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The Souss-Massa National Park, Morocco

mayo 15th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Approximately one hour south of Agadir, Morocco, lies the Souss-Massa National Park. The park is one of the final green enclaves before reaching the Moroccan desert, and it has become an important nature reserve protecting endangered species, forming an ideal ecosystem for pink flamingos, cranes and the bald ibis.

In Sous Massa visitors can get close to endless species of wildlife, both flora and fauna.  There is also an interesting swamp and some beautiful beaches in the park; the perfect places to spend a peaceful, stress-free day!

This national park in Morocco takes its name from the rivers Souss and Massa, which divide the park’s near 40 000 hectares into three spits, descending in triangular form to the foothills of the Atlas and Antiatlas mountains.  The region in which the park is located is called Sus-Masa-Draa, whose capital is the famous city of Agadir, founded by the Portuguese in the year 1500.

All kinds of Moroccan landscape can be found in the park. Sandy coastlines, crop fields, sand dunes and rocky cliffs, as well as forests of the Maghreb’s typical tree – the argan – interweave the Souss-Massa landscape. The variety of the panorama, which combines areas of high humidity with other, more arid, areas where vegetation struggles to grow, forms a living portrait of deepest Morocco.

It goes without saying that a trip to the Souss-Massa National Park is essential if you are visiting this beautiful land.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has a 4-star hotel in Agadir: the IBEROSTAR Founty Beach, which boasts a bank of fine sand just opposite its facilities and is close to the center of Agadir, the principal tourist destination in Morocco.  On the shores of the Atlantic, this hotel in Agadir offers its guests maximum comfort and relaxation. “

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The Serra de Tramuntana, a haven for artists

abril 30th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

From Palma de Mallorca, a road heading north away from the crowds heads towards the Serra de Tramuntana. It takes only a quarter of an hour to stand in Valldemossa, a village surrounded by mountains where, for several years, the pianist Frédéric Chopin lived with his lover, the writer George Sand. The illustrious couple moved into the Cartuja de Valldemossa, famous for its green ceramic bell, located in the heart of the town, a special place where he composed sublime music and she wrote books such as A Winter in Mallorca, which recounts her experiences in the island.

On a walk through the narrow streets of the old town of Valldemossa, one can follow in the footsteps of people such as Santiago Rusiñol, Rubén Darío and Miguel de Unamuno. Their romantic spirit remains intact, especially in calle de la Rectoría, with doors and balconies full of potted flowers and plants.

The walk is a good prelude to a visit to the Costa Nord center, the Serra de Tramuntana Interpretation Center, located at the entrance of Valldemossa. This modern exhibition space displays the area’s cultural and natural attractions, highlighting the figure of Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria, who came to Mallorca to do work on the Balearic Islands and, after visiting the north, began buying land to build houses, viewpoints and chapels, all connected by an extensive network of roads.

The center was promoted by actor Michael Douglas, in love with the Serra Tramuntana and owner of the hacienda S’Estaca, built by the Archduke in the nineteenth century.

From Valldemossa it is easy to get to the town of Deià. It is famous for its local color and also for the artists who have spent long periods there, attracted by the magic of the area’s inspiring landscapes: Julio Cortázar, Ava Gardner, Robert Graves, Eric Clapton, Mike Oldfield and Mark Knopfler are just some of those who have walked through the winding streets of the center, swum in the cove and tasted the typical pa amb oli or ensaimada and coffee in the roadside terraces.

One of the most beautiful corners of the town, with beautiful sea views, is located on top of the hill: the graveyard. A lovely place, where a small and unpretentious headstone indicates the burial place of Robert Graves, so in love with Deià that he chose to rest there forever.

 

“The excellent location of IBEROSTAR hotels in Mallorca, scattered throughout the island, is a unique opportunity to discover all its secrets.”

 

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Spinalonga Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.

abril 4th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Spinalonga Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, near the island of Crete, between the town of Elounda and the Gulf of Mirabello, is one of the most popular and frequently visited tourist attractions. The name comes from the Italian for “long spine”. In Greek, its official name is “Kalidon islote”. The island’s history begins in 1579, when the Venetians built a fortress on the island to protect their possessions and fleet in Crete from Turkish attacks. This island was also a haven for Christians in times of war, as the walls that reach the seashore prevented any ships from landing. Subsequently, it was conquered by the Turks and, years later, recovered by the Cretans. After that, the island was used as a leper colony, but don’t let this gruesome part of the island’s past put you off, because Spinalonga Island is outstandingly beautiful.

