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February 3, 2011

Islas Cies In Galicia: Idyllic Beach Camping

Filed under: Vacations Spain - 03 Feb 2011 from Aaron Maurette

When it comes to Spanish beaches most people automatically go for the Mediterranean Coastline. However is in the Atlantic coast of Spain, north of Portugal, where one of the top beaches in the world can be found in the least spoiled, astonishing Atlantic coastline of Galicia.

One of the gems of this coastline is on Las Islas Cies. Once a pirate’s haunt, you can only access Las Islas Cies by boat, a distant cry from other Mediterranean sandy destinations. Instead of returning to your hotel after a day’s snorkelling and sun worshiping, camp out in the idyllic site provided.

Galegos ,as the locals are known by, come here to spend lengthy, lazy summer holidays on the Praia das Rodas, a perfect cove of fine, white sand backed by small dunes sheltering a calm sea of crystal-clear waters. Spanish refer to it as their “Caribbean beach”. The sand is white enough and the water is turquoise enough to stand up to its Caribbean rivals. Perhaps the only noticeable difference is the chilling temperature of the water.

Where to Stay:

To stay overnight you must book at Camping Islas Cies (www.campingislascies.com). The average cost is 7 Euros per person. The camping ground with a capacity of 800 people is wheelchair friendly and has a restaurant and a supermarket.

How to get there:

Islas Cies are a 45 minute ferry ride from the city of Vigo, sitting just 15 kilometres offshore. Naviera Mar de Ons runs boats to and from the island. Only up to 8 return trips a days are schedule to/from Vigo at an average cost of 17 Euros per adult and children under 12 years are free.

The main beach:

The main beach that people come to is Rodas Beach or Praia das Rodas on Las Islas Cies which means “Wheels Beach” in Galician. Praia das Rodas has been named as one of the best beaches in the world in a few polls, including a list created by The UK’s Guardian.

If you requiere further information about the best beaches in the world please click on the links provided for an up to date list of the World’s top beaches.

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January 28, 2011

Advice On Visiting Spain - Locations Of The Best Beaches

Filed under: Vacations Spain - 28 Jan 2011 from Mark Walters

One of the major factors that drive Spain’s economy is tourism, and beach towns and resorts make up a large part of that. Spain enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, making it a popular destination for vacationers from the colder northern European territories, as well as for tourists from around the globe. Many of them head toward Spain’s best beach towns and resorts in order to unwind.

Salou is a municipality located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It possesses numerous beaches that are dotted with intermittent coves. The Mediterranean climate allows for year round activities from swimming to sunbathing. In addition to the beaches, Salou is home to Port Aventura, a theme park resort sporting roller coasters and other rides. Fiesta Aventura is also found here, a nightly show featuring fireworks and floats. The Salou Promenade is probably the area’s most recognizable feature, running along the coast and offering beautiful sightseeing opportunities.

Almucar is another beach municipality in Spain, and its mild winters and lengthy summers give ample time for activities on any number of its many beaches. Puerta del Mar is Almucar’s most popular beach because it is situated near to the shopping centers and social life. Scuba divers and snorkelers are fond of the coves in the nearby waters because of the dazzling sea life that occupies them. For an exotic touch, some of these coves can be reached only when traveling by boat. Vacationers to Almucar can find thrill rides, water slides, and hot tub experiences in Aqua Tropic, a local water park.

With 2.8 miles of beaches, Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular cities. Those beaches even caused National Geographic to name it the best beach town in the world. In 1992, the Summer Olympics came to Barcelona, and several buildings were demolished to accommodate them. This created even more beachfront in the city. Beach activities are fun, of course, but Barcelona has much more to it than that. Museums that reflect Spain’s rich history and culture are open to tourists, as are various botanical, urban, and forest parks.

Spain’s best beach towns and resorts are popular because of the region’s mild climate and the variety of outdoor and shopping activities they provide. Everything from clubs to water parks to beaches thrives in these busy towns. If you are planning a holiday to Spain, a trip to one of its beach towns or resorts is always a good idea.

More : Spain Holidays

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December 22, 2010

Holidays : A Cultural Look At Spain

Filed under: Vacations Spain - 22 Dec 2010 from Mark Walters

If you’re planning to visit Spain, take a few minutes to read our handy guide and discover some of the key cultural highlights from across the country. No visit to Spain can be complete without a trip to Barcelona. From the wonderful paella restaurants at La Barceloneta to the great walks around the Ramblas, it’s a wonderful city. It’s also packed with architecture by Gaudi and a tour is recommended. You can also visit the FC Barcelona museum if you like sport, or the Picasso museum for arty types.

