Archive for November, 2009

« Older Entries

Walking in Mallorca (Cicerone Guide) (Paperback)

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Walking in Mallorca (Cicerone Guide)

“Walking in Mallorca” quickly established itself as the most comprehensive guidebook to the island, with particular emphasis on the rugged Serra de Tramuntana. June Parker’s routes have been walked afresh, carefully checked and amended where necessary, and are now presented with new mapping and plenty of colour pictures. This book will entice walkers well off the beaten track, enabling them to explore the most diverse terrain around the island. Rugged mountain walks contrast with remote valleys, while waymarked trails give way to long-forgotten mule tracks and hidden mountain passes. Some walks run close to breathtaking cliff coastlines, while others pass through sleepy villages where welcome refreshment can be obtained. Birdwatchers, geologists and historians will find abundant interest throughout Mallorca, and a full introduction explains about facilities around the island. Language notes are given in native Catalan and Castilian Spanish, enabling visitors to pass th (more…)

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

Spanish Property To Drop Value 2007

Monday, November 30th, 2009

In some parts of Spain, so many British people have bought a property it is quite possible to live there quite comfortably without having to learn the language.
While many Brits do learn Spanish and socialise with locals who haven’t moved away because of the high property prices, many of the bars and restaurants and other businesses are British owned.
Helping to create the enclaves within their own country some Spaniards have sold their property to move to more traditional – and less expensive – areas, while young Spaniiards have had no choice but to leave their traditional family villages and towns as property prices have been too high.
And while the British who have moved to Spain over the last twenty years have seen their investments rise in value, consistently above the price of inflation, they could been in for an unpleasant surprise with signs that the housing market in Spain is weak, and prices could soon drop.
So spectacular have the price rises been over the last ten years that many Spanish homes on the Costas have doubled and more in value.
But developers have been busy, building hundreds of thousands of new homes, and this is leading to oversupply. 2006 saw 800,000 new home starts, more than Italy, Germany and France put together – a staggering amount by any European country’s standards.
Often developers are offering low cost inspection trips to potential property buyers, and the buyers don’t even get to see re-sale properties during their house hunting trips.
With many apartments and houses on a mortgage, interest rate rises push more and more people to selling, especially for second homes when the lettings no longer cover the mortgages. Since Spain joined the Euro, she has lost control over setting her interest rate, and all those in the Eurozone have had several rises in the last twelve months.
The Spanish island of Majorca reflects well the precarious position many second home and full time residents are facing should interest rates rise again across Europe.
Already many locals are finding it increasingly difficult to get on the property ladder, with prices having risen consistently in recent years, with their best hope being a slow down or even drop in Majorca property prices.
A survey recently found that over 90 per cent of Majorca’s domestic population were worried about the number of overseas people buying property on the island.
One travel guide for Majorca isn’t surprised at the local opinion.
‘It’s difficult for local people, especially when they are in their twenties and thirties and working with decent salaries, to see villas which are hardly used when they often can’t even get a good size apartment in the areas they want, close to family or work.’They say, referring to holiday homes that are used a few weeks or even long weekiends a year, and standing empty the rest of the time.
‘They see these properties as some of the cause of high prices, and they cannot see where it is going to end,’ they conclude.
‘The problem with building a way out of the housing crises, by constructing dozens of new apartment buildings and villa complexes is that it spoils the whole nature of Majorca, and it’s a catch 22 because while locals do want to buy a house, they don’t want it at the expense of the island.’
Official figures for Majorca holidays this year indicate an increase in tourist numbers by between five and seven per cent. And it is from the pool of holidaymakers where property sales often happen a few months later, as some visitors like the island so much they decide to look into buying an apartment or villa, with some even retiring to the island, or buying a business.
With the increase in visitor numbers, property demand should in theory be high for 2007 overall, but time will tell if the higer interst rates see a drop in prices in Spain and Majorca.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

