The Andalucian village of Iznajar watches over the Embalse de Iznajar, the region`s largest lake, from its prominent position on the rocky outcrop above. Although it is a traditional white village of the area, it also boasts a lively social scene. Couple this with the stunning scenery makes Iznajar an ideal holiday destination, that still retains is unspoilt charm.Although technically on a lake, it is so huge you feel that you are by the sea. Valdearenas Beach offers all the facilities of a coastal beach; swimming, pedalos, canoes, sailing and other watersposrts, or you can just lie back and enjoy the sun and the sand, knowing the children can bathe safely. Or you can even indulge in a spot of fishing whilst revelling in the panoramic vistas.Originally an Iberian settlement form prehistoric times, the village also has Moorish ancestry, as reflected by its castle. Now just ruined remains, it is still a big pull to tourists, as are the old town walls that still stand in places. Stroll round the small square of Patio de las Comedias and imagine the art and theatre culture that probably took place here, if its name is any clue.The Iglesia de Santiago Church is also worth a look, as is the shrine of the Ermita de la Antigua with its domed vault and unusual eighteenth century dressing room. The little museum has some interesting exhibits and tales of local customs.The whitewashed area of Barrio del Cos features a maze of tiny streets that are just glorious to wander around and marvel at the architecture. The old town at the top of the hill also affords some great views and more can be found at miradores La Cruz de San Pedro and the Paseo de la ConstitucionIznajar acts as the entrance to the Sierras Subbeticas natural park, a ruggedly beautiful area of limestone plateaus and craggy peaks. Head to Ermita de la Virgin, a hermitage offering breathtaking views across the valley. Explore an impressive cave system at Cuevas de las Murcielagos or just follow one of the nine signposted walks to enjoy the natural fauna, flora and, of course, the views.The via Verde of the Subbetica is a transformed railway for walkers and cyclists, that still features the viaducts, tunnels and amazing views and makes for an pleasant way to experience the area.Iznajar hosts two major festivals; Semana Santa - Easter holy Week, featuring a unique theatrical presentation of the crucifixion; and in September theVirgin of Piety is celebrated with large processions ambling through the village. During April locals also celebrate San Marcos day by staging a huge picnic at Valdearenas.The town can get full during these times but it is possible to book late deals. There are also a range of hotels to suit all budgets and restaurants, cafes and bars. Whatever your reason for visiting the town, you won`t be disappointed, as it is a town that caters for its visitors without losing its grasp on its roots.
I am the person in charge of overseeing our ski properties. I have been involved in estate agency in the uk for 23 years and overseas for 9 years now. I am a verk keen skier and have been fortunate enough to have skied in many different parts of the world places like France, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, USA, Canada and even Scotland. I am also on my way very soon for a weeks skiing in Flaine in France so will write up on this blog my experiences of this resort when I arrive back.
I am keen to help clients buy property in or close to Ski resorts or, for the best of both worlds, areas where you can ski in the winter and enjoy the sunshine in the summer.
For decades Languedoc has produced wine on the plains between the mountains and the sea and is responsible for much of the French table wine or house wine offered by restaurants here in the UK. To be brutally honest the critics have not always been very kind and it is a sad fact that quantity often appeared to be the aim rather than quality and with the arrival of the “New World” wines and inorived wine production and quality control from vineyards worldwide (even here in the UK) the reputation of Lanuguedocienne wine slipped further.
Changes in the EEC subsidies, the mystery that will always be the Common Agriculture Policy and the infamous “wine lakes” mean that hectare after hectare of vines have been “grubbed up” which I am told is the correct term for turning the land away from wine in favour of food or grain production or even away from agriculture entirely.
Of course the wine industry hasn’t ceased entirely, this is France we are talking about and the Languedoc still makes a significant contribution to the billions of bottle wine exported annually. The difference in quality, however, is startling and more and more often wines produced in our favourite area of France are proving favourites with the critics too winning awards, plaudits and “wine of the week” nominations.
Last week, David Williams in the observer was impressed by the Paul Mas Vermentino PGI Pays d’Oc, Languedoc 2009 praising “the prolific and highly talented winemaker Jean-Claude Mas”. Another white that met with David’s favour was the Laurent Miquel Vendanges Nocturnes Viognier Languedoc 2009. Cabernet Sauvignon, Domaine Saissac, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2008 too was a winner described by the writer as irresistable.
Moving on to the reds he suggets La Devèze Rouge, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Vieilles Vignes, Languedoc Roussillon and his comments about the red wines of the region as a whole “There is an untamed quality to the best southern French reds that this wine.. has in spades” and in true Languedoc cuisine style he ends “ideal bottle to drink with a rosemary-and-garlic-heavy leg of lamb or a rich cassoulet”. Observer 13 Feb 2011
The week before David selected Mont Tauch Les Garrigues Grande Reserve Grenache Noir 2010, Fitou, Languedoc as one of his three wines of the week with its “smooth and warming, with a succulent plummy character” Observer 6 Feb 2011
The Green movement, whatever you thoughts for or against, is growing and Languedoc id firmly at the centre of the move to organic wine production. Helped by its ideal climate there are now nearly 800 organic wine producers in the region contributing around a third of the entire organic production of France. So one of the oldest wine producing regions in the country is embracing new ideas (or returning to the old ones) and producing quality wines once again.
Altinkum BeachAltinkum lies along the crystal waters of the Aegean Sea in the sunny Didim region of Turkey. Altinkum`s long, fine sandy beaches have been marvelled at for centuries and have even given the resort its name, translated as “Golden Sands”. The name is no exaggeration, as Altinkum`s wide sandy beaches stretch for over a kilometre and glisten alluringly in the golden Aegean sun.
