nations you can discover a lot of interesting historical buildings and things. This is why in 1999 the city was declared as world cultural heritage.
ForbysIbizaTown_Forbfruit.jpgThe most significant thing is the defense wall which was built by the Moors. But you should also visit the old city (Dalt Vila), the Puig des Molins and the castle. Also the cathedral has survived the decades.
In this city you can experience the different cultures really close. Furthermore, one third of the inhabitants of the island are living here. Therefore this is a happening place during the whole year.
So Ibiza Town is the perfect place if you want to combine nature, culture and party.

Manacor

2146072-Manacor_gothical_church-Manacor.jpg Majorca is an island with several different faces. If you should plan to spend your holiday in one of the Majorca hotels but you want to do other things than party, you should definitely visit Manacor. This small town is indeed the second biggest on the island but is still 10 times smaller than Palma. But there you can discover several exciting things during your Majorca holiday.

Travel to the East of the Balearic Island where Manacor is located. This city that doesn´t have mass tourism yet, was already built 2000 B C. This is documented by excavations. During the history Manacor played an important role. In 1300, Jaume II granted Manacor a statue of municipality and a native Manacor was an outstanding character in medieval social conflicts.
In the past the inhabitants made their living mainly by agriculture and farming. In the 19th century this changed because of the increasing industrialization. From this day on windmills and liquor distillery dominated the landscape. Today the factory of artificial pearls is an important factor as well as construction.

esglesia-de-sont-negre-2.jpgIf you spend some time in Manacor you can visit the pearls factory which is located a little bit outside the city. The pearls are made out of fish scales and look like real ones. You can buy some on the conterminous shop and bring them home as souvenirs. But not only industry is really important to the people but also the religion. In 1236 the first parish churched was built and 1576 the convent Sant Vicenc Ferrer was founded.
Furthermore, a windmill from the 19th century and 2 other churches are remained and are worth to visit them. What you definitely should visit is the flowstone cave. Here you can find one of the biggest subterraneous lakes of the world where you can experience a classic concert every day.

You see in Manacor you can do a lot of different things and enjoy your holidays. But don´t forget to make a break and enjoy the Spanish way of life with the typical cuisine of the region.

A holiday in Palma de Mallorca

In 1983 Palma de Mallorca became the capital of the newly established Balearic Islands autonomous community. It is the cosmopolitan hub of over 300.000 people. The new self-confidence is plain to see in the city center, a vibrant urbane place that is akin to the big cities of the Spanish mainland-and a world away from the heaving tourist enclaves of the surrounding bay. There's still a long way to go, but the bild_3_kathedrale_palma_de_mallorca.jpgcenter now presents a splendid ensemble of lively shopping areas, mazy lanes and refurbished old buildings, all enclosed by what remains of the old city walls and their replacements boulevards.

You will not regret visiting this island of Mallorca, and especially its capital, Mallorca where the magnificent cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudi can be found. The building is essentially gothic, with massive exterior buttresses.
You should also visit the museu de Mallorca, occupying one of the many 15th or 16th patrician mansions, and some exceptionally fine medieval religious paintings. The Basilica de Sant Francesc is the finest among the city's host of worthy medieval churches, and don't miss also the Santa Eulalia, the first church to be built after Jaume's arrival. Close by, the ajuntament is a debonair example of the late-Renaissance style, with a grand and self-assured foyer.
To eat, you have inexpensive cafés and tapas bars distributed around the city center. Xou can also palma_de_mallorca.jpgfind several Mallorca hotels and Mallorca apartments in central and popular areas of Palma.

Palma is a perfect destination for holidays; the city remains beautiful and impressive, with the grand bulk of the cathedral towering above the old town and the remnants of the medieval walls. In high season, finding an accommodation in Palma de Mallorca is not easy. So you should plan your trip in advance and book your Mallorca holiday home early.

Sightseeing on Ibiza

The beautiful Balearic Island Ibiza offers much more than just beach, sun and the nightlife. Fantastic small towns where you can find the typical spanish houses invite you to spend your holiday in Ibiza.

You can admire the oldest town on the island which is called "Dalt Vila" by the locals. There you can find an impressive fortress with an ancient ibiza-g.jpgcity wall from the 16th century. You can also find a cathedral there which is from the same time as well as the well known " Sant Domingo" church. What is also quite interesting to see are the typical white houses of the fishermen which are situate outside of the city wall.

In Ibiza city you can visit several museums. The most important ones are the archeaological museum, the cloister museum and the museum of modern art. The marina, the "Necrópolis" and the Plaza de la Vila are also worth a visit. Book a room in a nice Ibiza hotel and enjoy the city as well as its beautiful surroundings.

