Archive for September, 2009

Marbella Villas: Moving Back into the Sun

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Combining the rush to modernise with political tensions in the post-Franco era (and just a little acquisitiveness), many coastal towns have experienced a concrete sprawl, typified by the 1993 Bigas Luna film Huevos de Oro (Golden Balls), a surreal comedy noir about a crazed developer who dreams of building the biggest sky-scraper in town. But in Marbella, at least, the supply of new villas is only just beginning to recover, after a scandal worthy of a Bigas Luna plot.

To most, Marbella has a reputation as the Costa del Sol’s quality resort, with its stylish restaurants and bars, surviving historic quarter, and ample beaches. The wealthy build their villas in the hills on the outskirts of the town, or around the marina and casino complex at Puerto Banus: and while the town has an atmosphere of exclusivity demonstrated by the many Rolls Royce cars, and luxury Marbella villas ranging between 1 and 6 million euros, there is a demand for more affordable new and used properties, of 750,000 euros and under. But until recently, there has been a shortfall of these newer properties.

In the 90s, the town’s populist mayor (who was also a property developer, and renowned for bad language and fisticuffs) rushed through a number of planning applications, for individual villas and for resorts, which contravened previous planning regulations. A new planning document was drawn up by the Town Hall, but failed to receive approval from the regional government. The Town Hall went ahead giving licenses mainly for apartments within the Marbella municipality. The boiling point was reached when the central government dismissed all the councillors of the Marbella Town Hall, following a court investigation that found that there had been corruption in the granting of ‘illegal’ licences. During a year or so, many Marbella apartments were difficult to sell, as the licences were considered suspect. As a result, banks would not grant mortgages on these properties.

In recent months, a newly elected Mayor and town council have drawn up a new urban plan, which would mean that 95 percent of these properties would be legalized They understand that the priority is to reactivate the Marbella Real Estate Market and give security to buyers and property owners. This will no doubt be good news for the Marbella property scene.

The PGOU Urban Plan will be open to public observation from August to October, in an attempt to gain support, and will hopefully be approved by the beginning of 2008, providing any issues related to environmental impact and technical specifications have been resolved. Other actions that the Town Hall has put in place are cleaning, security and public works to the promenade, beaches and monuments. Security is a concern for families lured by the area’s international schools, but who don’t want to experience the downside of living in a rich man’s paradise.

If the only resort in Europe with a year-round season, rolling green hills and the rich history of Andalucia appeals to you (not to mention the golf courses and yaughting), now is the time to have a look at finding a villa in Marbella. And of course, make sure that the builder and property developer are fully insured.

Permanent link to this post: Marbella Villas: Moving Back into the Sun
From the Europe weblog

Exciting Things to Do in Spain

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Spain is the ninth largest country in the world in terms of economy. It also has the fifth largest economy in the European Union. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, and is a wonderful country that is rich in history and culture. It has been a popular holiday destination because of the many things that it can offer to make your holiday a great and exciting one. There are a lot of beautiful places to visit, magnificent historical buildings, glorious beaches, etc. Here is your guide to the kind of activity you want to do during your holiday vacation in Spain.

Sports Activities

There are a lot of fun sporting activities in Spain. You can play golf or watch a football game if you want to. If you want nature tripping, you can go hiking. You can also stay in the warm, sandy beaches in Spain and enjoy the sun. Then you can enjoy water sports as well like scuba diving in the Mediterranean sea or take a day trip to the famous Canary Islands, also a Spanish territory.

Historical Places

You can have a taste of Spain’s rich history. It has plenty to offer, from ancient castles to World Heritage cities. Spain has the most of these World Heritage cities among any single country in the world. There are historic buildings as well that you can explore and learn about the history of Spain.

Night Life

A siesta is part of the Spanish culture. With this practice, it gives them more extra energy for late-night activities. So you can expect a lively night life in Spain that will keep you out of boredom when the sun starts to set.

For Family and Kids

The country of Spain is also suitable for your kids and your whole family. Spain has fascinating treasures to share with you. Your family will surely enjoy interesting museums, zoos, and safaris. You can all enjoy a walk to nature trails, explore Spain’s natural preserves, visit aquariums and watch the dolphins play.

There are also theme parks in Spain that your family can enjoy especially your kids if they enjoy adrenaline rides. They can have a great time with its fun, exciting, wild rides which all ensure your family’s safety.

With these various things to do and visit in Spain, you and your family will have a wonderful holiday vacation that will make you come back on the next holiday. Spain is such an extraordinary place to visit during the holidays.

If you are on a tight budget, you can look for cheap holiday packages to Spain. There are a lot of travel companies that offer cheap holidays to Spain. The internet is a great resource if you want to search for great travel deals. There are packages that doesn’t only include airfare and hotel accommodations but extra activities as well. You can choose for a package that includes the kind of activity you want to enjoy in Spain or the one that includes a trip to Spain’s beautiful and historical places.

Permanent link to this post: Exciting Things to Do in Spain
From the Europe weblog

From The Very Hot, To The Very Cool

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

The first is the city’s annual festival in honor of Barcelona’s patron saint, the Virgin de la Merce.

