The Spanish Tourist board is currently using the idyllic picture-postcard beach of El Rompido in Huelva in an international print advertising campaign.  What better endorsement could local estate agents wish for?

Andrew Benitz, Director of Titan Properties whose head office is in El Rompido, comments, “Relative anonymity has been both our strength and ironically our downfall over recent years.  Whilst Spain’s big hitters - Marbella, Madrid, Barcelona and the like - have garnered the lion’s share of media attention over history, Huelva has gone largely unnoticed.  This of course makes our coastline unspoilt, underdeveloped, natural and uncontrived but also means that second home hunters are potentially missing out on one of Spain’s hidden treasures.  Hopefully the inclusion of El Rompido’s glorious beach in a global ad campaign will bring some much-deserved attention and education on the area.”

At the western tip of Spain’s Costa de la Luz, El Rompido is essentially a fishing village on the estuary of the Rio Piedras which is protected from the Atlantic by a long spit of land called ‘La Flecha’ - The Arrow.  Its presence creates both a safe anchorage for the fishing boats and also a perfect playground for water sports.  The fishing boats are as active today as they ever were, sensitively trawling the waters for sumptuous seafood that ends up on the plates of the local restaurants, but the 10km of white sandy beach backed by lofty dunes and pine forests has attracted another crowd - the discerning property investor.

Gradually growing into a vibrant, energetic destination, El Rompido has much to offer for the holidaymaker.  The village now has two Alvaro Arana designed 18-hole golf courses, the south inaugurated in 2003 and the north in 2006, and a brace of five star hotels - one managed by the Set Hotel group and the other by El Fuerte.  It even has a marina fringed with lavish million euro plus villas complete with private berths and fashionable bars and trendy boutiques, a marina that is one of four planned for the area.

Titan Properties is promoting the newly launched Altos del Rompido.  Occupying an elevated position, the 150 apartments and penthouses command impressive south facing views of the Rio Piedras estuary and Atlantic beyond.  Built to high standards, the gated community offers a range of on-site facilities from an amazing feature ‘lake pool’ alongside adult’s ‘length pool’ and children’s pool to three paddle tennis courts and a handy bar-cafeteria.  The homes themselves are arranged in separate buildings, 15 apartments each, and all have two bedrooms and bathrooms, large terraces of up to 58m² for the penthouses, central heating, direct external and lift access to avoid communal hallways and a parking space a-piece.  Fitted kitchens and installed air-conditioning are available as extras.

The village of El Rompido with its pretty square, shops, restaurants, cycle tracks, forest walks and those endless sandy beaches is within walking distance whilst Seville and Faro International Airports are both within an hour’s drive enabling swift direct access to much of northern Europe.

Prices at Altos del Rompido start from 224,000 euros for apartments and 294,000 euros for penthouses and with completion not expected until June 2011 the off-plan stage payment terms and potential for capital appreciation are very attractive.

Contact Titan Properties on 00 34 959 399 982, UK Freephone 0800 358 7969.  Email info@titan-properties.com or visit www.titan-properties.com

 Once a small fishing village called La Tiñosa, the resort has exploded since package tourism first took off on Lanzarote back in the 1970´s.  Transforming this quiet pueblo into the most popular holiday destination on the island.  Creating a magnet for both holiday makers and overseas property investors alike  – attracted by the year round rental returns generated by this buoyant tourist trade.

 But to a large extent Puerto del Carmen has also become a victim of its own success.  As thirty years of tourism have had a deleterious effect upon the resorts infrastructure.  Leaving it looking tired and a little downmarket.

 Nowehere is this more apparent than on the main ´shop front´ of the resort – the Avenida de las Playas.  Which runs for 6km along the sea front and which is home to a host of neon lit bars and restaurants.  

 Here tourists have to jostle for space so limited is the pavement area –and cars rule the roost – with two lanes of traffic passing by just inches away.  Creating a very poor impression – especially by comparison with other purpose built holiday destinations around the world, such as Dubai.

 As a result, island authorities have resolved to reinvent tourism in the resort by green lighting a multi million euro improvement scheme that will not only improve the tourist offering but also add a new marina in what is currently the Old Town Harbour area.  Which is expected to have a positive impact upon the market for property in Puerto del Carmen over the long term.

 The first phases of this project are in fact already underway.  As plans to part pedestrianise the Avenida de las Playas are already in motion.  Island authorities then plan to impose new shop fronts and fascias on to all of the businesses lining the ´strip’ – in order co create a more aesthetically pleasing image for the resort.

 Perhaps most ambitious though are the plans to transform the Old Town harbour area into a luxury marina.  In a bid to emulate the success of nearby Puerto Calero – which has proved to be a fantastically popular mooring spot with owners of luxury yachts and cruisers.

