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Cortona

Cortona is a town in the Province of Arezzo, Tuscany. It was one of the twelve cities of the Etruscan League. At 600 metres elevation, it has magnificent panoramas to every point of the compass. It is not far from Arezzo.

By plane
Cortona can be reached by flying to Italian major international airports in Rome and Milan, or to the two airports in Tuscany:

 * Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei, 1.5 km (1 mi) south of Pisa city centre, served by many budget airlines. From there you can take a train (40 metres from airport).
 * Florence Airport Amerigo Vespucci,  four kilometres from the centre of Florence. From there you can use the Sita/Ataf service "Fly by Bus" (Vola in bus) between the airport and Florence's Santa Maria Novella railway station (20 min).

By train
The closest train station is "Camucia-Cortona", with direct trains from Florence and Rome or "Terontola-Cortona" with direct trains from Florence and Venice. You can also take a train to Arezzo and then another train to "Camucia-Cortona".

Buses leave every 30 min from the Camucia station bound for Piazza Garibaldi in Cortona. You may have to buy your bus ticket direct from the driver, in which case you should be prepared to pay the exact cash fare of €2. The driver is not obliged to provide change. Before your trip back to the station, buy a ticket from a tobacco shop (tabbachi) for €1.10. Not all buses from Cortona to Camucia stop at the railway station but there is another stop in town (at Viale Regina Elena & Strada Regionale 71) very close to the station.

Taxis are available in front of the Camucia station and Terontola train station; however, apparently there are only few taxis serving this "route". If you want to be sure that there is a taxi for you, ask your hotel to book one for you. The other option could be rent a car and you can do it right outside of Terontola-Cortona train station and use your car to reach your destinations.

There is no staffed ticket office (biglietteria) at the Camucia station. However, there are 2 ticket vending machines at the station that are designed to accept credit cards such as Visa.

By car
Take the Autostrada del Sole highway (A1), exit at the Valdichiana toll-gate and get on the Siena-Perugia speedway, direction Perugia. Get off the speedway at the Cortona-San Lorenzo exit. Keep driving direction Cortona, drive past Camucia and follow signs for Cortona. Climbing up the hill, you will find the Cortona town-limit sign.

Distances to Cortona: Florence 102 km, Arezzo 29 km, Siena 80 km, Montepulciano 28 km, Chianciano 38 km, Chiusi 30 km, Perugia 54 km, Assisi 76 km.

By bus
There are public buses from nearby cities such as Arezzo or Terontola. The ticket costs €1 per journey, sold at tobacco shops (Tabacchi) and should be validated on the machine inside the bus.

Get around
The best way to explore Cortona is on foot as the town is very small. Driving in Cortona is very difficult as the streets are steep and narrow. Parking inside town is almost impossible. However, parking areas are available outside the town walls; some are free.

See

 * Fortezza del Girofalko was erected on order of Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici above the city (651 m above sea level) in the 16th century. It offers a splendid view over the city walls.
 * Etruscan tombs

Squares

 * Piazza della Repubblica: the most famous piazza in Cortona. The fountain in the center of the square was destroyed around 1550. It is presumed that it looked similar to the Fontana Maggiore in Perugia.
 * Piazza Signorelli: next to the Piazza della Repubblica and less crowded. On Sundays it has a flea market where they sell antiques. The Teatro dell Signorelli and the Casali Palace are here.
 * Piazza Garibaldi Built by the French during the Napoleonic Wars
 * PIazza Pescheria (Fish market) with the Passerini Palace.

Streets

 * Rugapiana is the main street of Cortona with houses dating from the 16th to 18th centuries and the Ferretti Palace.
 * Vicolo della Scala and Vicolo Vagnucci
 * Via Roma with the Porta del Morto (Door of the Death) from 1247 and the Palazo Cinaglia

Churches

 * Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio), supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona. It is named after the old limestone quarry (calcinaio) which was owned by the shoemakers guild. The church is considered as the masterpiece of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It was built between 1485 and 1513 on the plan of a Latin cross with an eight-sided dome above it. The stained windows are the work of William of Marcillat, the main portal and high altar were designed by Bernardino Covatti of Cortona.
 * Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio), supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona. It is named after the old limestone quarry (calcinaio) which was owned by the shoemakers guild. The church is considered as the masterpiece of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It was built between 1485 and 1513 on the plan of a Latin cross with an eight-sided dome above it. The stained windows are the work of William of Marcillat, the main portal and high altar were designed by Bernardino Covatti of Cortona.
 * Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio), supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona. It is named after the old limestone quarry (calcinaio) which was owned by the shoemakers guild. The church is considered as the masterpiece of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It was built between 1485 and 1513 on the plan of a Latin cross with an eight-sided dome above it. The stained windows are the work of William of Marcillat, the main portal and high altar were designed by Bernardino Covatti of Cortona.
 * Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio), supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona. It is named after the old limestone quarry (calcinaio) which was owned by the shoemakers guild. The church is considered as the masterpiece of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It was built between 1485 and 1513 on the plan of a Latin cross with an eight-sided dome above it. The stained windows are the work of William of Marcillat, the main portal and high altar were designed by Bernardino Covatti of Cortona.
 * Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio), supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona. It is named after the old limestone quarry (calcinaio) which was owned by the shoemakers guild. The church is considered as the masterpiece of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It was built between 1485 and 1513 on the plan of a Latin cross with an eight-sided dome above it. The stained windows are the work of William of Marcillat, the main portal and high altar were designed by Bernardino Covatti of Cortona.
 * Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio), supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona. It is named after the old limestone quarry (calcinaio) which was owned by the shoemakers guild. The church is considered as the masterpiece of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It was built between 1485 and 1513 on the plan of a Latin cross with an eight-sided dome above it. The stained windows are the work of William of Marcillat, the main portal and high altar were designed by Bernardino Covatti of Cortona.
 * Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio), supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona. It is named after the old limestone quarry (calcinaio) which was owned by the shoemakers guild. The church is considered as the masterpiece of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It was built between 1485 and 1513 on the plan of a Latin cross with an eight-sided dome above it. The stained windows are the work of William of Marcillat, the main portal and high altar were designed by Bernardino Covatti of Cortona.
 * Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio), supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona. It is named after the old limestone quarry (calcinaio) which was owned by the shoemakers guild. The church is considered as the masterpiece of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It was built between 1485 and 1513 on the plan of a Latin cross with an eight-sided dome above it. The stained windows are the work of William of Marcillat, the main portal and high altar were designed by Bernardino Covatti of Cortona.
 * Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio), supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona. It is named after the old limestone quarry (calcinaio) which was owned by the shoemakers guild. The church is considered as the masterpiece of Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It was built between 1485 and 1513 on the plan of a Latin cross with an eight-sided dome above it. The stained windows are the work of William of Marcillat, the main portal and high altar were designed by Bernardino Covatti of Cortona.

Archaeological sites

You will find details here
 * The cistern of the Bagni di Bacco
 * Etruscan wall-remains within P.zzo Cerulli-Diligenti
 * Etruscan wall-remains within Palazzo Casali
 * Etruscan walls
 * Porta Bifora
 * Barrel vault in the Via Guelfa.

Do

 * Cooking Class, offered by several hotels in Cortona:
 * "Hotel Restaurant Corys" (see contact details in Sleep section).
 * "Relais il Falconiere", Localitá San Martino, 370. One day cooking class in one Michelin star Restaurant. Classes begin at 16:30 (last approx. 3 hr). Available every week on request, all year round except for July and August. Prices: up to 2 person €180/person, 3 or more €160.

Wine and olive oil

 * Cantine Faralli, Loc. Fasciano 4.
 * Molesini Market Enoteca Prodotti Tipici, Piazza Repubblica, Tel. 62544.
 * Molesini Market Enoteca Prodotti Tipici, Piazza Repubblica, Tel. 62544.

Patisserie

 * Pasticceria Banchelli, Via Matteotti, 119. Offers a fine selection of pastries, chocolates, cakes, espresso and cappuccino.

Eat
Cortona is small and loaded with tourists during the holiday season so that reservation is highly recommended, especially for dinner. Lunch and dinner are normally served at specific time so you might be sent away if you come outside this time. For less fancy eating possibilities, there are take-away pizza shops around Piazza della Repubblica.

 * Trattoria La Grotta, P.Baldelli 3. With outdoor tables in a secluded courtyard. Closed on Tuesday.
 * Trattoria La Grotta, P.Baldelli 3. With outdoor tables in a secluded courtyard. Closed on Tuesday.

Ice cream

 * Gelateria Snoopy, Piazza Signorelli, 24.

Drink
The red wine Sangiovese is the pride of Tuscany and famous worldwide with the popular name "Chianti". The Syrah has also received high recognition.

Wine

 * Caffè Degli Artisti, Via Nazionale, 18. Owned by Italian-Finnish couple.

Pubs

 * The Lion's Well, Piazza Signorelli 28.

Nightlife

 * Route 66 Cafè, Via Nazionale, 71, Angolo Piazza Garibaldi.

Cope
Tourist Information Agency (A.P.T.), Via Nazionale, 42.

Stay safe
Beware of your belongings as even when the town feels safe, it is still crowded by tourists which are good targets to pickpockets.

The town is hilly and some attractions (church or castle) are located on the hills so that it might be difficult to reach for some people. Consider renting a car if travelling with children or older people.