The second biggest town on Ibiza is Santa Eulia. This city is situated at the shore of the Balearic islands only river. It is known for its beautiful churh which can be found on the top of a mountain.

ibiza_es_vedra.jpgThe town Sant Antonio is a very popular tourist destination. From this town you can do boat tours where you can experience what is going on underwater, through the help of a glas pane on the bottom of the boat. You can also just sail to the beautiful Cala Bossa beach.

If you are looking for a quiet location, then you should visit the small inviting village Es Cubells. It is situated in the South of the Balearic Island on a hilltop from where you have an amazing view on the sea.

As Ibiza truely is a tourismparadise, it offers its visitors a large number of Ibiza accommodations. You have to choose from one of the many cozy Ibiza hotels.

The mystic side of Ibiza

Es Vedra is a stone's throw away from the southwest coast of the balearic island Ibiza. It's a rock with an altitude of 382 m. The rock is surrounded by many myths and legends. For some the rock is the visible part of Atlantis. The island is a nature reserve and is uninhabited.

The tower "Torre del Pirata" offers a beautiful view of the island.The tower was build in 1763. It became famous by the novel "Los Muertos Mandan" written by Blasco IIbañez.

There are beautiful Ibiza hotels and Ibiza apartments on the island. The island offers Ibiza accommodations for each taste whether you would like to spend family vacation or rather you would like to make sporty active vacation.

You will find many interesting information about Ibiza at the Ibiza Majorca Travel Guide in web. The Travel guide serves you with information about the gastronomy and the historical culture. You will find general information about Spain in the blog "Apartment Barcelona" and "Spain holiday".

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Majorca tour with your car rental!

mietwagen10.jpgMajorca is a very chameleonic island. You should not only spend your Majorca holiday on the beach! Venture a trip with your car rental and enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Balearic Island!


smart_roadster9_500.jpgMallorca offers numerous renting cities, e.g. Palma, Alcudia, Arenal, Cala Dor, Cala Millor, Cala Ratjada, Paguera, etc. Numerous car rental agencies e.g. Hertz, Sixt, Europcar etc., provide a suitable car rental for a memorable holiday in Majorca.



When you rent a car you should absolutely pay attention. The cheapest car is not always the best choice! You should take a look to the conditions of the car rental agency. A good automobile- insurance is necessary!


Stay in a great Majorca accommodation, e.g. the Majorca hotel "Alcudia Garden". The 3- stars aparthotel is located close to the historical old town of Alcudia. A number of shops and a golf course are situated near the hotel. From this hotel in Majorca you can excellently start your car rental trip. You have the choice between numerous car rentals, from compact cars over sportive cabriolets to family- friendly station wagons.


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Hiking in Menorca


"Cami de Cavalls" is a medieval coastal- and country path around Menorca, created in the 14th century. The main function was the defence and the control of the Balearic island. On foot, horseback or bike, this ancient coastal trail offers the chance to come into contact with one of the island's most important allures: its nature. "Cami de Cavalls" is considered historic heritage and an asset of cultural and environmental interest. This great path can be visited from any Menorca accommodation.

The path is a total of 180 km long and offers beautiful impressions. Solitary bays and beaches, stone pines and oak trees, idyllic villages expect the Menorca holiday- maker. "Cami de Cevalls" can be reached without problems from any Menorca hotel or Menorca apartment. If you are interested in Spain, I can recommend to you the Spain holiday blog!

Formentera - The smallest of the Balearic Islands


The island Formentera is located approximately 20 km south of Ibiza. Its land area is approximately 90 km². Formentera is the smallest and southernmost island of the Pityuses. The island is relatively flat, the highest point amount just 190 meters. Formentera kept much of its original charm. There are many beautiful Formentera apartments and Formentera hotels for those seeking quiet.

There's no airport on Formentera. Guests who spend their holiday in Formentera, fly to Ibiza and take the ferry. The passage with the ferry lasts approximately 30 - 45 min.

Usually you can explore the island by bicycle or by scooter. Most guests come from Germany or Italy. The main holiday place on the island is Es Pujols. The largest holiday place of the island is visited predominantly in the summer. It is because of the sustained bay with a flatsloping sand beach. A beautiful promenade, lined with palms, leads along the fantastic beach. You can find numerous bars and restaurants in Es Pujols. The 3 - stars Formentera hotel "Castavi" is situated just 300 m away from the beautiful sand beach and provides you with tastefully decorated studios. You can reach the city center in just 250 m.

San Francisco Javier is the island's capital and centre of administration. Numerous shops, pharmacies etc. are located in the city. On the market place you can find the city hall of the island and a military church from the 18th Century.