You can reach it by sea, boarding a boat in Plaka or if you prefer, by walking on a paved road from the bay of Elounda, a beautiful seaside path that leads to the neck of land that connects to Spinalonga. Formerly this was all marsh area, but in 1898 a canal was dug to connect the bay with the Gulf of Mirabello, which is marked by two beautiful stone mills.

Spinalonga is definitely a place worth visiting and is also close to other places that you do not want to miss, such as Hersonissos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Crete Aquarium, Knossos and Diova cave.

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts Group has 5 hotels in the island of Crete, 4 and 5 stars with the option of an all-inclusive stay. These hotels offer visitors everything they might need while on holiday on the Greek island”

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Sports and adventure in Tunisia

marzo 27th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

The perfect climate of Tunisia is an invitation and a temptation for all those who love sports and adventure. Whether you like calm and safe sports, or whether you prefer an adrenaline rush, in Tunisia you will find countless options.

Water sports such as sailing are much more affordable in Tunisia than in other Mediterranean countries, and the best ports are El Kantaoui, Sidi Bou Said, Monastir and Djerba. The coral reefs at Tabarka, Hergla and Djerba are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing can be practiced in Hammamet, Sousse, Sidi Bou Said and Djerba. And in all of the beaches in the country you can go water skiing.

If you prefer staying inland, go hiking or trekking in any of the 6 National Parks in the country, and you will be surprised with the landscape, flora and fauna you’ll discover. Visiting Tunisia without going on a camel ride is a crime! Feel free to take a ride on the back of these exotic dromedaries. You can choose between a few hours walk to a trip through the desert lasting several days, a whole adventure which you will never regret or forget. If you’re into slightly more extreme sports, you have the option of surfing and skiing on sand dunes. Surfing the Douz’s sand dunes or crossing Chott el Jerid on a sand yacht are opportunities you don’t come across in many places in the world, so enjoy it! Another extreme adventure you’ll never forget is flying over the Sahara in an ultralight or a hot air balloon, a view that will mark the desert in your memories for life. Less extreme but just as fun it is to travel through the desert on a buggy or quad. Riding through the dunes on these vehicles gives you a sense of freedom and a huge adrenaline rush.

Do you want to go on adventures in Tunisia?

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Tunisia offer a peaceful or adventurous holiday near the Sahara desert, always providing guests with the most comfortable facilities and comprehensive services so that you can make the most of your stay in Tunisia.”

 

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Samaria Gorge

marzo 13th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Samaria Gorge lies in the west of Crete, close to Chania, and runs along the River Omalos, between the region known as the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and Mount Volakias. It is Europe’s longest gorge, stretching out for 16 kilometres, and reaching altitudes of up to 1,200 metres. The widest section of the gorge measures 150 metres and the narrowest a mere 3 metres.

The National Park of Samaria or the White Mountains is the only one of the largest of the Greek islands. It is characterised by a steep rugged limestone terrain with deep valleys lined by sheer walls and is home to the island’s two most emblematic animal species: the bearded vulture, the most beautiful of the European vultures, and the agrimi or kri-kri, an endemic species of mountain goat, whose numbers have dwindled alarmingly and are now only to be found in this protected natural area and on the island of Dia, lying just off the coast opposite Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

The Samaria National Park boasts an immense wealth of flora and fauna. It is home to around 450 species of plants and animals (apart from the bearded vulture and the kri-kri), all protected by law in an attempt to conserve Samaria’s finely-balanced ecosystem. Visitors can admire the vast forests of pine and cypress trees, which have grown there since the days of ancient Crete, when the island was covered entirely by trees and the wood was widely-used in the construction of ships.

Samaria Gorge is 13 km long, to which we must add a further 3 kilometres as far Agia Roumeli. As we make our way along the gorge, we will come across the Church of Saint Nicholas, built in the ruins of a former village. Halfway along the gorge lies the village of Samaria whose name comes from a nearby 14th century church called Osia Maria (Saint Mary). The inhabitants of Samaria abandoned the village in 1962, when it was declared a nature park. Today the houses are used as shelters by the park wardens, and also offer an interesting insight into traditional local architecture. The route will also take us past Venetian-style castles, the ruins of prehistoric settlements and other archaeological remains.