Go next

 * The Archaeological Park - Extra-urban route  covering:
 * The Tomb of Mezzavia
 * The Melone II of Sodo, Etruscan tomb of the 5th or 4th century BC, near SS 71
 * The Melone I of Sodo, Etruscan tomb of the 5th or 4th century BC, near SS 71
 * The Tanella Angori
 * The Tanella di Pitagora (Tomb od Pythagoras). The name is due to a misunderstanding: Crotone was mixed up with the ancient Greek city of Kroton where Pythagoras died. The tomb is said to date from the 4th century BC.
 * The Tumulus of Camucia, a tumulus with a diameter of 200 meters and 11 meters high.
 * The Roman Villa of Ossaia
 * The Roman road of Torreone: You may walk along this paved track in both ways alternatively starting from Torreone and hiking your way up to the Guglielmesca or driving up to the latter location and walking all the way down to Torreone. This trail running in the woods of the Cortona hills, also indicated as CAI trail nr. 561, offers, halfway, a stunning view over Cortona and the Valdichiana. You may also take a detour and hike down to the convent of the Cappuccini walking by the Maestà del Pianello a place where it is said to have been located the so-called “Tomb of the King”. The trail is equipped with basic road signs.
 * The Roman road of Teverina Bassa
 * The Roman road of Monte Maestrino
 * Rocca di Pierle (Pierle fortress), 16 km from Cortona. The fortress was built by order of Francesco Casali in the Middle Ages on the ruins of an older castle. In 1387 more than 60 conspirators were confined and finally killed here by Uguccio Casali. In 1411 the fortress was sold by Ladislaus King of Naples to the Florentine Republic for 1200 florins, In the 16th century Grand Duke Francesco de Medici order the inner part of the fortress to be demolished in order to prevent 'evil-doers from Tuscany or the Papal State' to find refuge in the fortress.
 * Arezzo, 33 km (21 miles)
 * Florence, 116 km
 * Siena, 73.4 km

title: Cortona


text:
Corumbá

Corumbá is the third largest city in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and its main tourist destination.

Understand
Corumbá is located next to the border between Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia, it is the gateway for the famous Pantanal region. It also boasts well-preserved historic buildings of colonial times, which bear witness to the town's past wealth from when it was one of the most important ports of South America.

Across the river is the Bolivian border town of Puerto Quijarro, which is not far away from bigger Puerto Suarez.

Its inhabitants are called corumbaenses.

By bus

From Campo Grande, bus company Andorinha operates frequent services day and night, 6.5h, for the steep price of R$125. Viação Siriema has been trying to challenge their historical monopoly selling tickets for R$70.

From São Paulo, Andorinha operates a daily service, 24 hr, R$311.

From Bolivia
Crossing in from Bolivia seems straight forward, for details read Puerto Quijarro.

From Paraguay
It is possible to get in by land and boat from Concepción (Paraguay) through Bahía Negra, Puerto Busch and (potentially) Puerto Suárez, see Paraguay.

Get around
From the center of Corumbá, everything is walkable, with the exception of "O Cristo" which is on a hill that overlooks the city.

Public transit is organized in city bus lines that departure from the terminal, where it's possible to change lines at no extra cost. The bus fare is R$3.50 if paid by public transit card, or R$3.60 if paid in cash.

Of great use for travelers is city bus line 102 Terminal - Fronteira (border). Timetable as of September 2018:

From city terminal to fronteira
 * M-Sa: hourly 06:00-08:00, every half hour 08:30-10:30, hourly 11:00-14:00, every half hour 14:30-18:30 (M-F also 19:00)
 * Su: 06:25, 07:20, 08:15, 09:10, 10:05, 11:00, 11:55, 12:50, 13:45, 14:40, 15:35, 16:30, 17:25, 18:20

From fronteira to city terminal
 * M-Sa: hourly 06:30-08:30, every half hour 09:00-11:00, hourly 11:30-14:30, every half hour 15:00-19:00 (M-F also 19:30)
 * Su: 06:50, 07:45, 08:40, 09:35, 10:30, 11:25, 12:20, 13:15, 14:10, 15:05, 16:00, 16:55, 17:50, 18:45

For information regarding the border crossing itself see Puerto Quijarro.

See
A number of day tours and multi-day tours to the Pantanal can be booked. The easiest way to find these are to ask in a number of hotels, and it is advisable to shop around before making a confirmed decision.

Parks and open areas

 * Ecoparque Cacimba da Saúde - Close to Casa do Massa Barro. Very popular with children.
 * Parque Marina Gattas - Biggest leisure area inside the city, with 6 ha.
 * Praça/Jardim da Independência
 * Praça da República
 * Praça Generoso Ponce -

Libraries

 * Biblioteca do Colégio Salesiano de Santa Teresa
 * Biblioteca Estadual Dr. Gabriel Vandoni de Barros
 * Biblioteca Manoel de Barros
 * Biblioteca Municipal Lobivar de Matos

Cultural centers

 * Academia Corumbaense de Letras
 * Casa Rio Tinto
 * Estação Natureza Pantanal
 * Fundação de Cultura do Pantanal de Corumbá
 * Instituto Luiz de Albuquerque
 * Instituto Luiz de Albuquerque

Monuments

 * Escadinha da Quinze (Fifteen Little Staircase)
 * Forte Fortaleza
 * Forte Junqueira
 * Escadinha da Quinze (Fifteen Little Staircase)
 * Forte Fortaleza
 * Forte Junqueira
 * Forte Fortaleza
 * Forte Junqueira
 * Forte Junqueira

Museums

 * Memorial do Homem Pantaneiro
 * Museu da História do Homem do Pantanal
 * Museu de História do Pantanal (em breve)
 * Museu do Instituto Luiz Albuquerque
 * Museu do Pantanal

Temples

 * Igreja do Coração de Jesus
 * Igreja Matriz N. S. da Candelária - República Square. Built in 1877, Features a sculpted Portuguese crown at the main altar.
 * Igreja de Nossa Senhora Aparecida
 * Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Caacupé - homage to the protecting saint of Paraguay.
 * Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Fátima
 * Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
 * Igreja de Santa Terezinha
 * Igreja do Santuário de Maria Auxiliadora - Built in 1940, features works bu Spanish artist Antonio Burgos Villa.
 * Igreja de São Benedito
 * Igreja São João Bosco
 * Terceira Igreja Batista de Corumbá
 * Terceira Igreja Batista de Corumbá

Do

 * There are a number of community swimming pools which are often clean with changing areas open at the weekends. Entry is quite cheap.

Buy
You can buy some local crafts (artesanato). Being close to the Bolivian border, there is a duty-free zone imports and Bolivian crafts too.

Handicrafts

 * Sculptor's House (Casa do Escultora) - In the Izulina Arts Xavier building, there is a selection of handicrafts made from rock and concrete, ceramics and wooden items. It is open 08:00-17:00 during the week.
 * Craftsman's House (Casa do Artesão) - In the building that until 70 years ago functioned as the public jail, you can buy handicrafts in leather, wood and ceramics made by craftsmens of the region, native handicrafts. You can also find delicious homemade liqueurs. There is no record of the construction of the building, only of its first restoration (1893). The house was established in 1975 and the cells were transformed into market stalls.
 * Adobe House (Casa do Massa Barro) - Created to stimulate ceramic arts. Its artists are adolescents who model the Pantanal flora and fauna in clay.

Mall

 *  Pantanal Gallery

Eat
Food in Corumbá is inexpensive. There are several pizza and barbecue restaurants around town.
 * Espeto de Ouro , Av. Barão do Rio Branco, 121,  67  3231-1323. Churrascaria.
 * Paladar Pizzaria and Restaurant, R. Anônio Mª Coelho, 455, +55 67 3231 4581.
 * Peixaria do Lulu , Rua Dom Aquino, +55 67 3231-4936. Fish market and restaurant.
 * Restaurante Flutuante Caiçara , M. Cavassa, +55 67 3231-3126. Floating restaurant on the river.
 * São Paulo Restaurant, Ed Rocha, 1118, +55 67 3231-4095
 * Peixaria do Lulu , Rua Dom Aquino, +55 67 3231-4936. Fish market and restaurant.
 * Restaurante Flutuante Caiçara , M. Cavassa, +55 67 3231-3126. Floating restaurant on the river.
 * São Paulo Restaurant, Ed Rocha, 1118, +55 67 3231-4095
 * Restaurante Flutuante Caiçara , M. Cavassa, +55 67 3231-3126. Floating restaurant on the river.
 * São Paulo Restaurant, Ed Rocha, 1118, +55 67 3231-4095
 * São Paulo Restaurant, Ed Rocha, 1118, +55 67 3231-4095

Drink
The night can start in the Marechal Rondon Ave, filled with bars, beer places and restaurants. Don't miss a stop at the mirantes to see the moon reflected on the waters of the Paraguay River.

Bars and beer places

 * Bar Tuiuiu, Rua D Corrêa Aquino, 2060, Center.
 * Lousa Bar, Alta Santa Luzia, 56.
 * Multicoffe Express Coffee , R. Delamare, 1190, +55 67 3231-7966.
 * Scorpios Ice Cream Parlor, R. Cuiabá, 983, +55 67 3231-4532.
 * Scorpios Ice Cream Parlor, R. Cuiabá, 983, +55 67 3231-4532.
 * Scorpios Ice Cream Parlor, R. Cuiabá, 983, +55 67 3231-4532.

Clubs

 * Excalibur
 * Studio 1054, General Av. Rondon, 1,054, +55 67 3231-6056
 * Wisqueria Pantanal, R. 7 of September, 492, +55 67 231 3822
 * Wisqueria Pantanal, R. 7 of September, 492, +55 67 231 3822

Boat-hotels

 * Celebridade, Rua Domingos Saib, Nº 843 Cervejaria, +55 67 3231-9060
 * Eldorado Pantaneiro, +55 67 3231-6369
 * Juruanã, +55 67 3231-8522
 * Kalypso, +55 67 3231-1460
 * Kayamã, +55 67 3232-4048
 * Netuno, +55 67 3231-6369
 * Paola, +55 67 3231-5235
 * Scorpions, +55 67 3231-3372
 * Sort’s, 0800 67-5300
 * Triton, +55 67 3231-2179
 * Tuiuiú, +55 67 3231-2052
 * Yacht Millennium, +55 67 3231-3372/3470
 * Yacht Millennium, +55 67 3231-3372/3470

Go next
No visit to Brazil would be complete without a visit to the Pantanal, 150,000 km² of wetlands in the heart of South America. It is the largest wetland area in the world, known for its rich variety of unspoiled plant and wildlife. Visitors to the Pantanal will be struck by a vast number of species difficult to find anywhere else in the world. And because the landscape of the Pantanal is open - and not dense like the rainforest - wildlife is particularly easy to spot.

Others options:
 * Campo Grande
 * Bonito
 * Dourados

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Corumbá


text:
Corund

Corund (Hungarian: Korond) is a village in Szeklerland, Romania.

Understand
Corund is very famous for its pottery and traditional Szekler art.

Get around
The village is not too big. On foot or by car.

