Wednesday, 13 January 2010

Car hire and car tours of Andalusia

Excursions from the Costa del Sol Southern Spain offers plenty of scope for car tours and car hire can be pre-booked and picked up at Granada or Malaga Airport. Inland from the Costa del Sol the great excursion is a journey round the White Towns. One route is inland north from San Roque outside Gibraltar, and north through Gaucin and Benadalid to Ronda and Olvera.

An alternative is from Malaga, north to Antequera, and then on minor roads via the gorge or garganta del Chorro to Alora, Bobastro and back to the coast via Cartama; a magnificent tour through wild mountain scenery.
East of Malaga, the mountains of the Sierra Nevada are the great touring attraction. One way to explore them is simply to head into the hills above Granada and roam at will. Sol y Nieve is a ski resort with garish buildings and an expanding network of lifts, which is not too attractive in summer. Just above it, however, lies the peak of the Veleta (3 419m; 11 217ft) the second highest peak of the range, and part of a ridge that runs off to the summit of the Sierra at Mulhacen (3 482m; 11 424ft), about 5km (3 miles) away. The views from this road are quite wonderful, with Africa and the Moroccan coast in sight on a clear day. From here, a good tour would take in the two towns of Lanjaron and Orgiva, not so much for themselves as for the pleasure of getting there.Further north lies the province of Jaen.

The city of Jaen Andalusia

The city of Jaen is unremarkable, but the countryside around it is off the tourist track and very beautiful. Two places which should be visited here are the towns of Ubeda and Baeza. Just to be different, Ubeda is a Christian, Renaissance town, largely dating from after the Reconquest, with some fine churches. Baeza goes one better and has a cathedral, and, like Ubeda, largely dates from the post­Reconquest, though the Moors built some of the fortifications. Both of these charming towns can easily be explored on foot or by hire car from Malaga Airport.

Almeria information

Almeria, which tends to be more barren than the rest and will appeal to those who like wild country has become one of the more popular Andalusian provinces, and now offers visitors plenty of attractions and things to do. Inland from the city of Almeria lie two mountain ranges, the Sierra de Gador and the Sierra de Alhamilla; the road to the hinterland runs between them to Tabernas. Places to visit up here include Guadix which has a Moorish castle and some troglodyte caves, and the splendid castle at La Calahorra on the road to Granada.

The Costa de la Luz

The Costa de la Luz lies on the Atlantic Ocean, running from the Portuguese frontier at Ayamonte to the Mediterranean at Tarifa and Algeciras. The Costa de la Luz is less developed than the Costa del Sol and those looking for a beach holiday may well find it more attractive. The beaches are better, being long and sandy and swept clean daily by the strong Atlantic tides.

Tourism has not yet spoiled the Costa de la Luz, though new developments are springing up as the former major sources of provincial wealth, the sherry trade and vineyards, have gone into decline. The Rio Tinto mines, which brought wealth to the region for many centuries, are not what they were either. The two main cities, Huelva and Cadiz, are both ports.
The town of Jerez de la Frontera is the largest town in the province of Cadiz and the principal attraction for tourists, who go there to visit the sherry cellars (bodegas). The major attraction for naturalists is the wilderness of the Doñana National Park. This lies at the mouth of the Guadalquivir, the great river that flows into the sea here. Sanlucar de Barrameda is the port which launched Magellan on his circumnavigation of the world. Sleepy Sanlucar is also the home of the exquisite manzanilla sherry.

Chipiona is a seaside resort, while Rota is larger and noisier with a magnificent beach. Coni!, to the south of Cadiz, is a pleasant family resort, close to the classic White Town of Vejer de la Frontera and historic Cape Trafalgar.

Beaches on the Costa de la Luz

Along the Costa de la Luz, the beach-lover is spoiled for choice, though since this is the tidal Atlantic coast, attention should be paid to warning flags and offshore currents. Cadiz has several good beaches, including Playas de la Barrosa, de la Victoria and Cortadura. North of Rota there are long sandy beaches at Regia, near Chipiona, and also near Sanlucar. The coast between the Coto Doiiana and Huelva is one long beach, backed by a handy coast road. The coast between Punta Umbria and Ayamonte is a tourist area, with good sandy beaches, which are, in effect, an extension of the Portuguese Algarve.

