Posts Tagged ‘spain’

Resort Holidays in Lanzarote

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Surreal scenery and beautiful beaches.  Lanzarote in the Canary Islands offers the perfect blend of ingredients for a sunshine holiday with a difference.  Basking in great weather all year round Lanzarote can be enjoyed at any time of the year.  And is just a four hour flight from all major airports in the UK.

The island first became part of the growing Spanish empire during the 1400´s. Lanzarote was the first island in the Canaries to be subdued by the conquistadores – led by a Norman noble called Jean de Bethencourt.  Before becoming invaluable as staging post for the Spanish galleons traversing the Atlantic between the New World and the Old.  Today Lanzarote welcomes around 1.5 million visitors annually from across Europe. 

The majority of these tourists will stay in one of Lanzarote´s main holiday resorts; Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca.  All of which boast their own individual charm along with modern facilities and good quality accommodation options.  Such as luxurious Lanzarote villas and four and five star hotels.

The quality of holiday villas in Lanzarote and also Lanzarote apartments has always remained arguably better than some of the other Canary Islands but increased competition has pushed current standards even higher in most cases.

In the north of the island Costa Teguise is located just ten minutes away from Arrecife airport, Lanzarote´s sole international terminal.  The resort enjoys an open and spacious feel and was first developed during the 1970´s under the aegis of the ubiquitous local artist César Manrique.  Proving very popular with tourists from across sun starved Northern Europe.  Whilst also offering a good selection of accommodation options. 

Puerto del Carmen is located around twenty minutes along the coast from Costa Teguise.  In a slightly more sheltered position that creates better weather conditions during the winter months.  This is the oldest destination on the island – and offers plenty of good value apartment accommodation.  As well as some excellent – if man made – beaches.  Created with the help of imported Saharan sand.

Playa Blanca is located right at the southern end of Lanzarote. Just across the Bocaina Straits from the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.  And is the most modern resort of the three – constructed during the 1990´s.  There’s a wide range of villa accommodation here – along with a large choice of five and four star hotels.  Many of which line the shoreline – creating great views for guests.

Click here for for information about Apartments in Lanzarote.

Winter Breaks in Lanzarote

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

As the summer season comes to and end across Europe there’s one southern outpost where the sun continues to shine.  Although in fairness Lanzarote – and the rest of the Canaries – are in fact located many hundreds of miles south of the Iberian Peninsula and mainland Europe, off the coast of Africa.  Whilst retaining European Union membership as part of Spain.

As a result the Canaries welcome visitors throughout the year and after Catalonia are the second most popular holiday destination in Spain.  Arrivals have fallen by around 20% during 2009 thanks to the current economic crisis.  But millions of tourists will still be booking holidays in the region this autumn, despite the downturn.

The journey time to the islands is also an important plus factor.  With flights at a bearable four hours.  Shorter than any competing mid-haul destination such as Egypt.  And usually at much cheaper prices too – thanks to growing completion on the route between low cost flight operators such as Ryanair and easyJet.  With both airlines offering cheap flights to Lanzarote this winter from all major airports in Britain. 

So what can visitors expect from their winter holidays on these volcanic islands?  On Lanzarote the temperature usually remains in the early 20´s Celsius – even during the darkest days of December.  With very little rainfall and plenty of sunshine hours.  The sun doesn’t set here until 6pm at the earliest either.  Making it a great destination for those who hate the dark winter afternoons of the UK. 

Tourists have been visiting Lanzarote for over forty years now so standards of accommodation on the island are high.  Encompassing every type of option from studio apartments in the main resorts through to boutique hotels in the countryside.  Many tourists in the UK now prefer to build their own breaks online – which has resulted in an increase in demand for Lanzarote holiday villas and apartments over the last few years.

Due to the increase in demand for Lanzarote holiday apartments and villas is fantastic news for visitors to Lanzarote as villa owners are being driven to ensure accommodation is well furnished, and all mod cons and traditional extras are now included gratis

Which is the best resort on the island during the winter months?  That title has to go to Playa Blanca – located right at the southern tip of Lanzarote.  Which enjoys the best microclimate on the island – whilst also boasting a great selection of beaches, such as Papagayo which is just a fifteen minute walk from the centre of the resort.  Along with Playa Dorada, Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca – which are all located within the resort itself.  The island’s leading tourist attraction of the Timanfaya National Park is also just fifteen minutes drive for anyone who tires of relaxing in the sunshine.