See
Potters working on pots, the traditional bazaar on the main street, traditional Szekler architecture.

Buy
Pottery, gingerbread, crafty Szekler toys, like a small snake that comes out of a box and bites your hand with metal teeth, metre-long pencils, pan's pipes, straw hats.

Eat
Try the traditional gingerbread.

Sleep
You can rent out rooms in various family homes.

Go next
Visit Praid, Sovata, and Lupeni.

title: Corund


text:
Coruripe

Coruripe is a city of 57,000 people (2020) in Alagoas at the edge of Coruripe river.

Understand
Its population lives mainly from growing sugar cane, collecting coconuts, and fishing, and also has other forms of subsistence such as passion fruit, papaya, pineapple, beans, handicrafts, trade and tourism.

The city has become better known for the beauty of its beaches, which attract more and more tourists.

Get in
Coruripe is 80 km south of Maceio along AL-101.

Access is easy by good roads, all of them in good conditions. On the road, you will pass by many breathtaking landscapes, as the "sea of coconuts tree" in Barra de São Miguel. Stop for photos there. The best way to travel is to rent a car. It's inexpensive.

See
The church of São José do Poxim is a landmark, with its fragile wooden decoration. The origin of this work of art dates back to the second half of the 18th century. In this church, religious and historical relics of the town are found in a small museum on its first floor. Among other relics is a heavy wooden cross of unknown origin found in the sacristy; the legendary image of São José do Poxim; and, according to legend, a secret tunnel.

The Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Coruripe is one of the city’s postcards. This religious temple was built in 1887 has an eclectic style, rich in details, where some wooden parts stand out. In addition, some images can be highlighted that are there, such as those of São Sebastião, São José, Santo Antônio, Nosso Senhor Glorioso and the Patroness, among others, and the deceased who historically rest there on the walls of the sacristy. However, this monument has lost much of its originality due to the effects of time on its original floor and ceiling and on the altar railings. It retains, however, its rich essence, highlighted in its altars, choir and pulpit. The Pontal lighthouse (Farol Coruripe) is one of the symbols of Coruripe. It is present in the logo of the city hall, in the coat of arms of the football team and, in the coat of arms of the city. It was built in 1948 and belongs to a nautical signalling centre.

Do
The beaches are paradisaical and there are not many tourists around. The city is of no interest, as it's not at the beach. Pontal de Coruripe has, in a small space, all kinds of seas: from the quietude of a bay, very suitable for swimming, to waves for surfing.

Among the several kilometers of coastline, the beaches of Lagoa do Pau stand out, ideal for surfing, the beaches of Pontal de Coruripe, with a barrier of corals and reefs forming a true pool of clear waters and waterfalls, further embellishing plus the postcard, beaches of Miaí de Baixo and Miaí de Cima and the Baixios de Dom Rodrigo, excellent for diving. In addition to the beauties of the beaches, Coruripe also has rivers and lakes, enchanting visitors even more.

For a good part of the year, Coruripe is synonymous with parties, starting in January with the festivals of Bom Jesus dos Navegantes and São Sebastião, Carnival in February, São José do Poxim in March, Political Emancipation in May, June festivals, São Roque and the Popular Culture Festival in August, and the feast of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.

Eat
The Baiano Restaurant, at the beach of Pontal de Coruripe, has all sorts of seafood. Ask for the "Sururu", a kind of vongoli, typical of this place.

Sleep
There are some hotels in Coruripe. There are a few small hotels in Pontal de Coruripe, named "pousadas": the best one (also the most expensive) is the surf paradise. The "Pousada da Ada" is owned by a Portuguese lady (Ms Ada), that speaks and can also teach some different languages. This is a small bed and breakfast lodge much appreciated by foreigners.

title: Coruripe


text:
Corvallis

You're almost certainly looking for one of the following:

 * Corvallis (Montana) - in Ravalli County, Montana
 * Corvallis (Oregon) - in Benton County (Oregon), Willamette Valley, Oregon

title: Corvallis


text:
Corvallis (Oregon)

Corvallis is a city of 59,000 people (2019) in the state of Oregon in Benton County.

Understand
The town was first known as Marysville, but was later changed to Corvallis in 1857, which meant "heart of the valley" in Latin. Nestled at the foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range, Corvallis residents enjoy a multitude of mountain biking trails in their own backyard.

People from around the world are drawn to Corvallis to attend Oregon State University. Corvallis has a history of excellence in regard to education; the Corvallis School District continually has some of the highest Scholastic Aptitude Test(SAT) scores in the nation. Corvallis has the highest education level and the second highest income level in the state. Corvallis is the birthplace of Hewlett-Packard's computer inkjet printing process and was home to Nobel Prize-winner, Linus Pauling. The computer mouse was invented by a graduate of Oregon State University. Corvallis also spawned Randy Couture, who is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame.

By plane
The nearest airports for commercial flights are:

Portland International Airport is located  (2-2.5 hours) north via I-5 and 205. Groome Trasportation runs every two hours with a scheduled travel time of 2.5 hours to Portland for those traveling without a private car.

Eugene Airport is  south of Corvallis on OR Hwy 99W/99 with fewer commercial flights than to Portland. Options for getting from Eugene Airport to Corvallis are limited (or expensive) for those traveling without a car. Groom Transportation only goes to U of Oregon campus from Corvallis and there are no downtown to airport connections by public transportation in Eugene. If using Groom Transportation TO Eugene, ask if they will drop off at Eugene Airport before buying a ticket from them.

By car
By car, this town is about an hour and a half south of Portland, almost an hour north of Eugene, or almost an hour south of Salem, the capital of Oregon.

 * US 20.svg Philomath Blvd/Corvallis Newport Highway connects Corvallis to Newport west. It follows Pacific Hwy (OR-99W) through town and than onto 2nd St from NW Harrison Blvd, alongside the Willamette River, towards Albany,  northeast. It is another  (2.5 - 3 hrs) east on US Hwy 20 from Albany to Bend. For going towards Bend it is more a straight shot to go  east on OR-34 (see below) to Lebanon and get on US Hwy 20 from Lebanon towards Bend.
 * OR 34.svg I-5.svg From Interstate 5  Corvallis is located 10 miles (16km) west from the "Lebanon Corvallis" exit at Exit 228 along Hwy 34.  Upon approaching from the east you will cross a bridge which leads you right into downtown Corvallis as NW Harrison Blvd (WB). If leaving town, follow NW Van Buren Ave (EB) to get onto OR-Hwy 34. You can also turn left at the last light before the bridge, indicated by a sign saying "Oregon Coast/Reser Stadium," then take the exit that says Eugene/Junction City and that will take you into Philomath Blvd (US Hwy 20) at the southern edge of Corvallis to avoid the narrow one way streets in town.
 * OR 99.svg OR 99W.svg OR Hwy 99W goes through town as Pacific Highway W, as the main north-south streets through town between Eugene and Portland. OR-Hwy 99 splits as OR-Hwy 99E and 99W in Junction City at north of Eugene. In town, Pacific Hwy W splits into two one way streets with each street going in opposite directions but with the same name.

By train
The closest Amtrak station is Albany, some 15 minutes north by car. Some shuttle bus services are available. You can use Linn-Benton loop bus from downtown Corvallis to go to Albany. This service is not provided after 7 on weekdays and on Sunday.

Get around

 * Corvallis Transit System (CTS) runs all over Corvallis and is free, allowing for quick, fareless, and efficient transportation to anywhere in town. Buses are available on weekdays and Saturdays but on Sundays no public transport is available.
 * Pedals is a bike share program with multiple stations around Corvallis, which is already one of the most bike-friendly towns in the United States. 3-day passes are $5 and trips under 2 hours are free. There are no restrictions on the amount of trips you take in a day.
 * Car rental is available from Hertz and Enterprise both on 9th.

Do

 * Movie theaters The best places to go for blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.
 * Movie theaters The best places to go for blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.
 * Movie theaters The best places to go for blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.
 * Movie theaters The best places to go for blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.
 * Movie theaters The best places to go for blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.
 * Movie theaters The best places to go for blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.
 * Movie theaters The best places to go for blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.
 * Movie theaters The best places to go for blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.
 * Movie theaters The best places to go for blockbusters are the Carmike Cinemas or the Regal Cinemas on 9th street. If you bring your student ID you can get in to either location for $6. There is also the Dark Side Cinema downtown, which offers more challenging fare in a small theater setting.

Groceries

 * 1007 SE 3rd
 * 29th & Grant
 * 29th & Grant

Budget
Nearly any fast food restaurant you are looking for can be found on 9th St. Corvallis also has many pizza delivery services and restaurants. Some notable local venues are: Cirrelos Pizza, Woodstocks Pizza, Endzone Pizza Bar, American Dream Pizza, Pizza Pipeline, and The Pizza Pedler.

Mid-range

 * 214 SW 2nd St, +1 541 753-7373. Outside rooftop seating with full service after 4:30PM, in the summer, weather permitting.
 * 2525 NW Monroe Ave, +1 541 757-1713
 * 214 SW 2nd St, +1 541 753-7373. Outside rooftop seating with full service after 4:30PM, in the summer, weather permitting.
 * 2525 NW Monroe Ave, +1 541 757-1713

Splurge
Castor 541-231-3322 458 SW Madison Ave Southern-style plates with seasonal ingredients served in a cool, modern space with vintage accents.

Dance

 * This is another popular dance club. It's known for its Saturday night 1980s mix/Ladies' night. It is combined with Señor Sam's Mexican restaurant. Another great place to get your "groove on."
 * This is a great small place to go and have fun. On Tuesdays they offer some fun games with prizes (usually a bingo or something of that sort).
 * This is a great small place to go and have fun. On Tuesdays they offer some fun games with prizes (usually a bingo or something of that sort).
 * This is a great small place to go and have fun. On Tuesdays they offer some fun games with prizes (usually a bingo or something of that sort).

Sleep

 * Camping is available in nearby Albany
 * Camping is available in nearby Albany
 * Camping is available in nearby Albany
 * Camping is available in nearby Albany
 * Camping is available in nearby Albany
 * Camping is available in nearby Albany

Cope

 * For some basic auto needs, you can always go to Les Schwab which is on circle and 9th.

