Friday, July 30, 2010

Zaragoza

Situated on the banks of River Ebro, it is one of the major cities of Spain. The city contains historical remains of nearly 2000 years. It has been a centre of cultural activities of the Jews, the Christians, the Romans and the Moors for many thousand years and therefore contains the artistic treasure of these cultures. Tourists from all over the world, especially those who have a love and interest for art are drawn here to witness the rich cultural heritage of this place.

Not only cultural heritage, the city is also a huge centre of modernity. Large number of shopping malls, theatres, beautiful restaurants and hotels can be found here.

Places of attraction

Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Basilica
It is a baroque church and is named after Virgen del Pilar whose image is housed in a chapel of the church. It is a pre historic structure and was built around the 17th century. It contains many artistic and noteworthy pieces that belong to different periods of time. They represent the different cultures that were once a part of this beautiful structure which is now considered as a national monument.

Aljafería Palace
It is an Arab castle and was built around the 11th century. The castle was also used as a fort. The architecture of this place is brilliant and the paintings, the sculptures and the plastered decorations on the walls and the ceilings are worth noticing. It is presently being used as Parliament headquarters by the Aragonese government.

San Salvador cathedral
It is a cathedral of the 8th century and is also known as The Seo. The cathedral contains many beautiful artistic and historic pieces of different styles like the Renissance, the Gothic and the Mudejar. The site was originally a mosque but a church was built here in the 12th century. The specialty of this church is that it is north facing instead of facing the east which was a tradition of those days. The main reason for this was that Mecca, a centre for Muslim prayers was in the east.

Lonja de Zaragoza
It is also known as the Zaragoza Market. It was built around the 16th century and the main motive behind building this place was to provide a public market for the people and the merchants. Traditionally all the transactions were carried out by the merchants in the churches and cathedrals.

Museums
Caesar Augusta Roman Remains Museum

It is also known as the Museo Del Foro de Caesaraugusta. The museum mainly provides a picture of the Roman culture. The ruins of the houses, market places and other structures provide a brief glimpse of the Roman life of that period.

La Seo Chapterhouse Tapestry Museum

It is a museum mainly consisting of beautiful art work of various cultures. The museum is situated in the La Seo cathedral. The museum is well known for the beautiful collection of historic tapestries.

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Places worth Visiting in Andalucía

Located in the south of Spain, Andalucía is said to attract numerous tourists all the year round. Andalucía has numerous outstanding beaches and the perfect climate to draw in visitors from all around the world. Do you really want to explore the Spanish culture and the rich history of Spain? Places like Granada’s Moorish Monuments Alhambra as well as the Cordoba Mosque are the must visit places in your trip to this country.

If you visit in the months from April to October, you can actively take part in different Spanish Festivals celebrated all over Andalucía. Experience the hospitality of the people of Spain and get an exciting opportunity of practicing golf along with water sports which are in fact the greatest attractions of this region.

Andalucía is considered as the most archetypal region among the Spanish territories. Get to know the various forms of culture and life that can be found in the eight provinces of Andalucía that originated from the rich historical events.
Today’s Andalucía has the remains and marks of the invaders to this region. If historical places interest you, do not forget to visit the city constructed by Romans known as Baetica in the province of Cordoba. The cathedral, the palace of Real Alcazar and La Giralda in Seville are also very popular historical structures.

The Moor invaders left behind them some of the finest architecture known as the La Mezquita in the Cordoba province and the graceful palace called the Moorish Palace of Alhambra in Granada. The palace is about 1,300 years old and the symbol of heritage and classiness stands erect in stone.

Questionably, Spain's busiest beaches are situated in Andalucía inside the Costa del Sol. It is considered as the most contentious peculiarity of Europe. Enjoy the most exclusive hotels each offering fun packed packages to make your tour with your family most memorable and lively.

Along the Andalucía coast, get to see the historic port of Cadiz, which is considered as the oldest port of Europe and still preserves an aura of mystery.

Yet another attraction of Andalucia is Ronda, the white village of the area. Scattered throughout the region, Ronda is constructed on a colossal rock tablet and ripped into two parts by Tajo Gorge.

The Parque Nacional del Cote Donana is the world’s largest wetland reserve for Wildlife situated in Andalucia. The region is home to Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range of Spain and the second highest mountain range of Europe after the Alps. The mountain range is popular for skiing activities and offers the country’s best skiing resorts in the south.

Visit the wonderland of Andalucia as there are lots of things to do and various attractive places to visit to make your trip a memorable one.

