Houses to Let Spain & Portugal Cuendet Co.  |
in Spain and Portugal |
| Situated in the shelter of the Pyrenees this region borders on the Mediterranean and occupies the north-eastern part of Spain. Cataluna Cataluna has a very varied landscape; to the north and east it is green, wooded and well irrigated, due to the watershed of its many rivers. The coast to the north is rocky, dividing into bays and coves, |
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| flattening out further south to form miles of sandy beaches. Inland more arid conditions prevail and the winters are colder. It is indeed a region of great contrast. Cataluna has been a land of changing cultures for 3,000 years; the ancient Greeks were unable to resist the beauty of the Emporda coast and the agricultural potential of its wide, fertile valleys. The Romans coveted this jewel of the Greek empire and built a great city of their own on the Greek original at Empurias. It was not until 1978 that the Catalan parliament finally gained full autonomy. Cataluna is the official language of this region; you will a lso find that local people speak Spanish, and their own particular version of French. |
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| Andalucia Andalucia is said to be an intoxicating region. The area was entirely conquered by the Moors in the 8th century, who crossed the Atlantic from Morocco and North Africa in 710 AD. |
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| Before the Christian reconquest of 1492, they left not only characteristic stark white hill towns in the wake of their occupation, but also developed sophisticated works of architecture in the towns of Granada, Seville and Cordoba. Today's Andalucia is still an area of infinite variety and dramatic landscapes. 812 kilometres of coastline meets both the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean sea at the Straits of Gibraltar. The Atlantic provides long stretches of unspoilt golden sands where the sea sometimes crashes with spectacular force making this area the European capital of windsufing, whilst on calm days the air is hazy with the heat, and Morocco shimmers a mere 8 kilometres away. Further on, the unspoilt Costa de la Luz offers thatched cottages, isolated bays and wonderful seafood to sample. Journey on towards Portugal to discover the vast unpopulated area of Coto Donana, the largest nature reserve in Spain, where, particularly during the migration months, the birdlife is magnificent and tours are easily arranged. Close by is the little village of El Rocio, the centre of an annual gypsy pilgrimage, and where the sand covered streets serve to confirm that the ocean, now 10 km away, once lapped this far inland. The Mediterranean coastline is more popular, especially in the high season when a myriad of little beach bars open their doors to visitors, and the marinas swell in size as the yachts and motor boats return from as far away as the Caribbean islands. Here, you will find glitzy shops, smart restaurants and a nightlife which sometimes carries on till dawn, but if you explore the narrow streets to the rear of the towns you will still find authentic Spanish bars and cool courtyards hiding behind the modern face of Spain. |
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| Costa De Prata Portugal's "Silver Coast" makes a scintillating sweep north from Lisbon up to the Costa Verde. Take an early morning stroll along a stretch of its exquisitely fine pure white sandy beaches) perhaps close to one of the coast's long saltwater lagoons; watch the silvery eddying mists begin to clear over the high white dunes dotted with pines - then you 'll know exactly how this beautiful region came by its name. |
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This area embraces some of the most spectacular scenery in Portugal. Here the lush green countryside is interlaced with waterways and little villages nestle among the magnificient mountains. To the north of the region lies the town of Aveiro) sometimes hailed as "The Venice of Portugal" for the canals that flow through the city and the boats that ply their trade on them. These waterways empty into a grand lagoon, theRia, where colourful boats (moliceiros) with large graceful prows, gather seaweed to fertilise the surrounding agricultural land. The largest city in the province is Coimbra, perched on a hill overlooking the Mondego River and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The old city stands on top of a central hill and is a fascinating and intriguing maze of narrow alleyways and streets. A few miles south of the city, you'll find its roots, Conimbriga - the largest excavated Roman ruins in Portugal which also has one of the country's finest museums.
Food and Drink
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| Costa Lisboa The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon lies on the estuary of the river Tagus, surrounded by a varied landscape of wooded hills on the summits of which stand some of the most impressive historic sights. The coastline itself offers many moods - from the windswept beaches and cliffs to the west, a haven for watersports enthusiasts - to the gentle seas and secret coves of the southernmost shores, where there are a number of stylish seaside resorts, including Estoril with its two golf courses and the biggest casino in Europe! |
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The city of Lisbon itself, besides being Portugal's capital, is rich, diverse and alive with colour. The old quarter, Alfama, reveals Moorish architecture of whitewashed houses amidst the sound of traditional Fado folk music. Inland lies the town of Sintra, where the land rises to form the surrounding green, thickly forested hills. Here you can follow the crenellated walls of an 8th century Moorish castle - or visit the historic Pena Palace, which combines many styles of architecture. |
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| Southern Portugal This is the land of sunshine, soaking up an average 3,000 hours per year! Away from the coast, the rural landscape is characterised by low stone walls straggling over undulating plains, the ground baked a rich golden-brown by the constant sunshine. Olive groves dot the landscape, as does the occasional mule -and just a little further inland, a backdrop of mountains looms towards the horizon. In the surrounding area many villages and towns feature sparkling white-washed houses with distinctive Moorish chimneys. Little fishing villages feature boats painted in bright colours and, in spring, the entire landscape is covered in almond blossom. Southern Portugal has an excellent |
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reputation for golf, as well as for riding, tennis and watersports. One cannot mention this region without some small reference to its beaches, which are sandy and golden, lined with coves and unusual rock formations, some extending right into the sea. The scenery lends itself to levely walks and the possibilities for days out are endless with a wealth of Roman towns, cool-tiled churches and narrow winding streets to be discovered. In every corner, you can find busy local markets selling a range of hand-made crafts: from beautiful hand-painted pottery and tiles, to beaten copperware and intricate bobbin lace. |
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| VALL DE BIANYA (6 p.) + baby ZC12 B. 4 Weekly price: •A:1168 •B:1048 •C:840 •D:756 •E:675 |
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| This Catalan country house belongs to the same family as our other houses in Vall de Bianya and, although in the same grounds, it stands totally independently on the opposite side of the river to the other houses. The Vall de Bianya is quite breathtaking with the river making a refreshing alternative to the splash pool for swimming or just cooling off! The relaxing sound of the nearby waterfall running into the river |
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| adds to the utter peace and tranquillity of this beautiful haven. This area is extremely scenic and unspoilt, with plenty of interesting villages and superb walks to discover. ACCOMMODATION: ground floor: car-port and storeroom; 1st floor: open-plan living room.diningroom and kitchen; 3 bedrooms: 1 double, 2 twins (80cm beds); bathroom (small bath/shower and WC). Terrace and garden. Filtered splash pool (6 x 4m; 0.5-1.5m deep) with shower. »Gas central heating 'Washing machine *Cot "Garage "Garden furniture "Barbecue "All linen included«Friday start. LOCATION: restaurant 1.5 km. 4 km to Vall de Bianya (simple shopping; restaurant). 13 km NW of Olot (most facilities and lake). 50 km SW of Figueras (all facilities; Salvador Dali museum). 70 km coast. Approx 2 hours drive to Barcelona. |
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