Travel Tips for Planning Your Trip to Spain
You are going on a vacation to the country of Spain and to see the many fabulous things that the country has to offer. This article will describe going to several various cities in Spain as well as things you must do while visiting. Not only will it give suggestions on what cities to visit but also the different ways to transport Spain yourselves around the country and beautiful things to buy that will be permitted through customs Spain.
Most Americans fly into Madrid as it is the most major city in Spain and it is somewhat centrally located in the country so that is a great starting point for your trip abroad . Madrid is the largest metropolitan area in addition to being the capital of the country and is overflowing with several things to do and see. One of the biggest things it is known for are the fabulous art museums in Madrid . You could spend several days simply visiting museums in Madrid there are so many . Madrid is also known as the center of bullfighting and many tourists make plans to see this age old sport that is only viewed in Spain.
Barcelona is another great place to see in Spain. After spending time in the big city of Madrid, Barcelona is a nice place to go and relax on the beautiful beaches that are there. While in Barcelona also be certain to enjoy a stroll through the gothic quarter where beautiful gothic architecture is present in the many buildings here. If you are a sports lover , it would also be exciting to visit where the Olympics took place here in 1992.
The next place to see in Spain is Granada. It is known for the Moorish architecture from when the Moors ruled this region of Spain many years Spanish area centuries ago. The most popular thing that tourists visit in all of Spain is in Granada and that is the Alhambra which is such a grand structure and one that should be seen .
Valencia is another beautiful city in Spain and one that is often traveled to by tourists . This city has the biggest aquarium in all of Europe which is a beautiful facility bringing the underwater world up close to visitors. A delicious local Spanish food that all visitors should sample while visiting Spain is the Valencia local dish of Paella. It is a rice dish complete with seafood, chorizo and other ingredients and is absolutely delicious . Follow up sampling the paella by visiting a Flamenco bar where you can see Flamenco dancers and even take a lesson to learn a few steps yourself.
Many people traveling abroad like to purchase items to bring home from their travels . One fun thing is to buy the local dishes or Spanish pottery there. Each part of Spain is known to have it’s specific colors and patterns that are specific to their area . Getting one dish from each city you travel to would be a great souvenir . Also, if you plan on visiting a lot of museums, it is suggested to purchase the museum book from each museum .
June 14, 2009
Helicopters Barcelona: from a different perspective
It?s one thing to see Barcelona walking, but allow me let you know that it?s another thing to appreciate by air with helicopters Barcelona. Not one to be scared of heights, I jumped at the prospect to appreciate Barcelona from a completely distinctive angle, a helicopters prospect. Needless to say, on a immaculate summer?s day with good visibility and hardly a cloud in the sky, I strapped myself in for an experience of a life time?
Arriving at Barcelona Port, I was put into a group of 4 where were given concise directions about the flight and before we knew it, we were airborne. To add to much of my exhilaration, I was put in the front seat where I saw first hand the proficiency and poise of the pilot as we flew around the delightful city of Catalonia.
With astounding sites to blissful architecture all all the way through the city, Barcelona caters for any sort of curiosity and having already viewed the majority of Barcelona?s tourist sites by foot, I essentially rediscovered Barcelona?s most recognized sights form a totally new perspective. So with a ready, set, lift off?we were in the air and started by flying around the commercial port and over the incredible Mediterranean Sea to view it in all its beauty, with a myriad of boats all the way to the horizon to seeing the golden sun reflecting its rays off the ocean.
We streamed down the amazing coast of Barceloneta and past the great football stadium of Camp Nou, where of course we could see inside; to taking a casual stroll down the heart of Calle Diagonal and throughout Barrio Eixample. Ohh and I forgot to mention doing all this with the superb Montjuic and Mount Tibidabo stretching across the breath taking Catalonian landscape. After we passed El Torre Agbar as well as the pristine Park G?ell, and finally took it home with a bird?s eye view all over the Olympic Stadium which was simply first-class.
With the helipad in sight, we touched down for a smooth landing. To my delight, I was able to take some great photos opening the helicopter door which capped off an experience I won?t forget in many years to come. What’s more, having lived here for close to 8 months, I would advise this to anyone regardless of whether you are visiting for 3 days or have been here 3 years; a 10 minute flight is all you need to give you a whole other viewpoint on Barcelona. So get out of your Barcelona apartments and try it for yourself today!