Go next

 * Marys Peak, the highest peak in Oregon's Coast range, is about 15 miles west of town and has good hiking and biking.
 * McDonald Forest is a research forest operated by OSU. Peavy Arboretum, off HWY 99, is a popular hiking spot.
 * Chip Ross, a hilly open-space, good for hiking. North of town, adjacent to McDonald Forest.
 * Bald Hill has popular walking paths and trails with great vistas. Adjacent to the fairgrounds, west of town.
 * Avery Park, a large city park with picnic areas, ball fields, a rose garden, and play structures. Kids like the 'dinosaur bones' and historic train.
 * Willamette Park is a city park just south of town, along the Willamette river. Includes soccer fields, boat landings, primitive campgrounds, and a disc golf course.
 * Trysting Tree Golf Course is a public course operated by OSU.

title: Corvallis (Oregon)


text:
Corvo

Corvo is an island in the Azores. Corvo and Flores are the two westernmost islands in the archipelago, and represent the only Portuguese territory geographically located in North America, being west of the tectonic plate divide.

Understand
Corvo (KOHR-voo, /ˈkoɾ.vu/) is the smallest and most isolated island in the Azores. It had 381 residents in 2021, most still dependent on cattle raising and viticulture as a source of income. In 1973 the islanders received electricity and were given its first telephone. Before then, the islanders used radio or smoke signals to get help from their neighbouring island Flores.

There is one urban center on the island: Vila do Corvo. It is a collection of many residential homes, interspersed with commercial businesses located on the southern one-third of the island. The lands immediately around the settlement are small zones along the eastern coast (Quintas and Fojo) that can sustain cultivation of some crops and fruit trees, and where some older trees have survived settlement; the best pasture-lands are located in the north in the zone of Terras Altas.

The southern coast, referred to as Enseada de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, is the location of three ports, constructed at various times for diverse needs. Portinho da Areia, on the extreme west of the southern coast (at the end of the airport's runway) is the only beach and principal swimming area on the island.

The islands of Corvo and Flores, and the surrounding waters, form a 210,400-ha Important Bird Area (IBA), which provides feeding and breeding sites for populations of Cory's, little and Manx shearwaters, as well as roseate and common terns, and, possibly, Madeiran storm petrels.

History
The navigator Diogo de Teive discovered both islands of the Azores' Western Group on his 1452 return from the Banks of Newfoundland following his second voyage of exploration. Unsuccessful attempts at settlement of the island occurred in the following years; not until 1580 did a permanent settlement become viable.

Get around
There is a taxi service on the island. The drivers do speak some English, so they will be able to help you find anywhere you need to go and have dealt with tourists so can help you find good restaurants and other attractions.

If you plan on renting your own car be careful, livestock have the right of way so be cautious when driving.

See

 * Portinho da Areia — The only beach on the island, close to the airport, close to the campsite. Much sought after by diving enthusiasts, it is also of interest to a "normal" tourist.Ponta do Marco - It is a small promontory in the north of the island, which "reminds" the image of a knight sitting on his horse. Overlooking the east is the Ponta do Marco Cave.
 * Cara do Índio — A face carved by natural elements (such as wind and water) in the hard basalt that makes up the island, creating what the inhabitants believe to be the face of an Indian.
 * Morro dos Homens — This mountain is part of the volcano on the island of Corvo, which is also its highest point, rising 718 m above sea level. It is close to Lomba Redonda, another mountain, and the source of Ribeira da Lapa which flows into the Zimbral area, close to Calçadas, Vila do Corvo.
 * Miradouro do Portão — From here you have a fantastic view over the entire Vila do Corvo.
 * Cara do Índio — A face carved by natural elements (such as wind and water) in the hard basalt that makes up the island, creating what the inhabitants believe to be the face of an Indian.
 * Morro dos Homens — This mountain is part of the volcano on the island of Corvo, which is also its highest point, rising 718 m above sea level. It is close to Lomba Redonda, another mountain, and the source of Ribeira da Lapa which flows into the Zimbral area, close to Calçadas, Vila do Corvo.
 * Miradouro do Portão — From here you have a fantastic view over the entire Vila do Corvo.

Do
Visit the vineyards. There are many throughout the small island but each one is slightly different. If it is the right time of the year see if there is a running of the Bulls, a traditional activity done every year in which people line the streets and watch locals who are brave enough take on a bull to see if they can outrun or get close enough to touch its horns. Be Careful though, if you want to watch make sure you are sitting on a high wall or standing behind something the bull will not be able to knock down if they charge at it. People have been known to be severely injured at these events.

Eat
Due to how small the island is there are not many restaurants, so while here buy from the local market: fish, wine, meat, spices. The food is as fresh as you can get and if you have the ability to make your own meal, try to make a traditional Portuguese dish using the local food. If you plan on eating out, avoid American restaurants and go to a local Portuguese restaurant to experience the traditional food. If you order Portuguese food from a non-Portuguese restaurant, it will not have the same refined taste.

Drink
When in Portugal, try a local wine. Because of how it is made and fermented, the locally made wine has its own texture and smoothness to it that is hard to find in any other wine.

Go next
The only way out is the same way you got in, by boat from the closest island of Flores or by plane either to Flores or Horta. Make sure you are aware of what times it leaves and arrives to plan your day accordingly since you most likely will be staying at a hotel in Flores rather than on Corvo.

title: Corvo


text:
Corydon

Corydon is a town of 3,200 people in Harrison County, Southern Indiana. It is known as the first state capital of Indiana. The town's numerous historic sites have helped it become a tourist destination. A portion of its downtown area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the Corydon Historic District.

Get in
Corydon is located off of I-64 at IN 135 (Exit 105). A new interchange with IN 337 northwest of Corydon is in the planning stages. Corydon is easy to reach from many locations:
 * Louisville: I-64 West to IN 135, 26 mi
 * Lexington: I-64 West to IN 135, 102 mi
 * Bloomington: IN 37 South to US 150 East to IN 135 South, 85 mi
 * Indianapolis: I-65 South to I-265 West to I-64 West to IN 135, 132 mi
 * Evansville: I-164 North to I-64 East to IN 135, 98 mi
 * St. Louis: I-64 East to IN 135, 240 mi
 * Cincinnati: I-71 South to I-64 West to IN 135, 131 mi
 * Nashville: I-65 North to I-264 West to I-64 West to IN 135, 190 mi

Events
Here is a monthly list of events in Corydon and Harrison County. Check with the Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau or call for the latest information and exact dates for events and festivals.

March April May June July August September October November December
 * March Gladness with the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail
 * Friday Night Jams at Hayswood Theatre
 * Remembrance Day in New Amsterdam
 * Friday Night Jams at Hayswood Theatre
 * Hayswood Theatre presents: "The Curious Stage"
 * Triple Crown of Caving
 * Happy's Picnic Car Show
 * 1850 Haypress Demonstration & Living Farmstead
 * Southern Indiana Uncorked
 * Friday Night Jams at Hayswood Theatre
 * Friday Night Band Concerts on the Square
 * Wine Appreciation Dinner
 * Crawford County Chicken Run Car Show
 * Southern Indiana Kennel Club Dog Show
 * Kids Fishing Derby & Free Fishing Weekend
 * Triple Crown of Caving
 * Bluegrass on the Square
 * Friday Night Jams at Hayswood Theatre
 * Bluegrass on the Square
 * Friday Night Band Concerts on the Square
 * Hayswood Theatre Presents: "Once Upon A Mattress"
 * 1850 Haypress Demonstration & Living Farmstead
 * Indiana Territory Festival
 * Triple Crown of Caving
 * Turtle Run Winery Summer Concert Series
 * Leavenworth RiverFest
 * Kiwanis Fireworks
 * Harrison County Fair
 * Bluegrass on the Square
 * Friday Night Band Concerts on the Square
 * Hayswood Theatre Presents: "Once Upon A Mattress"
 * 1850 Haypress Demonstration & Living Farmstead
 * Triple Crown of Caving
 * World on the Square
 * Art on the Square
 * Bluegrass on the Square
 * Friday Night Band Concerts on the Square
 * Annabelle's Gift Shop and Gallery Juried Art Show
 * 1850 Haypress Demonstration & Living Farmstead
 * Harrison County Get Down on the Farm Days
 * Old Capitol Traditional Music Fest
 * Harrison County Cockadoodle Days
 * Lanesville Heritage Weekend
 * Friday Night Band Concerts on the Square
 * 1850 Haypress Demonstration & Living Farmstead
 * Spirit Days Festival in Elizabeth
 * Sensational Sunday at Churchill's Countryside Farm
 * Celebrate Laconia
 * Old Capitol Auto Fest
 * Unbridled Whimsy V Art Exhibit
 * Wyandotte Adventure Outings
 * Overnight Backpacking Trip
 * Sorghum Festival
 * Turtle Run Winery Bonfire & Hayride
 * Annual Halloween Parade
 * O'Bannon Woods State Park Autumn Camping Weekend
 * Light Up Corydon
 * Holiday Open House
 * Christmas Poinsettia Open House

By phone
Most telephone numbers in Corydon consist of +1 812 plus a seven-digit number, but the area is part of an overlay complex that includes +1 930. A local or in-state telephone call requires all 10 digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).

Signage on established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 812 before these if no area code is indicated.

Go next

 * Clarksville
 * Jeffersonville
 * New Albany
 * Salem
 * Brandenburg, KY
 * Louisville

title: Corydon


text:
Coshocton

Coshocton is a city in Ohio. It is the county seat of Coshocton County.

Understand
Coshocton is the county seat of Coshocton County and is located approximately 124 kilometers northeast of the state capital, Columbus. It is part of the Coshocton Micropolitan Statistical Area and is situated at the confluence of the Tuscarawas River and Walhonding River, forming the Muskingum River. U.S. Route 36 and state routes 16, 83, and 621 pass through the area.

In the 1820s, the Ohio-Erie Canal was opened, and in the 1860s, railroads were connected, which contributed to its development as a transportation hub. The region is known for grape cultivation and wine production, and tourism has also thrived.

Notable attractions in the area include Historic Roscoe Village, a restored canal-era village from the 1830s, and the Coshocton County Courthouse.

By Car
US 36, SR 83, and SR541 all pass through Coshocton.