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Valencia

Valencia is placed in the Valencia province, and moreover it one of the largest cities of Spain. It was founded in 137 BC. However, today it is recognized by round rice, tapas bars and trapezoidal architecture.

City in the Future

The first impression of Valencia is that it is the city in the future due to its extraordinary architecture. It’s Center of Arts and Science, hidden in a former riverbed Turia, is more than science fiction monument. Furthermore, multifunctional complex architecture of Palau de les Arts depicts the silhouette of the fish.

This magnificent building will take your breath away. Moreover, it includes the biggest aquarium in Europe. The Valencia Aquarium is excellent choice for family trip. It also offers amazing underwater tubes, so you can have the great experience of the sea life. On the other hand, it has the shape of the huge jellyfish.

Near and distant past

Valencia’s large square Ajuntamijento is the place, where the future and past meets. It is decorated in the establishment of Futurism, and the central station, whose motives are made in Valencia’s stone discover the richness of the soil. Moreover, there is a stunning rococo facade of the National Museum of Ceramics, whose series make shadow over nearby pastry shop windows decorated with marble. It should be said that the architects had incredible inspiration. On the other hand, there are magnificent signs of the past which constantly attract attention.

There is a huge Gothic cathedral with the bell tower, which lets the light through the stone "lace."

General culture

Valencia is more than a cultural park. In its rich offer it includes opera, planetarium, aquarium and a museum of science. However, Valencia is a place where you can find first-order institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Ceramics Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, whose restaurant, La Sucursal, offers a modern variant of the legendary Spanish pie pumpkin (arnadi).


Excellent restaurants’!

Restaurant such as La Sucursal, Submarine or El Alto de Colón managed to attract fans of paella with rabbit and discover the secrets of their avant-garde cuisine. Many famous people from the city make reservations for these restaurants.


Paella-Spain in your Plate

The specialty of Valencia is round rice. It comes from the rice fields of Albufera, which were made by Arabs in the distant past. However, in the vicinity of El Palmar, just fifteen minutes from the historical center of Valencia Kaska Antigua, you can try the best paella in the country. Paella is gathering the best products of Spain.

Therefore, paella combines the products from the shore (fish and seafood) that perfectly agree with those from the continental parts (beans, beets, chicken, rabbit, snails, frog legs). Moreover, the local recipes include ingredients such as fat eel, saffron, and fabulous mountain snails (called baqueta, which can be purchased at the Central market).

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Valencia – Beauty At Its Best!

Valencia is one of the largest and most beautiful cities of Spain. It successfully combines beauty of old buildings with new buildings in the avant-garde style that marked the beginning of a new millennium.
Thanks to its rich history and presence of different cultures, Valencia has become not only the administrative center of the region, but it is also one of the most important cities in Spain, both on the cultural and economic levels.

Coastline

The region of Valencia also attracts tourists due to its diversity of landscapes, favorable climate and well-equipped sports facilities. The coastline is 466 km long with 38 ports and docks for excursion boats and yachts. Furthermore, these attractions enable visitors to take maximum advantage of staying at sea. Above all, this area is ideal for swimming, water skiing, sailing, fishing, surfing, diving etc. People who prefer the excitement and adventure can enjoy in hiking, biking, horseback riding, piloting, rafting and much more.

Beaches

Valencia’s beautiful beaches reach the center of town that is surrounded by greenery and orchards. The city has three beaches Playa Las Arenas, Playa de Malvarossa and Playa de Patacona. Besides these Valencia’s city beaches there are stunning beaches that are just few kilometers from the city. Furthermore, Playa de El Saler received a blue flag for its exceptional look.

Fairs

Valencia is a dynamic and prosperous city whose commercial tradition reflects on international trading. Feria Internacional Muestrario is the International Fair which attracts business people from different economic sectors and provides an ideal opportunity for marketing and distributing products. Valencia supports all businessmen people with comfortable accommodation in many hotels in the surrounding area Furthermore, there are available and very well-organized services that provide support for business meetings of all types.

Museums

In the museums of Valencia you can find artworks from the earliest times to the contemporary works. Some of them also offer rich archaeological collections. Particularly interesting museums are The Fine Arts Museum, The National Ceramics Museum, Valencia’s Institute of Modern Art, Bullfighting Museum and traditional Fallas Museum. However, the most popular is the Museum of Arts and Science with great aquarium.

