Friday, 13 June 2008
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Salamanca Holidays
The province of Salamana borders with Portugal and the provinces of Zamora, Avila and Caceres and is one of the most magic provinces in Spain. Fertile lands watered by the riveres Duero and Tormes, vast pastures used for cattle and pig farming, spectacular natural parks, including the Arribes del Duero and Peña de Francia, picturesque villages lost in time, and of course, its majestic capital, the City of Salamanca, a World Heritage City, European Culture Capital in 2002, Spain's oldest university and one of its most beautiful and monumental cities in the country (many would say the most).
Salamanca capital city
Salamanca is city reminiscent of Oxford or Cambridge in the sense that it seems to breathe art, culture and knowledge as you walk along the streets and admire its señorial houses, small palaces, university buildings, towers, churches, the cathedral. For the best panoramic view of the city, go to the Parador of Salamanca on the other side of the River Tormes. Popular with thousands of foreign students who come to Salamanca each year to study one of the Spanish language and culture courses offered by the University or one of the seemingly hundreds of acadamies, Salamanca is a cosmopolitan, lively city.
History
Like most parts of Spain, Salamanca was occupied by the Romans and Visigoths. During Moorish occupation of Spain power toed and froed between the Arabs and Christians. In the 11th Century Alfonso VI consolidated Christian rule and appointed Count Raimundo de Borgoña, to rule over the city. This was the beginning of Salamanca's recovery, as the new stability encouraged people from all over the Iberian Peninsula to make their home in the city. In the 12th century the Old Cathedral was built and as it became a center of study, the seeds of one of Europe's first universities were sown. As the center of study grew, so religious orders and scholars started flocking to Salamanca, and their presence consolidated the University. Convents were built, money was donated by the Catholic church leaders, residences for scholars were built, and Salamanca became Spain's most important city during the Renaissance period, resulting in the so-called Spanish Golden Age (Siglo de Oro) when Spanish art, literature and music flourished. Fray Luis de León, Antonio de Nebrija, Lope de Vega, Christopher Columbus, Calderón de la Barca, Teresa de Jesús, San Juan de la Cruz, Cervantes and Christopher Columbus all spent part of their lives in Salamanca.
The Plaza Mayor
Probably the best place from where to start walking around Salamanca, and where to have a cafe con leche or glass of cold water at one of the tables set up by the bars and cafes in the square. The Plaza Mayor was built in the 18th century.
The University
It has a beautiful architecture and the famous plateresque façade with the hidden frog. The Old University Library is simply awesome, with shelves full of old literary and scholarly works of art. The library has over 160,000 volumes. Also visit the cloister, the paraninfo and the surrounding University buildings.
Casa de las Conchas
Renaissance. Casa de las Conchas is one of Salamanca's most emblematic buildings. Today it is an art gallery and library.
Catedral Viaja
XIII. The Old Cathedral of Salamanca has a unique façade of this building which was to become the one of Europe's main temples of knowledge and scientific research, and the embrion of one of Europe's first universities.
Catedral Nueva
The New Cathedral of Salamanca is again unique in the decoration of the façades. It has a Romanic and gothic mixture of styles since the work on the new Cathedral began in the 1400s and ended in the 1700s.
Convento de las Dueñas
Convent founded by Juana Rodríguez Maldonado in 1419 is a beautiful cloister. The nuns sell pastries and sweets to visitors.
Clerecia
Is an unfinished example of religious barroque art. A huge cupola, magnificent 12th century altarpiece covered with gold and stairway.
Casa Lis Museum
Art nouveau and Art Deco, the Casa Lis Museum receives more visitors than any other museum in the whole of Castilla y Leon.
Museo de Bellas Artes: Art museum.
Palacio de La Salina
16th century structure attributed to Alonso de Fonseca. Headquarters of the Provincial government, this building has a beautiful indoor patio.
Convento y Museo de las Úrsulas
Convent and museum in one of the favourite areas of locals for having a paseo (stroll) in the evening.
Colegio del Arzobispo Fonseca
Rennaisance patio. Cultural activities are organised here in the Summer months and next door there is a former hospedería (hostal) where art exhibitions and other cultural activities are held all year round.
Cueva de Salamanca
Where, according to legend, the devil used to teach scholars everything that their religious teachers would not teach them.
Huerto de Calixto y Melibea
Lovely garden where supposedly Calixto and Melibea used to meet.
Iglesia de San Martin
12th century church next to the Plaza Mayor. Romanic façade.
Convento de San Esteban: Spectacular plateresque façade where in the center above the entrance is Ceroni's Martyrdom of St. Stephen (1610). The church, designed by Juan de Álava in the shape of a Latin cross, was begun in 1524. The beautifu inner courtyard is a blends Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Museo de la Historia de la Ciudad
Museum which explains the history of Salamanca.
Casa-Museo de Unamuno
House of Miguel Unamuno, the emblematic philosopher and scholar who was Rector of the University of Salamanca for two long periods until Franco's troops put him under house arrest until he died.
Eat in Salamanca
One of the characteristics of Salamanca's countryside are its wild pastures dotted with bushes and oak trees where pigs walk around eating fallen acorns which give all pork products a special flavour
Salamanca is famous for its cured pork meats and hams, and for the beef from the morucha cow, a breed which is only found in this province. Other typical dishes based on local produce are pulse stews and casseroles (lentils, chickpeas, beans of all shapes and sizes), cereals, roast suckling pig and breads.
Restaurants
Chez Victor, probably the best restaurant in the city. Modern using local traditional ingredients; Merchán, creative cuisine; La Hoja, next to the Plaza Mayor, good traditional food; La Aldaba, specialised in morucha beef dishes; La Encina, a modest restaurant serving good grilled meats.
Tapas bars in Salamanca: The most famous (and popular so it's difficult to get a place at the bar) are: El Acedos, La Bodega, Bosque and El Trillo.
Salamanca capital city
Salamanca is city reminiscent of Oxford or Cambridge in the sense that it seems to breathe art, culture and knowledge as you walk along the streets and admire its señorial houses, small palaces, university buildings, towers, churches, the cathedral. For the best panoramic view of the city, go to the Parador of Salamanca on the other side of the River Tormes. Popular with thousands of foreign students who come to Salamanca each year to study one of the Spanish language and culture courses offered by the University or one of the seemingly hundreds of acadamies, Salamanca is a cosmopolitan, lively city.
History
Like most parts of Spain, Salamanca was occupied by the Romans and Visigoths. During Moorish occupation of Spain power toed and froed between the Arabs and Christians. In the 11th Century Alfonso VI consolidated Christian rule and appointed Count Raimundo de Borgoña, to rule over the city. This was the beginning of Salamanca's recovery, as the new stability encouraged people from all over the Iberian Peninsula to make their home in the city. In the 12th century the Old Cathedral was built and as it became a center of study, the seeds of one of Europe's first universities were sown. As the center of study grew, so religious orders and scholars started flocking to Salamanca, and their presence consolidated the University. Convents were built, money was donated by the Catholic church leaders, residences for scholars were built, and Salamanca became Spain's most important city during the Renaissance period, resulting in the so-called Spanish Golden Age (Siglo de Oro) when Spanish art, literature and music flourished. Fray Luis de León, Antonio de Nebrija, Lope de Vega, Christopher Columbus, Calderón de la Barca, Teresa de Jesús, San Juan de la Cruz, Cervantes and Christopher Columbus all spent part of their lives in Salamanca.
The Plaza Mayor
Probably the best place from where to start walking around Salamanca, and where to have a cafe con leche or glass of cold water at one of the tables set up by the bars and cafes in the square. The Plaza Mayor was built in the 18th century.
The University
It has a beautiful architecture and the famous plateresque façade with the hidden frog. The Old University Library is simply awesome, with shelves full of old literary and scholarly works of art. The library has over 160,000 volumes. Also visit the cloister, the paraninfo and the surrounding University buildings.
Casa de las Conchas
Renaissance. Casa de las Conchas is one of Salamanca's most emblematic buildings. Today it is an art gallery and library.
Catedral Viaja
XIII. The Old Cathedral of Salamanca has a unique façade of this building which was to become the one of Europe's main temples of knowledge and scientific research, and the embrion of one of Europe's first universities.
Catedral Nueva
The New Cathedral of Salamanca is again unique in the decoration of the façades. It has a Romanic and gothic mixture of styles since the work on the new Cathedral began in the 1400s and ended in the 1700s.
Convento de las Dueñas
Convent founded by Juana Rodríguez Maldonado in 1419 is a beautiful cloister. The nuns sell pastries and sweets to visitors.
Clerecia
Is an unfinished example of religious barroque art. A huge cupola, magnificent 12th century altarpiece covered with gold and stairway.
Casa Lis Museum
Art nouveau and Art Deco, the Casa Lis Museum receives more visitors than any other museum in the whole of Castilla y Leon.
Museo de Bellas Artes: Art museum.
Palacio de La Salina
16th century structure attributed to Alonso de Fonseca. Headquarters of the Provincial government, this building has a beautiful indoor patio.
Convento y Museo de las Úrsulas
Convent and museum in one of the favourite areas of locals for having a paseo (stroll) in the evening.
Colegio del Arzobispo Fonseca
Rennaisance patio. Cultural activities are organised here in the Summer months and next door there is a former hospedería (hostal) where art exhibitions and other cultural activities are held all year round.
Cueva de Salamanca
Where, according to legend, the devil used to teach scholars everything that their religious teachers would not teach them.
Huerto de Calixto y Melibea
Lovely garden where supposedly Calixto and Melibea used to meet.
Iglesia de San Martin
12th century church next to the Plaza Mayor. Romanic façade.
Convento de San Esteban: Spectacular plateresque façade where in the center above the entrance is Ceroni's Martyrdom of St. Stephen (1610). The church, designed by Juan de Álava in the shape of a Latin cross, was begun in 1524. The beautifu inner courtyard is a blends Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Museo de la Historia de la Ciudad
Museum which explains the history of Salamanca.
Casa-Museo de Unamuno
House of Miguel Unamuno, the emblematic philosopher and scholar who was Rector of the University of Salamanca for two long periods until Franco's troops put him under house arrest until he died.
Eat in Salamanca
One of the characteristics of Salamanca's countryside are its wild pastures dotted with bushes and oak trees where pigs walk around eating fallen acorns which give all pork products a special flavour
Salamanca is famous for its cured pork meats and hams, and for the beef from the morucha cow, a breed which is only found in this province. Other typical dishes based on local produce are pulse stews and casseroles (lentils, chickpeas, beans of all shapes and sizes), cereals, roast suckling pig and breads.
Restaurants
Chez Victor, probably the best restaurant in the city. Modern using local traditional ingredients; Merchán, creative cuisine; La Hoja, next to the Plaza Mayor, good traditional food; La Aldaba, specialised in morucha beef dishes; La Encina, a modest restaurant serving good grilled meats.
Tapas bars in Salamanca: The most famous (and popular so it's difficult to get a place at the bar) are: El Acedos, La Bodega, Bosque and El Trillo.
San Sebastian Holidays
Just 21km west of the French border, within the Basque Country, lies Donostia-San Sebastian, the summer capital of Spain. It lies against the Bay of Biscay, surrounded by green mountains. During the summer months the population here swells as the Spanish head here to escape the inland heat. It has about 180,000 inhabitants.
San Sebastian is a tasteful resort without the normal holiday resort trimmings and makes an ideal base from which to explore the Basque Country. This is the capital of the province of Guipuzcoa, the smallest province in Spain. The city offers quiet, natural places just minutes from the city centre and the city is divided into two by the River Urumea.
Getting to San Sebastian is relatively easy as it is linked to most of Spain's major cities by bus. The trains from Madrid to the French border at Irun all stop here. Iberia airlines also offer flights from Madrid to San Sebastian airport.
Donostia-San Sebastian was once a small fishing village and the inhabitants lived facing the sea. They were known to have hunted whales and fished for cod. At one point it was a thriving port, importing wines and oil for France and England. Over the centuries the city has undergone many sieges and in 1808 it was occupied by Napoleon's soldiers who stayed here until 1813. The city fell into decline in the 19th century but was lifted in 1845 when Queen Isabel II arrived in the city to spend the summer there, a tradition that continued for decades.