No vacation to Spain can be complete without a trip to the capital city, Madrid, which is home to some really brilliant cultural treasures, making it a must see. Visit the Prado Museum or the Reina Sofia Museum to see Picasso’s Guernica. The Royal Palace is also gorgeous and well worth a visit. You can also go on a day trip to nearby Toledo, where you can see a cathedral that took 250 years to build as well as the imposing fortress, the Alcazar.

Next on our quick cultural tour of Spain is Seville. Famous for its oranges, another highlight of Seville is going to a flamenco show at one of the city’s great tablaos. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Italica at Santiponce, which are well worth a visit. The cathedral is also very impressive, as is the Alcazar. If you like your tipple, you can go and visit the sherry bodegas at Jerez. You can even watch the dancing horses at the School of Equestrian Art.

For some simply sensational Moorish architecture and history, you really should visit Granada. It’s home to the Alhambra Palace, whose grounds take up large swathes of the city. It’s a Moorish fortified palace and is considered to be one of the top representations of Islamic architecture and art. For a more homely experience, visit the streets of the Moorish Albaicin. You can also visit the wonderful International Festival of Music and Dance and check out the winter skiing in the Sierra Nevada.

Finally, Northern Spain, which once again offers a veritable feast of cultural highlights. You could head into the Pyrenees for some great walking tours, or perhaps drive along the gorgeous Basque coast west of San Sebastian. You can also run the bulls at Pamplona in July. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is another highlight, or if you’re after a bit of education, visit Guernica, the site of some horrendous Nazi bombing in the Second World War. No matter which part you visit, you’re bound to find cultural delights in Spain.

Now Try : Cheap Holiday Spain

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November 27, 2010

Have Fun While On Holiday in Spain

Filed under: Vacations Spain - 27 Nov 2010 from James Grant

Spain is among the best tourist locations where you can have a memorable holiday vacation. There are many activities that one may take part in order to have the time of their life. If you happen to visit the country during the winter, you may enjoy skiing within the numerous resorts that are based in the country. One of the best places you can do this is Baqueira Beret.

This is actually the largest winter resort that’s found in Spanish Pyrenees with 7 km of cross country ski and 110km marked pistes. The places enjoys good snow during wintertime thus you can be assured that you may have fun.

The country offers visitors beautiful scenery that helps to provide one a relaxed feeling when on holiday vacation. There are specific places that have been put aside where you just go and consume the natural beauty. A good example of this type of place may be the Aran valley, which is also the Val D’Aran. This can be a great site which has a spectacular view with a wide collection of wildflowers. It’s a great spot when you want to become alone as it gives one the serenity they require in addition to plenty of outdoors. Make sure you take a camera along with you when visiting the valley as you will come out with exquisite photos.

There is no need to bother with places to stay, as there are various kinds of accommodation that certain can get when on vacation in Spain. This is where you can either decide to remain in expensive hotels, apartment, motel, and camping site amongst others. Thus giving visitors the liberty to choose the place where they will be comfortable to ensure they have good times. Guests are encouraged to book accommodation ahead of time to prevent any disappointments where they could be fully booked. Carry out intensive research to discover more on the costs which can be found by different providers to find the one which has the least expensive rates.

You will find very many restaurants and cafes where one can sample local and international cuisine to ensure you won’t ever stay hungry when on vacation vacation. For the individuals who love hanging out at night, the nation has lots of clubs and pubs that offer an energetic atmosphere to ensure you have a great night out. The clubs offer different genres of music so that people don’t become bored. The country has friendly locals where you can get directions to anywhere in which the action is.

For more information when traveling to Spain about Apartamentos Baqueira and Baqueira Beret Visit the authors site.

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November 26, 2010

Europe - Why Gran Canaria Is Worth Visiting

Filed under: Vacations Spain - 26 Nov 2010 from Mark Walters

Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands and is popular for its beaches in the south and the lush mountain area in the north. Many people associate Gran Canaria purely with the beach resorts but for sporty and active travelers there is also plenty to do too. And if you like to experience a bit of the local culture when on holiday there are museums, historic towns and churches to explore.