Central market

Central market or Mercado Central is one of the most beautiful halls in Spain. Its stained glasses and mosaics can compete with the finest Gothic cathedrals. It is placed near La Lonja. There you can find different goods from all over Spain. Potatoes, forest tea, thyme from the popular end of La Karaska, peppers, roasted pumpkin, and almonds are aligned with snails, Bellota ham, spices and jars with sweet.


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Toledo

About Toledo

Toledo is the capital city of Toledo Province. It has been on UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites since 1987. Toledo is a real jewel in the Spanish Crown. If you are in Madrid, then Toledo is a must place for a day trip since it is only seventy kilometers away from Madrid. Toledo is primarily rich in history. It is also called as Holy City, the imperial city, the city of three cultures etc. However, the list with their names is long and all names reflect the cultural wealth of this place.

Toledo was always the city of great importance, mainly due to an extremely strategic position.

Landscapes

Landscape is dominated by Alcazar, first quadrangular fortress with towers on each corner, and grand Cathedral, which is especially beautiful at night, due to the excellent lighting. Furthermore, this is the second largest cathedral in Spain, immediately after the one in Seville. There you can find works of some major Spanish artists such as Goya and El Greco created many dark and mysterious works, which are adding an extra dose of mystique to this city.
On the entrance of the city you will be welcomed by old stone houses, towers, churches, mosques, synagogues, which cannot leave you indifferent. However, you will soon notice Puerta Nueva de Bisagra or the New Bisagra Gate, which was built by the Moors. This present look is from the 16th century, when Spanish renovated it. This marvelous gate looks like a little castle.

Influences

When you stroll down the narrow streets of Toledo, you can really feel the spirit of ancient times and mystique of the holy city.
The name of the city is due to the fact that it was conquered and settled three cultures, Christian, Muslim (Moors) and Jews. All religions lived in peace alongside each other, which led you to see the combination of Renaissance churches, synagogues and mosques. The Arabs made a great impact on science, not only on Toledo but also on entire Europe. Furthermore, Moorish writings were found in the city’s library. Above all, many people believed that the scripts were lost. These magnificent scripts had traces of great Greek philosophers and Arab scholars.

History

Toledo dates from the Bronze Age. It was a Roman province, so today you can find many Roman’s remains in the city. From the eight century, Toledo was conquered by the Moors.
After 11th century, Toledo fell into the hands of the king of Castile. After the union with Aragon, Toledo became the capital city of Castile province. The city enjoyed this status until the 1565, when Madrid became the capital of Spain.


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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Places of interest in Spain - Costa del Azahar

Spain is blessed with long coast of more than 220 kms long. This entire stretch of beach has stunningly beautiful environment. You can be sure that when you visit this beach you will certainly fall in love with it. This Orange Blossom Coast which is called as Costa del Azahar in Spanish language is a part of the Castellon province.

This golden colored beach gets visitors throughout the year. It is said that since the recent past the number of visitors to this beach has been on the increase which is a clear indication of how popular this beach is. Most of the tourists are of the opinion that Costa del Azahar is an un-spoilt beach. Apart from the beach, there are other places which would be of interest for the visitor.

Towns in the neighborhood:

Morella, Sagunt, Peníscola, Cullera, Castellón de la Plana, Benicassim, Valencia and Vinarosa are the towns which are within t a reasonable distance from Costa del Azahar. Peniscola for example is one of the oldest cities believed to have been found by Moors. This town is called as the ‘Gibraltar of Valencia’. It has beautiful fort built by Moors, a tall light house elegantly built, the Castle of Peniscola are some of the most popular places of visit in Peniscola.

A special mention has to be made of the Castle of Peniscola. This is one of the most beautiful castles of Europe. Many of the Hollywood movies have been filmed in this castle. According to historians Pope Luna (Benedict XIII) lived in this castle. The place is believed to have been built on a fort built by Moors. Interestingly, all the neighborhood towns of Costa del Azahar have beaches.

The village nearby:

Costa del Azahar has the tall mountain which runs across the beach. This mountain is the most ideal place for trekking, mountain biking and many other adventure sports. The village on the mountain is stunningly beautiful with picturesque nature around and a pleasant weather, the narrow streets, whitewashed buildings etc. In short, this is the most ideal place for those tourists who want to spend their holidays in the midst of nature.

Where to stay?

Although the beach is becoming more and more popular since the past few years, yet it is not so crowded. To ensure comfortable stay, there are many villas and apartment in the entire stretch of the coast with reasonable rentals. There are plenty of bars and Restaurants around the coast.