The Costa de la Luz does not have many of those modern resorts so common along the Costa del Sol. Cadiz, with a claim to be the oldest city in western Europe, has a charm all its own. It is well worth visiting, but the two main resorts lie across the bay, at Puerto de Santa Maria and the apartment and marina complex with the unfortunate name of Puerto Sherry. There is also a water park nearby called 'Aguasherry', so at least the children will have a good time. Tarifa, on the very tip of Spain, can also be counted as part of the Atlantic coast and has both a beautiful beach and reliable winds for the windsurfers.

HueIva's attractions multiply with the approach of Portugal. The principal resort close to Huelva is Punta Umbria. Matalascaiias is another small resort set on a 32-km (20-mile) long beach east of Huelva, chiefly noted for its easy access to the wildlife of the Doñana National Park. Further west, close to Portugal, pleasant places to stay include Ayamonte and Isla Cristina, both of which lie close to excellent beaches and are handy for excursions to Seville and across the Guadiana into the Portuguese Algarve.

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Thursday, 30 July 2009

10 great things to do on holiday in Huelva Spain

Not affected by mass tourism, as many other parts of Andalusia are, Huelva offers visitors a wealth of things to do and see. Take advantage of cheap car hire at Huelva Airport, Seville Airport or Malaga Airport and enjoy the sights and sounds of this fascinating city.



1. La Merced Cathedral Huelva Spain



Whether you are religious or not, you won´t fail to be impressed by the magnificent cathedral in Huelva. Car rentals in Huelva are cheaper than in other parts of Andalusia and you can pre-book cheap car hire before you fly. La Merced Cathedral, Huelva, Spain is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Huelva, and boasts a stunning facade.



2. The Great Theatre Huelva Spain



Airport car rentals at Huelva Airport Spain can be booked from just €90.00 per week. Visit the Gran Teatro by hire car, which was founded in 1923 and is the main venue for the city´s cultural events. The ornate interior links back to the days when Huelva saw an influx of foreign workers to work in the nearby Rio Tinto Mines. Films, plays and concerts are still shown regularly at the Gran Teatro Huelva.



3. Provincial Museum Huelva Spain



The Provincial Museum, Huelva Spain houses the city´s art collection. Take your time and hire a car from Huelva Airport to discover the many attractions in the city and around the region. Rooms in the museum are dedicated to archaeology and arts with permanent and temporary exhibitions. Also showing an interesting exhibit on copper mining at the Rio Tinto Mines, if you are planning to take advantage of cheap car hire in Huelva, this is an attraction not to miss.



4. El Carmen Market Huelva Spain



If you enjoy your food, drive your rental car in Huelva to the El Carmen Market. Here you will find fresh fish, prawns, squid and lobster plus a wide range of fruits and vegetables and fresh baked country bread. You can also buy the delicious locally-cured jamón Serrano from El Carmen Market. Perfect if you want to hire a car in Huelva and enjoy a picnic in the countryside.



5. Monastery visit Huelva Spain



In 1485, Columbus stayed at the 15th Century Franciscan monastery in Huelva where the abbott, Antonio de la Marchena, helped him persuade the Spanish monarchs, Fernando and Isabel, to finance his voyage. You can visit the monastery and its tranquil botanical gardens, along with an exhibition of paintings depicting Columbus´s life.



6. Harbour of the Caravels Huelva



Hire car and car rentals in Huelva can be booked from just €90.00 per week and provides the perfect way to experience the sights and sounds of this historic part of Spain. The Caravels Harbour is a waterfront exhibition with full size replicas of the ships Columbus used to voyage to America. There is an adjoining museum and artefacts and documents from the voyages of Columbus.



7. Visit Ayamonte from Huelva Spain



Ayamonte is just a short drive from Huelva by hire car, and is situated 15 km away from the city, and close to the Portuguese border. Well worth a visit, Ayamonte is home to attractive plazas, fountains, cobbled streets and pavement cafés. You can climb up the steep streets to the Costa de la Luz Parador and view the river down below, the suspension bridge and Portugal beyond.



8. Doñana National Park Huelva Spain



If you are thinking of booking airport car hire to explore Doñana National Park in Huelva, you should pre-book before you travel for the best discount car rentals deals available online. The Doñana National Park, Huelva is one of Europe´s major nature reserves and includes marshland, sand dunes and rugged terrain. The park is also home to the Iberian Lynx and a vast number of birds. Declared a national heritage site, the Doñana National Park is well worth a visit.