Lanzarote is a great all year holiday destination with an excellent range of places to stay. Follow the links for additional information about villas in Playa Blanca in particular or other Lanzarote villas and apartments.

Some Interesting Facts About Barcelona Spain

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Lots of songs have been sung regarding Barcelona Spain and rightfully so because this is a city with a great deal to think approvingly about. Barcelona Spain is situated to the northeast of the country and it is an essential Mediterranean port that accommodates over a million and a half people. It is additionally the second city of Spain and is smaller in size only to Madrid, the capital of Spain. Visiting Barcelona Spain is something that you ought to think about very seriously because this is truthfully a enthralling destination that also has a very deep cultural heritage.

A Lot Of Variety And Class

Luckily, when it comes to selecting hotels in Barcelona Spain there is a great deal of variety and class to offer. In fact, the kind of hotels in Barcelona Spain that you decide to live in will have a substantial influence on your experience of the city. The only problem is that at first locating the right hotels in Barcelona  can prove to be a bit harder than you bargained for.

There are many factors that you should mull over when choosing hotels in Barcelona : there is service, price, excellence as well as location that need to be considered. Nonetheless, hotels in Barcelona Spain offer more than all of this and in fact you will additionally be given tremendous views of some of the most delightful sites of the city and the outstanding transportation system additionally ensures that you can easily visit each attraction worth its salt.

Regarding the best hotels in Barcelona Spain, don’t forget to check out Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel that is located in the very center of Port Vell. An additional excellent option in regard to the best hotels in Barcelona  is the Claris Hotel that is a unsullied example of 19th century neo-classical palaces. If you are somebody that loves culture then the right hotel for you would be Le Meriden Barcelona Hotel that is strategically located in the heart of the city and is also very near to the Liceo Opera House as well as the Museo Picasso as too the Gothic Quarter.

With regard to Barcelona Spain travel  when it comes to arriving at this fabulous city by air you will have a choice of three first-rate airports including the El Prat airport that is located twelve kilometers from the center of the city. The single detail that you ought to really bear in mind when arriving by air is to try and avoid landing there during public holidays when the traffic is exceptionally high enough to conceivably mess up your fun.

Souvenirs from Spain – What to Buy During Your Holidays in Spain

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Are you wondering what to buy in Spain? If so, here are some souvenirs which will truly help you remember the great time you had while on holidays in Spain.

1. Spanish saffron – Grown in the plains of La Mancha, Spanish saffron is considered the world’s best saffron, and is therefore, sought after by all gourmet chefs. Even if you aren’t one, it’s still a good idea to bring home a bottle or two as a souvenir of your holidays in Spain. They’ll certainly make your spice rack the envy of everyone, too.

2. Sherry – Gone are the days when sherry was considered the drink of old English ladies. These days, sherry is considered a great wine which can be used before, during and after a meal. It can even be mixed into a meal as a cooking ingredient. If you’re drinking or using sherry, though, you might as well have the best, so make room in your suitcase for at least a bottle of sherry from the town of Jerez.

3. Ceramics – Spain is well known for its ceramic industry so make sure you buy ceramic plates when you go shopping in Spain. You can buy ceramic tiles, too, if you wish, from Valencia and Seville or bring home some exquisite pieces of Majorcan pottery to decorate your living room with.

4. Leather goods – Spanish leather goods are excellent souvenirs, too, and you can even use them for years after your trip, so make sure you include a pair of leather shoes, a leather purse or a leather belt in your shopping list while spending holidays in Spain.

5. Lace – Shopping in Spain won’t be complete unless you buy a lace handkerchief, shawl or tablecloth. Spanish lace products are handmade in Catalonia, where the lace-making industry began in the 16th century.

6. Hand fans – Finally, don’t forget to pick up some authentic Spanish hand fans. Whether wooden or made of ivory, simple or embroidered, hand fans are beautiful souvenirs and great gifts for all your friends. Even if it’s cold where you live, you can always use your hand fan as a prop when you dance the flamenco or simply hang it on your wall.