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Places of interest in Spain – Benalmadena

This upcoming tourist town Benalmadena is a part of the Malaga Province. Known for its natural beauty and a determined administration which has harnessed the natural beauty to transform the entire city to a beautiful tourist spot has become a successful venture. Now, Benalmadena is one of the preferred place in the tourist map of Europe.

The beach:
This is one of the most attractive beaches of Malaga. Actually this beach is called Benamadena Costa. The tall mountain just opposite the beach and vast white sand in between with vast stretch of lush green vegetation downhill has actually enhanced the beauty of the beach. The perfectly maintained beach with variety of water sports for people of all ages has made the beach the preferred destination of tourists. The bars and restaurants which are dotted along the entire beach serve the most delicious traditional food of Benalmadena and of course with renowned brand of Spanish wine.

The Mountain:
The village of Benalmadena is located on this mountain facing the sea. The narrow streets of the village with whitewashed houses present a spectacular view. The village also has some buildings which have historical importance. Needless to say that from the top of the mountain the view of the sea and of the places around is something beyond explanation.

The Buddhist temple:
One of the biggest idols (stupa) of Buddha in the world measuring about 33 meters has been installed in Benalmadena. The temple is luxuriously decorated. The temple has a museum which gives a glimpse of the Buddhist philosophy, culture and also the paintings of the great Himalayan Mountain. This temple receives visitors throughout the year.

Castillo de Colomares:
This castle is an outstanding example which speaks of the architectural excellence which people had achieved centuries ago. This most beautiful building receives applause of every visitor. The wall garden called as Jardines del Muro has enhanced the beauty of the building. From the top of this castle one can have the panoramic view of the mountain, the sea and the places around.

The open air auditorium:
This is actually a part of the Paloma Park known for its collection of some of the rare species of plants. The well laid out landscape, vide walking path, fountains etc has made this park one of the most popular parks in the vicinity. The open air auditorium hosts cultural activities which are held regularly. Enough space has been provided for the children to play.

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Places of attraction in Valencia

One of the most appealing cities of Spain for its rich historical culture and strong modernity, Valencia has been attracting tourists from all over the world. The history of this city goes back thousands of years and cultural evidence of as far as 138 B.C. can be seen here. The city is known for the large number of festivals held here throughout the year and is also famous for its sea ports and beaches. The city presents a beautiful mix of culture with modernity.

Cathedral de Valencia

It is a historical cathedral with beautiful architecture. The building reflects the artistic and architectural brilliance of several cultures like the Romans, the Moors and the Christians. A visit to this place takes us into a new world where we can see and experience the magnificence of the Valencian past.

Nova Tabarca

It is an island near the coast of Valencia. Initially the island was inhabited by the pirates but in the 18th century, it was used as a home for people taking refuge from Italy by King Carlos III. A fort, a church of baroque style and a tower also came into existence during this period and the remains of these structures can still be seen here today.

Turia

Turia is a river and the three tower bridges built on this river are worth noticing. These bridges came into existence in the 15th century and were named as the Puente De la Trinidad, the Puente De Serranos and the Puente Del Real.
Another piece of attraction here is a museum called the Valenciano de Arte Moderno which contains specimens of modern art. The museum has been built on the dried river bed of Turia.

La Lonja

This place consists of some of the most beautiful monuments of Valencia.

Palacio de la Generalidad is a beautiful palace with eye catching architecture. The palace is being currently used by the government. The offices of Valencia Parliament are situated here.

Marquis de Dos Aguas is another palace and the beauty of this place reflects the artistic skills of rococo era.

Museum

Valencia Institute of Modern Art is an art museum and contains collection of 20th century art works. Other than this, there are ruins of medieval city walls that can be seen in the underground of the museum.

El Miguelete Tower

It is a Gothic tower and was constructed in 1381. It is built near a cathedral and offers a spectacular view of Valencia from the top.

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Granada

Andalusia

Andalusia is one of the architecturally and historically most beautiful and most interesting of parts of Europe. Moreover, Granada is a city of beauty and contrast. “Who did not see Granada, did not see anything," says proverb. Andalusia is the southern province of Spain. It is land of bullfights, flamenco, guitars, Moorish buildings and olive groves.

For people from northern Europe, Andalusia is Costa del Sol or Sunshine Coast. They see it as place packed with tanned tourists from Britain, Scandinavia, and Germany. However, this is only partially correct. Andalusia is all that, but it is also and much more than that.