9. Birdwatching in El Rocio Huelva



If you want to take advantage of cheap car hire and discount car rentals at Huelva Airport, make sure you visit El Rocio. Sitauted on the edge of the Doñana National Park, and overlooking a vast marshland area, El Rocio is home to flamingos, herons, storks and raptors. El Rocio is a small village that is dominated by a large church, where pilgrims flock every May. Make the most of your cheap car rental in Huelva by visiting this wild and rugged part of Andalusia.



10. Flamenco show Huelva Spain



Nothing represents Spain quite like Flamenco. This passionate and moving music and dance can be found in many forms in Huelva, which is the birthplace of the fandango dance. Tour round the city of Huelva in your discount rental car, and enjoy some of the best flamenco clubs in Spain. Try the Peña Flamenca de Huelva in Plaza Paco Toronjo.

Cheap car hire and discount car hire in Huelva, Sevilla, Malaga and Jaen is a speciality of carhire4airports. You can explore Huelva and the whole of Andalusia by taking advantage of our discount car hire deals and our cheap airport car hire in Jaen, Jerez, Huelva, Seville, Cadiz, Almeria, Cordoba and Malaga. We work with major car hire companies and local companies in Huelva and the rest of Spain including Avis, Hertz, Helle-Hollis, Autos Brea, Auriga Crown Car Hire, Holiday Car Hire, Automoviles Ancora, Atesa, Opodo, 121 Car Hire, Beja Rent a Car, One Way Car Hire, Spain Car Hire, Swing Rent A Car, Sol Car Hire, Bahia Rent A Car, Gold Car Rental and Euro Car, and we arrange cheap car hire in every Spanish town including Palma de Majorca, Arganda del Ray, Arrecife, Algeciras, Aguadulce, Andorra, Cala Blanca, Gandia, Gijon, Asturias, Elche, El Hierro Airport, Fuerteventura Airport, Ibiza Airport, La Coruña, La Manga, Linares, Lerida, Las Palmas, Logrono, Merida, Mijas, Murcia, Nerja, Oviedo, Playa del Ingles, Playa Blanca, Burgos, Pozuelo, Zaragoza, Toledo, Tarragona, Torrevieja, Sitges and Valladolid.

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10 best things to do in Majorca

Majorca is one of Spain´s most popular tourist destinations and there are plenty of things to see and do. If you are planning to drive around this intriguing isle, book cheap car hire from Majorca Airport. You can hire a car in Majorca from just €100.00 per week.



1. Palma de Majorca Cathedral



Built between 1230 and 1601 (yes it took that long), the Cathedral in Palma Mallorca can be easily reached by discount hire car from the airport. Jaime I, the King of Aragon sailed into a storm on his way to recapture Mallorca in 1230 and vowed to the Virgin Mary to build a church in her honour if he was saved. Needless to say he did, even though, with a little help from his friends, it wasn´t finished until 1601. You can take a bus or taxi from Majorca Airport to Palma de Majorca, but the cheapest way to travel is to hire cheap car hire from the airport.



2. Dragon´s Caves Majorca Spain



South of Porto Cristo on the east coast of Mallorca, are the Dragon´s Caves, which can be easily reached by rental car from the airport. These amazing caves are home to stalactites and stalagmites and weird but wonderful limestone formations. Also see the incredible underground Lake Martel.



3. Enjoy the Mallorca beaches



The beauty of Mallorca is it can be navigated easily when you make the most of cheap car hire from the airport. Airport transport is available from Majorca Airport to your holiday destination but you can enjoy the comfort and independence discount car hire brings to your trip. The beaches are situated all around the coastline of Majorca and you should take your time to visit different areas of the island every day to top up the perfect suntan.



4. Shop at markets Majorca



Local markets in Majorca can be found in most of the towns, including Palma. Handicrafts are sold, along with leather goods, fruit, vegetables and a range of Mallorcan jewellery. Make the most of your cheap car rental and visit the craft markets and the main produce market in Palma city centre.