These are just some things you can buy during your holidays in Spain. Keep in mind, though, that the best souvenirs are your own photographs and memories, which are priceless and can be treasured for a lifetime.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Spain, by car. Zencarhire.com offer car hire from many locations throughout Spain, including, Car Hire Fuerteventura. To book a cheap car rental Spain, or learn more about car rental worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com

Attractions in Malaga Spain

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

There is so much to in Malaga.  With such a lot of historical significance that has took place in this town there is much to be explored and learned.  Lots of what has took place is preserved in the ruins that are located across the city, from when it was founded by the Phoenicians to when it was ruled by the Moors.

With a large choice of churches and palaces to visit there’s much to be enjoyed on your visit.  Some of these churches are even found in palaces as well as the Moorish and Roman design that can be observed in varied areas.

Areas Of Sightseeing In Malaga

One area to have a look at is the Cathedral in Malaga.  There’s much to see with its 2 chapels and stalls.  It was built by the Catholics and completed in the mid 1700’s with much of its design being visible from the later time period.

La Inglesia del Sagrario is another church one may wish to visit that was finished in 1448 on the site of a mosque and contains many various sculptures to enjoy on your visit.

Santuario de la Virgen is another beautiful old church which has the tombs of the counts of Buena Vista.  It is very complicated and yet another superb sight to visit.

There are also quite a few museums that may be visited while yopu are in the town.  These are the museum of Popular Art and Culture as well as the Museum of Art.

Attractions In Malaga, Spain

The King’s palace is perceived as Alcazaba.  It has many amazing works a swell as items to take in and observe while you are on your visit and enjoying your trip.

The Castillo de Gibralfaro is another item found near the palace.  It was made by the Phoenicians and contains much architecture and things to see.

Throughout the summer there are several different music holidays that happen throughout the city.  There is much for almost anyone to enjoy and take in while they are in town.

There is much music that can be enjoyed including Flamenco music.  Mush of this can be enjoyed in the nightlife section with the many different clubs and bars.  Lots of these are close to the beaches particularly on the Costa del Sol.  There is much to enjoy and many different clubs and sorts of nightlife to enjoy.

There is much cuisine to enjoy, primarily of the Mediterranean style.  There is quite a wide variety of other foods to enjoy as well .

For more information about travel and useful tips for tourists, visit famouswonders.com and check out Plaza Mayor Spain.

Landlocked province of Cordoba Spain

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Like the Seville region, the province of Cordoba is landlocked, though that shouldn’t be a reason for the more brave traveller to not visit either for both are engaging.  The region of Cordoba is split by the mighty Rio Guadalquivir on which lies the traditional town of Cordoba, set up by the Romans, though it flourished under the Moorish occupation and this is evident in the design found all over the city. 

Built on a sharp bend of the stream which is crossed by the Roman bridge, the El Puente Romano, the town used to be a port.  When the Moors were replaced by the Christians, the town’s beauty was left untouched and the Christian cathedral was built in the mosque, the Mezquita.  The Mezquita dates back to the 12 century and symbolises the power of the Moorish Islamic influence on this region of Andalucia.  Built in 785AD by Abd al Rahman, the mosque has been added to over the generations by both Christian and Islamic faiths as they each controlled this area.

At the centre of Cordoba is the old Jewish quarter where small has changed in centuries, narrow streets and garden squares, tapas bars and cafes, the ultimate area to explore and relax in the Spanish way.  The bull fighting museum and the cool and refreshing fountains and gardens of the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos are well worth a visit both being open from tuesday to Sunday.

Move outside the town into the area of Cordoba, and you’ll find it quite unoccupied, most of the people live in the town itself while the remainder are spread out in this large unexploited region.  Summers here are dry and hot, so the best time of the year to visit is during the cooler spring and autumn months, where you may find hamlets that still hold on to their Spanish values, something that has just about all but vanished from the Costas to the south.

Enjoy traveling around the world? If you love to travel, check out famouswonders.com to see the most famous places around the world and also have a look at Ibiza Island.

The Museo de Tradiciones y Artes Populares

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Murcia is an excellent place to visit in Spain.  It is a city that was founded by Islam in 831 and has much to offer .  It has terribly hot summers and has terribly agreeable weather throughout the year.  It has got many things to enjoy and many things to do.