Andalusia is not only attractive because of its southern region. Hundred kilometers away from attractive beach hotels are old towns such as Granada, Cordoba, Malaga, and Seville. These cities are an inevitable part of world cultural heritage. During the summer, there are many tourists, who are exploring these magnificent places.

History

After the fall of the Roman Empire and the early medieval Germanic states (Visigoths, Alana, Sveva, Vandals), European continent was conquered by the Arabs or Saracens, as they were called then. On the territory of the former state The Moors founded their Caliphate Al-Andaluz with the capital city of Granada.

By the end of XV century, only one city stayed under the Muslims. That was Christian Iberia, as Christians called Granada. Therefore, you can find many Moorish characteristics in ethnic composition of the population, cuisine, customs, music, architecture.

Alhambra

The castle Alhambra is one of Moorish architectural wonders. It is placed on a hill above the town, surrounded by woods and parks. It is built of red stones. Alhambra is standing for centuries in the foothills of Sierra Nevada. When you climb to the Alhambra you can witness an impressive scene with mighty mountains in the background. This trip to the top can be strenuous and arduous.

Therefore, the agile Spanish tourist workers provide great number of buses that drive to the top for several minutes. But if you use a taxi, you will not be able to enjoy in many small shops in the narrow streets that lead up to the top. In those shops you can buy many souvenirs such as T-shirts with the inscription of “Granada” and “Alhambra”, postcards, ceramics etc. However, as you are getting closer to the top the prices are getting higher, as well.

Alhambra is a very complex set of palaces, royal residences, courtyards, palm trees, orchards and lime trees. It presents the Islamic perception of beauty. It is the highest level of Arab art in Europe, and as such is unavoidable destination. After re-occupation of Spain by Catholic kings Fernando and Isabella I, the most famous rulers in the history of the Spanish, this jewel of culture and architecture was neglected for centuries and served mainly as a camp for Gypsies.

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OSUNA

Overview
The town Osuna is a municipality in Seville province in southern Spain and it is located in the Andalusia autonomous community and is situated between Malaga and Seville. Its location is on a hill where crossroads between Seville, Granada, Cordoba, and Malaga meet. Its population in the year 2009 was about 18000. One of the famous persons commanded the 1st European ship that arrived at the bay of San Francisco in the state of California was Juan de Ayala.

Osuna was conquered by Julius Caesar during the civil war between Pompey and Caesar.

History

The history of Osuna began with Tartessians, Romans, Turdetians and Moors. In the middle of 15th century there was growth in the fortune of this town. It became popular when the bronze tablets of Roman Urso and others in that period were displayed in the Archeological Museum at Madrid.

The street Calle San Pedro was recognized as the Europe’s second beautiful street by UNESCO and the town was designated as a Historic-Artistic site.

Climate

The average temperatures in a year are as follows.

Maximum – 28 °C in the months of July-August
Minimum – 11 °C in December to February

Art and Culture

This town is a small town in Andalusia and is similar to other towns Écija and Carmona and you will enjoy exploring these towns in the evening at a slow pace. The streets in this town are tiled and the houses whitewashed which are interleaved by the Renaissance mansions. These mansions date back to 16th to 18th centuries. Some of these mansions that are best are situated away from c/Carrera, the main street, c/Carrera.

Palacio de los Marqueses de Gomera was one such mansion that was built in the 18th century and depicts an admirable Baroque style. This at present is a restaurant.

The University in Osuna was called by the name – College-University of the Immaculate Conception in Osuna – and this has been in existence from 1548 to 1824. In the year 2004 Spain gave this university building the monument status.

Palace of Justice contains rows of Spanish Baroque columns and a backyard and a staircase. Puente Hermosa palace is situated at the northern direction of Palace of justice and this has a number of pillars twisted and covered by wine leaves and grapes.

In its northern direction you will come across the Church of Santo Tome and Cabildo Colegial palace.

The number of restaurants in Osuna is limited and they all serve cuisines that are regional.

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Monday, July 26, 2010

Experience the ultimate freedom - Welcome to Spain!

If you have ever wondered if somewhere in this world there would be a place so vast when it comes to the number of beaches that it will leave you transfixed, so sunny that you will begin to wonder if you have just stepped into the land of eternal summer, so unique and peaceful that it will make you wonder if you have reached Heaven, then it is clear that you are thinking of Spain. This place looks like it has been carved up to Heaven’s blueprint matching it with admirable grandeur. Every centimeter of this place has embodied within itself deep historical meanings.