If your interested in more great articles, check out our Barcelona blog
May 30, 2009
Lanzarote Budget Breaks
Despite the current economic climate and the depreciation of sterling against the euro the small Spanish island of Lanzarote, in the Canaries, expects to welcome well over one million tourists during the course of 2009. With British and Irish holiday makers comprising the largest contingents of visitors.
This figure will still be way down on previous years however. As island tourist authorities have already recorded a 20% drop in arrivals during the first quarter of this year. As some consumers opt to either stay at home or journey outside of the euro zone. But many more still find that a good value break in a destination such as Lanzarote can even work out cheaper than a holiday in the UK.
Self catering holidays on islands such as Lanzarote can in fact work out to be very affordable. The cost of a weeks stay in many Lanzarote apartments for example starts at around €170 per week. And this is the price per room, rather than per person. Those looking for a really good accommodation deal should search for apartments in Puerto del Carmen. As Lanzarote?s biggest resort offers the largest range of choice, boasting hundreds of complexes.
Accommodation is available in both the New and Old Towns – both popular holiday locations in their own right. Offering good facilities, such as swimming pools and maid service at highly competitive prices. Puerto del Carmen has also enjoyed a recent revamp, with a new marina nearing completion in the Old Town Harbour area. Whilst the main beachfront strip, the Avenida de las Playas has been partly pedestrians. Making it a for more pleasant place to stroll.
There?s a wide selection of high quality Lanzarote villas available for rent across the island. All offering high standards of accommodation with prices starting from around €400 per week. For a two bedroom villa with private pool. There are more villas in Playa Blanca, the newest destination on the island, than in any other resort. Thanks to the fact that hundreds of overseas investors have snapped up property here in recent years to rent out to their fellow tourists.
Details of holiday deals on holiday villas in Playa Blanca and apartments in Puerto del Carmen can be found here.
Playa Blanca is an ideal location for a break in the sun. Not least as it enjoys the best microclimate on the island. And is also home to some of Lanzarote?s finest beaches – such as the set of coves at Papagayo, which are just fifteen minutes walk from the town centre. Along with Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo in the heart of the resort itself.
No matter where you choose to stay on the Island of Lanzarote just as with the other Canary Islands you can be assured of a warm reception and a fantastic holiday.
May 21, 2009
A Century and a Half of Eixample
This Barcelona commemorates the 150th anniversary of the expansion of the city. The redevelopment plan was hatched was by Catalan engineer Ildelfons Cerd? and it remains one the supreme examples of town planning throughout the world. Nowadays it is one of barcelona hotels most densely populated neighbourhood and remains the most popular area to live in.
From high above, whether you are up on top of Mount Tibidabo or on a plane coming into land at Barcelona airport, the layout of the Eixample is unmistakable and impossible to miss. The 420 symmetrically aligned residential blocks create an obvious pattern and from above you can see the building blocks with the open square in the middle which either serves as a garden area for the residents or as plaza for the general public.
The Eixample was designed so that people could get from the sea to the mountains and from side of the city to the other with relative simplicity. It connected the main part of the city with Graci?, now a district within the city, but was then actually a village outside of the city area.
It contains many well off tenants with some beautiful hotels in barcelona. The Sagrada Familia district is one nicer parts of it in which to live but the most expensive apartments can be found high up above the Passeig de Gracia, where one can expect to pay several thousand a month in rental price or millions if wishing to buy. However it does contain some less off sections which contain decaying buildings. These can be mainly found in the fringe areas of the area.
To celebrate 150 years of the Eixample, the city is launching a series of activities on the 11th June which will include exhibitions. From 4th November 2009 to 7th February 2010, at the shipyards in Drassanes, you will be able to find out why Ildefons Cerd?’s Eixample has become a prime example of modern urban planning.
May 9, 2009
Why Barcelona ought to be your next holiday destination
These reasons below should be enough for you to consider hotels in barcelona:
SUN – For the vast majority of us we just cannot resist a good holiday in the sun. As summer approaches, Barcelona is getting warmer and warmer by the day and you can gradually see the general population getting their summer kit on. Temperatures have already been hitting close to the 30 degree mark so get your skates on and book a flight out here!