There are several places to stay when traveling to Murcia.  There are a wide selection of hotels that will provide a wide selection of accommodations available.  Look into numerous resources to discover a place which will best serve your needs.  It is kind of best to look places up online or to call the places yourself to work out if they offer any discounts.

Another option one may consider is the use of a rental property if you’re looking for an extended stay.  Many properties and residences are available for short term rental and will offer you many of the conveniences of home such as cooking.

What To Do In Murcia

There are naturally the beaches as well as the lagoon.  These are extremely popular especially in the summertime months.  There is a wide expanse of beachfront to be taken advantage of.

There are numerous old churches and architecture to see about five hundred years worth of architecture and design to take in.  Also be aware of the nearby city of Torrevieja.  This city as well has many things to take in and enjoy.

The sanctuary of Fuensanta was built in the 18th century.  It has much to supply and plays a big role in the summertime festivities as the statue of the guardian saint of the city is paraded around town as its portion of the festivities.

The Museo de Tradiciones y Artes Populares is a wonderful museum in the city.  This is an agricultural museum.  It contains a wide selection of agricultural items and things to watch that are over 300 years old.

There are a wide variety of holidays that happen in this town every year.  The most prominent of which would be the Easter festival.  It is the most distinguished of all of the festivals across the year.

In this coastal town of Spain there are plenty of different styles of food to sample and enjoy as well as the wide variety of items to enjoy.  Look into the different seafood types and things to enjoy as well as the other sorts of the food.

If you enjoy traveling and would like to read more on some of the most famous places in the world, visit famouswonders.com and also check out Salamanca information.

Enjoy local attractions in Madrid

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

When you are searching for a inexpensive holiday vacation around Easter, you could find that Spain is one destination you won’t want to miss.  The month of April is the time for fiestas and great memories.  Because the visitor season is going full tilt during the summer months with higher costs, you can take your inexpensive vacation vacation in April and experience the customs of Spain.  The fiestas are the most astonishing thing that everyone should experience.  They offer fun, adventure and brightly coloured decorations.  If you want more reasons to travel to Spain, you will love the low costs on hotel and airfare. 

Beside the fiestas, you can enjoy some of the local attractions in Madrid.  You may visit square Mayor, which offers you clubs, bars and cafeterias.  Square Mayor is one of the famous attractions that draws holiday maker to the city centre.  It is a spectacular with so much culture and you observe the customs of Spain.  The Royal Botanic Garden is a stunning of array of color and different plants and flowers from across the world.  After you visit the gardens, you can take a walk down Gran through.  It might just be street, but it is a street with many years of history. 

Spend a day with the family at the Aquapolis water park in Madrid.  It is a nice small park with some fun for the day.  A place that everybody forgets about in Spain is the Royal Tapestry Factory Tour.  It is simply wonderful to tour the factory and see the makings of the tapestries that Spain is famous for making.  With all these things to enjoy during the month of Apr, you’ll appreciate you inexpensive holiday holiday even more . 

You can find inexpensive vacation holidays to Spain and save more money when you book your hotel and airfare together.  Because the visitor season is not in effect in this time, you receive even more rewards and savings.  This is really the only way to spend a holiday holiday.  Fiestas and attractions that will leave you understanding the meaning of excitement, it comes from visiting Spain.

Where do you want to travel in the world? For an idea of where to go on your next vacation, visit famouswonders.com. While you are on the site, also take a look at Canary Islands information.

What to do in Andalucia Spain

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

Andalucia is probably one of Spain’s most sundry areas with its mountainous regions leading down to the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de Almeria and to the far west bordering Portugal, the stunning Costa de la Luz.  It is excellent for a vacation in winter as well as summer as there is skiing in the Sierra Nevada.

An Andalucia vacation has much to offer from its countrywide Parks to a trip to Jerez for some sherry tasting.  Also not to be missed are a day out to the fantastic town of Granada with its Alhambra Palace, Jaen or similarly Cordoba which also has much Moorish history.

The white cities ( pueblos blancos ) named because of the Moorish practice of whitewashing the buildings are a glance back in time to conventional Spain.  Cities such as Ronda, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera to name but a few.

