map-funchal-madeira-portugal

Funchal is located in a unique area; the natural geological features form an “amphitheatre” surrounding the city, which begins at the harbour and rises almost 1200 metres high on gentle slopes. This provides a natural shelter and was what attracted the first settlers.

Madeira’s capital for more than five centuries, Funchal is said to have been named as such because of the abundance of fennel (funcho - in Portuguese) that was growing there.

Part of Funchal Municipality are the Savage Islands one nature reserve 160 km (100 mi) South of Funchal.

Funchal is bypassed by a superhighway to the north east and southwest which accesses to Santa Cruz, the Madeira airport and Ribeira Brava.

Madeira is off the coast of Portugal and is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Madeira’s spring-like climate make it a wonderful vacation destination. The rugged coastline reminded me of Kauai, which is thousands of miles away! Many cruise ships port in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, when on transatlantic cruises.

There is something for everyone. From museums, enchanting gardens, wine tasting, typical market to cable car and toboggan rides, sightseeing tours and numerous boat trips. You can also just sit, sipping away on your favourite drink, in one of many of Funchal’s esplanades and watch the world go by.

Map Las Palmas

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a Spanish city (and municipality) on the island, Gran Canaria, which is one of the Canary Islands located just 130 miles off the northwestern coast of the African continent within the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the capital city of the province of Las Palmas and the co-capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands, sharing this status with Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The city was founded on June 24, 1478, with the name “Real de Las Palmas” by Juan Rejón, head of the invading Castilian army, before engaging in war with the local Guanches (aboriginal people of the Canary Islands). In 1492, Christopher Columbus anchored in the Port of Las Palmas (and spent some time on the island) on his first trip to the Americas. He also stopped on the way back to Spain. Today, a museum is named after him - Casa Colón - in the Vegueta area of the city.

Weather is beautiful year round and these optimal natural conditions make Gran Canaria the ideal place for sailing and other water sports. With 236 kilometers of coastline, you can practice all types of water sports! The exquisite sea bottom is also a must-see. On land, one can also enjoy a variety of other activities: soaking up the sun, shopping, dining, and partying. While the rest of Europe is at a standstill during winter, Gran Canaria is a non-stop sporting and vacationing destination.

Shopping or lazing on its Las Canteras beach is not uncommon day on vaction to Las Palmas.

Things to do in LasPalmas:

On the island of La Palma, delcared a Biosphere Reserve in 2002, you can find volcanic cones, idyllic little bays and magical spots such as the woodland of ‘El Canal y Los Tiles’. Take a trip along the network of footpaths either on foot, by bike or on horseback and have a different and unforgettable experience. Delight your eyes with the spectacular views offered at the Caldera de Taburiente, a breathtaking sight that you can only see from the heights of the beautiful crests surrounding it, which are as often as not, above the clouds.

On this island, you can also visit theme parks, such as the Garden of the Birds or the Maroparque, where you will enjoy learning all about the world’s flora and fauna.

Map locating Agadir Morocco

Agadir is the number one tourist centre in Morocco. 

With that comes the “touristy feel” but one of its best featue is the year round sun. For Example, In January the average midday temperature is 68°F, the sun shines for 300 days of the year. If you are looking for a great beach vacation Agadir is a great affordable place to visit and relax.

Agadir is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Souss River flows into the ocean.

Agadir is an important fishing and commercial port, and the first sardine port in the world. Because of its large buildings, wide roads, modern hotels, and European-style cafés, Agadir is not a typical city of traditional Morocco, but it is a modern, busy and dynamic town.

Agadir is famous for its sea food and agriculture.

Things to DO in Adadir:

Beaches

The main attraction of this popular tourist resort, Agadirs’ sandy beach stretches for 10km along the coastline of the Atlantic. As well as relaxing and perfecting ones’ tan on the golden sands, other activities to enjoy here include water sports such as pedalos, jet skis and wind-surfing.

Surfing
The coastline around Agadir offers excellent conditions for surfing, thanks to the trade winds that blow along the ocean, and the warm sheltered waters. There are spots up and down the coast that offer facilities for all level of surfer, with the fishing village of Taghazout being one of the most popular surfing centres.

Camel riding

Camel rides offered in the Agadir resort.  Choose from a short walk up and down the beach, or a scenic sunrise or sunset trek.

Desert safaris
Take a safari adventure to the exotic dunes of the Sahara Desert, for a truly unforgettable experience.

Markets
Agadir is home to its own weekly market at Suq al-Had. Stalls sell everything from leather and clothing,  herbs, spices, to locally-made goods and crafts.

Barcelona is the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. Barcelona is located on the northeastern coast of the Iberian peninsula. Barcelona is a major economic centre with one of Europe’s principal Mediterranean ports.

The beaches of Barcelona Spain are crowded, fun, with the crowd partying and enjoying the water! Sounds like a great place to spend a day or two of my life to me. I hear you can buy doughnuts off of the heads of vendors. Ever since the Olympics the beaches have been packed with happy locals and travels.

Barcelona is a city of thinkers and has great museums and public art, I really have to put this on a list of places you must visit. The fun architecture of the Barcelona. Gaudi inspired fun art inspired by nature surrounding you everywhere  …  a secure, vibrant city that entertains travelers culturally with art and food.

Barcelona is a great Spanish City that I can not wait to visit soon … It is an ideal place to visit a couple of days before, and a couple of days after a cruise. Some great ports of call on the west coast of Europe I will be be looking into for my upcoming holiday. (I will report on this trip in a future “travel log” and with complete guides here in future posts at  Johnny-Travel.com).

Cheers!

Johnny-Travel

Casablanca Morocco seems to me like a very diverse place with tons of activities and culture to explore. Initially a central port (Anfa) back in the 10th century BC, Casablanca received its name (translated as “white house”) from Spanish traders that established posts nearby. From the beginning of the 20th century, the city was occupied by the French until 1956 when, like the rest of Morocco, the city gained independence.

The Port of Casablanca is considered as Morocco’s chief port and as one of the largest artificial ports in the world.^[1] It is also the largest port of the Maghreb and North Africa

Also known as Casa or Dar el Baida, Casablanca is essentially the capital of Morocco. Any European citizen or traveler will feel immediately at home here and will have an almost instinctive understanding of the life here

Generally accepted as the best place to eat when in Morocco, Casablanca has a large variety of traditional, seafood and take-away eateries. Try making a turn by ‘Stella’. This ice-cream parlor will have 30 different flavors at any one time available for your testing

When in Casablanca, make sure to visit if time allows:

Rialto Cinema

This beautiful Art Deco cinema palace was constructed in 1930. Catch a movie and enjoy the architecture too.

Cathedral of Sacre C’ur
This cathedral has a refreshing design that features many traditional Moroccan styles. In the past it was used as a school and then a culture center. Now however, whilst the exterior holds its visual appeal, the interior has succumbed to entropy.

Villa des Arts
This Art Deco exhibition center houses many lovely contemporary art pieces.

There are beaches near Casablanca if you want to see what the younger cultue is up to… the beach is the place.

Casablanca-Morocco_wave

This would be a great place to visit for a day or 2 in my life … I will be looking into costs in up comming posts… 

Cheers,

Johnny-Travel

Welcome to johnny-travel.com… it is my travel blog where I will write about where I have been, where I would like to travel too…. and where I currently am (everywhere )