No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the old quarter (Parte Vieja) where most of the traditional local life takes place. Its narrow streets are packed with bars and restaurants. The Plaza de la Constitución is where you will find the library, once the Town Hall. The square was once used as a bullring. The Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, patron saint of the city can be found on the only street that remains from the 1813 fire, the Calle 31 de Agosto. The old quarter opens out to the sea at the harbour, home to the fishing fleet as well as the pleasure craft. Here you will find the Naval Museum and the Aquarium.
Donostia-San Sebastian has three beaches, La Concha, Ondarreta and La Zurriola. La Concha was made popular by Queen Isabel and is considered to be one of the most beautiful city beaches in Europe. Ondarreta beach stands at the foot of Mount Igeldo and has a more aristocratic feel to it because of the villas and gardens that lead to the sand. La Zurriola is to be found on the right bank of the river and has undergone a massive project to increase its size by reclaiming land from the sea. It is now much bigger than La Concha beach. All three beaches offer tourist changing rooms, parasols and sunbeds. Standing in the centre of La Concha Bay is the tiny Santa Clara Island with a lighthouse and a small wharf. This island turns into the city's fourth beach in the summer with a ferry service from the harbour.
There are many monuments to explore in the city, such as the Cathedral, a neo-Gothic structure of the 19th century. Its spire at 75m high can be seen from most of the city. On Mount Urgull you will find the Castillo de la Santa Cruz de la Mota which stands on the site of an earlier fort. All over the city you will find open-air sculptures by local artists. The city also offers several parks and gardens. Wide open spaces of green with manor houses and water features.
Wandering round the shops will probably prompt you to endulge in one of the local Basque products such as cotton shirts and berets. Paseo de Muelle is the best shopping area where you will be able to buy almost anything.
The sunsets in San Sebastian can be spectacular, as is the nightlife. Much of the nightlife is based in the old quarter, as are most of the best restaurants. They offer a wide selection of cuisine but seafood is the speciality.
The north of Spain is becoming increasingly attractive to other Europeans as the southern part of Spain is bursting at its seams but if you intend to buy a property here then be prepared - its by no means as easy as it is in the south. Most agents speak very little English. San Sebastian is, with Madrid, the most expensive city in Spain! houses are very expensive!
San Sebastian is a tasteful resort without the normal holiday resort trimmings and makes an ideal base from which to explore the Basque Country. This is the capital of the province of Guipuzcoa, the smallest province in Spain. The city offers quiet, natural places just minutes from the city centre and the city is divided into two by the River Urumea.
Getting to San Sebastian is relatively easy as it is linked to most of Spain's major cities by bus. The trains from Madrid to the French border at Irun all stop here. Iberia airlines also offer flights from Madrid to San Sebastian airport.
Donostia-San Sebastian was once a small fishing village and the inhabitants lived facing the sea. They were known to have hunted whales and fished for cod. At one point it was a thriving port, importing wines and oil for France and England. Over the centuries the city has undergone many sieges and in 1808 it was occupied by Napoleon's soldiers who stayed here until 1813. The city fell into decline in the 19th century but was lifted in 1845 when Queen Isabel II arrived in the city to spend the summer there, a tradition that continued for decades.
No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the old quarter (Parte Vieja) where most of the traditional local life takes place. Its narrow streets are packed with bars and restaurants. The Plaza de la Constitución is where you will find the library, once the Town Hall. The square was once used as a bullring. The Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, patron saint of the city can be found on the only street that remains from the 1813 fire, the Calle 31 de Agosto. The old quarter opens out to the sea at the harbour, home to the fishing fleet as well as the pleasure craft. Here you will find the Naval Museum and the Aquarium.
Donostia-San Sebastian has three beaches, La Concha, Ondarreta and La Zurriola. La Concha was made popular by Queen Isabel and is considered to be one of the most beautiful city beaches in Europe. Ondarreta beach stands at the foot of Mount Igeldo and has a more aristocratic feel to it because of the villas and gardens that lead to the sand. La Zurriola is to be found on the right bank of the river and has undergone a massive project to increase its size by reclaiming land from the sea. It is now much bigger than La Concha beach. All three beaches offer tourist changing rooms, parasols and sunbeds. Standing in the centre of La Concha Bay is the tiny Santa Clara Island with a lighthouse and a small wharf. This island turns into the city's fourth beach in the summer with a ferry service from the harbour.
There are many monuments to explore in the city, such as the Cathedral, a neo-Gothic structure of the 19th century. Its spire at 75m high can be seen from most of the city. On Mount Urgull you will find the Castillo de la Santa Cruz de la Mota which stands on the site of an earlier fort. All over the city you will find open-air sculptures by local artists. The city also offers several parks and gardens. Wide open spaces of green with manor houses and water features.
Wandering round the shops will probably prompt you to endulge in one of the local Basque products such as cotton shirts and berets. Paseo de Muelle is the best shopping area where you will be able to buy almost anything.
The sunsets in San Sebastian can be spectacular, as is the nightlife. Much of the nightlife is based in the old quarter, as are most of the best restaurants. They offer a wide selection of cuisine but seafood is the speciality.
The north of Spain is becoming increasingly attractive to other Europeans as the southern part of Spain is bursting at its seams but if you intend to buy a property here then be prepared - its by no means as easy as it is in the south. Most agents speak very little English. San Sebastian is, with Madrid, the most expensive city in Spain! houses are very expensive!
Santander Holidays
Although we can be fairly sure that man has inhabited the coastal areas around the Bay of Santander since prehistoric times, there was no physical evidence of this until the Roman era.
Archaeological remains unearthed in the Península de la Magdalena (Magdalena Peninsula), San Martín and in the Catedral (Cathedral) point to the existence of a Roman settlement, traditionally known as Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium, and cited in several classical sources.
At the beginning of the Middle Ages the settlement was concentrated in the area surrounding the Cathedral. The San Emeterio and San Celedonio Monastery and the Castillo de San Felipe (San Felipe Castle) were also in the vicinity. According to legend, the heads of the martyrs Emeterio and Celedonio were brought to Santander from Calahorra in the third century.
Santander appears to have originated in the latinised form of Saint Emeterio, Sancti Emetherii, which passed through several versions before becoming the name we know today - Sant Em'ter / San Ender / Sant Ander. The settlement was a walled enclosure with seven gates providing access, and had various hermitages.
In 1187 King Alfonso VIII drew up a charter which made the Abbot of San Emeterio feudal lord of the hamlet. At that time the inhabitants lived clustered around the monastery and survived by fishing and cultivating cereals, vineyards and fruit trees. The houses were divided by a river into two parts, Puebla Vieja y Puebla Nueva (Old Town and New Town), linked by a stone bridge.
During the Reconquista (Reconquest) when Spain fought to recapture the country from the Moors, Santander was involved in numerous naval battles, together with San Vicente de la Barquera, Laredo and Castro Urdiales, the four towns making up the so called Cuatro Villas del Mar (Four Towns on the Sea). In 1248 during the reign of Fernando III el Santo (The Saint) Santander took part in the battle for Seville, fighting under the command of Admiral Boniface. In recognition of its contribution, the King granted Santander a coat of arms boasting a golden tower, a chain over the Guadalquivir river and a ship.
Later, Santander and Laredo became the principal ports of the Kings of Castille, especially important in the wool trade with Flanders. At the end of the XVI century, however, the town was decimated by the plague and entered a period of economic decline.
During the XVIII century, trade with America revitalised Santander's fortunes. In 1754, the same year as the Camino de la Meseta (Route across the Plateau) opened up towards Reinosa, Pope Benedict XIV founded the bishopric of of Santander. What had until that time been a collegiate church became the Cathedral. In 1755 King Fernando VI conferred the title of city on Santander.
Throughout the XIX century, heavy trading with America brought about important changes in the city. The population grew, the port and shipyards expanded and the whole business infrastructure of the city developed.
Tradgedy struck Santander at the end of the XIX century. In 1893 the freighter Cabo Machichaco exploded in the harbour, resulting in the loss of more than five hundred lives and severe structural damage.
Santander experienced a boom in architecture and expansion in the early twenbtieth century, after the city became the summer favourite of King Alfonso XIII. Elaborate buildings such as the del Palacio de la Magdalena (Magdalena Palace), the Gran Casino del Sardinero (Grand Casino in El Sardinero) and the Hotel Real (Royal Hotel) all date from this period.
Shortly after the end of the Spanish Civil War, the city suffered another setback. In 1941 a terrible fire swept through Santander, whipped up by a prevailing south wind, and tragically destroyed much of the Old Quarter.
Nowadays, Santander is a well-restored, modern city, and one of the lovliest on the Spanish coast. Its cultural heritage, cosmopolitan air, and seaside elegance make it a highly popular destination for tourists.
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Archaeological remains unearthed in the Península de la Magdalena (Magdalena Peninsula), San Martín and in the Catedral (Cathedral) point to the existence of a Roman settlement, traditionally known as Portus Victoriae Iuliobrigensium, and cited in several classical sources.
At the beginning of the Middle Ages the settlement was concentrated in the area surrounding the Cathedral. The San Emeterio and San Celedonio Monastery and the Castillo de San Felipe (San Felipe Castle) were also in the vicinity. According to legend, the heads of the martyrs Emeterio and Celedonio were brought to Santander from Calahorra in the third century.
Santander appears to have originated in the latinised form of Saint Emeterio, Sancti Emetherii, which passed through several versions before becoming the name we know today - Sant Em'ter / San Ender / Sant Ander. The settlement was a walled enclosure with seven gates providing access, and had various hermitages.
In 1187 King Alfonso VIII drew up a charter which made the Abbot of San Emeterio feudal lord of the hamlet. At that time the inhabitants lived clustered around the monastery and survived by fishing and cultivating cereals, vineyards and fruit trees. The houses were divided by a river into two parts, Puebla Vieja y Puebla Nueva (Old Town and New Town), linked by a stone bridge.
During the Reconquista (Reconquest) when Spain fought to recapture the country from the Moors, Santander was involved in numerous naval battles, together with San Vicente de la Barquera, Laredo and Castro Urdiales, the four towns making up the so called Cuatro Villas del Mar (Four Towns on the Sea). In 1248 during the reign of Fernando III el Santo (The Saint) Santander took part in the battle for Seville, fighting under the command of Admiral Boniface. In recognition of its contribution, the King granted Santander a coat of arms boasting a golden tower, a chain over the Guadalquivir river and a ship.
Later, Santander and Laredo became the principal ports of the Kings of Castille, especially important in the wool trade with Flanders. At the end of the XVI century, however, the town was decimated by the plague and entered a period of economic decline.
During the XVIII century, trade with America revitalised Santander's fortunes. In 1754, the same year as the Camino de la Meseta (Route across the Plateau) opened up towards Reinosa, Pope Benedict XIV founded the bishopric of of Santander. What had until that time been a collegiate church became the Cathedral. In 1755 King Fernando VI conferred the title of city on Santander.
Throughout the XIX century, heavy trading with America brought about important changes in the city. The population grew, the port and shipyards expanded and the whole business infrastructure of the city developed.
Tradgedy struck Santander at the end of the XIX century. In 1893 the freighter Cabo Machichaco exploded in the harbour, resulting in the loss of more than five hundred lives and severe structural damage.
Santander experienced a boom in architecture and expansion in the early twenbtieth century, after the city became the summer favourite of King Alfonso XIII. Elaborate buildings such as the del Palacio de la Magdalena (Magdalena Palace), the Gran Casino del Sardinero (Grand Casino in El Sardinero) and the Hotel Real (Royal Hotel) all date from this period.
Shortly after the end of the Spanish Civil War, the city suffered another setback. In 1941 a terrible fire swept through Santander, whipped up by a prevailing south wind, and tragically destroyed much of the Old Quarter.
Nowadays, Santander is a well-restored, modern city, and one of the lovliest on the Spanish coast. Its cultural heritage, cosmopolitan air, and seaside elegance make it a highly popular destination for tourists.
Sponsored Links:
Cheap Tickets
Find the cheapest flights, discount airline fares, low cost plane tickets and the best International airfare prices on the Internet within and from USA to the world.
Cheap Airline Tickets
Find Cheap Airline Tickets on OneTravel and save big! Book your next flight with us and fly away to top business and leisure destinations without breaking the bank!