Go next

 * Columbus

title: Coshocton


text:
Alicante (province)

Alicante / Alacant province is the southernmost province of the Valencian Community. The fourth-largest province in Spain (after Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia), the beautiful weather and glistening beaches of the Costa Blanca attracts tourists from across Europe. Many have chosen to stay and sizeable expatriate communities mean that a quarter of the province's population is foreign.

Cities
Coastal
 * – the provincial capital and hub, boasting an attractive waterfront and buzzing nightlife.
 * – a charming seaside town popular with tourists, which has retained much of its Spanish character.
 * – a summer destination for international tourists, famous for its nightlife and high rise hotels.
 * – a popular tourist town at the foot of the imposing Natural Park of Penyal d'Ifac, which sticks out into the Mediterranean.
 * – a buzzing port town with top food choices and good beaches.
 * – a popular coastal resort, adjacent to two natural saltwater lagoons.
 * – a coastal market town with a long waterfront in a wide bay and an old town full of winding streets.
 * Santa Pola - a fishing and tourist town 20km south of the provincial capital popular with Spanish tourists.

Inland
 * – a small town known for its traditional ceramics.
 * – nestled in the foothills of nearby mountains, the town hosts a large Moors and Christians festival each summer.
 * – one of Alicante's better-preserved medieval towns.
 * – located inland near the mountains, this small town is popular with hikers and mountain bikers and hosts a 600 year old trade fair each November.
 * – home to the UNESCO World Heritage listed palm groves dating back to the 8th century.
 * - a lovely town with several Catholic festivals and the poet Miguel Hernandez's place of birth.

Other destinations

 * – the 200-km "white coast" which attracts tourists to numerous villages, towns and resorts by the sea
 * – an island off the mainland in a marine reserve

Understand
It's easy to understand why tourism is Alicante's major industry. The spectacular landscape, stunning beaches and sunny climate attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from across Europe each year, with visitors from the Netherlands, UK, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and France leading the way. Due to this, there are a large number of second homes in the province - many of which can be rented as holiday villas during the high season. More foreigners still have decided to make Alicante their home and a quarter of the population are from abroad - with the expatriate population reaching above 50% in 19 of the province's 141 municipalities.

Away from the beaches, the geography of the area makes Alicante a stunning area to explore, with the province split between mountainous areas to the north and west and a mostly flat south. The mountains are home to interesting villages to explore, such as Guadalest and natural gems like the Algar Waterfalls. The coast is dotted with relics from the region's past in the form of ancient towers and fortifications alongside hidden coves. The massive Penyal d'Ifac, in Calp, is a striking visual feature along the coastline and was known to the Phoenicians as the Northern Rock to distinguish it from the Rock of Gibraltar further south.

The region's culture is also particularly vibrant, with numerous festivals throughout the year. Almost every town and village celebrates the annual Moors and Christians festival in the summer, which commemorates the Spanish Reconquista and often leads to week long festivities.

Aside from tourism, the province relies on agriculture with vineyards in the inner part of the province and fertile land along the coast. Fishing is important along the coast and Santa Pola, Calp and Denia are all important fishing harbours. Historically, the textile sector - particularly footwear - has been important in towns such as Alcoy and Elche but the industry is now having to fight against harsh competition from Asia.

By plane
Alicante-Elche Airport  is Spain's fifth busiest airport with hundreds of flights per day serving destinations across Europe. The airport is well served by budget airlines, providing cheap options for international visitors. Constructed in 2011, the current terminal is modern and offers shops and restaurants airside. While the airport was designed to handle large numbers of tourists, it gets notably busier during the summer.

The airport is 9km south of Alicante. Many car rental companies operate from the airport in the arrivals hall. There is no metro or rail links from the airport, although the new terminal was built with space allocated for a future railway station and in 2019 the regional government began progressing plans to develop a rail link. For now, bus route C6 provides a connection between the airport and Alicante city centre.

There are also a number of private airport transfer services which will transport visitors across the region, including the Beniconnect service.

By train
Alicante is the major railway hub in the province, although trains stop at a number of other destinations (Villena, Sax, Novelda, Elx, Callosa de Segura and Orihuela).

Into Alicante, trains from Madrid (Altaria) take approximatley 3 hours and 15 minutes. The Euromed service runs along the east coast of Spain and connects Alicante with Barcelona (4 hours 30 minutes) and Valencia (2 hours 30 minutes).

See below for details about the TRAM regional railway system that operates within Alicante province.

By bus
Many buses come from almost every big city in Spain. The main bus station is located in the centre of Alicante.

By car
The AP-7 highway runs the length of the east coast of Spain, from the French border down into Andalucia passing through major cities including Barcelona and Valencia. It runs through the province and passes by all of the major population centres including Calp, Benidorm, Alicante, Elche and Torrevieja. Since January 2020, the road is now toll-free.

From Madrid, the E-903 route runs to Alicante, taking approximately 4 hours.

By public transit
The Alicante metropolitan area and the Costa Blanca are connected by the Alicante Metropolitan TRAM. The services stretches from Alicante to Denia in the north, 90 km up the coast, with 71 station across 5 lines. The TRAM combines tram, light rail, light train and commuter services into one seamless integrated system. The tracks have been electrified, with ultra-modern cars, from Alicante to Benidorm. Between Benidorm and Denia, the line is still served by the old diesel traincars. There are plans to electrify the system from Benidorm to Denia as well.

Outside of the Alicante metropolitan area, the Line 1 serves towns along the coast from Alicante up to Benidorm. From there, passengers can interchange with Line 9 for services further north serving towns including Altea, Calp, Teulada and Dénia. The journey from Alicante-Luceros to Benidorm takes approximately 70 minutes, while services from Benidorm to Denia take 90 minutes. Services between Calp and Denia have been closed since 2016 for upgrade works - replacement bus services are available instead.

A journey planner is available.

Fares range from €1.35 to €7.15 (April 2018 prices) for a single ticket depending on the number of zones traveled through. Multi-journey tickets and concessions are available which provide a discount. Within the Alicante metropolitan area, a single journey costs €1.45 but passengers can buy TAM multitravel cards, which provide discounts on multiple journeys.

See

Festivals
Moros i Cristians (Spanish: Moros y Cristianos) festivals are held in various small towns around the Alicante region. The festivity keeps memory of the Reconquer of each town by Christian kings of the territory to Islamic forces. Locals dress up in colorful costumes as Medieval Moorish and Christian warriors and knights. Live camels and elephants can sometimes be seen in street processions. In some areas, temporary wooden castles are built and mock battles are waged. Loud gunpowder arquebuses are discharged into the air, and fireworks can last late into the night.

Drink
Alicante has its own regulatory wine council. Tinto Alicante and Moscatel Alicante are the most well-known varieties.

title: Alicante (province)


text:
Costa Brava

The Costa Brava (Rugged Coast) is a coastal region in Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain. It has rocky cliffs and a mix of pebble beaches and sandy beaches.

Cities
Alt Empordà county (Comarca de l'Alt Empordà)

 Baix Empordà county Comarca del Baix Empordà)

 * — scenic fishing town
 * — scenic fishing town
 * — scenic fishing town
 * — scenic fishing town
 * — scenic fishing town
 * — scenic fishing town
 * — scenic fishing town
 * — scenic fishing town
 * — scenic fishing town

 La Selva county (Comarca de La Selva)

 * — a lovely seaside resort
 * — a beach resort with a reputation for its nightlife
 * — Barcelona's nearest and southernmost resort with two botanical gardens, beaches and modernist buildings

Understand

Costa Brava has been a holiday destination since the 60's. Some regions, like Lloret de Mar, are more popular with foreign tourists, while others, like Begur, cater more to locals.

The region starts in Blanes and goes for over to the French border. It can be divided in 3 subregions, which match with the coastal area of the administrative counties (Comarques): Alt Empordà, Baix Empordà and La Selva.

There is a lot of history in the region dating back 2600 years with the ruins of Iberian villages, then Greek outposts and Roman cities. In medieval times the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes was built.

In the early 2000s many Russians acquired villas around Costa Brava, inflating restaurant prices, and bringing many expensive cars to the region.

Talk
The official language of the region is Catalan and as is the case everywhere in Catalonia, all the citizens are also fluent in Spanish. In this region, English is very widely spoken and quite often French as well. Some people will speak German, but the lingua franca is really English.

Get in
Costa Brava's main airport is Girona-Costa Brava airport. Ryanair operate flights to the airport from several destinations in Europe and Morocco all year. Other seasonal airlines include Thomson Airways and Transavia. Alternatively, you can fly into Barcelona El Prat Airport. Airport shuttles operate between Girona-Costa Brava airport and the majority of the resort cities, Barcelona and Girona city centre.

Get around
If you want to explore a lot of the coastal cities then renting a car is your best option. There is regular bus service between the towns but nothing compares driving along and stopping where you like.

See

 * Beaches and coves
 * The Dali Museum in Figueres.
 * Medieval ruins in Tossa de Mar, with some very well-preserved medieval ruins -- including walls and towers which protected the town between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries.
 * Traditional fishing cities like Blanes and Lloret de Mar and towns like Cadaqués, Tossa de Mar and Pals that have become important destinations for internal Spanish tourism.
 * Visit Region Natural Parks. See

Small Coastal villages
These are generally small-sized villages located on the coast that, despite the tourism boom, have managed to maintain their character as coastal towns closely connected to the sea. They have a resident population and the sea constitutes a fundamental element in the landscape's harmony and the maintenance of maritime activities and infrastructure, such as the presence of fisherman's huts, fishing cabins, bathing huts, fishing fleets, or elements characteristic of maritime culture. The best villages in this category are, in Alt Empordà: Portbou, Colera, Llançà, El Port de la Selva, and Cadaqués, and in Baix Empordà: Palafrugell and Palamós.

Charming Villages
These are small villages located in a rural environment, known for the harmony of their overall layout, both in terms of the built-up area and their relationship with the natural surroundings. The main common characteristic is the absence of contaminating elements that would disrupt the aesthetic quality of the whole. The best villages in this category are, in Baix Empordà: Peratallada, Ullastret, Pals, and Monells.

