Spain: Travel Information, News and Opinion
All the latest news views and opinions on travel to Spain and on other Spain-related issues.

Archive for:



August 25, 2010

The Seville Spring Fair Is A Traditional Festival In Spain Subsequent To The Holy Week

Filed under: Cities of Spain - 25 Aug 2010 from Jane Cottman

Every spring, locals and travelers alike gather together to enjoy the colorful and festive spring fair in the city of Seville, located in the Southern part of Spain. Unless you hail from the country, you’ve probably never been informed about the existence of this festive gathering that takes place on a yearly basis.

This glamorous event takes place every spring after the Holy Week. Generally, the event will last for an entire week.

Included in the festivities are carriages that carry the city’s officials, other events include gathering with the breeders and bullfighters and watching them in the arena. This makes for some special viewing if you have the privilege to see it, truly bringing out the best in Spain’s culture.

As you walk along the river bank of the Guadalquivir, you will see it decorated with colorful tents also known as casetas with people celebrating the festival over drinks and sharing food.

The fair is known to be celebrated by the all of the locals and will spend all day dancing through out the whole week.

Tapas, which are snacks and finger foods are brought and shared by all the locals. All kinds of foods are prepared here and there’s something for everyone.

For more over 160 years the locals have kept this sacred festival alive. The festival means just as much them now as it did in 1847 when the queens approval was sought out for the locals livestock to be successful.

One of the greatest and arguably the most beautiful of all of Seville’s traditions for this grand festival is the woman dancing in their vibrant dresses. Surely, it shows the elegance and beauty of the city of Seville Spain.

Aside from Seville, this writer also regularly pens articles about personalized cufflinks and paper mache boxes.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


August 5, 2010

Madrid Is A Great Place To Have A Night Out With Your Friends

Filed under: Cities of Spain - 05 Aug 2010 from Jane Cottman

If you enjoy going out and having drinks and eating, and listening to DJ’s while you dance the night away, consider visiting this historic town and taking part in their lively traditions.

With close to 34,000 bars located in the Madrid, no wonder Madrid is known as Europe’s “Night Life Capital.” Can you believe that there are this many of them inside one city? You could literally spend nearly a century visiting a different establishment per night without seeing all of them - and by that time, there would obviously be many new ones opened so you’ll really never be able to see them all. This doesn’t matter though, as visiting just a few will give you a taste for what this great city is all about.

Many places in Madrid are open and packed until early in the morning and has even been known to cause traffic. Many of the locals call the partying people that do this as cats or “gatos.”

Surprisingly enough, children are allowed in different bar and pub establishments. Be sure to always let someone in the restaurant know that there are children present.

This wild night life tradition started in the 80’s the King Jaun Carlos I brought democracy to Spain. The youth used it as an outlet of emotional expression due to oppression and the tradition continues.

The inspiration for the movement was sparked by movie actors and writers and musicians as well.

Many clubs in Madrid are open until the early morning hours and other places will even have after party locations available. Giving Madrid its unrivaled party city reputation.

Perhaps it is time for you to visit this vibrant town and take part in their prideful traditions. The locals love to eat, drink, and listen to DJ’s and often love to do this in public with groups.

In addition to Spain, this author additionally frequently blogs about engagement photographers and wedding gifts for parents.

categories: destinations,cities,Spain,travel,leisure,lifestyle,happiness,fun,drinks,beverage,wine,party,culture,society

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


January 24, 2010

Your Formentera Vacation Guide

Filed under: Vacations Spain - 24 Jan 2010 from Adoncia Abadiano

There are four Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Eivissa and Formentera. The first three of these islands also have anglicized names: Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza. The two smallest islands are Ibiza and Formentera, and these are collectively known as the Pine Islands. When you visit the islands and see all the pine trees you will understand why! These islands form their own autonomous community and are a province of Spain. Palma in Mallorca is the capital city, and there are two official languages: Spanish and Catalan. After doing some research you decide that Formentera is the island for you, then you will need to take a boat as it does not have an airport.

Formentera is a small island that is just thirty two square miles in area. Despite its size there are a number of different accommodation options available. One of these is heading to the resort of Es Pujols, which is the only real resort on the island. It has a wide range of hotels, hostels, and apartments, all of which are just a minute away from the pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. There is nothing that is really five star here, but the real beauty of Formentera is outside of your accommodation, not inside.

Although Es Pujols is the only resort on the island, there are a number of medium sized hotels in other locations. Cala Saona has one of the largest and ugliest hotels on the island, but its views over Punta Prima are some of the best. There are also a number of hotels on Platja de Mitjorn in the area known as Es Arenals. For many people though the most authentic way to experience the island is to stay in one of its farmhouses. These are located outside the main villages, and are often accessible only on very narrow and bumpy roads.