Santiago de Compostela Holidays
One of the most beautiful of all Spanish cities, Santiago de Compostela has been a travellers' destination for so long that it boasts the oldest hotel in the world – the Hostal dos Reis Católicos. The city is also the subject of the first guidebook in history, the early 12th-century Codex Calixtinus, part of which details the famous pilgrim route, the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James). The city's importance in the history of Christianity is such that it is the third holiest site in Christendom, after Jerusalem and Rome. Santiago de Compostela is a national monument, and its artistic and historical importance was confirmed when, in 1993, the entire city was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was further corroborated when it became a European city of culture for the year 2000.
Today, Santiago de Compostela remains an exquisitely preserved medieval cathedral town, centred on the shrine of the apostle James, after whom the city is named. The winding narrow streets of the Old Quarter are built from local granite and on clear days, the warm and golden stone glows in the sunlight. Even on the more frequent rainy days, the facades glisten beguilingly – the Praza do Obradoiro, with the great Baroque façade of the Cathedral, is especially glorious. The entire Old Quarter is a honeycomb of architectural charm, perfect for exploring on foot.
Santiago de Compostela is almost entirely Romanesque and Baroque – the city's 18th-century ecclesiastical patrons lavished so much wealth on this particular architectonic approach that it evolved into a style known as Galician Baroque.
The city is far more than a mere stone relic. The Way of St James is still an enormously popular pilgrim's route, drawing thousands of people every year from around the world to the Cathedral – as, indeed, it has for the whole of the last millennium. The 730km (454-mile) walk from Roncevalles culminates in the Pilgrim's Mass, at noon each day, with the great botafumeiro (incense burner) swinging above the heads of worshippers in the Cathedral transept, dispensing clouds of sweet-smelling incense. The image of Santiago (St James) in the form of the scallop shell is evident around the city, an important symbol since the 11th century. While its origin is a mystery, it continues to be worn by pilgrims today.
Situated in the very northwest of the country, some 40km (25 miles) from the coast, Santiago de Compostela is one of the wettest places in Spain. The damp climate means that it is wet in winter and humid in summers, while evenings can be chilly. As the capital of the region, it has a key role within the province of Galicia. The region itself is strongly defined, with a distinct Celtic strain and a self-conscious and aggressively self-promoting regional identity.
While its writers may hymn the Celtic mysteries of the characteristic Galician forests and misty groves, Santiago de Compostela is also the focus of modern broadcasting, press and publishing enterprises designed to reinforce Galego (Galician) as a language and a unifying cultural force. Santiago de Compostela's famous university attracts a large number of students, which guarantees the city a youthful ambience. The university (founded in 1501) has long given a lively buzz of activity to the city's bars, cafés and restaurants. Small enough to be strongly influenced by its university, Santiago de Compostela revels in a continuously refreshed influx of youthful energy and inventiveness that treats the grand stone edifices as the most superb of stage sets.
Today, Santiago de Compostela remains an exquisitely preserved medieval cathedral town, centred on the shrine of the apostle James, after whom the city is named. The winding narrow streets of the Old Quarter are built from local granite and on clear days, the warm and golden stone glows in the sunlight. Even on the more frequent rainy days, the facades glisten beguilingly – the Praza do Obradoiro, with the great Baroque façade of the Cathedral, is especially glorious. The entire Old Quarter is a honeycomb of architectural charm, perfect for exploring on foot.
Santiago de Compostela is almost entirely Romanesque and Baroque – the city's 18th-century ecclesiastical patrons lavished so much wealth on this particular architectonic approach that it evolved into a style known as Galician Baroque.
The city is far more than a mere stone relic. The Way of St James is still an enormously popular pilgrim's route, drawing thousands of people every year from around the world to the Cathedral – as, indeed, it has for the whole of the last millennium. The 730km (454-mile) walk from Roncevalles culminates in the Pilgrim's Mass, at noon each day, with the great botafumeiro (incense burner) swinging above the heads of worshippers in the Cathedral transept, dispensing clouds of sweet-smelling incense. The image of Santiago (St James) in the form of the scallop shell is evident around the city, an important symbol since the 11th century. While its origin is a mystery, it continues to be worn by pilgrims today.
Situated in the very northwest of the country, some 40km (25 miles) from the coast, Santiago de Compostela is one of the wettest places in Spain. The damp climate means that it is wet in winter and humid in summers, while evenings can be chilly. As the capital of the region, it has a key role within the province of Galicia. The region itself is strongly defined, with a distinct Celtic strain and a self-conscious and aggressively self-promoting regional identity.
While its writers may hymn the Celtic mysteries of the characteristic Galician forests and misty groves, Santiago de Compostela is also the focus of modern broadcasting, press and publishing enterprises designed to reinforce Galego (Galician) as a language and a unifying cultural force. Santiago de Compostela's famous university attracts a large number of students, which guarantees the city a youthful ambience. The university (founded in 1501) has long given a lively buzz of activity to the city's bars, cafés and restaurants. Small enough to be strongly influenced by its university, Santiago de Compostela revels in a continuously refreshed influx of youthful energy and inventiveness that treats the grand stone edifices as the most superb of stage sets.
Seville Holidays
According to legend, Seville was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. It was called Hispalis under the Romans and Isbiliya with the Moors. Its high point in its history was following the discovery of America.
Sevillw lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe. The city has the minaret of La Giralda, the cathedral, one of the largest in Christendom, and the Alcázar Palace. Part of Seville´s treasure include Casa de Pilatos, Torre del Oro, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies, where the historical records of the American continent are kept, the Fine Arts Museum,the second largest picture gallery in Spain, plus convents, parish churches and palaces.
Seville has hosted two international exhibitions, one in 929 and the other in 1992. Futhermore, Seville is the administrative capital of Andalucía. The quarter of Triana on the other side of the river, La Macarena, Santa Cruz and San Bartolomé, the street of Las Sierpes, plus La Maestranza bullring, María Luisa Park and the riverside walks are all representative images of Sevilla.
All the important monuments and it´s fascinating history, has made Seville universally famous for being a joyous town. While the Sevillians are known for their wit and sparkle, the city itself is striking for its vitality. It is the largest town in Southern Spain, the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro.
The Sevillians are great actors and put on an extraordinary performance at their annual Fería de Abril, a week-long party of drink, food and dance which takes place day and night in more than a thousand especially mounted tents. But above all it allows the men to parade on their fine horses and the women to dance in brilliantly coloured gypsy dresses.
Immediately before that is Holy Week, Semana Santa, a religious festival where hooded penitents march In long processions followed by huge baroque floats on which sit Images of the Virgin or Christ, surrounded by cheerful crowds. Both Spring events are well worth experiencing.
Sevillw lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe. The city has the minaret of La Giralda, the cathedral, one of the largest in Christendom, and the Alcázar Palace. Part of Seville´s treasure include Casa de Pilatos, Torre del Oro, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies, where the historical records of the American continent are kept, the Fine Arts Museum,the second largest picture gallery in Spain, plus convents, parish churches and palaces.
Seville has hosted two international exhibitions, one in 929 and the other in 1992. Futhermore, Seville is the administrative capital of Andalucía. The quarter of Triana on the other side of the river, La Macarena, Santa Cruz and San Bartolomé, the street of Las Sierpes, plus La Maestranza bullring, María Luisa Park and the riverside walks are all representative images of Sevilla.
All the important monuments and it´s fascinating history, has made Seville universally famous for being a joyous town. While the Sevillians are known for their wit and sparkle, the city itself is striking for its vitality. It is the largest town in Southern Spain, the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro.
The Sevillians are great actors and put on an extraordinary performance at their annual Fería de Abril, a week-long party of drink, food and dance which takes place day and night in more than a thousand especially mounted tents. But above all it allows the men to parade on their fine horses and the women to dance in brilliantly coloured gypsy dresses.
Immediately before that is Holy Week, Semana Santa, a religious festival where hooded penitents march In long processions followed by huge baroque floats on which sit Images of the Virgin or Christ, surrounded by cheerful crowds. Both Spring events are well worth experiencing.
Tarragona Holidays
Tarragona is the southernmost province in Catalonia, Spain, which also boasts a capital of the same name. Located on the Costa Dorada, Tarragona and its beautiful beaches are exactly what you are searching for if you are yearning for golden sand, crystal clear waters and basking in the sun.
But if you also wish to discover the revealing ancient vestiges standing testament to Spain s glorious past, the diverse archaeological complexes and museums spread about the Tarragona province and its capital are perfect for you. Just walk around towns like the picturesque Reus or the hectic Salou and discover its important heritage, along with the lifestyle of its hospitable dwellers. Also nature lovers are welcome, since the chances offered by Tarragona s natural parks and gardens are immense.
From the artistic point of view, there are not many places that have such a large number of monuments and tourist attractions concentrated in such a small area as Tarragona has. Iberian civilization remains are plentiful in the whole region, as well as multiple Roman vestiges, especially in Tarragona city, where you can follow the traces of Rome in the Catalonian region. The splendorous past of the city is enclosed in its several well preserved edifices. Its most notable landmarks and tourist attractions are the Roman Amphitheatre in Tarragona and the Cistercian monastery in Poblet, as well as many other places of interest within the capital city, just to mention some examples. Reus, home town of the internationally famous Gaudí, is nowadays a centre for Modernism architecture, a kind of art also to be found in many wine cellars through the whole Tarragona province.
The sequence of sunny shores and attractive capes, together with its massive cliffs, have made of the Costa Dorada beach resorts a perfect destination for those yearning for unforgettable beach holidays in Spain. The fame this region has gained in the entire world is undoubtedly attributed to the sunny beaches to be found in Salou, Tarragona and other Costa Dorada beach resorts, which are the destination of millions of people who travel to Spain during the summer holidays. Packed with individuals or families, the Costa Dorada beaches are a must if you are on summer holidays in Spain.
If you wish to visit the towns of Salou, Reus or other Costa Dorada resorts, you may be willing to go on family holidays to Port Aventura theme park. With four different themes, Universal s Port Aventura is ideal for both family holidays and summer holidays. Just a cheap flight to Reus airport and soon you will be able to enjoy its exciting rides, vivid shows, rich assortment of restaurants and, of course, the comfortable hotels dotted about the whole Costa Dorada to relax when you need to recharge your batteries.
But if you also wish to discover the revealing ancient vestiges standing testament to Spain s glorious past, the diverse archaeological complexes and museums spread about the Tarragona province and its capital are perfect for you. Just walk around towns like the picturesque Reus or the hectic Salou and discover its important heritage, along with the lifestyle of its hospitable dwellers. Also nature lovers are welcome, since the chances offered by Tarragona s natural parks and gardens are immense.
From the artistic point of view, there are not many places that have such a large number of monuments and tourist attractions concentrated in such a small area as Tarragona has. Iberian civilization remains are plentiful in the whole region, as well as multiple Roman vestiges, especially in Tarragona city, where you can follow the traces of Rome in the Catalonian region. The splendorous past of the city is enclosed in its several well preserved edifices. Its most notable landmarks and tourist attractions are the Roman Amphitheatre in Tarragona and the Cistercian monastery in Poblet, as well as many other places of interest within the capital city, just to mention some examples. Reus, home town of the internationally famous Gaudí, is nowadays a centre for Modernism architecture, a kind of art also to be found in many wine cellars through the whole Tarragona province.
The sequence of sunny shores and attractive capes, together with its massive cliffs, have made of the Costa Dorada beach resorts a perfect destination for those yearning for unforgettable beach holidays in Spain. The fame this region has gained in the entire world is undoubtedly attributed to the sunny beaches to be found in Salou, Tarragona and other Costa Dorada beach resorts, which are the destination of millions of people who travel to Spain during the summer holidays. Packed with individuals or families, the Costa Dorada beaches are a must if you are on summer holidays in Spain.
If you wish to visit the towns of Salou, Reus or other Costa Dorada resorts, you may be willing to go on family holidays to Port Aventura theme park. With four different themes, Universal s Port Aventura is ideal for both family holidays and summer holidays. Just a cheap flight to Reus airport and soon you will be able to enjoy its exciting rides, vivid shows, rich assortment of restaurants and, of course, the comfortable hotels dotted about the whole Costa Dorada to relax when you need to recharge your batteries.