Villages with Historical Personality
They concentrate a large number of buildings and architectural elements of great historical and cultural value. These are towns that preserve important relics from the past and have managed to become a heritage of great value and attraction. The villages which fit in this tourist typology are, in Alt Empordà: Castelló d'Empúries and Figueres, in Baix Empordà: Torroella de Montgrí and Begur, in Gironès: Girona, and in La Selva: Tossa de Mar."

Botanical Gardens

 * Jardins de Cap Roig in Calella de Palafrugell
 * Jardins de Santa Clotilde in Lloret de Mar
 * Jardí botànic Pinya de Rosa in Blanes
 * Jardí botànic Marimurtra in Blanes

Archeology Museums

 * Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya-Empúries in L'Escala. Huge ruins of greek outpost and a roman empire city. A must see.
 * Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya-Ullastret in Ullastret. ruins of Iberic village (pre-roman inhabitants)
 * Col·lecció Museu d'Arqueologia Submarina, Ca la Pruna in Pals
 * Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya-Girona in Girona

Dalí

 * Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres
 * Museu Castell Gala-Dalí in  La Pera
 * Dali's House (Port Lligat Museum-House) in Cadaqués

Ethnology museums - old way of live

 * Old Catalan farmers museum (Col·lecció Museu del Pagès) in Torroella de Fluvià
 * Faucets museum (Col·lecció del Museu de les Aixetes) in Campmany
 * Salted fish museum (Col·lecció Museu de l'Anxova i de la Sal) in L'Escala
 * Flour manufacture museum (Ecomuseu-Farinera de Castelló d'Empúries) in Castelló d'Empúries
 * Museu Rural in Palau-sator
 * Fishing museum (Museu de la Pesca) in Palamós

Religious places

 * Sant Pere de Rodes a Port de la Selva. See Cap de Creus Natural Park. A must see.
 * Monestir de Sant Quirze de Colera a Rabós
 * Sant Joan church (Església de Sant Joan de Saverdera) a Palau-saverdera
 * Claustre de l'Antic Convent de Sant Domènec a Peralada
 * Col·legiata de Santa Maria a Vilabertran
 * Monestir benedictí de Sant Miquel de Cruïlles a Cruïlles-Monells i Sant Sadurní de l'Heura
 * The Cathedral of Girona

Do

 * Gamble at the casinos in Lloret de Mar
 * Scuba dive - There are scuba diving outings to the "Illes Medes" (Medes Islands) National Reserve Park from L'Estartit. Cadaques also has various dive shops to explore the area. Tossa de Mar is also a popular scuba diving spot.
 * Hiking the GR 92 which runs all the costa Brava or the Camí de ronda which runs parallel to the sea.

Leisure Centers
These are villages on the coast characterized by a high degree of specialization in tourism. Their primary economic activity and reason for existence is tourism; they offer a wide range of accommodations and concentrate a large number of entertainment-related activities such as water parks, restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs. The best villages are, in Alt Empordà county, Roses, and Empuriabrava, in Baix Empordà county there are L'Estartit, Palamós, Sant Antoni de Calonge, and Platja d'Aro, and in Selva county, there is Lloret de Mar.

Golf

 * Golf Peralada in Peralada
 * Torremirona golf club
 * Empordà Golf in Torroella de Montgrí
 * Golf de Pals in Pals
 * Club Golf d'Aro in Platja d'Aro
 * Golf Costa Brava in Sta. Cristina d'Aro

Pitch and putt

 * Pitch & Putt Castelló-Empuriabrava in Empuriabrava
 * Pitch&putt Gualta in Gualta
 * Pitch & Putt Platja d'Aro
 * Pitch & Putt Mas Torrellas
 * Golf Lloret Pitch & Putt in Lloret de Mar

Ports and Marinas

 * Portbou port
 * Club Nàutic Sant Miquel de Colera
 * Sant Carles port in Llançà
 * Llançà port
 * Club Nàutic Port de la Selva, El Port de la Selva
 * Port de Roses
 * Port de Santa Margarida, Roses
 * port Empuriabrava
 * Puerto de L'Escala
 * Port de Fornells
 * Club Náutico Llafranch
 * Port Marina Palamós
 * Port de Palamós
 * Port d'Aro in Platja d'Aro
 * Club Náutico Sant Feliu de Guíxols
 * Club Náutico Cala Canyelles
 * Port de Blanes

Water parks & amusement parks

 * Water world in Lloret de Mar
 * Aquadiver in Platja d'Aro
 * Aquabrava in Roses
 * PP’s park in Platja d'Aro
 * Gnomo park in Blanes
 * Arbre aventura in Lloret de Mar
 * Sould park in Lloret de Mar
 * Aqua Brava in Roses

Karting

 * Karting Club Blanes in Blanes
 * Karting Empuriabrava in Empuriabrava
 * Karting Cross Empuriabrava - Cross Park in Empuriabrava
 * Karting Palamós in Palamós
 * Karting Roses in Roses
 * Karting Regencós near Pals and Begur
 * Karting Formula Lloret in Lloret de Mar
 * Karting l'Escala in L'Escala
 * Karting Jocs in L'Estartit
 * karting Parc d'atraccions in Llançà

Music Festivals
Other cultural highlights of the Costa Brava are its music festivals, which gather a notable selection of creators and performers from all genres year after year.

 * Festival of the Gardens of Cap Roig: Held in Calella de Palafrugell at the Auditori del Jardí Botànic, located in a particularly unique place next to the sea. This summer festival is open to various performing arts disciplines. Early July to mid-August.

 * Torroella de Montgrí Music Festival: Taking place in Torroella de Montgrí, the festival started in 1980 and has always maintained Western classical music as the central axis of its programming. Over time, it has introduced extra musical elements and showcased other types of music and cultures. Late July to mid-August.

 * International Music Festival of Castell de Peralada: Held in Peralada, this festival has been celebrated continuously since 1987 during the months of July and August within the monumental complex of Castell de Peralada.

 * International Festival of Porta Ferrada: In Sant Feliu de Guíxols, it is the oldest in Catalonia, founded in 1958 in front of the Monestir de Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Its name refers to the oldest part of this monumental complex. Mid-July to mid-August.

 * International Music Festival of Cadaqués: In Cadaqués, during the first week of August. The festival aims to reflect the artistic eclecticism of this town, a source of inspiration for countless artists. Its program encompasses a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to classical music, and even pop and rock, always betting on good music while maintaining its uniqueness.

 * Calonge Music Festival: In Calonge, it is the oldest festival on the Costa Brava (since 1968). Classical, popular, flamenco, jazz, and soul music. August.

 * Musicant: In Campllong, a festival committed to promoting the Catalan musical repertoire of all time. Late August and early September.

 * Schubertíada de Vilabertran: In Vilabertran, the festival features lieder recitals, but also includes works by other composers, especially his contemporaries. Mid-August to the first week of September.

 * Acústica Festival: In Figueres, under the acoustic or unplugged format, both emerging and established artists come together. The first week of September.

There is a big tradition of sing Havaneres songs on the beach. Many villages has an Haveneres festival in summer time. Havaneres were songs played by the XIX century sailors returning from Cuba.

Eat
The Costa Brava region has some renowned restaurants, including Miramar in Llançà with 2 Michelin stars, and la Llar in Empuriabrava and Els Brancs in Roses with one star each.

You can also find plenty of touristic restaurants with seafood and paella and traditional restaurants with Catalan cuisine in all the towns and cities.

Tipical food products in Costa Brava
 * Palamós shrimps
 * L’Escala Anchovies
 * Pals rice
 * Butifarra del Perol - tipical sausage
 * Ampurdán olive oil
 * Ampurdán wine

Tipical dishes from Costa Brava
 * Pa amb tomàquet i anchoves de L’Escala. Bread with tomato and L’Escala Anchovies.
 * Arroz negro caldoso. Black rice
 * Escalivada. Grilled aubergine, pepper and onion.
 * Canelons. Pasta filled with meat.
 * Grilled fresh shrimps from Palamos.
 * Fesols amb botifarra de perol. Beans with Perol sausage.

Drink
Any coastal town or city in the Costa Brava have almost a bar near the beach to relax and take a drink.

Lloret de Mar is well known because of its discos and nightlife, but you can take a drink quietly on many bars near to the beach.

There is a Denomination of Origin for wine called, DO Empordà that encompasses most of the Costa Brava region and in the last 15-20 years, the wines have increased greatly in quality to the point of being quite recommendable. While you can hire guides, if you have a car, you can also easily make a tour of the cellars using a handy English language book that's available called, Vinologue

Sleep
All the cities and towns in the Costa Brava have camping areas and hotels for tourist accommodation.

One of the biggest areas for those arriving by caravan is between Sant Pere Pescador and L'Escala which during the summer has more Dutch and British license plates than Spanish.

Go next

 * Barcelona - Barcelona the capital and largest city of Catalonia.
 * Figueres - home to the Dalí museum
 * Girona - Nice old town with an impressive Jewish quarter.
 * Girona Pyrenees - Monumental mountain towns, ski resorts and la Garrotxa volcanoes.

title: Costa Brava


text:
Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol (literally "sun coast") is a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the Andalucia region of southern Spain. It one of the most important tourist areas in Spain, drawing northern Europeans and Spaniards for its beaches, beautiful weather, and relaxed attitude. It also offers historical and cultural attractions due to its long history of occupation by the Moors.

Cities

 * — Benalmádena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Costa have a long stretch of sunny beaches, a lively nightlife and excellent cuisine
 * — a low-density residential area surrounded by a UNESCO biosphere reserve called La Sierra de las Nieves
 * — a coastal town that has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character, despite the onslaught of tourism
 * — a tourist town with 8 km of sandy beaches and a Moorish castle
 * — the largest city on the Costa del Sol offers beaches, hiking, architectural sites, art museums, and excellent shopping and cuisine
 * — one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts on the Costa
 * — a typically Andalusian white-washed village on a mountain side
 * — a beautiful small town in the mountains, with hiking opportunities
 * — a luxury marina and shopping complex for the rich and famous
 * — the former armpit of the Costa is now an attractive, clean, safe tourist town that attracts families, LGBT vacationers, and a lot of Spanish tourists

The seaside of Axarquía (such as Nerja and Torrox) is sometimes known as the "Eastern Costa del Sol" (Costa del Sol Oriental).