Inland, rustic Andalusia has three excellent towns to explore, specifically Cordoba, Granada and the capital of the area – Seville.  As well as these consequential cities with their Moorish past, there are numerous normal and beautiful whitewashed hamlets to visit, as well as nature reserves or simply walking or hiking in the scenic countryside.

Western rural Andalusia is home to the fantastic city of Ronda.  It has a spectacular setting being located on a big outcrop of rock.  It’s also famous for its bullring, which is the oldest in the country.  The Punte Nuevo – ‘the New Bridge’ spans the gorge and links the old part of Ronda with the new.  This part of Andalusia is also home to the whitewashed hamlets – pueblos blancos – of Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera as well as pretty towns and villages such as Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre and Coin.  Also in this area near the village of El Chorro is the geographical wonder of the Garganta del Chorro, a massive natural chasm in the limestone mountain.  The national park of El Torcal is also well-liked by hikers, hikers and nature lovers.

In the east of the Malaga area Antequera is a busy market city inside easy reach of Malaga for a short trip.  It is a more standard city and is well known for manufacturing olive oil.  It is possible to walk around the walls of the 13th century hilltop castle from where there are superb panoramic perspectives over the encircling area.

Some of the smaller rural hamlets in this area are Villanueva de la Concepcion, Alcaucin and the pretty white village of Competa.  Here and in similar towns you’ll find a lot of culture and a taste of real Spain.  We have many holiday fincas and cortijos to hire as well as charming town homes all set in rural andalucian locations, yet the sea in most cases is inside an hours drive.  If you’re looking for a holiday rental to run away from it all, then this is the area of choice.

Enjoy traveling around the world? If you love to travel, check out famouswonders.com to see the most famous places around the world and also have a look at wonders of Spain.

Finding The Best Villas in Lanzarote

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Lanzarote has been a popular holiday destination for more than forty years, due to its benign year round climate, an abundance of quality beaches and scenery that remains unspoiled by urban development. Surprisingly given its relative close proximity to the west coast of Africa Lanzarote like the rest of the Canary Island remain Spanish. Puerto del Carmen (which is still a family favourite amongst family holiday makers),was the first tourist development on Lanzarote and it can be found on the south eastern side of the island..

Lanzarote’s winter climate is quite complimentary to the very hot weather in the summer months, and even though you wouldn’t expect it in the autumn through to the spring temperatures in the daytime tend to remain anywhere between a nice and warm 20 – 24 degrees. Making the island a popular year round destination, with a large selection of apartments in Lanzarote and accommodation suitable for most budgets and holidaymakers tastes.

Laterly and in more recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the choice of Lanzarote Villas available for rental. Making do it yourself vacations in the sun a firm favourite with many visitors. The choice of Lanzarote villas is wide ranging, especially in the established preffered resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.

The vast majority of villas in Lanzarote come with a private swimming pool (some may be heated), their own tropical gardens and interiors well planned and tastefully laid out and fitted with all the mod cons you would have at home, for example a dishwasher (who wants to wash up on holiday?), an internet connection and and not forgetting the air conditioning. And if you are lucky some even supply extras i.e. hot tubs, table tennis and a DVD library. With prices starting from around the £500 per week mark for a standard two bedroom rental property.

There is also a good choice of apartments and studios in Lanzarote available for private rental, mostly concentrated in the centre of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote’s favourite and most established resort on the island.  Apartment complexes provide all the equipment expected of self-catering accommodation, with a communal swimming pool and sunbathing areas.

Many of them are within five minutes walk of the golden sandy beaches that the resort is famous for.

If you like to persue an active lifestyle during your vacation you’ll be well catered for in Puerto del Carmen, with plenty to do including sport fishing and guided walks. all readily available to holidaymakers.  And those who like to get out and about in the evenings are also well catered for, with an excellent choice of restaurants and bars with sea views or arranged around the pictureque town harbour area.

One particular aspect of the island is very aparrant to most visitors and that is the lack of development which has been controlled to ensure that it continues to offer an enjoyable vacation experience, whilst still maintaining its unique history and culture. Making holidays in Lanzarote ideal for tourists who require modern amenities in a relatively untouched setting.