SAND – You of course know that here we are located on the coast so sand is one resource we’re not short of at all! In the city and the surrounding areas there are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore. One worth visiting if you don’t want to leave the city would be the one at Vila-Ol?mpica. If you fancy travelling a little further then Sitges is just a short journey on the train away.
GREAT FOOD – With literally thousands of restaurants at your disposal, you are truly spoilt for choice. Cuisine from all over the world is littered across Barcelona. Should you be a fan of Japanese then check out Yashima in Les Corts, or if you fancy gorging on some fine Argentinean meats then Freeway is the place for you, with their all-you-can-eat buffet. While tapas don’t actually originate from Barcelona, you can still find find a good tapas bar if you’re willing to look hard enough. Ones that I would recommend are la Cerveseria Catalana in Eixample near your barcelona hotels and Cal Pep.
SIGHTSEEING – The city is filled to the brim with ‘must-see’ tourist attractions. From the Sagrada Familia to Parc Guell, Montju?c to Tibidabo, there’s so much to see that even the most adventurous explorer won’t run out of things to do. And of course you know that all these attractions look better when bathed in the glorious sunshine the city’s currently receiving!
JUST PLAIN GOOD FUN! – The city has so much on offer to keep you occupied. This remains true when the sun goes and the stars appear. Barcelona’s nightlife could compete with anywhere else in the world. And whether it’s just a quiet bar in which you’re looking for a relaxing drink or you fancy dancing the night away in one of the city’s many glamorous nightclubs, you will be guaranteed something to satisfy your needs.
So come on, book you barcelona hotels now and just get away from it all!
May 6, 2009
Spain Balearic Islands Travel Guide
Did you know that mayonnaise came from the Balearic Islands? The Balearic Islands is a Spanish archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It is also a great travel destination because of its benevolent climate and beautiful beaches. There are many other things to do on the islands besides swimming, sunbathing and surfing, though. In fact, there are plenty of fun activities to keep you occupied during your holidays in the Balearic Islands.
For one, you can go birdwatching at the Mondrago Natural Park on the island of Majorca (Mallorca in Catalan). The Mondrago Natural Park was declared an ‘Area of Special Protection for Birds’ in 1995, particularly since it is home to many species of migratory birds. You can simply enjoy the views of stunning natural landscapes at the park, too, or take a walk through the oak woods while admiring different types of lovely orchids.
There are many other places to tour in Majorca during your holidays in the Balearic Islands, as well, such as museums, fortifications and religious architecture. These include the Royal Monastery of Valldemossa, where Frederic Chopin and George Sands once stayed; the Palma Cathedral, which is a magnificent example of Gothic archictecture; and the Can Planes Museum in Sa Pobla, which is a museum of toys and contemporary art.
There are many things you can do in Minorca, too, which is the island right beside Majorca. Watching a horse show at the Club Escola Menorquina or Ganaderia Son Martorellet is recommended, where you can see the Menorcan horses perform their own style of dressage. These purebred black horses are the pride of Minorca. You can watch horse races on the island, too.
You can also get a glimpse of some archaeological treasures in Minorca. Indeed, Minorca has several prehistoric settlements such as the settlement of Talat? de Dalt, the settlement of Torre Llafuda and the Trepuco settlement - all known for their talayotic structures.
The most impressive megalithic tomb in the Balearic Islands can be found on the island of Formentera, though, which is the smallest and southernmost island. This is the tomb of Ca na Costa, a collective burial tomb dating back to the Bronze Age, and a must-see attraction for your holidays in the Balearic Islands. While in Formentera, you can go cycling, too, while enjoying breathtaking views.
Finally, a trip to the Balearic Islands is not complete without stopping by Ibiza, which is often referred to as the clubbing capital of the world. Indeed, the island is known for having some of the world’s best clubs, including Es Paradis, Amnesia, Space and Privilege, which is also the largest club in the world. If you prefer something quieter, you can also watch a concert or a theatrical production on the island.
The cuisine of the Balearic Islands is world-renowned, too, so make sure you eat well during your holidays in the Balearic Islands. Try to schedule your visit during a festival, as well, so you can participate in the lively atmosphere and the rich culture. This way, you will surely end up with a more enriching experience and a more memorable vacation.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Spain Balearic Islands. To book your Spain Balearic Islands cheap car hire, or learn more about cheap car rental worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
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