Costa de Almeria - Spanish resort holidaying for the Connoisseur

For a quieter alternative to the brashy Spanish resorts of Costa Brava and the Costa del Sol, why not venture to the southernmost point of Spain and the Costa de Almeria. It is perhaps Spain's least famous Costa but is certainly one of the country's most interesting holiday spots and is a great place for those looking for pastures new for their holidays to Spain.


The most popular area for holidays in the Costa de Almeria is Mojacar. With 9km of stunningly long, sandy beach and with its traditional Moorish vibe and landscape, it's easy to see why this area is so popular with holiday-goers. The waters here are a lovely shade of azure and perfect for intrepid snorkellers! Watersports also line the beaches so you will always have plenty of fun, entertaining options to keep you and the children occupied. You will also find tour operators within the town offering trips around the lesser known parts of the region and the option to go via horse for those looking for added adventure on your Costa de Almeria holiday.

No visit to the Costa de Almeria is complete without a visit to one of the region's incredible Troglodyte cave villages. Villages such as Sante Fe de Mondujar are home to dwellings that have literally been cut and shaped into the mountains to create homes that are unique to the Costa de Almeria whilst providing inhabitants with shade from the often scorching heat. You'll notice that the heat in the Costa De Almeria is often far more extreme than that of the rest of Spain. Lying so far south, it seems that Almeria has a completely different climate to the rest of the country, it certainly feels more arid and dryer than the mega resorts of the north and this fact is compounded when you discover that the Costa de Almeria is the home of the only desert in Spain!

With its distinct lack of sprawling tourist developments, the region is an attractive prospect for anyone looking to explore this lesser know region of Spain. Much of the area seems to be completely desolate with its barren landscapes and deserts that stretch all the way into the horizon like something out of 'Lawrence of Arabia'. For this reason the the Costa de Almeria is perfect if you are looking for what seems like your own little slice of Spain and where complete solitude is just a short drive away.


Whilst on your journey of exploration, consider a trip to the capital of the region and the ancient city of Almeria. This Moor influenced city is filled with historical titbits such as the domineering ancient walls of Jayran which would once protect the Moorish inhabitants inside or the castle of Alcazaba which is the second largest in all of Andalusia.


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A closer look at La Palma

After briefly looking at La Palma with our overview of the Canary islands last week, what better way to follow up than with a look at one its most coveted islands, La Palma.


A holiday to La Palma can be almost anything you want it to be. Vast green mountains dominate the the island along with sweeping ravines that cut through the picture postcard setting. But all this seems like a minor distraction when you clap eyes upon what was once the biggest volcano in the world, La Caldera de Taburiente. The volcano was about 20km across and has now eroded away the landscape to the extent that it has created its own national park. This curious setting is in the North of the island and no La Palma holiday is complete without a visit to this wonderful, awe-inspiring place.


If you are looking for the classic beach holiday, La Palma is not the best destination for you, but you will find a small selection of very inhabitable beaches in the areas of Puerto Naos and Los Cancajos. Puerto Naos epitomises La Palma holidays; it's laid back, peaceful and a Canary island paradise. The beach itself is made up of the island's black volcanic sand and is a vast 500m expanse across the La Palma coastline. The town itself is dominated by windy streets and traditional restaurants offering the best in Canary island cuisine. Puerto Naos' location at the South of the island also make it ideal for exploring the likes of La Caldera de Taburiente which is less than 20 minutes away by car.


The largest holiday resort on the island is Los Cancajos. Set in a stunning backdrop of rolling, green hills and azure blue waters, Los Cancajos is a well-laid out, purpose-built resort with numerous accommodation choices ranging from luxurious 4-star hotels to budget options perfect for a cheap holiday. The town is home to three Blue Flag beaches, all of which offer tranquillity and relaxation in La Palma's own inimitable way. The waters in this area are also teaming with fish so be sure to take your snorkelling equipment on your La Palma holiday. If you have a real penchant for diving, you should certainly consider visiting the waters in the south of the island where the seas are well populated with a combination of Parrot fish and Amberjack.


So there we have it, La Palma - The Canary island's best kept secret and a paradise for those looking for a mix of beautiful natural sights and luxury holidaying options.

Verdant La Palma

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Madeira - Floating Garden of the Atlantic

Madeira is a an island off the coast of Portugal. This little gem is fantastic for those looking for a holiday removed from the norm and is a little quieter than many of the more obvious European destinations. This beautiful, verdant place is defined by its majestic mountains that are ripe for hiking and the crystal clear waters that surround this picturesque island.

Nature lovers will really love this place. You can Explore one of the many protected reserves or gardens for colourful flowering fauna and discover why Madeira is often referred to as 'The floating garden of the Atlantic'. You could start your holiday with a trip to the Botanical gardens of Madeira located in Funchal, or the Ponta de Sao Lourenco – a peninsular located on the East of the island that boasts amazing coastal views and a variety of flowering fauna perfect for the botanist in you!