Understand
The Costa del Sol stretches for over 150 km, for 54 km east of Malaga, and as far as the provincial border of Cadiz, some 100 km south west of the city.

The eastern Costa is highly developed, but not nearly as much so as the south western part, which has been constantly developed and redeveloped since the 1960s and is geared wholly towards international tourism.

Climate
The Costa del Sol has a pleasant climate, with an average temperature of 19 °C and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The mountain ranges just behind the coastline protect against cold north winds. In summer it is warm between 25 °C and 30 °C during the day, in winter it rarely goes below 10 °C. The amount of precipitation on the Costa del Sol is 500 mm, in the interior it can be twice as much.

However, it is a little cooler than on the coasts further east (e.g. Almería area). This continues the further you go west, as the influence of the Atlantic can be felt there.

The Costa del Sol is on the Mediterranean sea, and the average water temperature is 18 °C (24 °C in August).

Talk
As with most of the rest of Spain, Spanish is the main language. However, as the Costa del Sol is Spain's most popular tourist attraction, you'll find people fluent in several different languages working in the main beach resorts, particularly during the summer. Languages commonly spoken in the resorts include French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian and of course, English.

Nevertheless, knowledge of Spanish is still useful as beyond the beach resorts, as well as during the off-season (i.e. winter), it is rare to find any locals who speak foreign languages.

By plane
The central airport is in Málaga. Alternatively, you can also arrive via the airport in Seville or the airport in Gibraltar. Seville is already a bit away from the Costa del Sol, but it is a good idea if you want to spend a few days in the Andalusian capital before your beach holiday. You can only get to Gibraltar from Birmingham, London or Manchester via England.

By train
Málaga is connected to the RENFE high-speed network. The AVE runs here every hour. You can get to Barcelona and Madrid from Malaga. The next transfer station is in Córdoba. There are only a few other trains to the Costa des Sol. A train runs every two hours to Seville, one from time to time to Ronda.

With the RENFE train C-1 you can go from there to the centre of the capital or southwest along the coast to Fuengirola. The trains run every 20 minutes from early in the morning to late in the evening, the fares range between €1.70 and €2.60. See also timetable, map, stations.

By car
Well-developed motorways (Autovía del Mediterráneo) and expressways run along the coast, mostly the A-7 (toll), and in Málaga also the MA-24 and MA-20. At the same time there are also good country roads, on which you need a little longer to get to your destination. You can get to Malaga on the A-45 from Cordoba. The traffic will be distributed near Antequera, where the east–west connection A-92 from Seville to Cordoba crosses the A-45.

By bus
The bus network on the Costa del Sol is quite well developed. You always try to be on time, but this is often hardly possible, as the buses always drive through built-up areas and are often delayed due to traffic. Also, if you want to cover longer distances by bus, you have to change frequently. The buses are quite modern equipped, also have air conditioning. Every larger town also has a bus station where you can change trains. Since many Spaniards also use this bus, the buses can get quite full.

By car
It is said that the Spaniards who live here on the Costa del Sol have a very aggressive driving style. But that's not as bad as one would often like to believe. Normally you won't have any problems in traffic. Even when parking, the stories of dumped cars are often fairy tales. However, the toll booths on the autobahn are unusual for German drivers. Here you first have to get an overview and then go to the right counter.

Most of the villages have no or only a few parking spaces. If you find a parking space, take it because you may not find another. This especially applies to the so-called white villages. They are not designed for so many people to drive here. And there are certainly no parking spaces. It is often better to use public transport.

In the seaside resorts of the Costa del Sol there is actually a lot of traffic all day. The road network is actually not intended for the mass of cars that drive here. It's not just the holidaymakers who travel here, it's also the people who work here everywhere but don't live here. If you drive on the coastal road, you often only make very slow progress. The general rule is that you should get onto the motorway as quickly as possible, because the traffic rolls better here.

The A7 (nicknamed the "road of death" due to the large number of accidents that occur on it each year) runs the length of Spain's south coast.

By bike
You can see a lot of racing cyclists on the Costa del Sol who train here. A lot of teams prepare for the season here, especially in spring. This has the advantage that there is a pleasant climate here and the routes can also be quite demanding when it comes to the mountains. Even in summer you can still ride a bike here. In addition to the road riders, you can also see a lot of people here on their mountain bikes. Here, too, there are some very demanding routes that can be tackled. Many are also signposted. Overall, it has to be said that on the Costa del Sol, bicycles are seen as sports equipment. As a means of transportation, it is more or less unknown.

By train
Trains are operated by Renfe, buses to Malaga by EMT and to most cities elsewhere in the region by Avanzabus. Tickets for the intercity buses can be bought online or at the booth right outside the arrivals terminal exit but not on the bus. You may need to stand in a long line for buying tickets if it's a busy day. From the ticket booth, continue straight ahead to the bus stop.

See

 * Miles and miles of beaches.
 * Tivoli World theme park.
 * The aqua parks in Mijas and Torremolinos.

Roman sites
The best known is the Roman amphitheater in Malaga. You can find it at the foot of the Alkazaba very close to the port. The complex was found by chance while building a house and then excavated. It dates from the first century AD. During the Moorish period, parts of the theater were integrated into the Alkazaba fortress.

In Fuengirola you can visit the Finca del Secretario. The excavation dates from Roman times and contains a curing facility that is still in good condition, but also a thermal bath and a pottery workshop. The Roman apartments and the baths are not original, they are replicas. You can find the excavation on Avda. Nuestro Padre Jesús Cautivo west of the Pajares River.

In Marbella you will find the Villa Romana de Río Verde at the mouth of the Rio Verde, in the west of the city. All that remains of the villa is unfortunately only the floor, a mosaic of black and white tiles. In addition, the beginnings of the walls can still be seen. The archaeological site can be found on Calle del Rio in the east of the Rio Verde river. The site can be visited.

In Torrox, at the end of the beach promenade, if you go east, you will find a small excavation from Roman times. The excavation is divided into several small parts. The remains of the Roman city of Caviculum were excavated here. There isn't that much to see, but at least the ancient building remains were preserved here and not built over them.

The Banos de Hedionda can be found at Casares. They are the remains of a sulfur bath from Roman times. Even Julius Caesar is said to have healed his wounds from the long marches on his campaigns of conquest here. His troops also revered the bath for its healing properties. The baths, which are open to the public and can be visited and used, can be found near the village of Gaucín on the right of the Albarra stream.

Moorish buildings
The most famous buildings from the Moorish period can be seen in Málaga. The Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro date from the Moorish period. Both can be visited and guided tours are offered. The buildings testify to the great prosperity of the city in the Moorish times.

All over the coast there are still watchtowers that date back to Islamic times. These towers, called Atalaya, were warning towers that were supposed to detect fleets in the Mediterranean. This would then be reported by beacon that troops could be mobilized to repel the impending attack. The towers were manned by only one or a maximum of two soldiers. They are usually on elevations directly on the coast, so that a good view of the Mediterranean was possible and an uninterrupted chain was created between the individual towers. Many names of other buildings and districts still refer to these watchtowers.

In the southwest of the city of Fuengirola you can find the fortress Castillo de Sohail. The original place Fuengirola is said to have formed around them. The name of the city is also said to be derived from Fuen for Fuerte, i.e. fortress. The fortress dates from the time of the Muslim occupation and is said to have been built around 900 AD. You can visit the fortress today. It also serves as a venue for concerts and festivals. The Noches de Castillo, the castle nights, during which pop and rock concerts take place here, are well known.

The original town centres on the Costa del Sol come from the Moorish settlement phase. You can recognize them by the narrow streets that run like a labyrinth through the whole place. These places are also often decorated as it was customary in Moorish times. A nice example is Frigiliana near Nerja or Mijas Pueblo north of Fuengirola.

Do
The Costa del Sol is also known as the Costa del Golf. It has the greatest concentration of golf courses in Andalusia and on the European continent. This concentration of golf courses attracts an incredible number of wealthy tourists, but you need a lot of water to irrigate golf courses. And there is not very much water here.

The wonderful wind and the beautiful waves attract a lot of surfers to the beaches of the Costa del Sol. There are real surfers' paradises here, which are mentioned in the same breath as the beaches of Fuerteventura. There is a beach west of Fuengirola, which is teeming with kite surfers.

There are several ports for private boats. The Costa del Sol also attracts people who want to sail the Mediterranean with their boats. You can find ports in Benalmádena, Fuengirola or Marbella, for example.

The area of the Costa del Sol is quite mountainous. So it drives many cyclists here who train in this demanding area. You can also rent bicycles in the seaside resorts, even if the quality of these bikes is not very high. People who like to ride a mountain bike will also find their way here. Many are even signposted in the villages. It goes from easy to very demanding.

Eat
The cuisine on the Costa del Sol has adapted to the tastes of its visitors. You can actually find everything you would expect in a holiday resort, from the well-known fast-food chains to stalls, from small to large restaurants. In addition to Spanish cuisine, Asian cuisine and Italian cuisine are particularly well represented here. The prices very often have a lot to do with the location. It is significantly more expensive in busy places than in the back streets. It is therefore worth taking a look around before choosing a restaurant. The quality also fluctuates very clearly, but the quality does not always have to have something to do with the price. Here, too, it is worth taking a look around first.

Spanish cuisine also follows demand here. Almost every Spanish restaurant offers tapas platters, which then represent a whole meal. Paella is also always offered. Here, too, you have to be careful, because to save time, some of it comes from the freezer. You always have to wait about half an hour for a paella made on site. If you really want to have good Spanish food, then you should go into the hinterland. Here you are also prepared for holidaymakers, but the quality is usually better than in the middle of the seaside resorts.

If you really want to eat tapas, you shouldn't be satisfied with the tapas platters offered over and over again. In the bars off the beaten track of tourists, when ordering a beer, wine or even a soft drink, you get a tapa, as is traditional. Which one this is in the case remains a surprise. There are olives, Andalucian bread (toasted white bread with tomato, garlic and olive oil) or just toasted toast with olive oil. With every order you get something different. These are tapas based on the original tapas culture. Tasty and easy.

Drink
As a holiday paradise, the Costa del Sol also has a lot of nightlife to offer. Everyone will surely find something to pass the time at night. It never gets boring here. On the contrary, you are almost spoiled for choice as to what to do, because the possibilities are so diverse.