5. Spanish village Majorca



The Spanish village in Majorca shows the historic legacy of the island and the multi-culturism which makes Spain so different to other countries. Reproductions of famous buildings sit beside modern pavement cafés and bars, and this is a great attraction for all the family. If you want to hire an economy car in Majorca, you can pre-book a car rental for less than €110.00 per week.



6. Arabic Baths Palma Majorca Spain



If you are enjoying a driving holiday in Majorca, when you hire a discount car from the airport, make sure you visit the Arabic Baths, which were built in the 10th Century. You can book luxury car hire or even wedding car hire in Majorca at much cheaper prices than you would imagine. The Arabic Baths are one of the few remaining remnants of Moorish rule in Majorca and well worth a visit.



7. Walking mountains in Mallorca



If you make the most of low cost car hire from Mallorca Airport, travel to the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range in the north of the Island. This area is great for walking, hiking and cycling. Drive your hire car to Soller, and you will have a choice of trails to take. If you are fit enough, you could stay in one of the monasteries situated high up on the hillside and pick up your discount rental car the next day in Majorca.



8. Valldemossa Monastery Palma Mallorca



For country-lovers, visit the Valldemossa Monastery in Palma de Mallorca, the church next door and the museum. Surrounded by serene and tranquil countryside, this is the perfect place to relax. Chopin was said to have stayed here and you can visit the room he stayed in. Majorca can only be explored properly if you hire a car. You can go where you want when you want with discount car hire in Majorca, and avoid the tourist trails and the crowds if you want some peace and quiet.



9. Restaurants Majorca



Many of the island of Majorca´s top restaurants are situated in the Marina area, including Tristan Restaurant with a clutch of Michelin Stars. If you are looking for something more traditional, you can visit some of the great seafood restaurants around the island. The more touristy resorts have Brit bars, German restaurants and a wide range of cafés and international menus. Make the most of your time away, and explore the best places to eat and drink and hire a car from Majorca Airport.



10. Parc de la Mer Palma de Mallorca



Take your time to look around Palma and the outlying areas of Majorca to make the most of your visit. Drive to the Parc de la Mer with its cafés, murals, an art gallery and the magnificent Palma Cathedral close by. Pack a picnic in your hire car and enjoy a day at the park around the lake. Musical events and concerts also take place here during the warmer months of the year.

If you are visiting Majorca and are looking for cheap car hire, look no further than carhire4airports. We search over 450 car hire companies to find you the cheapest car hire in Majorca at the touch of a button. We work with car hire companies in Spain which specialise in cheap car hire and include Avis, Hertz, Autorent Alquiler de Vehiculos, Autos Romero Pravia, ,Bahia Rent A Ca, Economy Car Rental, Holiday Autos, Mauto Rent A Car, Holiday Car Hire, Gold Car Rentals, Opodo, 121 Car Hire, Auriga Crown Car Hire, Rhino Car Hire and Tenerife Car Hire, and we cover all major towns and cities for cheap car hire in Spain including Albacete, Seville, Benidorm, Benalmadena, Malaga, Almeria, Costa de la Luz, Figueres, Formentera, Derio, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria, Granada, Guadalajara, Jaen, Javea, L´Estartit, Lloret de Mar, Magalluf and Mahon. We specialise in cheap car hire in Spain and will not be beaten on price.

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10 top things to do in Cadiz

Cadiz is the most southern province in Andalusia, and is one of Europe´s oldest cities. Visitors to cadiz can enjoy travelling round the region when they book cheap car hire from Cadiz Airport. Cadiz was also Spain´s main shipping port for hundreds of years.



1. History in Cadiz Spain



If you want to explore the city´s rich history and culture, cheap car hire at Cadiz Airport is available when you pre-book your vehicle before travelling. You can fly into Jerez or Cadiz and airport car hire can be picked up close to the arrivals hall. Visit Cadiz Museum, which offers a rare collection of Roman artefacts and historic paintings by Spanish artists.



2. Beaches and car hire in Cadiz Spain



If you are planning to book airport car hire from Cadiz or Jerez, take your time to look around the area´s superb beaches. Playa de Victoria is the most popular, and stretches out over 2,500 metres. Cheap airport car hire is the best way to travel around Cadiz, and you will discover a wealth of restaurants and bars close to the many sandy beaches.