If you like to fill your days with long walks, then head to the World heritage site of the Laurel Forest. This huge forest covers a vast area of the island and you will find walks to be interesting and easy to follow. Be sure to take plenty of water and a picnic to really enjoy this place and immerse yourself in Madeira's thriving woodland. At the North of the island is the volcanic centre of Madeira and the charming town of Sao Vicente. Within the volcanic caverns of Sao Vicente you will find an interactive display detailing how this island garden was formed – perfect for a relaxing day trip on your holiday in Madeira.

A holiday to Madeira is complete only when you have set aside some time to visit the vibrant city of Funchal. This large city stretches from the coast all the way into the nearby hills and is home to the wonderfully constructed Cathedral of Funchal that dates back to the 15^th century. You can also explore the winding streets that lead up to grand mansions that sit atop the steep hills.

The city of Funchal is perhaps most famous for its stunning coastal approach into the harbour, and for this reason Funchal is extremely popular with European cruise liners that take the trip Madeira. A boat trip from Funchal comes highly recommended as you also have an excellent chance of spotting some of the many whales that inhabit these warm, Mediterranean waters.

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The Canary Islands - An overview

The Canary islands, or Canaries, is the name for an archipelago of Spanish islands located near the tip of Morocco. Boasting seven contrasting islands, each of the Canaries has a its own special character, giving you an array of holidaying options that many other destinations can not.

You will certainly recognise the names of some of the Canary islands. Big-hitters Lanzarote and Tenerife are both located here, along with Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura but you'll also find lesser known Canary islands such as El Hierro and La Palma which are quieter and perhaps the more suitable option for those looking for a destination where they can really immerse themselves in relaxation.

As a general rule, you should head to the bigger tourist orientated islands if you are looking for an all-action Canary island holiday with plenty of night life and world class budget resorts. The smaller islands will provide you with a little more intimacy and usually provide the best all-inclusive and luxury options - La Palma in particular is a great choice for those looking for a luxury holiday experience with its understated beauty and cosmopolitan ambience and is perfect for those who enjoy exploring nature.

Lanzarote and Tenerife are the best options for those looking for a cheap holiday with plenty to do and an abundant nightlife mixed with great landscapes and volcanic activity that should certainly be sampled before you leave. Fuerteventura, on the other hand, is the best pick for those looking to keep themselves active on their Canary island holiday. As one of the windsurfing capitals of Europe, you'll find plenty of time to take in some of the spectacular windsurfing on display and indulge your wild side with expert tuition. If windsurfing doesn't appeal, you could venture under the water instead with diving lessons from fully qualified PADI dive instructors.

Fuerteventura

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Lanzarote - Certainly not Grotty!

As a holiday spot that is often referred to by the unfortunate tag of 'grotty', it is easy to see why many holiday-goers are put off by a visit to the most eastern of all the Canary islands. But believe this myth at your peril! For Lanzarote has an abundance of holiday options that can often be found at wonderfully cheap prices if you are willing to hold out for a last minute holiday deal.

Holidays to Lanzarote can include many different activities and with its fantastic selection of waves and abundant sea life the island is popular with those looking to dive and snorkel. There are many surf schools specialising in teaching newbies the basics and you're sure to be on your feet by the end of your tutelage (along with a little friendly competition from your other half!). Diving is also a great way to spend a day together and you'll find dive centres willing to show you around the most interesting dive sites around this volcanic island. Even if you haven;t got a PADI diving qualification, there are plenty of dive schools that can cater for those looking for an introductory dive.

A full day should be spent admiring the results of thousands of years of volcanic eruptions at the Timanfaya national park. The park itself is completely made up of volcanic substances with lava still bubbling some 13 metres below your feet. The sheer warmth of the area is demonstrated by pouring water down into the volcanic depths and observing as steam is spat back out in the form of a geyser. You can also take a trip to the park on a camel if you'd like to approach your visit in the traditional manner!

For those of you who are looking for an ideal honeymoon location, a holiday to Lanzarote may be just the tonic.  For the most romantic view on the whole of the island, travel to the Mirador del Rio lookout. When you arrive at the top of this lookout you will be able to see for miles out into the ocean and admire the volcanic landscape below. Situated in the North of the island, there are numerous bus tours travelling to the lookout or take the car rental option for added freedom and for extra time to enjoy the souvenir and cafe at the very top!

There are lots of accommodation options for your holiday to Lanzarote, ranging from cheap and cheerful to deluxe, all inclusive. For a livelier option, head to the irresistible sandy beach and exciting pubs and bars of Puerto Del Carmen. Another major selling point of the town is its contrasting Old Town which allows you to escape the hustle bustle of the main strip if you so wish. For a quieter option, choose laid back Playa Blanca. Home to a selection of small, coved beaches Playa Blanca is a great place for enjoying the sun in peace. You will also enjoy numerous top-class eating options and the Marina Rubicon which provides walkers with a lovely, scenic walk and quaint market stalls.

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