Alicante Holidays
This thoroughly Spanish city has a truly Mediterranean air; its wide esplanades, such as the Rambla de Mendez Nuñez and the Avenida Alfonso el Sabio, and its seafront promenades, full of terrace cafés, are perfect for relaxation.
A city of contrasts, Alicante also has a distinctly African flavour, with women clad in caftans, and hawkers selling African carvings along the waterfront and esplanades. The historical central quarter, though, is filled with Baroque buildings, bearing testimony to the city’s past when it was a major seaport.
Alicante’s past is that of any other corner of the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by the Greeks who named it Akra Leuke (White Peak), it was later captured by the Romans who renamed it Lucentum (City of Light). In the second half of the eighth century it was conquered by the Moors, and the city was finally retaken in 1246 for the Castillian crown. In 1308 it was incorporated in to the Kingdom of Valencia.
Today Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencian Country, and receives millions of visitors through its airport and its harbour each year. With its long sandy beaches, mild and pleasant climate, vibrant festivals, recently renovated old town and lively night life, this is definitely a city to spend some time in.
A city of contrasts, Alicante also has a distinctly African flavour, with women clad in caftans, and hawkers selling African carvings along the waterfront and esplanades. The historical central quarter, though, is filled with Baroque buildings, bearing testimony to the city’s past when it was a major seaport.
Alicante’s past is that of any other corner of the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by the Greeks who named it Akra Leuke (White Peak), it was later captured by the Romans who renamed it Lucentum (City of Light). In the second half of the eighth century it was conquered by the Moors, and the city was finally retaken in 1246 for the Castillian crown. In 1308 it was incorporated in to the Kingdom of Valencia.
Today Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencian Country, and receives millions of visitors through its airport and its harbour each year. With its long sandy beaches, mild and pleasant climate, vibrant festivals, recently renovated old town and lively night life, this is definitely a city to spend some time in.
Valencia Holidays
Valencia is best known both as the birthplace of paella and as the coastal region where you’ll find some of the best (and busiest) beaches in Spain. But Valencia is also the home of magnificent mountains and vast tracts of virgin territory largely overlooked by the millions of foreign visitors who choose this eastern region of Spain as their top holiday spot.
There are actually three Valencias. There’s the city of Valencia which is Spain’s third biggest city and the capital of the autonomous region of the same name. The Valencian region consists of three provinces – Castellon in the north, Valencia province in the centre and Alicante in the south.
The ancient city of Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC, and was intitially named Valentia Edetanorum, although Iberian peoples had inhabited the area for centuries before. In subsequent centuries, the area was thoroughly romanised, until the 6th century AD when the city was taken over by the Visigoth monarchy. However, it was the Arab invasion of 714 that left the most noticeable mark on the city, until 1238 when King James I conquered the city. This is where the basic origin of Valencia as a national community with a political identity began. However, King James I didn't annex it to the kingdom of Aragon or Catalunya, but made it into an autonomous kingdom within the group of States under his sceptre. Despite the predominantly Catalan nature of the conquest, Valencia is a self-governing State with an identity of its own and a special parliament and institutions.
Throughout the middle ages, a strong silk producing industry together with significant agricultural production enabled the city to grow into an important economic force. The 15th century was Valencia’s golden century, but this position was halted and weakened by the War of the Germanians, which ended in 1522. In 1609 the Moorish were expelled from the city, bringing an end to the prosperity and economic strength and marking the beginning of a decline. Soon after the turn of the 18th Century was the War of Succession. Unrest was caused here as the people of Valencia sided with the Archduke of Austria, instead of Philip V, causing him to take away the city’s autonomy after his victory. It was not until the late 18th century that the city’s economic and cultural situation was revived. By the Civil War (1936-39), Valencia was made the capital of the Republican government, but received the status of Autonomous State with the re-establishment of the monarchy.
During the last two centuries, Valencian politics has been a reflection of the Spanish situation as seen from the capital of the State.
The city has a wealth of beautiful historic buildings, with the Miguelete being one of the most notable. This tower, which was built separately from the Holy Cathedral Church, encompasses a staircase of 207 steps leading to the top, where one can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city. Linked to the cathedral is the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, which is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. This building was built on the ruins of the ancient Roman forum, and houses a revolving statue of the Virgin. The cathedral itself was originally built as a Mosque, but was converted to a Roman Catholic Cathedral after El Cid conquered the city. The Cathedral was reverted back to a Mosque later on, only to be turned back into a Christian cathedral when James I re-conquered the city.
The old city is surrounded by the Moorish walls and the ancient outer ring of the city, which contain many historical remains, archaeological sites, religious buildings, and palaces that were built over many centuries.
Most people associate Valencia with Oranges and Paella, and although this is true, most people are unaware of the sheer cultural diversity the city of Valencia and the region has to offer.
This section includes important cultural information on traditonal Valencian life, museums and local art work and historical treasures well worth the visit.
There are actually three Valencias. There’s the city of Valencia which is Spain’s third biggest city and the capital of the autonomous region of the same name. The Valencian region consists of three provinces – Castellon in the north, Valencia province in the centre and Alicante in the south.
The ancient city of Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC, and was intitially named Valentia Edetanorum, although Iberian peoples had inhabited the area for centuries before. In subsequent centuries, the area was thoroughly romanised, until the 6th century AD when the city was taken over by the Visigoth monarchy. However, it was the Arab invasion of 714 that left the most noticeable mark on the city, until 1238 when King James I conquered the city. This is where the basic origin of Valencia as a national community with a political identity began. However, King James I didn't annex it to the kingdom of Aragon or Catalunya, but made it into an autonomous kingdom within the group of States under his sceptre. Despite the predominantly Catalan nature of the conquest, Valencia is a self-governing State with an identity of its own and a special parliament and institutions.
Throughout the middle ages, a strong silk producing industry together with significant agricultural production enabled the city to grow into an important economic force. The 15th century was Valencia’s golden century, but this position was halted and weakened by the War of the Germanians, which ended in 1522. In 1609 the Moorish were expelled from the city, bringing an end to the prosperity and economic strength and marking the beginning of a decline. Soon after the turn of the 18th Century was the War of Succession. Unrest was caused here as the people of Valencia sided with the Archduke of Austria, instead of Philip V, causing him to take away the city’s autonomy after his victory. It was not until the late 18th century that the city’s economic and cultural situation was revived. By the Civil War (1936-39), Valencia was made the capital of the Republican government, but received the status of Autonomous State with the re-establishment of the monarchy.
During the last two centuries, Valencian politics has been a reflection of the Spanish situation as seen from the capital of the State.
The city has a wealth of beautiful historic buildings, with the Miguelete being one of the most notable. This tower, which was built separately from the Holy Cathedral Church, encompasses a staircase of 207 steps leading to the top, where one can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city. Linked to the cathedral is the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, which is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. This building was built on the ruins of the ancient Roman forum, and houses a revolving statue of the Virgin. The cathedral itself was originally built as a Mosque, but was converted to a Roman Catholic Cathedral after El Cid conquered the city. The Cathedral was reverted back to a Mosque later on, only to be turned back into a Christian cathedral when James I re-conquered the city.
The old city is surrounded by the Moorish walls and the ancient outer ring of the city, which contain many historical remains, archaeological sites, religious buildings, and palaces that were built over many centuries.
Most people associate Valencia with Oranges and Paella, and although this is true, most people are unaware of the sheer cultural diversity the city of Valencia and the region has to offer.
This section includes important cultural information on traditonal Valencian life, museums and local art work and historical treasures well worth the visit.
Zaragoza Holidays
Zaragoza (Saragossa), the capital of Aragon, has all the attractions of a modern, populous city with excellent avenues, such as that of La Independencia, Sagasta, Gran Via... and squares, such as that of Paraiso, Los Sitios...
The Zaragoza's appeal lies in the fact that it has been left relatively untouched by tourism: most travelers know it only as a train station on the way from Barcelona to Madrid. Those who take the time to get off the train are rarely disappointed. The old town is full of authentic Spanish restaurants, and Aragon cooking is superb.
Attractions include the Aljaferia castle, the greatest Moorish edifice outside Andalucia, the Roman Forum and Theatre of ancient Caesaraugusta, and the Basilica del Pilar, one of the most famous sanctuaries of the Virgin Mary in the world.
Other important sights are the old Cathedral, La Seo, a magnificient 14th century church with its famous Museum of Trapestries. Especially interesting are the estately houses and magnificient palaces in the city.
The most important Zaragoza museums are the Museum of Fine Arts, with paintings of early aragonese artists and of El Greco, Ribera and Goya, and the Camon Aznar Museum, with paintings ranging from Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Velazquez and Goya to Renoir, Manet and Sorolla.
Popular festivals or fiestas in Aragon go beyond the commonplace. Although the Jota (traditional dance) becomes the mark that identifies a whole people and is a constant factor of any festive ossacion, Aragon folklore has known how to keep alive its deep roots in the in the ancestral world of the legendary and primitive. In fact, the actual religious feast days such us Saint John, the Carnival or the Corpus are edified intelligently over Pre-Christian and Pagan rites established by the rhythms of ancient life, ruled by the sun cycles, the seasons and the harvests.
So, among the marked political type fiestas, such as the Day of Aragon on the 23rd of April (Saint George), and the purely religious ones, such us the Easter Week processions, there are endless amount of festivities with deep folklore, such as the carnivals or the bullfightings. So, in any village or town of Aragon, and at any time of the year, we can see very popular festive events that everyone can take part in. We have highlighted some of the best ones that preserve the most singular peculiarities and living traditions, which make them into unrepeatable social phenomena in the world. But if you wish to discover the reality of the popular Aragon soul, you must let yourself be guided by your own experiences, travelling through Aragon village by village and without haste through the roads of folklore.
The Zaragoza's appeal lies in the fact that it has been left relatively untouched by tourism: most travelers know it only as a train station on the way from Barcelona to Madrid. Those who take the time to get off the train are rarely disappointed. The old town is full of authentic Spanish restaurants, and Aragon cooking is superb.
Attractions include the Aljaferia castle, the greatest Moorish edifice outside Andalucia, the Roman Forum and Theatre of ancient Caesaraugusta, and the Basilica del Pilar, one of the most famous sanctuaries of the Virgin Mary in the world.
Other important sights are the old Cathedral, La Seo, a magnificient 14th century church with its famous Museum of Trapestries. Especially interesting are the estately houses and magnificient palaces in the city.
The most important Zaragoza museums are the Museum of Fine Arts, with paintings of early aragonese artists and of El Greco, Ribera and Goya, and the Camon Aznar Museum, with paintings ranging from Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Velazquez and Goya to Renoir, Manet and Sorolla.
Popular festivals or fiestas in Aragon go beyond the commonplace. Although the Jota (traditional dance) becomes the mark that identifies a whole people and is a constant factor of any festive ossacion, Aragon folklore has known how to keep alive its deep roots in the in the ancestral world of the legendary and primitive. In fact, the actual religious feast days such us Saint John, the Carnival or the Corpus are edified intelligently over Pre-Christian and Pagan rites established by the rhythms of ancient life, ruled by the sun cycles, the seasons and the harvests.
So, among the marked political type fiestas, such as the Day of Aragon on the 23rd of April (Saint George), and the purely religious ones, such us the Easter Week processions, there are endless amount of festivities with deep folklore, such as the carnivals or the bullfightings. So, in any village or town of Aragon, and at any time of the year, we can see very popular festive events that everyone can take part in. We have highlighted some of the best ones that preserve the most singular peculiarities and living traditions, which make them into unrepeatable social phenomena in the world. But if you wish to discover the reality of the popular Aragon soul, you must let yourself be guided by your own experiences, travelling through Aragon village by village and without haste through the roads of folklore.
Blanes - Costa Brava Holidays
Blanes is located in the extreme south of the province of Giron close to Lloret de Mar. It is within an hour by car from Barcelona airport and is even closer to Girona airport.
There is a direct train from Barcelona to Blanes (with one connection to Barcelona airport) so visiting the city is very easy.
