Showing posts with label Mediterranean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mediterranean. Show all posts

Saturday, 10 October 2009

History Of Cadiz, Spain

Cadiz is a Spanish city that is steeped in history.
  • It claims to be Europe's oldest city.
  • Founded 3000 years ago by the seafaring Phoenician traders in 1100BC.
  • The Phoenicians called it “Gadir”, which means “enclosure" or "walled compound".
  • Legend has it that the city was founded by Hercules.
  • Cadiz was raided by Sir Francis Drake in 1587 when he destroyed the shipping fleet of Cadiz.
  • The city has been under the control by Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors.
  • Columbus set sail from the port of Cadiz for America on his second and fourth voyage.
  • Cadiz was at it's height of prosperity in the 15th century.
  • The city faced repeated attacks from both the British and French.
  • It became a fortified town and approximately 160 watch towers were constructed in the 18th century to guard against sea borne invaders.
Cadiz is a beautiful city with stunning buildings and landmarks that help to tell the story of it's rich and varied historical past. A city definately worth a visit.

Ibiza Town & Hippy Market Of Es Cana

Ibiza is a pretty island and has more to offer than just the infamous nightlife. We visited Ibiza during our Mediterranean cruise back in October 2006 and the weather was glorious as you can see from the photographs and the scenery was very picturesque.

As well as admiring the views from Ibiza town over the Mediterranean and relaxing at a bar on the sea front, we also did an excursion to the famous Hippy Market of Es Cana, which is one of Ibiza's most popular tourist excursions.

The Hippy Market is full of stalls that sell everything from cakes to jewellery, pictures to leather items. A great place to grab a souvenir or a gift for family and friends back home.

The market has a great atmosphere and the rhythms of violins and guitars can be heard as you wander from stall to stall.

The centre of the market has a stage area for live acts to play.

Back in 2006 this was a half day excursion which cost £18.50 each and was available on a Wednesday.

If you love shopping and the hustle and bustle of a market stall then this is a great excursion.

Island Cruises Mediterranean Charm Cruise On Island Escape

In October 2006 we went on the Island Cruises Mediterranean Charm cruise onboard the Island Escape cruise ship.

We flew to Palma and then boarded the Island Escape cruise ship.

Ports of call included:
This was a great cruise, the destinations were interesting, the cruise ship was relaxed and friendly and the weather for the end of October was very good.

The Hippy Market Of Es Cana, Ibiza

The world famous Hippy Market Punta ArabĂ­ of Es Cana is one of Ibiza's most popular tourist attractions in Ibiza.

This market is open every Wednesday from April to October from 10.00am to 6.30pm on the grounds of the Club Punta Arabi. There is ample car parking and coach trips, buses and boats run from around the island to enable you to get there. Entry to the market is free and parking is 5 euros.

The Hippy Market is full of countless stalls that are located beneath the shade of pine trees along winding paths between pretty white bungalows. The stalls sell everything from cakes to jewellery, pictures to leather items, sequinned bags to cotton clothing. Many stalls sell handmade items so it is a great place to grab a souvenir or a gift for family and friends back home.

The market has a great atmosphere and the rhythms of drums, violins and guitars can be heard as you wander from stall to stall.

Whenwe were there the centre of the market had a stage area for live acts to play. Food and drink can be bought at the market so a half day or full day can be easily spent at the Hippy Market.

If you love shopping and the hustle and bustle of market then this is a great excursion.

Monday, 31 August 2009

Open Top Bus Tour At Cadiz

When I visited Cadiz on my Med cruise back in 2006, my husband and I decided to take the open top bus tour of Cadiz.
The City Sightseeing Tour Bus company now costs €10.99 for a adult day pass and €5.50 for a childs day pass. The tour takes about 70 minutes and can be taken all year round.

Here are some of the sights we saw;

Puerta de Tierra

Cathedral of Cadiz - the cupolas of the cathedral.



Old Town Hall of Cadiz


Views of the roof tops of Cadiz


Buildings in Cadiz - many of the buildings have towers on them.



Historic Statue


The City Sightseeing Tour Bus is definately worth the money and a great way to see the historic landmarks and buildings of Cadiz.