Holiday Resorts - The beaches and holiday resorts are the obvious reasons to visit Gran Canaria and with lots of sandy beaches to chill out on and blue seas to swim or snorkel in you can’t beat the place for a traditional fun holiday in the sun. This is also a great destination for those who like their nightlife with bars, clubs and restaurants aplenty. You can party all night in the summer months!

Water Sports - If you decide to visit the holiday resorts there are lots of opportunities for taking part in the various water sports on offer. As Gran Canaria can get quite windy it is a haven for keen windsurfers and sailors. There are also lots of opportunities for scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking, fishing excursions and surfing here. Great fun for those who love their water activities!

Camel Safaris - A camel safari is the perfect way to see the deserts of Gran Canaria. A camel safari across the Maspalomas dunes will give you the opportunity to see some stunning scenery and have a completely unique experience.

Hiking and Walking - One of the best-kept secrets about Gran Canaria is the fact that it has a wonderful mountainous area in the north that is perfect for walking and hiking. There are 30 plus protected areas of nature in the area and walkers will not be disappointed with the stunning scenery in this part of Gran Canaria. There are a number of paths and trails that experienced walker should be easily able to navigate and enjoy.

Museums and Galleries - The Castillo de la Luz is a 16th Century castle that houses art exhibitions and is well worth a visit if you have time. There is also the Centro Atlntico de Arte Moderno which is Las Palmas’s main modern art museum. The Museo Canario is the island’s main museum and houses the largest collection of Cro-Magnon skulls in the world! You will also find early examples of pottery and utensils from the island here as well as a few mummies. The Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnologa is a technology museum that will appeal to children. There are lots of fascinating displays many of which are hands on.

Learn More : Gran Canaria Holidays

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November 24, 2010

Spain - Ideas On Where To Go

Filed under: Vacations Spain - 24 Nov 2010 from Mark Walters

For warm weather, culture and a lively varied holiday, you can’t beat Spain. Popular for many years as a tourist destination, Spain sometimes gets bad press for its more over populated resorts, however there are lots of great resorts you can visit in Spain where you can have a lively fun holiday, whether you are traveling as a family, a couple or with friends.

For an inexpensive, fun family holiday look no further than Salou on the Costa Dorada. Salou can get very busy in the summer so this is not the place for you if you are after a quiet or romantic getaway. Salou however remains a firm favorite with families because of its two soft sandy beaches and safe swimming conditions - perfect for young children. Tourists from all over Europe come to Salou for their summer holiday so the feel of the resort is cosmopolitan rather than specifically catering towards one particular nation.

Sitges in the Costa Dorada is a lively bohemian resort perfect for those who like to visit cosmopolitan places. There’s an historic old town, sandy beaches and lots of lively bars and restaurant. Sitges has a reputation for being a gay travel destination but it is also popular with families and everyone seems to just get along with everyone in Sitges. A city of culture you can also visit Cau Ferrat - home cum studio to the Modernist artist Santiago Russino. Sitges is also famous for its annual horror film festival and vibrant carnival.

Tamariu along the Costa Brava is another destination that makes for a good family holiday. Here you will find sandy beaches that the kids will love playing on and the clear, shallow waters are perfect for paddlers and young swimmers. If you prefer a very lively resort then Tamariu may not be the place for you as it is less busy and less developed than other resorts in the area. The resort is livelier in the summer months and throughout these months traditional Catalan takes place in the open air on Saturday evenings along the seafront.

Sanlcar de Barrameda is a small city in the Cadiz province in Andaluca. It is a popular destination for tourists and is famous for its cuisine, particularly its seafood and sherry that is called manzanilla. This seaside town is also well known for its beach horse races that take place in the evenings throughout August. This resort manages to combine beach life with culture, an historic old town and lots of seafood restaurants where you can try out the catch of the day and soak up the ambience.

Often considered to be Spain’s equivalent to St Tropez Marbella certainly lives up to its reputation as being a place for the rich and famous. Here you will find top quality shopping, luxurious hotels, golf courses, top class restaurants, hip nightclubs and of course the marina where the posers pose in their yachts! There is a more down to earth side to Marbella however and the old town is full of charm particularly the central Orange Square area. In this area you will find lots of independent shops, eateries and plenty of nightlife later on.

More : Holidays Spain

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