You will find further information about the island on the web site of the Balearic Islands Travel guide.

Myths and legends at "Es Vedra"

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Es Vedra is a stone's throw away from the southwest coast of Ibiza. It's a rock with an altitude of 382 m. The rock is surrounded by many myths and legends. For some the rock is the visible part of Atlantis. The island is a nature reserve and is uninhabited.


The tower "Torre del Pirata" offers a beautiful view of the island.The tower was build in 1763. It became famous by the novel "Los Muertos Mandan" written by Blasco IIbañez.





fiestadontoni.jpgThere are beautiful Ibiza hotels and Ibiza holiday homes on the island. The island offers Ibiza accommodations for each taste whether you would like to spend family vacation or rather you would like to make sporty active vacation. On the web page of Perfect Sun Travel you can find for example the comfortable Fiesta Club Don Toni hotel Ibiza. The air- conditioned 3- stars hotels lies just 50 m from the Playa d'en Bossa.


You will find many interesting information about Ibiza at the Ibiza Majorca Travel Guide in web. The Travel guide serves you with information about the gastronomy and the historical culture. You will find general information about Spain in the blog "Apartment Barcelona" and "Spain holiday".

Cap de Formentor Majorca

The peninsula Formentor is located in the northeast of Majorca. A long road (13,5 km) leads from Port de Pollença to Cap de Formentor. Many curves, steep cliffs and deep ravines are to be found along the road.


aussichtspunkt-cap-formentor.jpgThe hotel Majorca Barcelo Formentor is situated directly on the peninsula. The luxury 5- stars hotel in Majorca offers a fantastic panorama. One approximately 80,000 square meters park belongs to the hotel and ranks among one of the most beautiful parks in Spain.





ma38.jpgFor the natives Cap de Formentor is designated as the "Meeting places of the Winds". From the platform "Cami del Mirador" one has a beautiful view of the beautiful cliffy coast. Several observation decks are connected with stairs. A lighthouse, dated from 1862, is directly situated on Cap de Formentor.


Decide promptly to reservate a beautiful Majorca accommodation. With Barcelona Point one can BOOK NOW - PAY LATER!!!
Visit other interesting blogs e.g. the Spain holiday blog.

DRAGON CAVES "CUEVAS DEL DRACH"

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Majorca is renowned for its many caves and coves. One of Majorca's top tourism sights are the Dragon Caves in Porto Cristo. The Dragon Caves have one of the largest underground lakes in the world the "Martel Lake". Musicians are floating on boats or standing in the big auditorium and playing classical music.
It's absolutely fantastic! You have to see these caves while spending your Majorca holidays.

The stalagmites and tites are spectacular and cover the roof and base of the caves. The caves were first explored in 1896.

Address:
Carretera cuevas s/n
07680 Porto Cristo, Majorca
Phone: +34 971 820 753

Opening time:
01st April - 31st October 2009
Daily visits with concert
10 h, 11 h, 12 h, 14 h, 15 h, 16 h, 17 h

Duration:
approximately 1 hour

Prices:
Adults: 10,50 €
Children under 7: free

If you are interested in visiting the fantastic Dragon Caves, stay in a comfortable Hotel in Majorca. The Majorca Hotel Drach is a good choice when you would like to stay near the beach and not too far from the Dragon Caves.
900615.jpgOr you can stay e.g. in the beautiful Sol Romantica Hotel in Majorca. The hotel is located just 5 km from Porto Cristo. The hotel offers nice Majorca apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower and hairdryer.

You will find interesting Ibiza Majorca Tourism Information in web.

Menorca Travel Guide

Menorca holidays should include visits to the museums and cultural heritages of the Balearic Island.

Ciutadella

Casa - Museo del Pintor Torrent:
c/ Sant Rafel, 11
Ciutadella (Menorca)

The museum exhibits drawings and paintings by the famous painter Torrent. Open on request.

catedral.jpgCatedral de Menorca:
c/ Plaça Catedral, 42
Ciutadella (Menorca)

The cathedral is located in the heart of Ciutadella's Old Town. Open from 9:00 - 13:00 and from 18:00 - 21:00.

Parc Rubió i Tudurí:
c/ Plaça Claustre Del Carme
Ciutadella (Menorca)

The park has an area of 10.000m2 and is located between an industrial estate and a suburban district. Open Monday - Friday from 10:00 - 13:00.

Mahon

Museum Sanz-Hernandez Mora:
c/ Claustre del Carme, 5
Mahon (Menorca)

The collection of the philologist and of the historian Dr. Hernández Mora contained in the property of the city shows numerous paintings and stitches, old cards of the island, old piece of furniture and a small library. Open Monday - Saturday from 10:00 - 13:00.

