Advice On Visiting Spain - Locations Of The Best Beaches
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.
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Tags: Beaches, destinations, Europe, Spain, Tourism, travel tips, Vacations, Vacations Spain
December 22, 2010
Holidays : A Cultural Look At Spain
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.
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Tags: destinations, Europe, Spain, spain holidays, Tourism, travel tips, Vacations, Vacations Spain
November 26, 2010
Europe - Why Gran Canaria Is Worth Visiting
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.
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Tags: destinations, Europe, Gran Canaria, holidays, mediterranean, Spain, Tourism, travel tips, Vacations, Vacations Spain
November 24, 2010
Spain - Ideas On Where To Go
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.
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Tags: destinations, Europe, Spain, Tourism, travel tips, Vacations, Vacations Spain
October 24, 2010
Majorca (Spain) - A Quick Guide On What To See And Do
Thinking about taking a relaxing trip this year to the island of Majorca, Spain? If so, you have made a wonderful choice. Majorca is one of those rare places on the globe where you can actually experience the fun and excitement of a major city as well as the peaceful relaxation of an island paradise. To help you plan your trip to Majorca, Spain, here we have outlined a few of the top attractions that make this island getaway such a fantastic vacation choice.
Majorca, Spain is perhaps best known for its beautiful and impressive landscapes. Only here will you find the vastness and solitude associated with long stretches of glorious beaches, coupled with the breathtaking views offered in the nearby mountain range. At the beach, Majorca’s weather is forever ideal, and the crystal-clear water is always the perfect temperature for an invigorating swim. In the mountains you’ll be able to look down on the island below and see the rich, bountiful landscape in all its glory.
Majorca features scores of monuments and attractions, some of which date back more than 300 years, and the people on this wonderful island are always to happy to share their rich history with the tourists. Majorca is most well-known for its fishing trade and each tiny port features wonderful shopping and outdoor cafes where you can take in the wondrous scenery as the Mediterranean breeze cools you. The Old City on the island of Majorca features a maze of cobblestone streets, resembling those in Florence, Italy, which will make you feel you’ve gone back in time to another era. On Majorca, your days will always be filled with fresh and stirring adventures.
When you’re through exploring the rich culture, history and tradition of Majorca during the day, believe it or not, the fun is just beginning. Majorca is famous for its nightlife, and with so many exciting options to choose from you can experience a different activity for each night you’re there. Majorca features wonderful dining, delicious cocktails all made with a local flair and even all night dancing and partying at one of the many nightclubs or bars. The nighttime action is so nonstop in Majorca, you may just need the whole next day to recover.
When it’s time to plan your next trip, doesn’t it make sense to choose a travel destination that offers everything you could possibly want in a vacation? Rest, relaxation, inspiration and fun are all part of the Majorca experience-a stunning combination which has made this island a very popular vacation spot for people the world over. This is the perfect place to unwind and retool from the rigors of your busy life while experiencing all the luxury and history this island has to offer.
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Tags: destinations, Europe, holidays, Majorca, mediterranean, Spain, Tourism, travel tips, Vacations, Vacations Spain
September 10, 2010
Online Holiday Reviews Can Be Misleading
With the birth of the internet there has been quite a few vacation review web sites that are fantastic for package vacation critiques and other general tips for booking your vacation. These evaluation sites are not as welcome with resort owners for obvious reasons and it is possible to see their point of view if you read some critiques that have unfair comments !
It is significantly more likely that if your holiday has been a nightmare you will be delighted to post a unfavorable comment to warn other holidaymakers and this is ok. But for each unfavorable assessment there may well be quite a few holidaymakers who have had a fantastic time and simply not bothered to post a review.
Now of course if one hotel has 250 bad reviews then we can assume there are some problems here ! Some people will love a hotel and others will hate it ! That’s simply human nature as we all have different taste and standards but you need to keep a balance when reading hotel reviews.
I ignore reviews that complain about a 2 star late deal hotel that had no air conditioning ! Also if you book a late deal allocated on arrival and don’t like the hotel, providing it is clean you don’t have much grounds for complaint unfortunately. This is the chance you take when you get a discounted holiday that saves you a lot of money compared to the brochure price ! Remember in most cases you are booking a real bargain !
Another common complaint is about the entertainment at the hotel as I often read reviews from adults complaining that the hotel had too much kids entertainment yet one look in the brochure reveals that the hotel is a family friendly complex with kids clubs and special entertainment !
Holiday reviews are great but keep it real and remember everyone has a different opinion.
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