This is a week long celebration in late September characterized by events of all types. Most notable are its parades of giants (the parade consists of huge wooden giants controlled by operators on the ground) and the festival’s regular competition to build the largest human tower. In some cases, the human towers, people standing on top of people, can reach as high as 50 feet.

The festival also includes many sporting events including a swimming competition across the city’s harbour, and, like any good festival, it includes imbibing vast amounts of alcohol such as the Catalonian champagne Cava. The culmination of all the festivals events is the Correfoc. This is the race of fire where devils race through crowded streets while playing with fire, fireworks, and with the people themselves.

The Festes del Merce is a truly hot time to mark the end of the long hot Catalan summer.But Barcelona doesn’t end its festivities with the end of the summer.

As the temperature in the region moves from hot to cool, so does the citys entertainment. Barcelona is well known for its admiration of Jazz and Blues. Its International Jazz Festival is one of the largest, and the longest running, in all of Europe and brings to the city the very coolest of international Jazz and Blues artists.

The festival takes place between October and December of each year and attracts the best musicians from all over the world. In addition to providing an outstanding venue for music, the festival also provides workshops and classes for aspiring Jazz artists and often includes advice or suggestions from some of the top talent at the festival.

Barcelonas festivals are but a few of its principal attractions. The citys location on the Mediterranean Sea, its overall 21st century spirit, and its world-class art and architecture make it a compelling destination for any visitor at any time of the year. In the middle of all the festivities, visitors should make a point not to miss the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miro Park, the imposing Catedral La Seu, the central promenade of La Rambla, and, of course, the waterfront itself.

Of particular note, visitors should be sure to visit the buildings of the revolutionary architect, Antoni Gaudi. Both the Casa Batllo and the Sagrada Familia are spectacular monuments to his unique modernist vision.

Permanent link to this post: From The Very Hot, To The Very Cool
From the Europe weblog

Why You Should Play Golf in Spain

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

Spain is one of the best destinations to go to for your golf holiday so if you are looking for the best climate along with great golf courses, there is no better location for your next holiday. Planning this kind of trip will require you to do a good deal of research. There are a number of resources available to you when you are planning your next trip.

Choosing to play golf in Spain is the ideal choice for taking your golfing holiday at any time of year because the climate is just right for enjoying your favourite sport all year round. The world class courses and the stunning beauty of the area make this one of the most popular destinations for golfing enthusiasts.

There are many resources available to you online that will help you plan your holiday to play golf in Spain. There are sites that will provide you with all of the information that you need about Spain as well as specific courses, tee times, etc. Spain is a wonderful country to visit and you will be able to find something to do for every member of your travelling party.

You will be able to book your tee times online with many of the sites and also find accommodations for everyone in your party. Why not try a spa and golf holiday for you and that special someone in your life? While you are enjoying your golf in Spain, your partner can enjoy the pampering and relaxation of a day at the spa. Including everyone in your family is the best way to enjoy your holiday.

Getting a group together for golf in Spain is another way that you can enjoy your holiday. Imagine spending a holiday in Spain with all your pals playing as much golf as you want. Booking a trip like this is simple with the use of many of the online resources that are available out there. In most cases, you can book your tee times well before you ever head off on your holiday. There is no need to wait until you get there to find out about playing golf in Spain. Just take a look at the number of resources that are waiting for you online.

However you plan to spend your holiday, there is plenty of opportunity for you to play golf in Spain. But you should also be sure to take some time away from the course and visit some of the great Spanish attractions. There are clubs to dance the night away and some quaint old world areas where you can relax and enjoy the sightseeing.

Start planning your holiday in Spain now to be sure that you include everything you want to do on the trip. Make sure that you get a good listing of the courses in the area and the tee times. Spain is a fabulous place and you will also want to plan a few days to just explore the area and enjoy the beauty of the country.

Permanent link to this post: Why You Should Play Golf in Spain
From the Europe weblog

Add European news or articles

Friday, September 25th, 2009

For Authors and Corresponder

Here are several of the most common benefits of using a free advertising blog:

1. It is free. As you can imagine, this is the biggest benefit. There are many people and companies that spend a lot of money to advertise their products and/or services online. Why do that when you can use a free advertising blog to your advantage?

2. They are easy to use. Contrary to popular belief, it is quite easy to use a free advertising blog if you know what you are doing. After you register and are ready to post your advertisement, you are closer than ever to seeing just how many benefits are available.

3. You can gain free links. When you post your advertisement you can gain links to your site. To go along with this, you may even see an increase in traffic.

These are three of the main benefits of using a free advertising blog. There are many others that you are sure to come across as you begin to use these sorts of blogs on a more regular basis. With many benefits there is no reason to not be using free advertising blogs.

The special offer!!!

If you have a relevant information, a content on site subjects then you have possibility of free placing of 30 articles on our site (is admissible placing no more than 3 references).  Send your offers on email: inspection&li.ru, after the statement our managers you become the author. Tell to all world about itself, about the travel and adventures, become own independent correspondent.

Permanent link to this post: Add European news or articles
From the Europe weblog