It takes between 4 and 7 hours to complete this route, depending on each person’s degree of fitness, but however long it takes, this is an experience that no hiking lover will want to miss.

For the less energetic there is an easier, shorter route from Agia Roumeli to the ‘Iron Gates’ (Sideroportes), the narrowest stretch of the gorge. At this point the gorge is so narrow that the 350 metres walls that rise up over our heads appear to be about to gobble us up!

So do you fancy walking along Europe’s longest canyon?

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 5 four and five star hotels on the island of Crete with our All Inclusive accommodation option. These hotels offer visitors everything they could need during their holidays on this Greek island”.

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The best of Tunisia

marzo 11th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

A warm and friendly country, Tunisia is an authentic melting pot where the Berber, Arab, African and European cultures have blended to forge a strong cultural identity that is unlike any other.
The population is made up mainly of Muslims and the country’s official religion is Sunni Islam, although the Jewish and Christian communities practise their faith freely, further enriching the country’s cultural diversity.

Contrary to what many may think, Tunisia is not just a sun and sand destination boasting paradisiacal beaches. By venturing further into the country, you will discover authentic marvels in its more traditional towns.

But the beaches are indeed superb, and any trip to Tunisia should include a few days by the sea. The beaches of Hammamet are the best-known, renowned for their cleanliness, fine sand, crystalline waters and delightful temperature. Also highly valued are the beaches of the Island of Djerba. Lying to the east of the capital, these stunning beaches are the ideal spot for scuba diving.

In addition to its beaches, Tunisia offers us a wealth of culture, traditions and monuments. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Roman Coliseum of El Djem; built over 1,700 years ago, it could hold more than 40 thousand spectators! The ruins of the ancient city of Sbeïtla are considered to be among Tunisia’s most important legacy from the days of the Romans, second only to the Coliseum of El Djem. Several of the city’s temples have withstood the passing of time and remain intact. The ruins of the ancient city of Carthage make up another of the many archaeological sites that are well worth a visit. Although many of the buildings that formed part of the complex have deteriorated over the centuries, it is definitely not to be missed.

Also well worth a visit is the Holy City of Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the Arab conquerors in the 7th century, its importance for the peoples of Islam is on a par with that of Mecca and Jerusalem. The Great Mosque, whose structure dates back to the same time as the founding of Kairouan, is considered to be one of the most important religious remains. Equally intriguing are the labyrinths of Tamezret, a town situated on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert and of particular interest due to its maze-like layout of streets and squares. It is also one of the few remaining towns in northern Africa where the ancient Berber language is still spoken.  The town of Douz is the gateway to the Sahara. Its charm lies in the huge white gate situated on one of its main streets, separating the bustling life of the town from the silence of the arid desert. It is also the site of one of the largest oases in southern Tunisia. Other oases that are well worth a visit include the one in Tozeur, the largest in the country and a popular tourist spot or the one in Nefta, considered to be the most beautiful in all Tunisia, situated close to the salt lake known as Chott el Djerid, which stretches out on the horizon like an endless white sea.

You should also take the time to browse round some of the markets or souks to be found in every town and city in the country. Particularly recommendable are the markets in the city of Sfax, the best place for shopping in Tunisia, partly due to the fact that the prices are more affordable.

This exotic country that’s just a stone’s throw away offers this and much more besides. Are you really going to spend your entire holiday on the beach? I’m definitely not!

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels& Resorts’ hotels in Tunisia are the perfect base from which to enjoy unique experiences during your holidays. The IBEROSTAR hotels are situated in prime locations in Djerba, Hammamet, Mahdia, Sousse, Zarzis and Tozeur, offering outstanding opportunities to gain a first-hand insight into this country of outstanding natural beauty and its magnificent culture”.

 

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The spectacular route from Agadir to Essaouira

marzo 6th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Agadir is a city in southern Morocco with a vast 7 kilometre fine sandy beach and 300 days of sunshine a year, making it the country’s greatest spa resort. The sunny climate this city enjoys means that the best time to visit is in winter, when the days are not so stiflingly hot as in summer.

Visitors to Agadir can swim in the sea and sunbathe, as well as trying their hand at all types of water sports including windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving or parascending. You can also go for a camel ride, hire a buggy to drive along the beach or play golf.