The maritime situation of Blanes governs its climate, which is temperate, with an annual average temperature of about 16º C with infrequent rain. In summer tempratures go up to 35ºC
Like most coastal towns Blanes has grown from a picturesque fishing village to tourist boomtown. The resort has a two-mile (3km) long stretch of coastline offering sandy bays and rocky coves, the main beachfront lined with high-rise hotels and apartment blocks. Behind the seafront the town still retains some reminders of its past, like the medieval castle of St Joan, several churches and other ancient buildings. Pride of the town are two renowned botanical gardens, which boast thousands of plant species. Along with all the trappings of modern tourism, Blanes also prides itself in giving visitors a taste of the real Spain, offering traditional street markets, several fiestas and folk dancing fairs.
Blanes has a 3 km (2 mile) long stretch of coastline offering sandy bays and rocky coves.
Between Blanes and Lloret de Mar, there are gardens set on an impressive balcony overlooking the Mediterranean and they bring together both native plants as well as tropical plant species.
The gardens of Santa Clotilde, in Lloret de Mar, were designed in 1919 by the architect Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí, and are characterised by the absence of flowers which clearly contrasts with the great variety of plants. The mansion, that is set in the gardens, houses four important collections of paintings, embroideries, miniature boats and Catalan pottery. Pinya de Rosa, between Blanes and Lloret, has the particular feature of having adapted plant species that are characteristic of the tropics to the Mediterranean setting.
Marimurtra, in Blanes, is home to one of the most important biological stations in the Mediterranean and has not only native plants and trees, but also plant species from all over the world.
There is a direct train from Barcelona to Blanes (with one connection to Barcelona airport) so visiting the city is very easy.
The maritime situation of Blanes governs its climate, which is temperate, with an annual average temperature of about 16º C with infrequent rain. In summer tempratures go up to 35ºC
Like most coastal towns Blanes has grown from a picturesque fishing village to tourist boomtown. The resort has a two-mile (3km) long stretch of coastline offering sandy bays and rocky coves, the main beachfront lined with high-rise hotels and apartment blocks. Behind the seafront the town still retains some reminders of its past, like the medieval castle of St Joan, several churches and other ancient buildings. Pride of the town are two renowned botanical gardens, which boast thousands of plant species. Along with all the trappings of modern tourism, Blanes also prides itself in giving visitors a taste of the real Spain, offering traditional street markets, several fiestas and folk dancing fairs.
Blanes has a 3 km (2 mile) long stretch of coastline offering sandy bays and rocky coves.
Between Blanes and Lloret de Mar, there are gardens set on an impressive balcony overlooking the Mediterranean and they bring together both native plants as well as tropical plant species.
The gardens of Santa Clotilde, in Lloret de Mar, were designed in 1919 by the architect Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí, and are characterised by the absence of flowers which clearly contrasts with the great variety of plants. The mansion, that is set in the gardens, houses four important collections of paintings, embroideries, miniature boats and Catalan pottery. Pinya de Rosa, between Blanes and Lloret, has the particular feature of having adapted plant species that are characteristic of the tropics to the Mediterranean setting.
Marimurtra, in Blanes, is home to one of the most important biological stations in the Mediterranean and has not only native plants and trees, but also plant species from all over the world.
Spain Holidays
If your holiday destination is Spain and you don’t want to ruin the entire trip because of a hasty choice you made on accommodation, you should know that there’s a rich list of hotels in Spain that meets your expectations and needs. You can even save a lot of time by accessing go-cielo.com, a site which provides such a list and offers the visitors the chance to find out which hotels in Spain have rooms available for tourists. This way, one can book the rooms and avoid unpleasant surprises.
A smart strategy in choosing hotels in Spain is analyzing and taking into consideration the itinerary of your trip. Where would you like to go? What is the one sight you wouldn’t accept missing? It may sound unreal, but many Spain hotels collaborate with traveling agencies in organizing tours and ease your trip by taking care of transporting your luggage from one hotel to another as you tour around Spain without worry. Sounds promising, doesn’t it? And, if you don’t want to move around and you prefer to visit just one or two cities and enjoy what they have to offer, the Spain hotels in those cities have to be carefully chosen as well. For example, if you prefer to have a view of the sea or get to the beach really quick, then your accommodation should be one of the Spain hotels situated o the coast, close to your primary objective. If you are interested in visiting several tourist attractions situated downtown in a certain city, the Spain hotels have to be situated nearby so that, during a vacation of just a few days, no time will be wasted on anything else but fun.
Another criterion you should base your choice on is, needless to say, the price. Spain hotels range their offer from low budget expenses to a lavish “Gran Lujo’ experience that even the pickiest costumer would find pleasing. True that we are all tempted to pick the rush season and go along with the flood of tourists. However, there are enough advantages to traveling off-season too. Just think that you can spend your holiday in one of the most expensive hotels in Spain with the same money that would have bought you a room in a one star hostel during the tourist season.
Besides the many well-known chain hotels in Spain, you have the option to get in touch with the Spanish flavor with a less pricey and sometimes more cozy alternative. That is the so-called “casas de huespedes”. The choice gives you the opportunity to experience the way Spanish people actually live and not the costumer-oriented accommodation facilities Spain hotels offer to tourists. Thus you get a closer approach on the Spanish culture that usually the fancy hotels in Spain fail to offer.
Another option you should consider when searching for a place to stay in Spain is the paradores. They are public Spain hotels that have the distinguishing feature of being disposed inside different architectonic monuments with historical value, such as castles or monasteries. When it comes to facilities, paradores are just as modern as the high-rated hotels in Spain. Plus, you can get a little “history class” as a bonus. You are, after all, staying in a reminiscent piece of Spain’s history. Spain hotels, such as these paradores, offer its visitors a sense of uniqueness.
As to finally emphasize how interesting a stay at a hotel in Spain may be, let’s go a bit over the “treats” Spain hotels offer their clients. Tourists may choose from a large variety of services such as sauna, spa treatments and personal masseuses, cruising on the Atlantic on the hotel ferry or even swimming with dolphins. One can also benefit from a pool, a Jacuzzi or entertaining facilities for families with children. Yes, the hotels in Spain have it all. However, the quality of the services you choose depends on the price and, again, you have to take into account your financial possibilities.
There are many things that make a vacation memorable and the place where you stay is definitely one of the most important. Have you ever managed to be happy or at your best in a place where the bed is awful, the shower does not work and cockroaches walk freely around the room? Nobody does. Choose the hotels in Spain and you will not have such unpleasant memories. Spain hotels, with their impeccable services and luxurious facilities, will guarantee a great holiday.
A smart strategy in choosing hotels in Spain is analyzing and taking into consideration the itinerary of your trip. Where would you like to go? What is the one sight you wouldn’t accept missing? It may sound unreal, but many Spain hotels collaborate with traveling agencies in organizing tours and ease your trip by taking care of transporting your luggage from one hotel to another as you tour around Spain without worry. Sounds promising, doesn’t it? And, if you don’t want to move around and you prefer to visit just one or two cities and enjoy what they have to offer, the Spain hotels in those cities have to be carefully chosen as well. For example, if you prefer to have a view of the sea or get to the beach really quick, then your accommodation should be one of the Spain hotels situated o the coast, close to your primary objective. If you are interested in visiting several tourist attractions situated downtown in a certain city, the Spain hotels have to be situated nearby so that, during a vacation of just a few days, no time will be wasted on anything else but fun.
Another criterion you should base your choice on is, needless to say, the price. Spain hotels range their offer from low budget expenses to a lavish “Gran Lujo’ experience that even the pickiest costumer would find pleasing. True that we are all tempted to pick the rush season and go along with the flood of tourists. However, there are enough advantages to traveling off-season too. Just think that you can spend your holiday in one of the most expensive hotels in Spain with the same money that would have bought you a room in a one star hostel during the tourist season.
Besides the many well-known chain hotels in Spain, you have the option to get in touch with the Spanish flavor with a less pricey and sometimes more cozy alternative. That is the so-called “casas de huespedes”. The choice gives you the opportunity to experience the way Spanish people actually live and not the costumer-oriented accommodation facilities Spain hotels offer to tourists. Thus you get a closer approach on the Spanish culture that usually the fancy hotels in Spain fail to offer.
Another option you should consider when searching for a place to stay in Spain is the paradores. They are public Spain hotels that have the distinguishing feature of being disposed inside different architectonic monuments with historical value, such as castles or monasteries. When it comes to facilities, paradores are just as modern as the high-rated hotels in Spain. Plus, you can get a little “history class” as a bonus. You are, after all, staying in a reminiscent piece of Spain’s history. Spain hotels, such as these paradores, offer its visitors a sense of uniqueness.
As to finally emphasize how interesting a stay at a hotel in Spain may be, let’s go a bit over the “treats” Spain hotels offer their clients. Tourists may choose from a large variety of services such as sauna, spa treatments and personal masseuses, cruising on the Atlantic on the hotel ferry or even swimming with dolphins. One can also benefit from a pool, a Jacuzzi or entertaining facilities for families with children. Yes, the hotels in Spain have it all. However, the quality of the services you choose depends on the price and, again, you have to take into account your financial possibilities.
There are many things that make a vacation memorable and the place where you stay is definitely one of the most important. Have you ever managed to be happy or at your best in a place where the bed is awful, the shower does not work and cockroaches walk freely around the room? Nobody does. Choose the hotels in Spain and you will not have such unpleasant memories. Spain hotels, with their impeccable services and luxurious facilities, will guarantee a great holiday.
Barcelona holidays
About 2020 years ago, La Gran Encisera (the Great Enchantress) was named Cestrum after being captured by Romans. Today, Barcelona, as it is best known all over the globe, has transformed from the city conquered by other civilizations into a city of real historical value, avant-garde architecture, beautiful surroundings, amazing night life and subtle Latino Mediterranean feel.
Capital city of Catalonia, Spain, Barcelona is one of the most incredible and visited European cities in the world. With a population spanning over 4 million people (in the entire metropolitan area), Barcelona is without a doubt the city of countless marvels. Visiting such a desired and populated city, though, can be quite difficult, especially if there are lots of things to do and see and the time and budget are limited. But limited doesn’t mean impossible.
Taking into consideration all sorts of marketing strategies and trying their best to emphasize all possible competitive advantages, most Barcelona hotels compete in attractive offers regarding services, quality, price and location. And speaking of location, a huge problem concerning hotels in Barcelona, is how to do more things in a short time, moving as fast as possible. But if you think centered located Barcelona hotels might deserve some priority on your list, you should think again on this matter, because even if they are far placed, some hotels provide great transportation and guidance, besides welcoming its tourists with warmth and great services.
The best hotels in Barcelona can provide you with so much, just like the example given above. And if you think that in this European city “best” equals “high prices”, you should check that list again. Besides, being more affordable than other cities, Barcelona is also favored by frugal travelers that normally don’t spend more than 20 euros per day. For such economic tourists there are lots of hotels in Barcelona, like Hotel Jazz, that not only has low costs, but also provides quality and decent services. Also, with so many historic hotels in Barcelona, choosing a proper one to best suite one’s needs and financial possibilities and, also, one’s classic taste in medieval local history is another difficult thing to do. However, when staying at a Condes De Barcelona Hotel, you can’t get disappointed in any of such matters. Actually, almost anything convenient can be obtained out of hotels in Barcelona. For example, if you find yourself in a not so busy period looking for a room in a not so full Barcelona hotel, there are high chances to get one after bargaining for a better rate. Basically, there are no hotels in Barcelona that can not satisfy even the pickiest traveler.
Even though defying “best” is hard and subjective, saying “best” in matters of Barcelona hotels equals, at a given point, with a high star hotel. The four or five star Barcelona hotels, of course, even if they have steamy prices, they always make their clients happy with top class services like pool, fitness, tennis, sauna or impeccable room service. Some of the best hotels in Barcelona are: the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel, located in the heart of Port Vell; Claris Hotel, which used to be a nineteenth-century neoclassical palace; Le Meridien Barcelona Hotel, located in the center of the city, close to the Liceo Opera House, the Museo Picasso and the Gothic Quarter; the Intercontinental Princess Sofia Hotel, which is close to the city's exclusive shopping district; The Colon Hotel, overlooking the Cathedral of Barcelona; the Expo Barcelona Hotel, which is in the heart of the business district.
Another thing to be taken into consideration is deciding on one or two hotels, located in different areas, the purpose being that if you stay in the city for more than 4 days, you can check out other Barcelona hotels and, also, get to visit more places in a record time.
