Hiking in Spain
Hiking tours in Spain specialize in small groups of up to 14 walkers and will emphasize culture heritage, various landscapes, and flora and fauna within the various regions. These tours can be self-guided or organized by local guides from different companies. The main areas are Galicia, an isolated coastline, Picos De Europa, which includes pastures and mountains, Camino De Santiago, the northern medieval tour, Compostela, from Leon to Galicia, seeing cathedrals, and the Basque country and Pyrenees, starring the oldest European heritage.
These tours are filled with quality trails, less traffic and important and historical points of interest. Spain is one of the warmest countries in Europe and the year round temperature is usually moderately warm and dry, making excellent hiking. There is a slight difference between day and night temperatures, but nothing uncomfortable or challenging to prepare for. This makes the climate excellent for walking tours, especially those that are extended in duration. In the northern regions near the coast, there is a mild climate but high rainfall. In the Pyrenees, the Sierra Nevada, the Central and Iberian ranges, and the Cantabrian Mountains the climate is harsher with snow in the winter season. (more…)
March 27, 2008
Clothing in Spain
As with most developed countries that have strong historic ties to the designers of Europe and the clothing manufacturers worldwide there is a wide range of clothing styles in Spain. In most cases people tend to dress more formally than is often seen in American cities, with typical business dress for men being a suit and tie and for women dresses or suits as the general fashion trend. Casual dress is seen as well, but typically even casual dress in the country is more “dressy” than may be seen in other areas.
Some of the cities and areas of Spain have very formal and traditional dress that is most commonly used for festivals and events that are traditions in the city. One of the costumes most famous in Spain is the Flamenco dance costume. For women this is a dramatic dress that is typically red, black or white and may be a long gown type dress or shorter mid length dress. The skirt has a border of ruffles in several layers up the skirt, providing dramatic movement the bottom of the dress. The dress tends to fit the body very closely providing a streamlined figure when viewed from any angle. (more…)
Tags: spain clothing, spain-information
March 24, 2008
Shopping in Spain
There is very little chance that you will not be able to find whatever you may be shopping for in the larger centers in Spain. Unlike many areas where shopping is limited to only certain areas in the cities, Spanish cities tend to have plazas scattered throughout the city that provide endless shopping opportunities. Some cities are more known for specific types of handicrafts and items, but generally a larger center will have representations of most Spanish and international items in stores.
One of the many differences in shopping in Spain as compared to other cities is that there is wide variety of different types of stores. Open markets offer fresh produce, meats, cheeses, wines and olive oils, many of which are produced on very small local farms. These same products are likely not available through stores. Side street stalls or individuals stalls on the squares or plazas are often the best place to find real deals, just like in the flea markets and open markets haggling is considered to be appropriate with these types of purchases. It is important to be aware of frauds and replicas however as not all of these merchants will be above board. (more…)
March 21, 2008
Villas to Rent in Spain
There are several different ways to rent villas in Spain. One of the most common ways is to use a property management website that lists villas that are managed by a company based on region, features or location to attractions. Another way is to rent a villa privately directly from the owner through either recommendations from other travelers or through owner managed villa rental websites. Typically, the major property management companies will not host private owner villa rentals on their sites as they are trying to promote their own properties.
In Spain, a villa is a general term used for a detached type of home that is typically located on a landscaped yard and garden that is representative of a moderate to luxurious type of home. Many of the villas in Spain that are available as rentals will include amenities such as swimming pools, outdoor patios and beautifully landscaped gardens, wireless internet, satellite television, heating and air conditioning in all rooms, gourmet kitchen facilities and exquisite interior decoration and design. (more…)
March 18, 2008
Toledo
Located very close to the geographical center of the country of Spain, the city of Toledo is a historical treasure to visit. The many different cultures that have lived in and inhibited the city at various times in history have all left their unique mark through architecture, cultural impact as well as art and music in the area. Christian, Moorish and Jewish cultures have all existed within the city and the evidence of their influence is noted in the buildings, artwork and even the decoration and traditions within the historical center of Toledo.
Historically, Toledo was famous for the outstanding swords and knives it produced that were both of the highest quality as well as beautifully made. That tradition still continues with steelwork in knives as one of the major traditional industries. Toledo also has fully modern types of industry as well, although the historical areas tend to remain almost as if time has stood still. For the rich cultural and historical heritage evident through this diverse city, Toledo has been declared a World Heritage site. (more…)
Tags: spain-cities, toledo spain
March 15, 2008
Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is not a specific town or city but is actually the name of the almost two hundred kilometers of beautiful coastline along the coast of Spain. The Costa Blanca actually encompasses several different beaches and stretches from Denia to Torrevieja and includes the Costa de Valencia. This area is rich with both historic and archeological sites as well as quiet coves and beaches to relax and enjoy a day in the warm sunshine.
The Costa Blanca is a very popular tourist destination for those that enjoy boating, sports fishing and diving. The vast number of small towns, larger cities and villages along the Costa Blanca ensure that visitors can find just the scenery and type of accommodation they are looking for. Renting villas or accommodations along the waterfront is very common along the Costa Blanca and the rates are reasonable given the beautiful year round setting. (more…)
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