Flood Hit Brits Head For Spanish Sun

Monday, November 30th, 2009

From a million unsold holidays just a few weeks ago, travel agents in the UK have seen a sharp turnaround in their summer season fortunes, as Britons fed up with weeks of rain and the heaviest flooding in living memory ditch home holidays in favour of an overseas trip.
The top destination is Spain, with the Balearic islands of Menorca, and in particular Majorca, heading the list. The Spanish mainland’s Costa Blanca and Portugal’s Algarve are also popular choices for families wishing to get away from it all.
With a rush for the sun, low prices and good deals are becoming hard to come by, and many holidays are selling at full price, with some companies even being able to increase their original prices with demand so high.
The general advice seems to be to get a low price, holidaymakers need to be at a travel agents as soon as they open as there are so few about, or to regularly check internet sites for holiday companies like Thomas Cook and Thomson Holidays in the hope that they might bag a bargain.
‘It’s good news for the travel industry’, commented one Menorca travel guide, ‘just a few weeks ago it looked like there would be plenty of availability and prices would have to be slashed to lure people into a summer holiday abroad. But now with higher prices and strong demand hotels and the holiday industry in general can look forward to an unexpectedly good year.’
A spokesman for ABTA, the association of British travel agents, commented that April was so warm that everyone expected summer to be a scorcher and a lot of people decided not to go abroad. Now they are all rushing to book.
The floods affecting large parts of England have claimed four lives, and left a hundred thousand homes without water for two weeks in parts of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Insurance companies have warned that the floods will cost small businesses millions, and insurers are expecting tens of millions in claims from homeowners. The British government has offered emergency aid to the worst affected areas to help with the cost of the clear-up. Yorkshire in the north of England saw some of the heaviest flooding, with thousands of homes left without power and three people dying.
The surge in holiday bookings comes at a particularly opportune time for the three Balearic islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza, who were doing better than many holiday areas before the British floods.
Clubbers from around Europe, and especially from the UK, descend upon Ibiza in the summer months for a week – and often two – of non stop partying.
Ibiza runs second only to the UK’s main cities of London, Manchester and Liverpool in terms of popularity for clubbers, and some of the Ibiza clubs are as well known as any in the UK.
The three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza might be close to each other, but they are all different in character and the type of tourist they typically attract.
A surprise is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca – destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.
Recent findings by the Balearics Tourist Authority show that after Ibiza, Menorca visitors stay on average for 11 days, with Majorca just behind. And the same pattern emerges for spending per day, with Ibiza top, Majorca second, and Menorca last.
The amount spent by Ibiza tourists averaged 94 Euros a day – a huge contribution to the island’s economy, looked on enviously by Majorca and Menorca.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

Mallorca Property Developers Face Local Opposition

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Holiday homes and investing in a property on the Spanish island of Majorca has been popular for several decades now, with many Europeans who have holidayed on the Spanish island deciding to buy a second home for holidays, a business, or for retirement.
But now the Mallorca islanders are concerned that future development plans could ruin the island, and if left unchecked the island could become a concrete jungle.
Already many locals are finding it increasingly difficult to get on the property ladder, with prices having risen consistently in recent years, with their best hope being a slow down or even drop in Majorca property prices.
A survey recently found that over 90 per cent of Majorca’s domestic population were worried about the number of overseas people buying property on the island.
One travel guide for Majorca isn’t surprised at the local opinion.
‘It’s difficult for local people, especially when they are in their twenties and thirties and working with decent salaries, to see villas which are hardly used when they often can’t even get a good size apartment in the areas they want, close to family or work.’ They say, referring to holiday homes that are used a few weeks or even long weekiends a year, and standing empty the rest of the time.
‘They see these properties as some of the cause of high prices, and they cannot see where it is going to end,’ they conclude.
One way out is to build more properties, but this is what has sparked many of the protests against further development.
‘The problem with building a way out of the housing crises, by constructing dozens of new apartment buildings and villa complexes is that it spoils the whole nature of Majorca, and it’s a catch 22 because while locals do want to buy a house, they don’t want it at the expense of the island.’
Official figures for Majorca holidays this year indicate an increase in tourist numbers by between five and seven per cent. And it is from the pool of holidaymakers where property sales often happen a few months later, as some visitors like the island so much they decide to look into buying an apartment or villa, with some even retiring to the island, or buying a business.
With the increase in visitor numbers, property demand should in theory be high for 2007 overall.
Current prices for property in Majorca include brand new 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartments in Puerto Pollensa at 285,000 Euros, a country house with its own pool at 1,500,000 Euros, and a three bedroom three bathroom villa with its own pool at 900,000 Euros, around UK 600,000.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