A stroll around Suq al-Had, a well-known local market packed with stalls selling Moroccan spices, is an experience not to be missed. Alternatively, you can simply relax as you enjoy a drink at any of the waterfront bars. If you fancy admiring panoramic views of the city, then take a walk to the ruins of the Kasbah which are of great archaeological interest.

A particularly striking feature of Agadir is that although it retains its traditional Moroccan essence, it also has something of a ‘Western’ flavour. It really is a great city.

Some 180 km from Agadir is the famous town of Essaouira. Don’t miss the chance to take a trip to this blue and white decorated town – the leisurely journey itself along the coast makes it truly worthwhile. Essaouira is an intriguing mixing pot containing a subtle combination of Berber, Arab, Jewish, French and Portuguese influences, amongst others. Vehicle traffic is not allowed on its narrow streets, giving the impression that Essaouira remains rooted in the days when pirates and sailors thronged the town.

The greatest attraction is undoubtedly the Arab or medina quarter, with its turrets and grainy walls, transporting visitors back in time and drawing them into the maze of twisting, narrow streets lined by eye-catching historic houses. The main gateway to the city is adorned with a central inscription that reads ‘baraka’ -meaning ‘divine essence’. The city’s fortifications are well conserved with their bronze canons and at the end of the walls stands Sqala Fortress, the heart of the city and boasting panoramic views of the medina quarter with its blue and white walls forming into a single setting.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has a 4 star hotel in Agadir: the IBEROSTAR Founty Beach, which overlooks a fine sandy bank and is situated just a short distance from the centre of Agadir, Morocco’s major tourist destination. Standing on the shores of the Atlantic, this hotel in Agadir offers its guests total comfort and relaxation.”

 

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Healthy Mediterranean cuisine

febrero 11th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

 

Gastronomy forms an essential part of what makes us tick, and is inextricably linked to our culture and history.

Mediterranean cuisine is characterised by the use of natural products which, when properly combined and prepared, make for delicious and very special dishes. It could be said that the Mediterranean diet is based on three essential pillars – olive oil, vegetables and fruit. Indeed, these three pillars have provided the sustenance of the Mediterranean peoples for more than five thousand years.

The countries that line the shores of the Mediterranean boast a climate that set them apart from the rest of the world: the humidity from the sea, the long hours of sunshine, the mild weather and the fertile lands produce a rich and varied harvest. Mediterranean gastronomy is made up of dishes that are immensely popular around the world, such as those of Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Greece and Turkey on the northern coasts, Lebanon, Syria and Israel to the East, and Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco to the South.

As we said above, Mediterranean cuisine just wouldn’t be the same without basic ingredients such as olive oil – the undisputed king of Mediterranean cuisine. Indeed, this region is not only the world’s principal producer of olive oil, but also its biggest consumer. It is used for frying and as a dressing, and even as an ingredient in the food canning industry. The most commonly-used vegetables in Mediterranean cuisine include onions, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, legumes and sweet and hot peppers.  And when it comes to fruit, this region consumes vast amounts of citrus fruits, melons, peaches, apricots and fresh and dried figs. Popular meats include lamb and pork – the latter is used particularly in cured meats such as salami and ham, small game such as hare, rabbit and partridge, although when it comes to birds, poultry is undoubtedly the most popular. As for fish, blue fish – rich in healthy omega 3 acids -  is undoubtedly a favourite in the Mediterranean area, where large amounts of tuna, sardines and herrings are eaten. And of course, we mustn’t forget the region’s wines, the finest accompaniment for a delicious Mediterranean dish.

Yet more than anything else, what really sets Mediterranean cuisine apart from the rest is the culture and customs that surround and define it: meals are shared with family and friends; the dishes are tasty and eye-catching, prepared unhurriedly with loving care.  People take their time over their meals, savouring and enjoying the food. And to round off a delicious experience, what better than the healthy Mediterranean custom of enjoying a siesta after a meal?

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has hotels in the finest Mediterranean locations, all of which offer you the chance to savour this mouth-watering gastronomy and give yourself a healthy treat. So which one will you choose?”


Morocco in winter, a different perspective

febrero 11th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Even when the summer tourist season is over, Morocco still retains all its charm, offering visitors a fantastic opportunity to discover the country from a different perspective. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that winter is the ideal season for a trip to Morocco.