Barcelona hotels can make a big difference while visiting or just going away on business in the Spanish metropolis. But as big as the difference can get, the difficult it is to actually choose a hotel, especially if never having visited Barcelona before. So, at a given point, the matter of choice in Barcelona hotels can be tricky if you haven’t thought of some priorities before leaving home. Actually, hotels in Barcelona are tricky even if you did think of something. Looking for the best offer you encounter so many possibilities that you find it harder to make up your mind. Sure, not all Barcelona hotels are accessible, nor are they all as you wish them to be, but the Barcelona hotels market is so vast, that everything will seem attractive enough to be taken into consideration.
The purpose of this article was to point out some Barcelona hotels worthy to be looked over while you, the traveler, find it difficult to decide on what is best. Freedom of choice does pose some difficulties when so many options shift before your eyes. The hotels in Barcelona make no exception and offer an interesting experience just by taking a look at the various offers, not to mention by spending a few days in some of them.
Capital city of Catalonia, Spain, Barcelona is one of the most incredible and visited European cities in the world. With a population spanning over 4 million people (in the entire metropolitan area), Barcelona is without a doubt the city of countless marvels. Visiting such a desired and populated city, though, can be quite difficult, especially if there are lots of things to do and see and the time and budget are limited. But limited doesn’t mean impossible.
Taking into consideration all sorts of marketing strategies and trying their best to emphasize all possible competitive advantages, most Barcelona hotels compete in attractive offers regarding services, quality, price and location. And speaking of location, a huge problem concerning hotels in Barcelona, is how to do more things in a short time, moving as fast as possible. But if you think centered located Barcelona hotels might deserve some priority on your list, you should think again on this matter, because even if they are far placed, some hotels provide great transportation and guidance, besides welcoming its tourists with warmth and great services.
The best hotels in Barcelona can provide you with so much, just like the example given above. And if you think that in this European city “best” equals “high prices”, you should check that list again. Besides, being more affordable than other cities, Barcelona is also favored by frugal travelers that normally don’t spend more than 20 euros per day. For such economic tourists there are lots of hotels in Barcelona, like Hotel Jazz, that not only has low costs, but also provides quality and decent services. Also, with so many historic hotels in Barcelona, choosing a proper one to best suite one’s needs and financial possibilities and, also, one’s classic taste in medieval local history is another difficult thing to do. However, when staying at a Condes De Barcelona Hotel, you can’t get disappointed in any of such matters. Actually, almost anything convenient can be obtained out of hotels in Barcelona. For example, if you find yourself in a not so busy period looking for a room in a not so full Barcelona hotel, there are high chances to get one after bargaining for a better rate. Basically, there are no hotels in Barcelona that can not satisfy even the pickiest traveler.
Even though defying “best” is hard and subjective, saying “best” in matters of Barcelona hotels equals, at a given point, with a high star hotel. The four or five star Barcelona hotels, of course, even if they have steamy prices, they always make their clients happy with top class services like pool, fitness, tennis, sauna or impeccable room service. Some of the best hotels in Barcelona are: the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel, located in the heart of Port Vell; Claris Hotel, which used to be a nineteenth-century neoclassical palace; Le Meridien Barcelona Hotel, located in the center of the city, close to the Liceo Opera House, the Museo Picasso and the Gothic Quarter; the Intercontinental Princess Sofia Hotel, which is close to the city's exclusive shopping district; The Colon Hotel, overlooking the Cathedral of Barcelona; the Expo Barcelona Hotel, which is in the heart of the business district.
Another thing to be taken into consideration is deciding on one or two hotels, located in different areas, the purpose being that if you stay in the city for more than 4 days, you can check out other Barcelona hotels and, also, get to visit more places in a record time.
Barcelona hotels can make a big difference while visiting or just going away on business in the Spanish metropolis. But as big as the difference can get, the difficult it is to actually choose a hotel, especially if never having visited Barcelona before. So, at a given point, the matter of choice in Barcelona hotels can be tricky if you haven’t thought of some priorities before leaving home. Actually, hotels in Barcelona are tricky even if you did think of something. Looking for the best offer you encounter so many possibilities that you find it harder to make up your mind. Sure, not all Barcelona hotels are accessible, nor are they all as you wish them to be, but the Barcelona hotels market is so vast, that everything will seem attractive enough to be taken into consideration.
The purpose of this article was to point out some Barcelona hotels worthy to be looked over while you, the traveler, find it difficult to decide on what is best. Freedom of choice does pose some difficulties when so many options shift before your eyes. The hotels in Barcelona make no exception and offer an interesting experience just by taking a look at the various offers, not to mention by spending a few days in some of them.
Madrid Holidays
Your flight is booked, your bags are packed and you are most certainly very excited about your first and so long desired Spanish vacation. Madrid is waiting for you and the only thing that’s left in order for your vacation plan to be perfect is finding the most appropriate hotels in Madrid where to look for vacancies.
Finding hotels in Madrid is not a difficult task, but factors like the purpose of your trip, financial possibilities and most of all, the availability of rooms have to be taken into consideration. If you find yourself in Madrid only on business, without a lot of time to spend in your room except during the night, then your choice of hotels in Madrid might be less demanding. Otherwise, you have to think of other details as well, not only about the bed you sleep in or the quality of the food at the restaurant. Location as well as other facilities can be crucial for a successful vacation.
It’s not difficult to imagine that the busiest period of the year is late spring until early summer when hotels in Madrid are packed with tourists impatient to visit the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace, to take pictures of the Spanish capital and drink the famous sangria. Therefore, it could turn out to be quite difficult to find vacancies in many of the hotels in Madrid during this time of the year.
Just like anywhere else, the hotels in Madrid offer cheap, expensive or exclusive services. You can easily try an Internet search and find out comparisons between the services and rates offered by Madrid hotels in just a few minutes. Cheap hotels offer common services that you can find in any decent hotel: air conditioning, a TV lounge and a bar. Exclusive Madrid hotels offer rooms decorated in an unique manner (such as Hotel Santa Domingo), electronic locks, fax machines, secretary services, computers, babysitting services, interactive TV or marble bathrooms. Your choice depends on how much you are willing to spend.
Since Spain is also a country with many immigrants, Madrid hotels can be also a source of exotic cuisine. Therefore some people prefer choosing a better rated hotel so they can enjoy some interesting meals that might be completely different from their traditional ones.
In order for you to make your staying in Madrid as comfortable as possible, you should also consider what you would like to do during your vacation. This will enable you to make the best choice when it comes to choosing one of the hotels in Madrid. If you would like to spend most of your vacation in Madrid shopping, then it is best to consider booking a room in a hotel close to the center of the city where most of the shopping centers are. If you are a big fan of football and you would like to see the famous Santiago Bernabeu stadium every morning when you wake up, you should consider booking a room in one of the hotels in Madrid close to the area where the stadium is located.
If you are looking for Madrid hotels located in the center of the city they will be more expensive, but you will also save time traveling from one visiting objective to another or from taking the subway, the bus or a taxi to get downtown from another district. If you have time for a longer vacation this may not be a problem, but if you only have a few days and want to visit as much as possible you should look for hotels in Madrid located closer to the center of the city.
However, if you plan to travel during your vacation and go see some other cities in Spain such as Barcelona or Valencia or Bilbao, you should consider this when looking for hotels in Madrid as sometimes there are special packages for people who plan to take a tour of some of the most interesting cities of a country such as Spain. Just like Madrid hotels, hotels from other cities can be placed in a wide range of prices and therefore you can choose a cheaper package or an exclusive one for more than one city.
When looking for hotels in Madrid you should also consider the fact the busy nightlife in Madrid (especially during summertime). If downtown is your first choice - where the nightlife is at its peak - you should keep in mind that you might be woken up very early in the morning by people heading home after a party night. Therefore, you might want to make sure that your room is either provided with a sound proof window-closing system or that you have a view on the other side of the hotel.
Consequently, Madrid hotels offer the same facilities as hotels in most of the cities of the world. There are affordable ones for anyone, no matter the financial possibilities and there are some which can dazzle through comfort as well as prices. Choosing from the wide range of Madrid hotels at your disposal is only a matter of how much importance you give to the accommodation part of your Spanish vacation.
Finding hotels in Madrid is not a difficult task, but factors like the purpose of your trip, financial possibilities and most of all, the availability of rooms have to be taken into consideration. If you find yourself in Madrid only on business, without a lot of time to spend in your room except during the night, then your choice of hotels in Madrid might be less demanding. Otherwise, you have to think of other details as well, not only about the bed you sleep in or the quality of the food at the restaurant. Location as well as other facilities can be crucial for a successful vacation.
It’s not difficult to imagine that the busiest period of the year is late spring until early summer when hotels in Madrid are packed with tourists impatient to visit the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace, to take pictures of the Spanish capital and drink the famous sangria. Therefore, it could turn out to be quite difficult to find vacancies in many of the hotels in Madrid during this time of the year.
Just like anywhere else, the hotels in Madrid offer cheap, expensive or exclusive services. You can easily try an Internet search and find out comparisons between the services and rates offered by Madrid hotels in just a few minutes. Cheap hotels offer common services that you can find in any decent hotel: air conditioning, a TV lounge and a bar. Exclusive Madrid hotels offer rooms decorated in an unique manner (such as Hotel Santa Domingo), electronic locks, fax machines, secretary services, computers, babysitting services, interactive TV or marble bathrooms. Your choice depends on how much you are willing to spend.
Since Spain is also a country with many immigrants, Madrid hotels can be also a source of exotic cuisine. Therefore some people prefer choosing a better rated hotel so they can enjoy some interesting meals that might be completely different from their traditional ones.
In order for you to make your staying in Madrid as comfortable as possible, you should also consider what you would like to do during your vacation. This will enable you to make the best choice when it comes to choosing one of the hotels in Madrid. If you would like to spend most of your vacation in Madrid shopping, then it is best to consider booking a room in a hotel close to the center of the city where most of the shopping centers are. If you are a big fan of football and you would like to see the famous Santiago Bernabeu stadium every morning when you wake up, you should consider booking a room in one of the hotels in Madrid close to the area where the stadium is located.
If you are looking for Madrid hotels located in the center of the city they will be more expensive, but you will also save time traveling from one visiting objective to another or from taking the subway, the bus or a taxi to get downtown from another district. If you have time for a longer vacation this may not be a problem, but if you only have a few days and want to visit as much as possible you should look for hotels in Madrid located closer to the center of the city.
However, if you plan to travel during your vacation and go see some other cities in Spain such as Barcelona or Valencia or Bilbao, you should consider this when looking for hotels in Madrid as sometimes there are special packages for people who plan to take a tour of some of the most interesting cities of a country such as Spain. Just like Madrid hotels, hotels from other cities can be placed in a wide range of prices and therefore you can choose a cheaper package or an exclusive one for more than one city.
When looking for hotels in Madrid you should also consider the fact the busy nightlife in Madrid (especially during summertime). If downtown is your first choice - where the nightlife is at its peak - you should keep in mind that you might be woken up very early in the morning by people heading home after a party night. Therefore, you might want to make sure that your room is either provided with a sound proof window-closing system or that you have a view on the other side of the hotel.
Consequently, Madrid hotels offer the same facilities as hotels in most of the cities of the world. There are affordable ones for anyone, no matter the financial possibilities and there are some which can dazzle through comfort as well as prices. Choosing from the wide range of Madrid hotels at your disposal is only a matter of how much importance you give to the accommodation part of your Spanish vacation.
Majorca Holidays
Majorca seems like heaven to me! A holiday with sun, beaches, parties and luxurious Majorca hotels that each of us is dreaming of. When I even think of all that my body begins to shiver as I know for sure that I’d have a good time there. Of course, that is for the ones who love to party, but maybe there are some who want more than just the ordinary beach resorts. It seems Majorca can satisfy all tastes as its architecture and beauty add a certain something to this stunning place.
The first problem that appears when planning the vacation is the place one will be staying at during the period spent in this amazing paradise – the Majorca hotels. Well, this is not actually a problem as the hotels in Majorca are numerous and welcome visitors with open arms. In fact, accommodations can be found in every city of the island. Tourism has increased and, as a consequence, the Majorca hotels have raised their number just to come in the full service of the customers and to make sure that every little detail is dealt with. The hotels in Majorca give their best to their tourists just to make them feel like heaven has really come down on earth.