The Decline of the British Pound Limits Travel for Holidaymakers

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Shifting currency exchange rates are responsible for changes in summer travel plans for many British holidaymakers.
The value of the euro is increasing, while the value of Britain’s pound is on the decline. This situation is changing the way people travel. A trip that used to be affordable has holidaymakers rethinking their plans because of the rising costs.
The British pound is following in the footsteps of the U.S. dollar. Compared to the euro, it is at an all-time low. While the dollar has dominated the market for nearly a century, the euro is likely to take its place in the next seven years. Analysts have predicted a bad year for the British pound, as well.
A Troubled Economy
The U.K. economy is in trouble. The U.K. is facing the same issues as the U.S. as far as financial and real estate trends. The real estate market in the U.K. is down, and it is getting increasingly difficult for middle-class people to buy a home.
The declining housing market is leading banks to stop writing mortgages altogether. If this happens across the board, it will put a freeze on the buying and selling of homes in the U.K.
What the Falling Pound Means for British Holidaymakers
The price of travelling is rising for British holidaymakers as their money is losing value in the global market. Changes in the value of the dollar and the euro have limited people’s chances of travelling on holiday.
Many in the U.K. are accustomed to taking many holidays throughout the year. However, the declining value of their money is putting limits on where they can travel and how often. People may be forced to change their holiday travel plans because it is getting more expensive to travel in the eurozone.
A popular holiday destination for British travelers has been Majorca, Spain.
The island of Majorca is a peaceful place for holidaymakers to retreat for a relaxing vacation filled with fun in the sun.
The British are fond of taking trips to Majorca because it is a relatively inexpensive holiday but changes in the value of the pound and the euro have made it less affordable.
However, there still are a number of affordable options for travellers who want to experience all the adventure and beauty of Majorca.
One option is to secure a good deal on the front end. Booking airfare and the hotel at the same time can save money. These packages offer good savings over buying them separately. Last-minute and all-inclusive deals are other options for saving money on a holiday in Majorca.
There is also the option of taking a shorter escape to Majorca. Book a trip of just a few days to relax and rejuvenate in the island sun.
Holidaymakers also can shift their focus from spending extra money on activities and high-end dinners to simply enjoying the breathtaking beauty and sweeping vistas or relaxing on the beach.
Fewer Americans Travel to Europe
Just as British holidaymakers have to adjust their summer travel plans, Americans are also changing their travel plans because of the rising euro.
The dollar also is doing poorly against the euro. The changes in currency values are making it just as challenging for Americans as it is for the British to travel to different areas of Europe.
European trips are costing more money than they used to and this is affecting visitors on a global level.
Visitors to Majorca and all other areas of Spain and Europe will have to plan well and be creative to get the most from their holiday this year.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

The Last King of Spain?

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

A young King Juan Carlos helped steer Spain from a dictatorship to a modern democracy after he came to the throne some 32 years ago, and his achievements include defending the fledgling democracy in 1981 from an attempted coup.

Once popular and regarded as a man of the people, recent times have been more troubling for the king as political groups on both the left and right have called for an end to the Spanish monarchy.

1981 it could be argued was the height of the King’s popularity when some army officers stormed the Spanish Parliament. Spain had been ruled by the dictator Franco until his death in 1975, and the King appeared on television to order the army back to barracks, in the process saving the young democracy from returning to dictatorship.

While the royal family spend their summer holidays on the island of Majorca at the Marivent Royal Palace and the rest of the year near Madrid his popularity carried through to all regions of Spain.

Recent comments from the King though have made many Spaniards uneasy about how close he is coming to interfering with politics, and this has not helped his popularity – although the people ofMajorca might disagree as the royal family’s holidays give the island an upmarket image elsewhere in Europe, and the hotels and Majorca villa holidays travel market have thrived in recent years.

He made a surprise visit to Spanish troops in Afghanistan just before Christmas, but controversially visited two Spanish enclaves in Morocco which have been in dispute over sovereignty since the 15th century.

But last year saw protestors burning photographs of the King in the Spanish city of Girona, a sign of his declining popularity, but Spain and the wider world sat up and took notice when he famously told the President of Venezuela to shut up at a summit in Chile. While most saluted his stand, some saw it as another sign of his interference in politics, going far beyond what would be acceptable in other European countries from their respective royal families.

Cheap Majorca Flights

The King wants to be king of all Spain, and not have different regions strongly in favour of the monarchy and others against.

Spain’s economy has done well under King Juan Carlos, and his intervention to prevent a coup in 1981 has benefitted in particular the tourism market, with Spain and her islands now the destination of choice for more Europeans than any other country when taking a holiday.

And it’s not just the holidays in Majorca market where the royal family spend their summers that have done well over the last twenty five years.

The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are well known as holiday destinations, and before King Juan Carlos replaced fascist leader General Franco the holidays market was limited as many Europeans would not holiday in Spain, knowing their tourist money would support an unacceptable regime, in the same way many people boycotted South Africa while it had apartheid.

Cheap flights to Majorca to Majorca airport from the United Kingdom for example have seen the island’s economy transformed. And Spanish airlines operating both from the mainland capital Madrid and from Barcelona have also taken advantage of the travel market today, with millions of Spaniards employed in the airlines, hotels and holidays industries.