At this time of year, the monuments and museums are far from packed, making it the perfect time to take the kids on a tour of the splendours of this kingdom, offering them an intriguing insight into the country’s glorious past, which dates right back to its origins.  They’ll learn much more from a stroll around the Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakesh or the Medina of Fez than any number of learned talks.

We recommend experiencing at first hand the privileged setting of a riad in Marrakesh, a comfortable dwelling away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Later, take a walk with the family around the quaint narrow streets and let the friendly exchanges take their own course.  For instance, a craftsman will be delighted to explain the tricks of his trade to the children, whilst a local baker will readily let you taste his delicious honey cakes….

If you’re longing for some sunshine, then how about heading off for a few days to the south of the country. The area around Dakhla is a great choice; there the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean remains a steady 25º C throughout the year. Just what you need for making summer last all year long and trying your hand at the water boardsports for which this destination is renowned around the world.

Morocco’s ski resorts are an intriguing option that are definitely worth a visit. In Oukaimeden, not far from Marrakesh, you’ll have great fun skiing down the powder snow slopes. We bet you never imagined you could build a snowman in Morocco!

When the summer crowds have packed up and gone home, Morocco resumes its everyday appearance, so take advantage of the low season to explore and enjoy this exotically beautiful country.

 

“The hotels operated by IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Morocco are 4 and 5 star oases of luxury and comfort where guests will find everything they need during their stay. They offer welcoming rooms and gastronomy, sports and entertainment facilities to suit all tastes.”  

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The beaches of Morocco

septiembre 6th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break sunbathing on the beach or the thrills and spills of surfing, the beaches of Morocco are guaranteed to satisfy your wishes. Morocco boasts miles and miles of clean, unspoilt beaches bathed by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. From Saïdia to Tangier, the Mediterranean coast alone has 120 beaches, and there are a further 238 from Tangier to Essaouira and 54 from Agadir to Dakhla.

The Atlantic coast, ideal for water sports

If you’re keen to indulge in some surface water sports, then head for the magnificent Atlantic coast. The bay of Dakhla and Agadir are the perfect choice for lovers of wind-driven sports. The trade winds blow from late March to mid September, making this the perfect season to travel to this bay to enjoy windsurfing, wakeboarding, kitesurfing or surfing, safe in the knowledge that the waves will rise to the occasion!

The city of Agadir lies on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, bounded by Essaouira and Marrakech as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The 7 kilometre long beach, with its golden sands, crystal-clear waters and spectacular sunsets, draws thousands of tourists each year. They come to enjoy the endless possibilities this beach has to offer; in addition to the water sports listed above, it also has excellent inland sporting facilities such as tennis courts and golf courses.

Watching the sun setting over the beaches of Morocco is a truly breathtaking experience, with golden sandy beaches in the foreground, the calm waters of the Atlantic behind them and the magnificent sun at dusk in the background. An unforgettable sight that will remain fixed in the mind’s eye of everyone with even just a touch of sensitivity.

The Mediterranean coast, calm waters bathing cliffs set in stunning natural landscapes.

The Mediterranean coast is ideal for underwater fishing (for grouper and other Mediterranean species), as well as for scuba diving. Between Tangier and Al Hoceima the sea is kinder and calmer, and the beaches are more secluded. Some are close to traditional fishing villages set against paradisiacal backdrops. The beaches of Tetouan include Martil, Cabo Negro (a stunning beach which also has the added attraction of Cabo Negro Lighthouse, situated a kilometre away, with spectacular views of the sea) and Costa de los Ghomara (a quiet and secluded area that stretches as far as the mouth of the Oued Laou and the magnificent beach of Targhan), and Playa Quemado, one of the finest in Morocco.

Saïdia deserves a special mention. It is known as the Blue Pearl of the Mediterranean because in addition to the beauty of its coastline it also enjoys a particularly mild microclimate in winter. Lying opposite the border with Algeria, visitors can stroll among the mimosas and eucalyptus trees that line the beach, sunbathe freely and especially bathe in the turquoise waters that have an immediate calming effect. Saïdia is set to become one of the Mediterranean’s most popular spa destinations.

“Morocco is one of the most attractive destinations on the African continent due to its proximity with Europe, its deeply-rooted culture and the warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants. IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has two resorts in Morocco that are authentic oases of luxury and comfort: the IBEROSTAR Founty Beach on the Atlantic coast, and the IBEROSTAR Saïdia on the Mediterranean side.”

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