Alaior

alajor church.jpgEsglésia de Sant Diego:
c/ Correos 127
Alaior (Menorca)

Impressions of the life on Menorca. Open Tuesday - Sunday from 18:30 - 21:30.



Spend your holiday in Menorca and stay in a comfortable Menorca apartment or Menorca hotel.
The Menorca Hotel Audax Spa & Wellness is located just 150 m from the beach and set on a cliff. It's a fantastic choice for people who simply like to relax.
Another great choice is the Barcelo Hamilton Hotel in Menorca. This hotel is located on the beautiful natural bay and harbor of Mahon.

"The Sóller Railway" - A trip with the historical train

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Your holiday in Majorca should absolutely contain a trip to the train "The Sóller Railway". The train was built in 1927 and operates between Palma de Majorca and Soller.


The trip with the historical train takes about 90 minutes and offers a fantastic view on the beautiful landscape of Majorca.

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The beautiful Grand Hotel Soller, one of the most beautiful hotels in Majorca offers a luxury holiday. The building is an 18th century palace. It's located in Soller and offers a fresh water pool and a sun terrace on the roof.


The island doesn't only offer luxury hotels, it also offers comfortable and great "middle class" Majorca hotels e.g. the Hotel Hesperia Ciutat de Mallorca. A 4 star hotel in Palma which is situated in a peaceful neighborhood, near Marina and Bellver castle.



Sightseeing Ibiza



The beautiful Island of Ibiza has more to offer than just beach, sun and nightlife. Fantastic cities with nice cultural buildings invite you to a holiday in Spain.

old town.jpgAdmire the Old Town of Ibiza, called "Dalt Vila" by the locals. It accommodates an impressive 16th century fortress, antique city walls, a cathedral and the "Sant Domingo"- church. The typical white fisherman's houses just outside the city walls are also a delight to see.

In Ibiza Town you can visit many museums, like the archeological ones, the convent or the modern art museum. The marina, the "Necrópolis" and "Plaza de la Vila" are also well worth a visit. Book an Ibiza Hotel in the center of town and enjoy the city as well as its beautiful surroundings.

The second biggest town in Ibiza is Santa Eulalia. It is situated on the shores of the only river of the Balearic archipelago. It's especially known for its pretty hilltop church. Below the church you can visit the small ethnological museum located inside an ancient farm.

The town of Sant Antonio is a very popular tourist destination. From this harbor town you can take nice boat trips to watch the submarine life through a glass bottom or to sail off to the beautiful sandy beach of Cala Bossa. Being a true holiday paradise Sant Antonio offers plenty of Ibiza accommodation. There is also a wide range of Ibiza hotels in Santa Eulalia and finding a lovely Ibiza apartment in both towns shouldn't be any problem at all.

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If you prefer something smaller you can visit the visit Es Cubells, a charming small village in the South of Ibiza. It's situated on top of a cliff from where you have an amazing view over the coast. Not far from Es Cubells you can visit Ses Salines, an interior salt-water lake where one can spot thousands of seabirds. Ses Salines is a unique ecosystem bigger than a thousand hectares.

For more information about Spain visit these blogs:
Holiday in Spain
Holiday in Barcelona

Palma´s Cathedral

Palma is the capital of Mallorca and of course it offers many things to visit for tourists like Palma´s cathedral. 500 years were needed to complete the magnificant building. It´s a really surprising buliding because there are "modernista interior" features designed by Antinio Gaudí, best known for the Sagrada Famila in Barcelona. The original foundation came with the Christian Reconquest of the city. The church derives its effect through its sheer height, impressive from any angle but startling when glimpsed from the waterside esplanade.
On the way into the church, you will pass through the "Museu de la Catedral".