So where should you stay on Formentera? One great option is around San Ferran because of its central location. It is a good base with a decent range of shops, and you are just five minutes drive from Sant Francesc if there is something you can’t find. It is a 10 minute cycle through vineyards to get to Es Pujols, and if you want to explore quieter beaches you are about the same distances from Platja de Mitjorn and Platja de Tramuntana.

Wherever you choose to stay on the island you will be able to explore the other areas easily as everything is close by.

When it comes to identifying Formentera resorts there is really only one option, and that is Es Pujols. For information on other places to stay view the article http://hubpages.com/hub/Formentera-Resorts.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,


January 17, 2010

A Guide To Ibiza Town Historic And Gay Areas

Filed under: Vacations Spain - 17 Jan 2010 from Richard Clark

Ibiza Town is the cultural capital of Ibiza, with its many historic buildings it is more than just a party location. There are also many restaurants and bars, and enough boutiques to satisfy even the most avid shopper. At the height of summer it is something of a fashion parade.

Ibiza Town is made up of the New Town to the west of the bay, the new harbor zone on the north side of the bay, and of course Dalt Vila, which is the walled historical area overlooking the harbor. It contains many historical buildings, including a Moorish cathedral and a Catalan cathedral.

La Marina, which sits between the Dalt Vila walls and the harbor is the first area that most visitors explore. If you arrive from the smaller island in the south, Formentera, then as you approach the imposing Dalt Vila it is clear that there are no similar Formentera properties of such imposing stature. La Marina itself has many different bars and restaurants, and in the summer it is packed with erotic parades promoting the nightclubs that Ibiza is famous for.

If you then venture further upwards to Dalt Vila one of the first historic building you will come across is Esglesia de Sant Elm, which was first built during the fifteenth century, but subsequently burned down by pirates on multiple occasions. It is a three storey structure, with a bell tower at the top. The last time it was destroyed was during the Spanish Civil War, after which it went through a rebuild to its current state.

The next area you will come across is the Placa de sa Constitucio is a square of white washed old merchants houses. There is a market there known as Es Mercat Vell, which sells organic vegetables. Fruit and vegetables have been traded at the market since 1873.

Spain’s gypsies have always struggled for rights, and the gypsies on Ibiza are concentrated in a triangle of streets known as Sa Penya. The area is also known as a hub for homosexuals, and the combination of locals can make for some wild and dangerous streets at night.

If you make through Sa Penya you will come to Carrer de la Verge. This is a totally gay street, and is lined with gay bars, restaurants and clubs. If the gay scene is for you then you will not be disappointed by what is on offer. There is certainly nothing quite like it on the quieter island of Formentera.

If you are looking for details on Formentera properties or anything to do with holidays on amazing Formentera then visit http://hubpages.com/hub/Formentera-properties

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,


October 27, 2009

Spain Travel & Holiday Tips: Learn A Few Spanish Phrases

Filed under: Vacations Spain - 27 Oct 2009 from David Torres

For most people travelling abroad for the first time, the experience can be somewhat daunting yet very rewarding in the end. They get to see new places never seen before, the surroundings and architecture are so very different and everything seems to be more exciting.

Not all territories have the same regulations and immigration laws. Depending on your country of origin the laws you need to be aware of might be different from the rest. It is advisable to learn about the relevant regulations of the country of destination in order to have a hassle-free journey abroad.

If Spain is your country of choice then there are certain things to consider before travelling there; it’s better to be prepared and to know what documents and essentials you will need. Remember to check whether or not there are special regulations for any unusual item or food product you might be carrying.

These are some helpful travel tips to consider if Spain is your destination country:

1. Do some basic research

It’s always good to know certain basic things about the country, the spanish language, the government and the laws that govern the different states. You can read online reviews from travellers that have experienced the good things and the bad things of their journeys.

2. Is your passport valid?

Make sure your passport is valid and has the necessary visas and you will avoid long delays and inspections at customs. If you are travelling within the EU a valid passport is necessary, although not compulsory, as it makes all inspections much easier.

3. Travelling with pets

When you can’t secure a friend or relative to look after your pet; sometimes you just have to take it on your travels. Make sure you have the correct certificates for customs. These will need to be presented at the start and indicate your pet is healthy and what type of vaccinations it has had.

If you are prepared from the start you will avoid confusion and unnecessary problems. The last thing you want is to be fined at customs for not knowing the kind of regulations they impose. In the majority of cases people’s ignorance is the main cause. Now you are ready to do some travelling.

The best spanish online courses will be found with ease as they are normally the best-sellers and have good reviews. Learning the spanish language will be a very rewarding experience.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,