Hotels in Majorca offer you a wide range of services from the most luxurious to the simplest where you can find just a place to sleep and nothing more. It’s all about your budget and your style. The Majorca hotels may offer rooms or apartments, all in one economy suites that can be rented on a weekly or the monthly basis to very luxurious accommodations that include spas and entertainment all under one roof. What is so great in this paradise is the fact that the hotels in Majorca offer the possibility of choosing what you want from a wide range.
The island of Majorca is one of the busiest resorts in the world and, although the nightlife is incredible as neon lit clubs are filled with people looking for a good time, major efforts where made by many hotels in Majorca to preserve the historic feel of the east coast. This way the island can join together modern and ancient greatness.
What can be greater than that? If you want style, glamour, luxury, fancy places, residential area Majorca hotels offer you just the right place and the opportunity to have a fairytale holiday. The hotels in Majorca which provide luxury services include a very special ambience, restaurants and bars, special areas for children to play, in and outdoor pools, wellness saloons and everything else that a lavishing hotel needs to make its clients feel special. Many tourists are interested in sports in a healthy way of life and that is the main reason for which many hotels in Majorca take care of the customer’s demands. One of the most popular sports practiced here is jet-skiing so the Majorca hotels try to complete their services with the necessary equipment. There is also, the possibility of scuba diving, cycling, which has recently become very popular on the island, and, of course golf, for which many of the luxurious Majorca hotels have arranged a court.
There are, of course, hotels in Majorca that offer simple rooms for tourists who enjoy the outside atmosphere, the sites and the beach more than the accommodation they are staying in. In addition, whatever it is you're looking for in Majorca as far as nightlife is concerned, you'll find it, from local back bars to the ultra chic and glamorous. As for the simple Majorca hotels, you won’t have a problem. You’ll always find a simple room to sleep in here. That is why many customers look for cheap rooms and no services included, only a place to crash when the party is over.
A glamorous lifestyle or a simple room, all of that can be found in the hotels in Majorca only to fulfil the tourist’s demands and desires. Also, it doesn’t really matter which of the hotels in Majorca you are staying at as long as you have a wonderful time. This island can offer almost everything your heart wants. Mixing the joys you have during the holiday and the comfortable feelings given by the accommodations that all the Majorca hotels offer, you can say that nothing missed during your vacation. So Majorca is waiting for you to have fun and enjoy yourself. This is the place for a vacation you won’t forget soon because the beach and the sun together with the services available in the Majorca hotels can make you feel like a king for a while.
The first problem that appears when planning the vacation is the place one will be staying at during the period spent in this amazing paradise – the Majorca hotels. Well, this is not actually a problem as the hotels in Majorca are numerous and welcome visitors with open arms. In fact, accommodations can be found in every city of the island. Tourism has increased and, as a consequence, the Majorca hotels have raised their number just to come in the full service of the customers and to make sure that every little detail is dealt with. The hotels in Majorca give their best to their tourists just to make them feel like heaven has really come down on earth.
Hotels in Majorca offer you a wide range of services from the most luxurious to the simplest where you can find just a place to sleep and nothing more. It’s all about your budget and your style. The Majorca hotels may offer rooms or apartments, all in one economy suites that can be rented on a weekly or the monthly basis to very luxurious accommodations that include spas and entertainment all under one roof. What is so great in this paradise is the fact that the hotels in Majorca offer the possibility of choosing what you want from a wide range.
The island of Majorca is one of the busiest resorts in the world and, although the nightlife is incredible as neon lit clubs are filled with people looking for a good time, major efforts where made by many hotels in Majorca to preserve the historic feel of the east coast. This way the island can join together modern and ancient greatness.
What can be greater than that? If you want style, glamour, luxury, fancy places, residential area Majorca hotels offer you just the right place and the opportunity to have a fairytale holiday. The hotels in Majorca which provide luxury services include a very special ambience, restaurants and bars, special areas for children to play, in and outdoor pools, wellness saloons and everything else that a lavishing hotel needs to make its clients feel special. Many tourists are interested in sports in a healthy way of life and that is the main reason for which many hotels in Majorca take care of the customer’s demands. One of the most popular sports practiced here is jet-skiing so the Majorca hotels try to complete their services with the necessary equipment. There is also, the possibility of scuba diving, cycling, which has recently become very popular on the island, and, of course golf, for which many of the luxurious Majorca hotels have arranged a court.
There are, of course, hotels in Majorca that offer simple rooms for tourists who enjoy the outside atmosphere, the sites and the beach more than the accommodation they are staying in. In addition, whatever it is you're looking for in Majorca as far as nightlife is concerned, you'll find it, from local back bars to the ultra chic and glamorous. As for the simple Majorca hotels, you won’t have a problem. You’ll always find a simple room to sleep in here. That is why many customers look for cheap rooms and no services included, only a place to crash when the party is over.
A glamorous lifestyle or a simple room, all of that can be found in the hotels in Majorca only to fulfil the tourist’s demands and desires. Also, it doesn’t really matter which of the hotels in Majorca you are staying at as long as you have a wonderful time. This island can offer almost everything your heart wants. Mixing the joys you have during the holiday and the comfortable feelings given by the accommodations that all the Majorca hotels offer, you can say that nothing missed during your vacation. So Majorca is waiting for you to have fun and enjoy yourself. This is the place for a vacation you won’t forget soon because the beach and the sun together with the services available in the Majorca hotels can make you feel like a king for a while.
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Tenerife Holidays
Have you always dreamt about a one-week vacation in paradise? Are you one of those persons whose dream vacation includes wide beaches, crystal clear ocean water, luxurious hotels with saunas and a wild nightlife?
Well, then you should consider the Canary Islands as a destination for your vacation. Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura are the four main islands known as the Canary Islands, the dream-vacation destination for many people. Tenerife is probably the best known of them all and the place we are going to have a closer look at now, with a particular interest in Tenerife hotels and accommodations as this are some of the main concerns of the modern traveler.
Tenerife has developed significantly in the past few years especially in the southwest part of the island where you can find most of the residents and tourist. Therefore, many Tenerife hotels are located here. Playa de Las Americas and Los Christianos are the most popular parts of the island, where busy day and nightlife is at its peak and they alone gather a large part of the Tenerife hotels.
If getting a cheap flight is not a problem anymore, no matter the destination, due to the Internet, one of the main current concerns of someone who is planning a trip is the accommodation. If, when it comes to flights, there are a number of websites that offer cheap last minute tickets, it is not as easy to find an accommodation in due time so that you can benefit from the cheap flights. And this is the case especially if you consider such a popular destination as Tenerife is. Therefore, finding vacancies in a Tenerife hotel is not really a piece of cake. Unless, you know about this site: go-cielo.com which can offer you exactly what you want. You just have to type in some information about the kind of services you like, the number of rooms you are looking to book and the number of persons for which you are booking, and the site provides the available Tenerife hotels. It’s quite simple and very efficient as it can save you a lot of time.
Since Tenerife can welcome tourists almost the whole year long (as the sun shines 10 out of 12 months per year), there are many hotels to check out for vacancies. However, due to the high number of persons who come here on vacation, finding a free room can turn out to be quite a challenge, especially if you are looking for a particular hotel in Tenerife.
Just like anywhere else, hotels in Tenerife are of all kinds: cheaper, expensive and luxurious. You can find hotels in Tenerife closer or a bit further away from the beach, right in the center of entertainment and of the nightlife, or in a more private area where you can have a relaxed vacation. If you want to enjoy privacy, instead of looking for Tenerife hotels, you can lend villas for a short period for a wide range of prices. However, the well known hotels are safer and may include services a villa does not.
You can, of course, find expensive hotels in Tenerife that provide a wide range of services, from cable/satellite TV and Internet to pools, saunas or beauty spas. Exclusive Tenerife hotels also offer baby sitting service, tennis courts and meeting and conference facilities. However, as unlikely as you may think this sounds, you can also find cheap hotels in Tenerife if you look for them online, on specialized websites like the one mentioned above. They can help you compare prices and find accommodation at reasonable prices. It is enough to type “Tenerife hotels” or “Hotels in Tenerife” in any search engine on the Internet in order to find information. Still, finding a cheaper Tenerife hotel does not mean that you will not enjoy your staying there: most of them offer air conditioning, TV lounges and free Internet access.
Finding vacancies in Tenerife hotels is not an issue that can concern you a bit before leaving your home town because there are a few hotels and many tourists that want to enjoy their dream vacation in Tenerife. There are thousands of people, all year long, that look for a room to book in one of the Tenerife hotels. The luckiest persons have their own vacation apartment or villa there and do not need to worry about this aspect. Sometimes, if they do not live in Tenerife permanently, these people go on websites where they make a lending offer for their personal places. So, instead of looking for a hotel in Tenerife you may also look for a villa and have your own private place to enjoy your holidays. Again, in such a case, you don’t get to profit from several facilities Tenerife hotels offer.
Compared to the hotels in Tenerife, the villas have the advantage that you can go there with a group of friends and pay less than what you would pay in a hotel, if accommodation expenditure is equally shared. Moreover, in comparison to living in a Tenerife hotel, living in a villa is more private and it certainly has its advantages if you are looking for both wild nightlife and soft, relaxing days where you are not ready to mingle in the crowd around the hotel you are living in.
Tenerife hotels are most certainly built to offer their customers the best services at the fairest rate. You can choose between cheap, expensive and exclusive hotels, according to your financial possibilities. But regardless of the hotels in Tenerife you choose, you will most certainly make the most of your vacation there.
Hotel Tenerife
Well, then you should consider the Canary Islands as a destination for your vacation. Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura are the four main islands known as the Canary Islands, the dream-vacation destination for many people. Tenerife is probably the best known of them all and the place we are going to have a closer look at now, with a particular interest in Tenerife hotels and accommodations as this are some of the main concerns of the modern traveler.
Tenerife has developed significantly in the past few years especially in the southwest part of the island where you can find most of the residents and tourist. Therefore, many Tenerife hotels are located here. Playa de Las Americas and Los Christianos are the most popular parts of the island, where busy day and nightlife is at its peak and they alone gather a large part of the Tenerife hotels.
If getting a cheap flight is not a problem anymore, no matter the destination, due to the Internet, one of the main current concerns of someone who is planning a trip is the accommodation. If, when it comes to flights, there are a number of websites that offer cheap last minute tickets, it is not as easy to find an accommodation in due time so that you can benefit from the cheap flights. And this is the case especially if you consider such a popular destination as Tenerife is. Therefore, finding vacancies in a Tenerife hotel is not really a piece of cake. Unless, you know about this site: go-cielo.com which can offer you exactly what you want. You just have to type in some information about the kind of services you like, the number of rooms you are looking to book and the number of persons for which you are booking, and the site provides the available Tenerife hotels. It’s quite simple and very efficient as it can save you a lot of time.
Since Tenerife can welcome tourists almost the whole year long (as the sun shines 10 out of 12 months per year), there are many hotels to check out for vacancies. However, due to the high number of persons who come here on vacation, finding a free room can turn out to be quite a challenge, especially if you are looking for a particular hotel in Tenerife.
Just like anywhere else, hotels in Tenerife are of all kinds: cheaper, expensive and luxurious. You can find hotels in Tenerife closer or a bit further away from the beach, right in the center of entertainment and of the nightlife, or in a more private area where you can have a relaxed vacation. If you want to enjoy privacy, instead of looking for Tenerife hotels, you can lend villas for a short period for a wide range of prices. However, the well known hotels are safer and may include services a villa does not.
You can, of course, find expensive hotels in Tenerife that provide a wide range of services, from cable/satellite TV and Internet to pools, saunas or beauty spas. Exclusive Tenerife hotels also offer baby sitting service, tennis courts and meeting and conference facilities. However, as unlikely as you may think this sounds, you can also find cheap hotels in Tenerife if you look for them online, on specialized websites like the one mentioned above. They can help you compare prices and find accommodation at reasonable prices. It is enough to type “Tenerife hotels” or “Hotels in Tenerife” in any search engine on the Internet in order to find information. Still, finding a cheaper Tenerife hotel does not mean that you will not enjoy your staying there: most of them offer air conditioning, TV lounges and free Internet access.