 Currently the Old Town harbour is home to a few old fishing boats but the redevelopment plans encompass the creation of smart new jetties and boardwalks.  Which in tandem with the opening of a new golf course on the outskirts of Puerto del Carmen next year is expected to attract a more affluent type of tourist to the resort.

Gandia: This place is famous for its symbolic connection with the Borjas. The beautifully craved gothic palace which was the family home is now restored to Gandia. The Gothic church of Santa María is the only other historic importance of this place. Now with the increase of tourist the place is turning to a modern resting place with well-manicured beaches and active nightlife among the serene areas.

Xativa: This is a breath taking ancient mountain town in Spain. It is scientifically known as the ‘City of two Popes’ as Alexander VI and Calixto III were born here. The place is scattered with beautiful churches and escutcheoned mansions. Most of the buildings are associated with medieval age. On top of the mountain is the fine castle offering an incredible view.

Val de Gallinera: A place filled with lush green vegetation, the Gallinera Valley and hillsides in Spain is a place to visit if you want to have a rendezvous with nature. The hillsides are lined with small terraces which are filled with fruit orchards and dusky olive groves. In the valley there are tiny ancient villages scattered making an amazing view.

Denia: This has become a famous family resort in Spain. You will get to see a lofty castle that makes a beautiful view all together. There are some beautiful buildings in this place but the most attracted place in Denia is the beautiful beaches. The beaches are pretty lengthy with the Les Rotes, a cove-pocked stretch to the south and the long sands to the north. The bald peak in Montgó is famous for hiking and picnicking.

Penyal: This is a gigantic jagged rock emerging from the sea and dominating the entire bay of the Calp in Spain. It is a protected national which house 300 flora species. Rock climbers will find this place quite challenging and it also a hiking route to the top.

Guadalest: This place is one of the most stunning and beautiful places in Spain. Perilously perched on the peak of a granite mountain this place gives a fabulous view from across the valley.

Parc de l’Aigüera, Benidorm: This place is a landmark for new development. It is famous for its abundant sun, sand and sea. Here every summer concerts takes place which attracts many people from outside.

Fuentes del Algar: Fuentes del Algar is a place which you should not miss out visiting as it is laden with nature’s gift. It has got a natural park which is gaining popularity every year.

Villena: This is a place that is bestowed with story book castle, which is filled with large crenellated walls along with watch towers. You will feel like you are into some fairy tale land with the huge castle and beautiful sceneries.

A five-night holiday costs from £856 pp - a saving of £139 pp - including return flights (London), B&B and car hire.

Heading into the summer months, many a traveler will look to head south and hit the shores. Popular destinations include various spots all around the Mediterreanean Sea and the famous Balearic Islands of Spain.

The main islands of the Balearics are Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza. One common way to get the best of all these islands is via the sailing route. But once that is determined, it is up to your group to decide which route to take.

Some decide to work on their sun tans and simply take it easy. Tanning by day and sailing ashore for some of the finest food and drink by night. On the other hand, some decide to go all out when sailing in Menorca - going climbing the cliffs around the island, snorkeling, deep sea diving and various other recreational pursuits.

Companies such as Go! Nautic provide private yacht charter with snorkelling packages and equipment available, and can also arrange that a fully qualified private diving instructor (PADI) is there for deep sea diving.

While single day yacht charters are available, for one to get a full view of the Balearics, a weekly or custom yacht charter is recommended. Try to find Menorca sailing holidays that allow you to plan your day according to your wishes and thus do not push pre-planned itineraries. This means you can tailor each trip to your very own needs. The only possible diversion is based on potential weather conditions. However, your group will be kept informed on weather conditions and any changes that may be necessary.

Not to worry though, as Climate is usually a sure shot, as sunshine is abundant. Temperatures range from 15 Celsius in the winter, to about 20-25 in the spring and autumn, while touching the 30’s in the summer. With light winds generally, the conditions are usually just right for sailing. Sea temperature itself gets quite warm too, hitting 30 degrees Celsius in late summer.

Find more out about holidays in Menorca and the various services available from Go Nautic by visiting their website at www.gonautic.com.

The AENA figures will confound many industry observers who have been predicting the death of the foreign holiday.  As Lanzarote has now welcomed 509,755 British tourists during the first six months of 2008.  An increase of 15.6% on the same period during 2007.

And it´s not just British consumers who are refusing to give up their week in the sun.  As foreign visitor numbers to the island as a whole have increased by 5.9% during the first six months of the year.  With the Irish market also contributing to this upward trend – with 123,047 tourists from Eire visiting Lanzarote over the same period.  An increase of 5.4% versus last year. 

The news makes welcome reading for the many overseas owners of holiday villas in Lanzarote.  As thousands of British and Irish investors have taken the plunge into ownership on the island over the last decade. 

Attracted by the fact that Lanzarote boasts a year round clement climate that also delivers year round rental returns.  A claim that no other European sun spot can truly match.

