It was announced today that airport strikes are planned for Easter this year and they could continue well into the summer. This is the last thing that Spain need at the moment as tourism is the only thing keeping the economy afloat.
This could mean that camping holidays and driving in Spain will become even more popular this year.
One thing for sure if you have a holiday booked in Spain this year, make sure you have adequate holiday insurance which covers cancellations and delays.
Sad, sad times in the middle of a recession and very bad news for Spain.
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Our busy weekend touring Spain
It's been another successful weekend touring and we have taken in lots of places, lots of photographs and new videos. All of which are online now.
The port and marina in Alicante is modern, clean and full of life. We resisted the large casino but enjoyed a lovely meal by the water's edge. From here we made our way into the historic city where we took in all the sights.
Torrevieja is a great holiday resort if you like that sort of thing and it certainly makes a pleasant visit. Whilst in the area we took a look at the salt industry by visiting the saltlakes and a salt production plant. Quite an education.
Alicante city
The weekend started in Alicante city where we based ourselves in a small hotel on the main Ramba, right in the heart of the city and just 100m from the cathedral. It turned out to be a wise choice, avoiding the larger hotels out of the city and having to travel in each day. As with any visit in Spain, the only problem is the car. Parking in Alicante is at a premium so we opted for the underground car park and paid 9€ a night.
The weekend started in Alicante city where we based ourselves in a small hotel on the main Ramba, right in the heart of the city and just 100m from the cathedral. It turned out to be a wise choice, avoiding the larger hotels out of the city and having to travel in each day. As with any visit in Spain, the only problem is the car. Parking in Alicante is at a premium so we opted for the underground car park and paid 9€ a night.
The port and marina in Alicante is modern, clean and full of life. We resisted the large casino but enjoyed a lovely meal by the water's edge. From here we made our way into the historic city where we took in all the sights.Alicante is rich in history and superb architecture. Many of the buildings are of Classical and Renaissance style and a sight to behold. There are remnants of the Moorish era as well as early Iberian excavations.
The beaches in Alicante are of the best in the region. Golden sand stretches for miles and the paseo runs alongside, with lots of places to rest and drink.
As we tucked ourselves into bed after a hard day's work, the city was just coming alive. I looked from the hotel window at 4am and the main street looked like lunchtime. There were as many people out as there were during the day and they were all having a ball.
After two nights in Alicante, we packed up and moved on.
Santa Pola
Not far from Alicante is the most wonderful seaside resort of Santa Pola. The beaches are superb 
but the real gem is the 16th century fortress that stands right in the heart of the town. The very helpful tourist office made sure we didn't miss anything before moving on later in the day.
but the real gem is the 16th century fortress that stands right in the heart of the town. The very helpful tourist office made sure we didn't miss anything before moving on later in the day.You can read our full report and watch our video here.
Torrevieja
We haven't been to Torrevieja for 10 years so our visit this weekend was well overdue. I must say that since our first visit, much has changed in Torrevieja. The council have worked hard to clean up its image and presentation. Roads have been renewed and scruffy old buildings have gone. The beaches are as good as they always were but the town public areas have been totally revamped.
Torrevieja is a great holiday resort if you like that sort of thing and it certainly makes a pleasant visit. Whilst in the area we took a look at the salt industry by visiting the saltlakes and a salt production plant. Quite an education.Read more and watch our video here.
Future plans
Very soon we will be re-visiting the cities of Almeria and Cartagena where we will make our usual videos and update our website information.
Digressing
It's times like this when we really appreciate and love the job we do. We are so lucky to be exploring Spain as our job, however we often forget how lucky we are when it gets tough, or even moreso when it gets expensive. We must have one of the most expensive jobs out and the rewards are personal more than financial. It's such a shame that the economy is in such a mess as it does tend to take the shine off the job.
The way Idealspain explores Spain in such fine detail and to such an extent is what makes us so different, and of course, so special. There are no other websites like Idealspain and 90% of the Spain guides are assembled by copying our work from a council flat in the UK. I suppose it's the same with any job - if you do it well, the leeches will feed off you.
Unitl our next visit
Steve and Sandra
Idealspain
Steve and Sandra
Idealspain
Monday, 7 February 2011
A busy weekend
Saturday
The weekend weather was beautiful so taking advantage of this we went exploring again.
The little town of Pego, despite its size has a great deal to offer the visitor. Once you find yourself in the town, there are several beautiful churches. The Plaza del Font is the nicest of the town squares with its tree-lined avenue, offering some shade from the sun.
The main church stands proud above the rest of the town and is a classic example of Baroque architecture. There are a couple of nice cafes to rest in and enjoy the views. The Basilica is just around the corner, as are the two museums in the House of Culture, worthy of a free visit.
You can see our photographs and video here.
From Pego we went off the tourist route and head into the mountains. We took a little used, un-named road and were rewarded with the best views of the coast from the highest point. After a few kilometres we found ourselves in the little hamlet of Val de'Ebro.
Sunday
Today we head for Elche to catch yet another fiesta and explore the city. You can see our visit in video and photographs here.
The weekend weather was beautiful so taking advantage of this we went exploring again.