But first, a few general tips. In Spain nightlife starts relatively late. You first go to a bar or bodega and eat and drink something. You don't actually stay in a single bar, but wander from bar to bar, have a drink and move on. The clubs and discos open around midnight. Now you can throw yourself into the disco where you like the music best, but here, too, the general rule is that you don't stay in a disco or club, but rather move on. In the clubs and discos, women usually have free entry, while men often have to pay. The night ends at dawn and you meet again in a bar to have breakfast.

But even those who want to take it easy will always find a restaurant or bar on the Costa del Sol where you can sit and chat until late at night. And in fact there are also many very beautiful ones. You can often sit outside, often near a beach. You can hear the waves and let the wind blow around your head. In most bars you can always eat something. Usually they have very nice little things (tapas) to offer.

The busiest place is definitely in Malaga. In the old town there are tons of small bars and pubs, all of which invite you to linger and whoever wants to go dancing will always find something that suits their taste. If you have a little more money in your pocket, you can visit the exclusive clubs in Marbella. Here you can be lucky enough to come across a star or little star. There is also something going on every night in Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Benalmádena. Here you will find something for every taste and you can party all night.

Stay safe
In the Spanish crime statistics, the Costa del Sol is very far ahead. Three cities with Malaga, Fuengirola and Torremolinos are in the top ten. Of course, there are also all sorts of crimes that have nothing to do with tourism, but street crime had assumed threatening proportions. Even in Marbella there was open street selling of drugs and open prostitution. In fact, they did something because they didn't want to drive away all of the holidaymakers. First of all, the police present tense has been greatly increased. If you go for a walk on the Costa del Sol, you will always come across a duo of police officers who are on patrol. And patrol vehicles are also part of the street scene.

Well, holiday resorts, generally places where many people stay, belong to a worthwhile area for all kinds of theft and fraud, and this is not only the case on the Costa del Sol, it is the same everywhere there are many holidaymakers. So you always have to take care of your things. The normal advice applies that you should heed on every vacation, no matter where you are going. You should only take as much money with you as you really need, valuables are best left in the hotel safe, neck pouches are not nice but safer. Avoid street vendors and beggars and avoid crowds. Nothing new, not even on the Costa del Sol. If you observe these precautionary measures, you can get through your holiday well on the Coste del Sol, even if the number of cases here seems very high.

The human trafficking from Africa to Europe flourishes here on the Costa del Sol and kills many people every year. The route of marijuana from Morocco, one of the largest cultivation areas of this drug in the world, to Central Europe also leads over the Costa del Sol, no wonder, it is not far and there is a lot of shipping traffic. Then there is the rapidly growing unemployment. Corruption is still very widespread on the Costa del Sol.

To make matters worse, the police in Spain are organised very opaquely. In a small town you often see three different police authorities patrolling and you really don't know what one or the other is doing. But, as already mentioned, they are trying to increase the police presence and that has certainly been very successful.

title: Costa del Sol


text:
Costa Maya

The Costa Maya  is in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico. The Costa Maya is part of the Mexican Caribbean coast created and marketed by the state of Quintana Roo to tie the southern part of the state with the more successful Cancún and Riviera Maya in the North. The "Costa Maya" is also a marketing term used to refer to a cruise ship destination in the town of Mahahual.

Regions
The Costa Maya extends from Xcalak in the South to the Southern Border of the Sian Ka'an in the north, although many people include the southern part of the Sian Ka'an to Punta Herrera when they talk about the Costa Maya because you can only access it via the Coast Road in The Costa Maya.

Cities

 * – largest city in the Costa Maya region, state capital and transportation hub for southern Quintana Roo
 * – historic 19th century Maya town
 * – cruise line dock
 * – southernmost fishing village, near Belize border

Other destinations

 * - offshore reef lying 22 km off the Quintana Roo coast, includes 3 islands, popular scuba diving site, crocodile reserve on one island
 * - Mexico's largest protected wetland full of saltwater mangrove swamps, a and a Ramsar wetland
 * - small Maya archaeological site just north of Chetumal with a dramatic jungle setting near the sea, off the beaten path and generally unknown to foreign visitors so crowds are never an issue. Well cleared structures with good walkways, an on-site museum, several temples (one with in-place, intact murals). Bring water and mosquito repellant.

By car
The major highway through the Costa Maya is federal highway MEX-307, which runs from the Belize border north to Cancun.

By plane
Chetumal International Airport has several daily flights to and from Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. The new Tulum International Airport is located 40 km south of the town of Tulum. As of January 2024, TQO is served by domestic flights on Aeromexico, Mexicana, Viva Aerobus and Volaris. International flights to Tulum from Guatemala and U.S. and Canadian cities begin March 2024.

Chetumal is the best choice for the southern Costa Maya while Tulum is the best choice for the northern Costa Maya. A sider selection of flights to Quintana Roo is at the Cancún International Airport.

By train
The Costa Maya region has 4 major stations and 2 smaller stops for the new Tren Maya intercity rail system, connecting coastal areas with major cities and archaeological sites throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. The train can also be used as local transportation between towns in the region, though it will not run as often as combis or buses. Tren Maya tickets can be purchased in stations or through the official Tren Maya web site. Train stations in the Costa Maya region are:

 * Tulum
 * Tulum International Airport
 * Felipe Carillo Puerto
 * Limones
 * Bacalar
 * Chetumal

By boat
Cruise ships occasionally visit the small port of Mahahual with its large pier on the open Caribbean shore. A growing cluster of shops offer souvenirs from the area, as well as bars and swimming pools for visitors. A tower that has a view of the entire harbor is in the cruise ship port. One must be able to climb up several flights of stairs to reach the top, as there is no elevator in the tower.

Do
Scuba diving is a primary attraction.

Go next

 * Mayan Riviera
 * Bacalar
 * Tulum
 * Playa del Carmen
 * Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

title: Costa Maya


text:
Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa is a city in Orange County, a region of Southern California.

Understand
Throughout the 1800s, this area consisted mostly of a few farms and some apple orchards. Costa Mesa was incorporated in 1920; its name means "coast tableland" in Spanish. During World War II, Costa Mesa was the site of the Santa Ana Army Air Base, a military installation that existed from 1942-1946. Today, Costa Mesa has expanded into a robust community that features a focus on performing arts and entertainment. Costa Mesa provides a city-like feel in a suburban setting with a vast amount of storefront shops and residential areas. The west side of the city features industrial properties that specialize in manufacturing while the northern part of the city features commercial properties that specialize in business.

By plane
John Wayne Airport is just on the other side of the Costa Mesa/Santa Ana border. From there you can either rent a vehicle, obtain a taxi, or use the bus system to get around.

By car
Home to one Interstate 405 and California highways 55 and 73; driving into the city is not hard. Harbor Boulevard, Newport Boulevard, and Bristol Street are important North-South roads in the city while Baker Street, 17th Street, and 19th Street are important east-west roads in the city.

Get around
OCTA operates a myriad of buses in the city. The most important ones are those that serve South Coast Plaza. Routes 51, 55, 57, 76, 86, 145, 172, 173, 211, 216 and 464 all serve the mall, which basically means that SCP is accessible almost anywhere in the county.

Cab Service, Cab companies are plentiful in O.C.

 * 1-800-4-MY-TAXI A taxi service that explicitly serves Orange County

Don't underestimate the distance between blocks--especially if walking. Costa Mesa has longer address blocks than most other U.S. cities. For example, it's about a third of a mile (over 500m) from 2500 to 2600 Fairview Blvd with three intersections in between.

See
Costa Mesa offers quality variety of shopping, fine dining, and entertainment options. Costa Mesa also features plenty of golf courses and parks in addition to being mere minutes away from the Pacific Ocean for people who want to spend time outdoors.

Eat
Costa Mesa is the food capital of Orange County; most of the county's best restaurants can be found here.

Stay safe
Costa Mesa can be one of the safest cities to visit but it also has its share of crime. Regions near Santa Ana can have criminal incidents spill over into the city as a result of gangs and narcotics. The city's Westside is lower-income and highly industrial, making it a somewhat popular destination for homeless people and panhandlers. The local police department does patrols on a routine basis, however, so criminal incidents are limited at worst.

Go next
You can leave the city either through the John Wayne Airport or by taking the local freeways out of the city. CA-73 and I-405 will lead to Los Angeles if you head north or to San Diego if you head south.

Considering that the CA-55 South terminates at Costa Mesa's 19th Street, CA-55 North will lead to northern Orange County and will connect to CA-91, which leads to Riverside California.

title: Costa Mesa


text:
Costa Norte

There is more than one place called Costa Norte:

Brazil

 * Costa Norte (Brazil) - A region in Brazil.

Colombia

 * Costa Norte (Colombia) - A region in Colombia.

title: Costa Norte


text:
Costa Norte (Colombia)

The Costa Norte (North Coast) is a region in northern Colombia along the Caribbean Sea.

Cities

 * - the Gold Port and fourth largest city in the nation isn't necessarily that exciting most of the year, but its Carnival is the second biggest in the world after Rio's, and is both an amazing cultural experience and one heck of a party!
 * - the Heroic City, Capital of the Bolívar department is Colombia's tourist city par excellence. The colonial architecture and the skyscrapers can be seen together in this city that offers a unique experience of festivals, historic attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
 * - a village with beautiful calm beaches.
 * - the capital of the department of La Guajira on the Caribbean coast
 * - a friendly colonial town on an island on the Magdalena river
 * - a popular base for adventure tourism in the beautiful areas surrounding, and unique in the sense that it offers you beautiful beaches one day, and the next one a walk to the foothill of a snowy mountain, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest in the country.
 * - a backpacker and hippie haven in a one-time peaceful little fishing village just north of Santa Marta.
 * - a popular weekend and holiday destination for Colombian tourists and the gate to the magnificent Islas de San Bernardo.

Other destinations

 * — beautiful gold-sand beaches on the desert Guajira Peninsula
 * — lost city of the Tayrona Indians, deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park
 * — northern-most point of mainland South America, at the northern tip of the Guajira Peninsula
 * — virgin beach paradise against jungle covered cliffs

Get in
One of the best ways to see the southernmost Caribbean islands or surrounding South American islands is via a cruise.

title: Costa Norte (Colombia)