Unlike its busier neighbours, Bodrum and Kusadasi, Altinkum retains a small and quiet, quintessentially Turkish charm whilst still being a popular tourist destination. With plenty of restaurants, shops and activities on offer, the resort provides all the services and amenities a demanding family would need, yet is small and quiet enough to give a real sense of “getting away from it all”.
Things To Do
Top of anyone`s list of things to do in Altinkum has to be visiting one of its three stunning beaches. All three are sandy, safe and are kept very clean. They slope gently into shallow, clam waters, which makes them perfect for families with small children. The activities and facilities available are the same as most well developed European beach resorts, with water sports including windsurfing, jet skiing and snorkeling. Sun-loungers and parasols are widely available and drinks and food are never far away. It is easy to see why most people don`t venture too far from the beach whilst in Altinkum, however the resort has much more to offer the traveller who can peel themselves from their sun bed.
Any holiday in Turkey would not be complete without a shopping trip, the Turkish way. In this respect Altinkum doesn`t disappoint. Along the pedestrianised seafront are many stalls and boutiques selling jewellery, souvenirs and gifts. This is a great place to test out your bartering skills and to pick up some mementos along the way. Further into town are many more delights for the avid shopper. Altinkum`s main shopping area surrounds Dolphin Square. Here you fill find endless bazaars and emporiums selling everything from fine hand woven rugs to counterfeit designer handbags. There is also a large shopping mall within close distance of Altinkum containing most of the expected and a lot of the unexpected shops and services.
Those looking for some history from their stay in Turkey are well situated in Altinkum. Regular bus services link Altinkum with the significant historic sites of the Temple of Apollo in Didyama, the ancient Roman ruins in Ephesus and the ancient spas in Pamukkale. Its position on the Aegean coast makes it a perfect base for exploring by boat the numerous historic sights throughout the region.
Dining & Nightlife
The majority of the restaurants in the resort cater for a largely British crowd and this is reflected both in their names and the food they offer. Along the seafront expect mainly British fare, however there are many hidden gems dotted around Dolphin square where you can find authentic Turkish cuisine at very reasonable prices. Self-caterers will find everything they need in the many supermarkets in the town centre. Restaurants and bars along the seafront are open well into the night and there are nightclubs for the party animals. Favourites in the region are Medusa and Dolphin bar. The resort is lively though not rowdy.
Altinkum is a great all-round destination, perfect for last minute holidays as it offers a wide variety of attractions and activates that will satisfy even the most demanding of travellers.
So we have our budget flight to Malaga and we leave the airport heading like lemings for the coastal resorts, the concrete, the high-rise, the english beer and roast beef sunday lunches looking for “England in the sun” (For England please substitute your homeland). Fine if that’s your thing but what have we missed?
Let me introduce Iznajar - just a short drive inland from Malaga and equally accessible from the likes of Cordoba Iznajar centres around the lake and is an area of outstanding natural beauty and despite this it remains a true taste of “real Spain”
Download Introduction to Iznajar our simple introduction and ask us about the amazing value for money properties in this beautiful and convenient part of Andalucia. info@suncastle.co.uk
We look to the future and many of us with an interest in travel and life overseas consider retirement in a foreign country. My own destination of choice would be the wonderful Languedoc in Southern France - wonderful climate, amazing scenery and a history all of its own. Add to that the cuisine of the region and I am sure my days would be filled.
We have the dreams but not everybody can experience it and, for those who do does it “do what it says on the tin”?
I have just discovered a blog by Languedoc Lady - recently retired and swapping California for life in Languedoc. Check it out! http://gayleen5.wordpress.com/
Another Christmas has come and gone in a flurry of hype expense and anti-climax and 2011 is now with us. For those of us here in the UK the cold weather makes us think of summer, of blue skies and blue seas, outdoor eating… I am getting carried away now!
OR… for the winter sports enthusuasts it suggests the piste, the ski and the gluwhein.
Whatever your preference and wherever you would choose to spend your time I hope that the coming year allows you to live your dream and that 2011 proves to be a happy, healthy and pleasant year for us all.
Would I criticise the banks?…. well, probably I would!
Do I believe the banks give us a good deal when it comes to sending money abroad?……. Absolutely not!
For those of you lucky enough to be getting ready to send the purchase money to France, Italy, Spain, Canada or whichever little part of the world is to become yours stop and think before you do. Do not simply rely on your bank to transfer the money on your behalf no matter how helpful and friendly your local branch may be - it could be a decision that could cost you hundreds if not thousands of pounds on the exchange rates alone.
When we are changing £100 into euros for a day trip to Malaga then a percentage point or two may be relatively insignificant and convenience may be more important - “what is a couple of quid here or there anyway?”. What if that £100 is £100,000 that “couple of quid” could be a “couple of grand” or that £200,000 villa could cost you an extra £4,000.
Banks, like most of the high street offer (despite my personal bias) good general middle of the road, usually, convenient and hopefully reliable service but there are times you need a specialist. The local newsagent deals with money all day every day but you would be unlikely to ask him to prepare your tax returns!
There are companies like Foremost that specialise in foreign exchange transactions and offer commercial exchange rates, lower commission charges and can transfer money around the world with all the efficiency and security of your local Royal Bank of Halifax West plc. So if you are thinking of transferring money overseas (or back here for that matter) or if you have dollars that you want to convert to euro or any other foreign exchange transaction let us know - we can probably help (or we know a man that can!)