While Spain used to in the early days of her tourism be known as a cheap holidays destination, the country has moved into the upmarket leisure scene too, and new hotels in Majorca are being built, one of which will be the best hotel in Spain.

Overall, Spain’s economy has done well since Juan Carlos became king, the country has joined and is a fully active member of the EU, and political parties of different persuasions have held democratically elected power with the PSOE, Spain’s Socialist Party, recently winning the general election and entering their second term in office, with all these things highly unlikely if Franco’s successor had been another fascist.

At 70, hopefully it will be some time before the question of a new monarch is asked. Majorca will certainly want that!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

New 2007 Flights For European Club Capital

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Clubbers from around Europe, and especially from the UK, descend upon Ibiza in the summer months for a week – and sometimes two – of non stop partying.
Ibiza runs second only to the UK’s main cities of London, Manchester and Liverpool in terms of popularity for clubbers, and some of the Ibiza clubs are as well known as any in the UK.
Demand for flights to Ibiza has been high enough in recent years for a low cost airline to start two new services from the UK to Ibiza, which should see the number of tourists on the island rise this year.
The two new routes are from Edinburgh in Scotland twice weekly, and London’s Luton Airport with both routes offering a daily service.
Announcing the new routes, a spokesman for the airline said that the famous Ibiza club season gets going at the end of June, and is still the best place to party in Europe. For the quiet life, head inland to the north coast of the island, where you find some of Spain’s most beautiful landscape rolling into the Mediterranean.
Talking about Ibiza’s neighbouring island and equally well known holiday destination Majorca, where they have been offering a low cost service for some years, the airline said of Majorca’s capital, Palma, that it is the elegant and cosmopolitan capital of Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, and is known for its beaches, climate, cultural and traditional influences. The warm climate of Palma makes it a popular destination, with something for everyone.
As well as Majorca and Ibiza, the airline also offers a service to the third Balearic Island, Menorca.
‘Of the three Balearic Islands, Menorca is known as the quiet one, the type of island where you take your family on holiday if there aren’t any mid to late teens who need entertaining, which would be more suited to Majorca. Ibiza is well known in Europe as a clubbing destination.’ Say one travel guide for Menorca and Majorca.
Menorca villas are often let out to holidaymakers, with the season generally running from May to end September.
As part of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has welcomed many visitors back to live full time on the island. Menorca property has proved popular too, for those looking for a gentler pace of life than big sister Mallorca.
Property prices in Mallorca are similar to Menorca property, with a range of apartments and villas in both rural and town locations, and with twenty golf courses plenty of golf course developments too on Mallorca.
Menorca has just the one golf course, recently extended to eighteen holes, and is located in Son Park, which has a choice of hotels, apartments and villas for holiday makers.
The three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza might be close to each other, but they are all different in character and the type of tourist they typically attract.
A surprise is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca – destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.
The findings by the Balearics Tourist Authority show that after Ibiza, Menorca visitors stay on average for 11 days, with Majorca just behind. And the same pattern emerges for spending per day, with Ibiza top, Majorca second, and Majorca last.
The amount spent by Ibiza tourists averaged 94 Euros a day – a huge contribution to the island’s economy, which could be furthered with the new routes from Edinburgh and London.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

Jogging Round Majorca [CASSETTE]

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Jogging Round Majorca [CASSETTE]No description for this product could be found, but have a look over at Amazon for reviews and other information.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

