Chips180's Blog

Costa Blanca Getting Busier

chips180 — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:00:09 +0000

Punta Prima Roundabout

Today’s picture is of the wierd roundabout at Punta Prima on the Orihuela Costa, Costa Blanca, Spain. It wasn’t really why I took the picture but it does show how the traffic is already starting to built up for the summer and there are certainly a few more people about after a long, slow winter. Beyond the roundabout (what is it about Spain and their wierd roundabouts?) is the Eroski commercial centre with McDonalds and a loads of other bars, shops and restaurants. Punta Prima is a popular holiday destination and it does have some attractive coastline and decent beaches. The town of Torrevieja is just 5 minutes drive away and the other Orihuela Costa resorts are nearby (Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Campoamor and Cabo Roig).

A Picture From My Window

chips180 — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 09:12:09 +0000

Today’s picture is taken from my window in our house on the seafront in Cabo Roig, Spain. Not sure why, as its a miserable rainy day, quite unusual for this part of Spain which is normally sunny, so the picture is a gloomy one with no blue sky, no sunshine, no blue sea, and little to commend it.

As it is Sunday I would normally be relaxing and sitting in the garden, but as the weather is crap I am indoors working again! Gill is back home in Aylesbury in the UK, so it is pretty quiet here, and I am here on my own free to do as I wish, so why the hell am I working?

Might pop out for dinner later but only if the weather picks up a little as I don’t feel like driving and fancied taking a walk to one of the nearby bars, Listers maybe, for a Sunday Roast.

Lo Pagan Mud Baths

chips180 — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:11:50 +0000

Located on the Mar Menor in the Murcia region of Spain, you will find the little coastal town of Lo Pagan, popular with holidaymakers due to its fine beach it also attracts visitors from all over the world, who come to partake of the healing mud in the nearby salt lake. Reputed to be beneficial for numerous skin and other complaints, the mud is smothered all over the affected body parts and left to dry in the sun. The mud is then washed off, though the smell will remain until you have had a good shower (or 3). The mud certainly has a defoliating effect, leaving the skin sooth and silky, its also free, so ladies can stick it on their face for a much cheaper mud pack!

The Water Park Quesada Spain

chips180 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:20:48 +0000

Today’s picture is of the superb water park on top of the hill in Ciudad Quesada, on the Costa Blanca, Spain. Well worth a visit during the summer, this particular Aqua Park gets less crowded than the one in Torrevieja, and is also cheaper, so is ideal for families on holiday in the area.

St Mary’s Basilica Elche

chips180 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:33:00 +0000

St Mary's Basilica Elche Spain

Today’s picture is of St Mary’s Basilica in the city of Elche on the Costa Blanca, Spain. Elche is famous for its palm forest, the largest in Europe, which contains over 200,000 palm trees and was started by the ancient Phoenicians in the centuries BC. Further developed by the Moors during the 8th to 13th centuries the forest still dominates the city to this day. Going to the top of the tower of St Mary’s Basilica offers a fabulous view overthe city and the palm forest.

Calpe Penon de Ifach

chips180 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:49:08 +0000

Penon de Ifach Calpe

Today’s picture is of the Penon de Ifach, a huge rock formation which rises from the Bay of Calpe on the northern Costa Blanca, Spain. A protected area and nature reserve, the Penon has some rare speces of flora. It is possible to walk to te top by way of a tunnel, and get aazing views along the coastline. Calpe is a popular holiday destination, with fine sandy beaches, it is located to the north of Benidorm nd Alicante.

Callosa de Segura Spain

chips180 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:53:42 +0000

San Roque Hermitage Callosa de Segura

Today’s picture is of the San Roque hermitage, located in the Spanish town of Callosa de Segura, Alicante, Costa Blanca. Callosa de Segura is a little inland from the Costa Blanca coastline and is built at the foot and up the slopes of a nearby mountain. The town is typically spanish and celebrated a number of Fiestas through the year including on dedicated to San Roque. The hermitage overlooks the town from its lofty position on a hill.

Playa Levante Benidorm

chips180 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:51:10 +0000

Playa Levante Benidorm

Hi all, today’s picture is a view of Playa Levante taken from the mirador in the old town of Benidorm. The beach looks quiet at this time (but it was taken in February!), most of the year it would be packed solid with holidaymakers enjoying the sea, sand and sun (and sangria!).

Beach at Campoamor

chips180 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:26:43 +0000

The beach at Campoamor

Today’s picture is of the beach at Campoamor, a popular resort on the Orihuela Costa, Costa Blanca, Spain. One of the best beaches in the area, it is composed of fine light sand and is kept very clean and tidy by the local council. Campoamor is sandwiched between Cabo Roig and Mil Pameras and attracts many holidaymakers, especially during the peak summer months, the beach can get pretty crowded but it is wide and there is usually room to relax and take the sun.

Biar Castle Spain

chips180 — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:32:32 +0000

Biar Castle

Today’s picture is of Biar castle, dating from the Moorish occupation of Spain. The castle dominates the town and can be seen from miles around. When we visited earlier this year the castle was closed and we noticed a sign saying “telephone this number to view the castle”, we called the number waited 10 minutes and a lady came to let us in! (where else but Spain?). The view from the highest tower is amazing, I shall post a photo from there later. Biar is inland from Alicante and is close to the towns and villages of Elda, Villena and Castalla.