Currently, the Lanzarote property market is softening – in tandem with most other markets across Spain and Europe.  Primarily as a result of international pressures rather than any domestic detoriation.  As Lanzarote´s main industry is tourism – which clearly remains in excellent health in light of this strong first half performance.

Majorca, also known as Mallorca in Spanish and Catalan, is the largest island of Spain. As many other cities of Spain, it is also located in the Mediterranean Sea. It also covers a part of the Balearic Islands archipelago. The name Majorca is derived from the Latin word insula maior, which means “larger island”. Palma, which is the capital of Majorca, is also the capital of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands.

The Anthem of Majorca is La Balanguera.

History

Majorca has been humanly inhabited for a period unknown. Traces of habitation and burial chambers from the ancient Paleolithic period have been discovered. Under Quinita Caecillius Metellus, the island was occupied by the Romans in 123 BC. Majorca at that time flourished under the Romans, and at that time the towns of Palamaria and Pollentia were founded. The local economy of Majorca in that period was mostly driven Viniculture, Olive cultivation and Salt Mining. The soldiers of Majorca were highly honored for their skills with the sling, amongst the Roman legions.
In 426 BC, the island was sacked by the Vandals; subsequently the island of Majorca was conquered by the Byzantine Empire. Under them Christianity became the religion of the island but from 707 BC, the island of Majorca was frequently raided by the Muslims from North Africa. From then till 1229, Majorca was continuously under changing rulers, when in the never ending confusion and chaos, King James I of Aragon invaded the island with 15,000 men and 1,500 horses, and annexed the island to his crown after a short campaign of three months. After the death of the king the kingdom was divided between his sons.
However, in the early part of the 18th century, the War of the Spanish Succession replaced the dynastic union of the King of Aragon with a unified and powerful Spanish monarchy.

Language

The official language which is spoken in Majorca is Spanish and Catalan. The local dialect of Catalan, which is most popular, is Mallorqui. However, different dialects are used in different islands and villages. Mostly all young Majorcans are bilingual in Spanish and Catalan, with brief knowledge of German or English. The reason for these foreign languages is the large number of tourists who come to Majorca.

Cuisine

Majorca also boasts of a long chain of eating joints and restaurants. According to the statistics of 2004 of the Majorcan Tourist Board, there were around 2,400 restaurants in Majorca. All these places ranged from small bars to big time restaurants. The regular inflow of tourists in the island of Majorca supports all these restaurants and bars. Even though Majorca is located on the Mediterranean, seafood is often imported. The common Majorcan diet consists of almonds and olives; this is not at all strange as the island has over 4 million trees of olives and almonds. The most famous cuisine of Majorca is the Sobrassada and Ensaimada.

The island of Majorca also has a football team known as Mallorca, which plays in the Spanish Football league.

This favorable geographic location – the island sits on the same line of longitude as parts of Florida and Mexico – creates a clement year round climate with temperatures that rarely fall below 20c.  Even in the depths of winter.

As a result Lanzarote – along with its Canarian cousins – is the only genuine winter sun destination in Europe.  And at only four hours flying time from the UK this means that the islands attract flocks of tourists – with over one million visitors from the UK and Ireland visiting Lanzarote during 2007 alone.

The cast majority come for a traditional beach holiday – as the island boasts over 90 great stretches of sand, the vast majority of which are made up of golden grains rather than the black volcanic variety.  So tourism is largely concentrated in the main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.

But Lanzarote has plenty to offer beyond just bucket and spade holidays.  The island is blessed with more than its fair share of natural beauty – from the arid volcanic lava fields of the south through to lush palm packed valleys in the North.

And in many locations Mother Natures work has been further enhanced by the hand of an island born artist and architect called Cesar Manrique.  Who created a unique range of tourist attractions during the 1970´s as an antidote to the many water parks and gold courses that were springing up in other Spanish sun posts as tourism first took off.

Amongst the most impressive of these is the Jameos del Agua – an incredible underground grotto built into a collapsed lava tube – which was described by Hollywood legend Rita Heyworth as the eighth wonder of the world.

The Mirador del Rio – an incredible look out point giving a bird’s eye view across to the neighbouring island of La Graciosa.  And The Jardin de Cactus in Guiatiza – which is a celebration of the plant worlds spiniest species.  And Manrique ´s own house in Tahiche – surely the most unusual property in Lanzarote.  Built into five underground volcanic chambers.

Whilst Lanzarote offers sunshine and low rainfall all year round the best times of the year to visit are during September and October.  When the Trade Winds which blow across the island have died down a little, the heat of summer has eased and the sea is at its warmest.

And despite Lanzarote´s enormous popularity as a tourist destination the island remains relatively unspoiled.  As development has been carefully controlled to ensure that it has not been submerged beneath a sea of five star concrete.

To find out more about Lanzarote and it’s many attractions visit the informative Lanzarote tourist guide – Lanzarote Guidebook – where you can download a free 112 page Guidebook to the island.