High Demand for Cheap European Airfare Increases Prices

Friday, November 27th, 2009

There is currently a high demand for air travel availability between the Mediterranean and the UK and vice versa. There is also an increase in people spending their holiday relaxing in the sun in places like Majorca and Menorca.
Flights from the Mediterranean to London have reportedly been sold out on several occasions. The demand for these bookings required companies like EasyJet to raise their prices and remain competitive with British airways and other traditional carriers.
EasyJet was founded on the principles of providing low cost flights for everyday people to make travelling abroad affordable. EasyJet has been known as a budget airline and until recently they have been able to keep their costs low for customers.
Affordable Airline Prices Raised Demand for Airline Tickets
In effect, EasyJet achieved their goal and made traveling on holiday to hotspots like Majorca and Menorca a reality for many people. The number of people traveling back and forth between such hotspots in the Mediterranean and cities within Europe has increased in recent years.
Unfortunately, achieving that goal is one of the reasons that EasyJet is being forced to raise their airfare prices for tickets to and from the Mediterranean. With flights being sold out and other airlines that British Airways selling tickets at full price, EasyJet was unable to remain a competitor with its notoriously low prices.
Low-Cost Flights to Majorca
Majorca and Menorca are just two of the hotspots that Europeans are visiting more often on holiday. Low-cost flights have made traveling to Majorca a reality for people who otherwise would not have dreamed of spending their holidays there. Majorca is getting more attention these days as people prefer to spend their holidays unwinding on the beach and soaking up the sun.
What people usually realize, however, is that Majorca is about much more than sand and sun. Flights landing in Majorca will arrive at the Palma de Mallorca airport, just 8 km east of Palma. Palma and surrounding areas are rich with cultural and historical sites, activities and attractions. There is plenty to do for traveler who wants more than a tan for a souvenir of their holiday in Majorca.
Attractions in Majorca
If beaches are your idea of the perfect vacation, then there are more than 80 beaches from which to take your pick. You may choose from quiet remote settings to crowded yet beautiful sandy beaches with clean blue water.
Palma itself is a very popular holiday destination. The Cathedral in Palma is a very popular site to see with its impressive structure. It attracts visitors from all over Majorca.
More active travelers may find exploring the limestone caves of Majorca more their style. Aside from curiosity, another reason to visit the caves is to escape the hot sun of Majorca. You can easily make a day of it; hiking and climbing to reach Germanic rock to enjoy the scenic view out over the sea.
For those on holiday with their families, Marineland offers tropical fish, penguin, sharks, a parrot show, birds, reptile, and most popular, the dolphin and sea lion shows.
Increase in Demand Means an Increase in Prices
Though there has been a large increase in people taking their holiday in Majorca, a high demand for cheap airline tickets is causing an increase in prices. For Majorcan residents who depend on tourism, the hope is that even if the prices are raised, visitors will continue to flood the Mediterranean area.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

Star Studded Holiday Resorts

Friday, November 27th, 2009

As mundane human beings with mundane jobs, everyone needs a holiday from time to time. Prime holiday season is approaching, and some are looking for the best places to holiday and maybe catch a glimpse of a few celebrities. Some major hotspots for celebrities on holiday are Majorca, Menorca, Lake Como and the Canary Islands.
Lake Como, Italy is one of the most romantic holiday spots in the world. The lake itself is of glacial origin and the third largest lake in Italy. Its 400 meter depths makes it one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Lake Como is very well known for the attractive, historic villas that line its shores.
Designer Donatella Versace owns a home on Lake Como near the burial place of her late brother Gianni. Actor George Clooney is also among the stars who have purchased homes in Lake Como in recent years. Singer Avril Lavigne and husband Deryck Whimbey honeymooned in Lake Como a few years ago.
The Canary Islands are also a major celebrity holiday destination. The islands have played host to several celebrities on holiday, including Jade Goody, Coleen McLoughlin, and Michelle and Andy Scot-Lee. Dancing on Ice’s Suzanne Shaw also frequently vacations in Gran Canaria. Lanzarote’s Club La Santa, a well known sports and leisure complex, is where you’re more likely to find sporting greats like Colin Jackson, Dwain Chambers, Jonathan Edwards and Jenson Button.
Each year Lanzarote also hosts a very large classical music festival, which draws stars from near and far. The festival is generally held from January to March with concerts in Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and the Balearic Islands.
The Balearic Islands of Majorca and Menorca are often frequented by celebrities. Although Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones own a home in neighbouring Majorca, they often visit Menorca for some time away from home. Spain’s Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia have enjoyed family holiday time in Menorca.
In fact, many celebrities have homes on Majorca. English-born actress Patsy Kensit loves Majorca and said, ‘Every summer I take my children to Majorca, one of the most beautiful places that I’ve been to.’
One of Hollywood’s favourite couples, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones own an estimated $8 million property on the west coast of Majorca. Douglas has also served as a Tourist Ambassador for the island.
Cynthia Charles, former wife of Beatle John Lennon and mother of Julian Lennon, visits Majorca quite often. Other celebrities who enjoy their holiday time in Majorca are Spice Girl Mel B, Michael Schumaker, Claudia Schiffer, Annie Lennox, Suzy Quattro and Boris Becker just to name a few. Most recently, Harrison Ford and girlfriend Calista Flockhart have been spending holiday time there.
Celebrities aren’t the only famous people you may see in Majorca. Royalty from around the globe also enjoy the occasional holiday to the lovely Spanish island.
The late Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainier spent their honeymoon on Majorca. The king, queen, princess and prince of Austria recently visited Majorca with Princess Letizia’s baby Leonor. The queen joined the princess for some shopping in Palma de Majorca’s busiest commercial area. The late Princess Diana of Wales also made frequent trips to Majorca. Former President Bill Clinton made an official visit to Majorca during his tenure in office.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Property for Sale in Majorca | No Comments »

« Older Entries