The little town of Pego, despite its size has a great deal to offer the visitor. Once you find yourself in the town, there are several beautiful churches. The Plaza del Font is the nicest of the town squares with its tree-lined avenue, offering some shade from the sun.
The main church stands proud above the rest of the town and is a classic example of Baroque architecture. There are a couple of nice cafes to rest in and enjoy the views. The Basilica is just around the corner, as are the two museums in the House of Culture, worthy of a free visit.
You can see our photographs and video here.
From Pego we went off the tourist route and head into the mountains. We took a little used, un-named road and were rewarded with the best views of the coast from the highest point. After a few kilometres we found ourselves in the little hamlet of Val de'Ebro.
Sunday
Today we head for Elche to catch yet another fiesta and explore the city. You can see our visit in video and photographs here.
Monday, 31 January 2011
Our busy weekend
Idealspain took advantage of the beautiful weather this weekend and went exploring
Our first stop was in Benidorm
Ok, we know that Benidorm is not to everyone's taste but you have to admit that it's one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Costa Blanca and the local council have gone to the end of the earth to clean up it's image.
Benidorm has some wonderful places. The beaches are amazingly clean and millions of Euros have been spent on the seafronts and some of the major roads.
We made a short video of the best sights in Benidorm and you can watch it here. We stayed the night and reviewed a hotel. The MedPlaya Hotel Regente was very comfortable. You can read our review here. Our review includes a video walkround the hotel.
You can get fish and chips in Benidorm along with a cup of tea like Mum makes but if you look hard enough you will also find some top international restaurants, brimming with culture and class and there's never a shortage of entertainment.... day or night.
Moving on
From Benidorm we called in at Altea with it's quaint little port. Our page includes a short video introduction. Our last call was in Calpe which is a town that has expanded beyond recognition over the last few years. Our last visit was 11 years ago. The beach is as beautiful as ever, as is the seafront.
We continue to explore the Costa Blanca and hope for more sunny days soon. It's bitterly cold at night at the moment but then we are a bit soft in our old age.
Our first stop was in Benidorm
Ok, we know that Benidorm is not to everyone's taste but you have to admit that it's one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Costa Blanca and the local council have gone to the end of the earth to clean up it's image.
Benidorm has some wonderful places. The beaches are amazingly clean and millions of Euros have been spent on the seafronts and some of the major roads.We made a short video of the best sights in Benidorm and you can watch it here. We stayed the night and reviewed a hotel. The MedPlaya Hotel Regente was very comfortable. You can read our review here. Our review includes a video walkround the hotel.
You can get fish and chips in Benidorm along with a cup of tea like Mum makes but if you look hard enough you will also find some top international restaurants, brimming with culture and class and there's never a shortage of entertainment.... day or night.
Moving on
From Benidorm we called in at Altea with it's quaint little port. Our page includes a short video introduction. Our last call was in Calpe which is a town that has expanded beyond recognition over the last few years. Our last visit was 11 years ago. The beach is as beautiful as ever, as is the seafront.
We continue to explore the Costa Blanca and hope for more sunny days soon. It's bitterly cold at night at the moment but then we are a bit soft in our old age.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
A day out on the Costa Blanca
The Jalon Valley
The weather held out and the rain stayed away so we took a drive through the Jalon Valley today. This wonderful piece of Spain is located slightly inland from Denia and Oliva.
There's a group of small villages and towns that nestle against the valley, including Jalon, Parcent, Alcalali and Orba. Each one offers something different.
Driving through the valley is a pleasure; the roads are great considering the rural nature of the area. The road is lined with almond blossom that's just coming to an end. Dotted inbetween are trees laden with ripe oranges and lemons.
As we reach the end of the valley and come within 15km of Benidorm, we took a slight detour from our planned route and visited the Waterfalls of Algar. Known locally as the Fuente de Algar, this has long been a tourist attraction.
Strangely enough, the falls featured on TV last week in the comedy series Benidorm when all the guests took a coach trip there.
We looked hard but couldn't see Madge on her mobility scooter... she had long gone.
Our next trip
Weather permitting we will be spending the weekend in Benidorm and reviewing a hotel. Our reports will follow shortly afterwards.
Sunday, 23 January 2011
What a busy day while it rains on the Costa Blanca
The weather outside may not be at its best
but we have spent the day wisely. We've re-launched the Idealspain Facebook page so people can keep up to date with our travels
Sandra is ploughing her way through 10,000 photographs and trying to get the best into selected albums for all to see.
Look for this symbol on our homepage at www.idealspain.com and follow us today
Our weekend on the Costa Blanca
The Caves of BenidoleigThis tiny little town is just a few kilometres from Denia and Pefreguer on the Costa Blanca. Idealspain went to have a look at the weekend.
The biggest tourist attraction in Benidoleig are the caves.
The caves have been used since the stone age and are open to visitors. For just €3.50 you can wander deep into the caves. See the video of our cave tour here.
The mirador at Monte Pedreguer
A little further along the N332 and you come to the Mirador on Monte Pefreguer.
The steep drive up the mountain is rewarded with panoramic views of Denia and Javea. See the video of the views here.
Over the following week we have ten more places to visit on the Costa Blanca.... watch for our new daily videos.
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