3. Holy Art in Cadiz Spain



You can take public transport from Cadiz or Jerez Airport, including buses or taxis, but the cheapest way to explore the churches and historical sites around the city is to book cheap car hire. Visit the Cadiz monuments by hire car, at your own pace, and enjoy the Oratorio de Santa Cruz Cadiz, which contains some of Goya´s most famous paintings.



4. Cadiz to Morocco by hire car



Travel from Cadiz to Algeciras and on to Morocco by discount hire car from the airport. You can take a ferry to Tangiers from Tarifa in one hour, or you can take the trip from Algeciras. Wherever you decide to travel from, take a trip to Gibraltar, which is only 30 minutes from Algeciras, and you can cross three different borders by hire car in a day. Tangiers is an exciting city with plenty of bars, restaurants and entertainment to keep you on your toes until late into the night.



5. Sierra de Grazalema Spain



If you are planning to drive around Cadiz, visit the stunning Sierra de Grazalema, situated north east of the city. The Sierra de Grazalema landscape can be easily navigated by hire car, and if you hire a car from Cadiz, Malaga or Seville Airport you will be able to take your time and travel around this beautiful area of Spain. Marvel at the deep gorges, the limestone cliffs and caves, and get away from the hustle and bustle of Cadiz city for a day or two. Cheap rental cars are available from every airport in Spain, including Seville, Madrid, Malaga and Barcelona if you pre-book them before you travel.



6. Information Vejer de la Frontera Cadiz Spain



No driving trip around Cadiz is complete without a visit to Vejer, Cadiz Spain. You can pre-book discount car rental from Cadiz Airport, and wind your way up to Vejer. Vejer de la Frontera is a typical Andalusian white village, and is hidden in the hills above the gorge of the River Barbate. Enjoy the squares and fountains situated in the village centre, and take your time to make the most of your discount car hire in Cadiz.



7. Tourist things to do Cadiz Spain



Once you arrive in Cadiz Spain by cheap hire car from the airport, you can make the most of the tourist trail which runs around the city centre. A pink line is painted on pavements which you can follow and leads you to places of interest in Cadiz such as the 19th century town hall, the cathedral, the decorated balconies and the Plaza de España. Hire a car in Cadiz city or from the airport and make the most of this fascinating region.



8. The Tavira Tower Cadiz Spain



The best way to travel from Cadiz Airport to your hotel or apartment is by car rental. Hire car in Cadiz and enjoy cheap travel in comfort. One of Cadiz´s major landmarks is the ancient tower of Tavira. The tower was originally part of the Palace of the Marquis of Recano and is 45 metres above sea level. The views from the Tavira Tower, Cadiz, Spain are stunning and the monument is easily reached by rental car from the airport.



9. Cadiz Cathedral Spain



Take a trip to Cadiz Cathedral which originally had a gold dome, and resembles a mosque. The building took over 100 years to construct and exhibits artefacts of gold and silver from the 16th century. Enjoy your stay in Cadiz and take your time to drive around and make the most of the area. Cheap car hire is available from Cadiz city and Cadiz Airport.



10. Cadiz Restaurants and Bars Spain



Cadiz is famous for its tapas bars and fine dining restaurants, and you can even join in the Ruta del Tapeo. Drive to Cadiz by hire car and enjoy the annual event which sees restaurants and bars compete for the most original tapa. If you are visiting at any other time of the year, take your time to sample dishes in different Cadiz restaurants.
If you are looking for cheap airport car rental in Cadiz or any other city in Spain, contact carhire4airports before you book anywhere else. We guarantee the cheapest car hire available in every city airport and town in Spain including Agaete, Aguadulce, Almeria, Almunecar, Bilbao, Seville, Burgos, Barcelona, Badajoz Airport, Cala Blanca, the Costa del Sol, Cala D´Or, Caceres, Calan Bosch, Calpe, Es Cana, Estepona, Gerona, Gijon, Gran Canaria, Ibiza Town, ,Ibiza Airport Jerez Airport, Los Gigantes, Marbella, Menorca, Majorca and Tenerife, plus Costa Dorada and Costa Tropical. We work with some of the major car hire companies including Hertz, Helle Hollis and Avis in Spain plus Auriga Crown Hire, Galaxi, Hispania, Holiday Car Hire, Opodo, 121 Car Hire, Gold Car Rental and Economy Car Rental. Check us out today – you won´t find cheaper car rentals or car hire anywhere.

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