Finding vacancies in Tenerife hotels is not an issue that can concern you a bit before leaving your home town because there are a few hotels and many tourists that want to enjoy their dream vacation in Tenerife. There are thousands of people, all year long, that look for a room to book in one of the Tenerife hotels. The luckiest persons have their own vacation apartment or villa there and do not need to worry about this aspect. Sometimes, if they do not live in Tenerife permanently, these people go on websites where they make a lending offer for their personal places. So, instead of looking for a hotel in Tenerife you may also look for a villa and have your own private place to enjoy your holidays. Again, in such a case, you don’t get to profit from several facilities Tenerife hotels offer.
Compared to the hotels in Tenerife, the villas have the advantage that you can go there with a group of friends and pay less than what you would pay in a hotel, if accommodation expenditure is equally shared. Moreover, in comparison to living in a Tenerife hotel, living in a villa is more private and it certainly has its advantages if you are looking for both wild nightlife and soft, relaxing days where you are not ready to mingle in the crowd around the hotel you are living in.
Tenerife hotels are most certainly built to offer their customers the best services at the fairest rate. You can choose between cheap, expensive and exclusive hotels, according to your financial possibilities. But regardless of the hotels in Tenerife you choose, you will most certainly make the most of your vacation there.
Hotel Tenerife
Costa del Sol Holidays
Spain is a country with a long and interesting history. As a mixture of past cultures, the present shows a country with fascinating traditions. It is also important to know that no matter what the ordinary tourist is looking for, he can find it all in this country: beautiful beaches with great weather all year round, mountains perfect for skiing, great sightseeing cities with a lot of culture. Because of all these, there is a number of about 60 million tourists every year and it is constantly growing. So, a concern for all these people coming to visit is the availability of rooms in hotels in Costa del Sol.
The Spanish tourism flourishes every year because it is one of the most affordable and easy to reach destinations in Europe offering a variety of choices regarding accommodations, travelling means and entertainment. The hotels in Costa del Sol are always full of tourists, due to the fact that the region has great potential. There is something interesting to do for everyone, from families, who want to have fun with the children, to singles looking to hang out on the beach and enjoy the nightlife. There are hotels in Costa del Sol to cater for all tastes and needs. For example, families who want to spend quality time with their children can stay in some hotels in Costa del Sol which are closer to the Selwo Wildlife Park. Depending on what you plan on doing during your holiday, the region has it all.
The region was discovered for international tourism only in the 1950 and it became renowned for its beautiful beaches. But this is not the only a reason for the hotels in Costa del Sol to always be full of visitors. Lately, another attraction has drawn tourists – golf. The vast number of high-quality golf courses in the area has contributed to the increase in tourism and to the fact that a lot of complexes have started to be built. The scenery is wonderful for those romantic persons willing to relax and spend some time admiring the area. The Mediterranean Sea, seen from the transformed sunny coast or from the window of your hotel in Costa del Sol, is undeniably wonderful. White-washed villas, high buildings and the hotels in Costa del Sol bring the region a personal light full of charm and satisfactory for all tastes. As the area is heavily urbanised, it doesn’t matter if you’ve checked in one of the hotels in Costa del Sol or if you prefer a villa, architectural styles create an unforgettable mixture ready to please anyone.
For water park amateurs, there are some hotels in Costa del Sol which are close to Torremolinos where there are 2 such parks with plenty of water slides that are great fun. Also, for those with more cultural tastes, finding a stay in Costa de Sol hotels, closer to Malaga, is very helpful because in this city you can visit the Picasso Museum. Last, but not least, if you are a plant lover, you can’t miss the chance to visit the Bonsai Museum or the Botanical Gardens. Of course, there are plenty of Costa del Sol hotels close to these areas.
Undoubtedly, most hotels in Costa del Sol are situated along the beach of the Mediterranean Sea, as the main attraction for people who come here is this - lazing on the beach, enjoying tasty drinks, getting a nice tan and forgetting all about the hardships of life. Costa del Sol hotels are the most popular because it is more comfortable for those who are looking to relax and unwind to spend as little time on the road between destinations. They can easily go to the beach and come back to the Costa del Sol hotels to rest and have launch.
The most distinguished city in the Costa del Sol region is Marbella, the place where the king of Saudi Arabia built one of his palaces. There are numerous hotels in Marbella, due to the fact that the area has a huge number of tourists every year. Its popularity is surpassed only by the quality of the offered services. Because of the competition, it is only normal for the hotels in Marbella to have become more and more customer – oriented. Therefore, no matter what you want, everything is of excellent taste and quality, especially when it comes to the few Marbella hotels situated in the harbour - Puerto Banus. They might however be more expensive than the hotels in other parts of Costa del Sol, due to the fact that Marbella hotels have only three or four stars. Staying in one of the hotels in Marbella might cost you more, but you can have it all right there, even a small kitchen. Also, there are Marbella hotels which offer suites, not simple rooms, and they are all as luxurious as you can imagine.
People who want to spend less money on housing and still spend their time in the heart of Costa del Sol can do so by staying in one of the cheaper Marbella hotels situated a little further away. It’s a fifteen minute drive from these hotels to the core of the excitement. However, due to the fact that renting a car or paying for a cab is quite expensive, in the end, one might end up paying even more than by staying in one of the hotels in Marbella to begin with.
The advantages of staying in the comfort of one of the hotels in Marbella are numerous. Besides the comfort, by visiting Marbella you can get to see some great sights like Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, the old city centre, the Arabian Wall, the Bonsai museum (which was already mentioned) and a lot beaches like Fontanilla and Bajadilla. The beauty of this place is reflected in the fact that a lot of famous people have chosen it for a vacation destination. So, if you decide to book a room in one of the hotels in Marbella, you might get to spot someone like Antonio Banderas or Sean Connery on the beach sitting next to you. It is after all a favourite destination for wealthy tourists, who enjoy quality services in luxurious hotels in Marbella and love peace and quite away from the eye of the press.
To conclude with, the hotels in Costa del Sol and especially the expensive, distinguished hotels in Marbella, are one more reason to visit this beautiful region of Spain. No matter if you come there with the entire family or by yourself, you will be able to have a great time and find interesting things to do.
Hotel Costa del Sol
Hotel Marbella
The Spanish tourism flourishes every year because it is one of the most affordable and easy to reach destinations in Europe offering a variety of choices regarding accommodations, travelling means and entertainment. The hotels in Costa del Sol are always full of tourists, due to the fact that the region has great potential. There is something interesting to do for everyone, from families, who want to have fun with the children, to singles looking to hang out on the beach and enjoy the nightlife. There are hotels in Costa del Sol to cater for all tastes and needs. For example, families who want to spend quality time with their children can stay in some hotels in Costa del Sol which are closer to the Selwo Wildlife Park. Depending on what you plan on doing during your holiday, the region has it all.
The region was discovered for international tourism only in the 1950 and it became renowned for its beautiful beaches. But this is not the only a reason for the hotels in Costa del Sol to always be full of visitors. Lately, another attraction has drawn tourists – golf. The vast number of high-quality golf courses in the area has contributed to the increase in tourism and to the fact that a lot of complexes have started to be built. The scenery is wonderful for those romantic persons willing to relax and spend some time admiring the area. The Mediterranean Sea, seen from the transformed sunny coast or from the window of your hotel in Costa del Sol, is undeniably wonderful. White-washed villas, high buildings and the hotels in Costa del Sol bring the region a personal light full of charm and satisfactory for all tastes. As the area is heavily urbanised, it doesn’t matter if you’ve checked in one of the hotels in Costa del Sol or if you prefer a villa, architectural styles create an unforgettable mixture ready to please anyone.
For water park amateurs, there are some hotels in Costa del Sol which are close to Torremolinos where there are 2 such parks with plenty of water slides that are great fun. Also, for those with more cultural tastes, finding a stay in Costa de Sol hotels, closer to Malaga, is very helpful because in this city you can visit the Picasso Museum. Last, but not least, if you are a plant lover, you can’t miss the chance to visit the Bonsai Museum or the Botanical Gardens. Of course, there are plenty of Costa del Sol hotels close to these areas.
Undoubtedly, most hotels in Costa del Sol are situated along the beach of the Mediterranean Sea, as the main attraction for people who come here is this - lazing on the beach, enjoying tasty drinks, getting a nice tan and forgetting all about the hardships of life. Costa del Sol hotels are the most popular because it is more comfortable for those who are looking to relax and unwind to spend as little time on the road between destinations. They can easily go to the beach and come back to the Costa del Sol hotels to rest and have launch.
The most distinguished city in the Costa del Sol region is Marbella, the place where the king of Saudi Arabia built one of his palaces. There are numerous hotels in Marbella, due to the fact that the area has a huge number of tourists every year. Its popularity is surpassed only by the quality of the offered services. Because of the competition, it is only normal for the hotels in Marbella to have become more and more customer – oriented. Therefore, no matter what you want, everything is of excellent taste and quality, especially when it comes to the few Marbella hotels situated in the harbour - Puerto Banus. They might however be more expensive than the hotels in other parts of Costa del Sol, due to the fact that Marbella hotels have only three or four stars. Staying in one of the hotels in Marbella might cost you more, but you can have it all right there, even a small kitchen. Also, there are Marbella hotels which offer suites, not simple rooms, and they are all as luxurious as you can imagine.
People who want to spend less money on housing and still spend their time in the heart of Costa del Sol can do so by staying in one of the cheaper Marbella hotels situated a little further away. It’s a fifteen minute drive from these hotels to the core of the excitement. However, due to the fact that renting a car or paying for a cab is quite expensive, in the end, one might end up paying even more than by staying in one of the hotels in Marbella to begin with.
The advantages of staying in the comfort of one of the hotels in Marbella are numerous. Besides the comfort, by visiting Marbella you can get to see some great sights like Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, the old city centre, the Arabian Wall, the Bonsai museum (which was already mentioned) and a lot beaches like Fontanilla and Bajadilla. The beauty of this place is reflected in the fact that a lot of famous people have chosen it for a vacation destination. So, if you decide to book a room in one of the hotels in Marbella, you might get to spot someone like Antonio Banderas or Sean Connery on the beach sitting next to you. It is after all a favourite destination for wealthy tourists, who enjoy quality services in luxurious hotels in Marbella and love peace and quite away from the eye of the press.
To conclude with, the hotels in Costa del Sol and especially the expensive, distinguished hotels in Marbella, are one more reason to visit this beautiful region of Spain. No matter if you come there with the entire family or by yourself, you will be able to have a great time and find interesting things to do.
Hotel Costa del Sol
Hotel Marbella
Hotel Benidorm
At Cielo you will find cheap quality Benidorm hotels
Benidorm is a lovely coastal town in Valencia, Spain. Tourism is on the upswing in Benidorm and has been for a number of years. Benidorm rapidly has become a popular travel and holiday destination for holiday travelers from all across Europe and from other destinations the world over.
There are some fantastic hotels in Benidorm. When it comes to the hotels in Benidorm, you will be able to find everything from top of the line resorts and spas to other three and four star venues that offer prime accommodations and all of the very latest amenities. Through the years, Benidorm has become known as the Manhattan of Spain. This is the result of the many high rise hotels and other structures in the city. Truly, Benidorm has a very cosmopolitan feel about it – day and night.
The tourism industry really started to spike upward in the 1960s. Since that time, people can be seen flocking to Benidorm throughout the year. When it comes to different activities available to visitors to Benidorm, there are a few family oriented theme parks that are very popular. Of course, there are opportunities to engage in a wide range of recreational activities that holiday visitors engage in while in the community.
There are also a number of different historic sites and other points of interest in Benidorm. No trip to Benidorm is complete without taking the time to take in various historic sites and points of interest that make Benidorm a city of distinction.
Finally, in Benidorm there are many different opportunities that are available and tourists when it comes to shopping, dining and cultural activities. In addition, the nightlife of Benidorm can be quite lively. There are a number of popular and highly patronized nightclubs located in Benidorm. In short, there is no lacking something interesting and entertaining to do when in Benidorm.
Hotel Benidorm by http://www.go-cielo.com
Visit rockglenhotel.com for Connemara Hotel: The Rock Glen Hotel is situated on Ardbear Bay, south of Clifden, Co. Galway on the west coast of Ireland.
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