Ses Salines Natural reserve

Although most tourist activity is based around the coast, Ibiza has much to offer inland. Journey off the beaten track to find untouched villages that still reflect much of the incredible history of the island. Many are just a cycle ride away from your Ibiza apartment or your hotel in Ibiza. As to the coast, you'll feel amazed the island's beautiful sunsets and the special magnetism of some islets as Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell. The Natural Reserve of Cala D'Hort and Las Salinas, the later partly located at the south of Ibiza and partly in Formentera, including the sea strip that separates them and the islets called Es Freus, are the two main areas of environmental value.These are Ses Salines of Ibiza and Formentera, salt pans and marshes which were designated a Natural Reserve in 1995. Endemic plant and animal communities co-exist here in a rich ecosystem where salt is a dominant feature. All this makes their landscapes and beaches unique and unrepeatable. In earlier times, Ibiza was called the island of salt, and it is so to such an extent that its inhabitants were guaranteed a supply of the condiment by law. The first ones to exploit the marshes were the Carthaginians, towards the 5th Century BC. After the re-conquest of Spain from the Moors, they passed over to being the property of the University and became one of the most important saltworks in the Mediterranean. For various centuries they belonged to the Crown, until they passed into private hands with the sale of Church lands by Mendizábal in 1835. Today the extraction of salt continues as in the past, using traditional methods and creating a landscape of white mountains which seem to have come from another world. Since 1995 this area has formed part of the Sea and Land Natural Reserve of Ses Salines. It includes almost all the southern tip of Ibiza, the north of Formentera and the islets which separate both islands. It is an ecosystem with a rich diversity, designated an Area of Special Protection for Birds. Among the 124 catalogued species are herons and flamingos which are easy to sight on their migratory journeys from July to October and from February to May. The vegetation is conditioned by the salinity of the ground. There is a predominance of the endemic sempervivum, reeds and plants which thrive in brackish water. The hills, with a lower concentration of salt, are covered with savin juniper bushes, pine forests and shrub land of rosemary and rock roses.

The Natural Beauty of Majorca

There are many good reasons to visit Majorca and the other Balearic Islands, but the unique and enchanting natural beauty on the island of Mallorca definitely is one of the most important reasons. The Island doesn?t only offer holiday opportunities in popular party and beach resorts. Many Majorca hotels are located at quiet locations outside the tourist centers. You can easily find a good accommodation on Majorca near places where the island?s unique flora and fauna have been preserved. Enjoy the sight of the traditional Majorca windmills, the many olive tree fields and the many undiscovered virgin beaches.

The lagoons and marshes that can be found along the entire coastline of Majorca are filled with rich flora and fauna. Majorca has a surprisingly large number of natural habitats and ecosystems. There are about 1500 different flower and plant species. The forests which consist mainly of Alepo pine trees remain green throughout the year. Most woodlands can be found nearby the sandy beaches. Oak trees are more common in the humid zones in the North. If you enjoy nature walks but you prefer to avoid the mountains, you can find many beautiful paths in the dunes.

In the northwest of Majorca you can take a walk in the Sierra de Tramuntana. This impressive mountain range accommodates the Puig Major. With its 1445 m. it is the island?s highest summit. The Sierra de Tramuntana rises up from the sea with its steep cliffs and is covered with woods. The Sierra de Llevant on the east coast of the island has more sloping walls and there are many caves and deep inlets. South of the Sierra de Llevant there are 17 mini islands forming the archipelago of Cabrera. This Island group forms the one and only national park of the Balearics. The exceptional landscapes and unique animal species on Cabrera are a must see for nature spotters. If you like snorkelling or scuba diving, Cabrera is the place to be. Also the bird life above the island is incredibly diverse and impressive.

Tourist Attractions in Ibiza

The Paradisical Island of Ibiza has more to offer than just beach, sun and nightlife. Especially now the climate has gotten more bareable there are plenty of things to see and do all around the Island. Admire the Old Town of Ibiza, called Dalt Vila by the locals. It accommodates an impressive 16th century fortress, antique city walls, a cathedral and the Sant Domingo church. The typical white fisherman?s houses just outside the city walls are also a delight to see. In Ibiza Town you can visit many museums, like the archeological ones, the convent or the modern art museum. The marina, the Necrópolis and Plaza de la Vila are also well worth a visit. Book an Ibiza Hotel in the center of town and enjoy the city as well as its beautiful surroundings.

The second biggest town in Ibiza is Santa Eulària des Riu. It?s situated on the shores of the only river of the Balearic archipelago. It?s especially known for it?s pretty hilltop church. Below the church you can visit the small ethnological museum located inside an ancient farm. The town of Sant Antoni de Portmany is a very popular tourist destination. From this harbor town you can take nice boat trips to watch the submarine life through a glass bottom or to sail off to the beautiful sandy beach of Cala Bassa. Being a true holiday paradise Sant Antoni offers plenty of Ibiza accommodation. There is also a wide range of hotels in Santa Eulària and finding a lovely Ibiza apartment in any of these towns shouldn?t be any problem at all.

If you prefer something smaller you can visit the visit Es Cubells, a charming small village in the South of Ibiza. It?s situated on top of a cliff from where you have an amazing view over the coast. Not far from Es Cubells you can visit Ses Salines, an interior salt-water lake where one can spot thousands of seabirds. Ses Salines is a unique ecosystem bigger than a thousand hectares.

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