La Pedrera, also known as Casa Mila is a wonderful historical building which was designed by Antoni Gaudi between 1905 and 1910, but it was officially declared finished in 1912. It was built specially for Pere Mila and Rosario Segimon, a freshly married couple. Located near the Casa Batllo, it stands after Sagrada Familia and The Guell Park, as one of the most visited works of Gaudi.

The façade looks like frozen waves of stone and the windows are well designed incorporating wrought iron crafted in vegetal forms on the balconies. Inside this amazing building you will find marine decorations like furniture, ceilings and columns which are designed by the master Gaudi himself, and stand as very modern even in today’s fashions.

Another place to visit is The Montserrat Monastery. This unique monastery lies at an altitude of 1241 meters and it is situated north west of Barcelona, 50 kilometers away to be precise, deep within the mountains named in the same way. Reaching this place is no hard task, all you need to do is make sure you have enough gas in your gas tank, a little patience and you will be there in no time.

This wonderful monastery stands as an imposing and meaningful pilgrimage place. Every year pilgrims from around the world reach this place in their quest to see and touch the statue of Virgin La Moreneta, which stands for The Black Virgin and is regarded as Catalonia’s patron saint.

If you like the sun and would like to stay all day enjoying it, you will be very glad to hear that Spain has some of the most beautiful and largest beaches in the world. You will be amazed of how smooth the sand here is and how peaceful and relaxing everything looks. You will be able to find the greatest beaches located in the Balearic Archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea.

While they are well known for the nightlife around the Ibiza beach, the Balearic Islands are sure to provide you with some of the best smooth sandy beaches you will ever set your feet on. If you find yourself in Menorca, you should probably rent a jeep so that you can have a complete experience of the island.

After being mesmerized by so many eye popping places, there is one more thing for you to do, and that is sitting down and realizing everything you have experienced, by just immersing yourself in the priceless memories Spain has carved in your mind.

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Wonderful cities, outstanding historical sites and a lot of exotic wonders -Welcome to Spain

For each and every one of us the places where we spend our free time are very important. Everything about this country is peaceful, from the mile long smooth sandy beaches to the peaceful waves of the waters surrounding it. When it comes to the weather, you should not worry too much about that. Sunny days are something that is very common here and you will experience them for up to eleven months per year.

Now that sounds like a very long summer vacation everyone would want to spend. When it comes to the people, they are generally very friendly and if you have some Spanish skills, you will surely receive the highest regard from the people.

Found hidden within the canyons in Las Hoces del Rio Duraton National Park is one of the most beautiful villages in all of Segovia province which roughly has a population of just one thousand people. We are talking about Sepulveda. Here you will find a series of wonderful museums with incredible age old historic objects and narrow streets that will make you feel like you have just returned to the middle ages, but you will also be thrilled to find some pretty good restaurants and local craft shops.

This small village is regarded as the home for the largest vulture colony in Europe which boasts of 600 pairs of such flying creatures that live in the rocky canyons providing them an ideal habitat for nesting. You will be able to see them flying above the city everyday.

Yet another historical city that is sure to mesmerize you with its beauty is Ubeda. It is one of the most famous places in Spain when it comes to the renaissance buildings which have been very well conserved within the historical center of the town. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage and walking around the churches, palaces,plaza, and buildings is like taking a visit to a titanic open air museum.

But the most amazing ensemble you will be able to see here is the Plaza Vazquez de Molina, regarded as the perfect example of Renaissance urban planning. This city is just 45 minutes away from Jaen if you are driving and two hours away if you are in Granada. While heading to it, you will be able to admire one of the greatest olive groves in all of Europe.

To the north of the Leon province, a wonderful village can be found which is so peaceful and simple that you will not want to leave it anytime soon. Villafranca del Bierzo is a great place if you are looking for simplicity; no fancy stuff, just good, friendly people and wonderful food and wine, which come very cheap to begin with.

The village can be found on the famous pilgrimage road to Santiago and there are a number of hostels available for bikers and walkers doing the pilgrimage. You should really consider taking a tour of the village in the morning, when everything seems like it has been cut down from heaven. It will just take you an hour to do it, so you will not get too tired.

If you really value your vacation time, then it is up to you to choose what is best for you. Spain though is one of those great places you will not be likely to forget soon and you will surely feel attracted to its wonders next year.

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Exotic scenery, wonderful ancient cities and a touch of heavenly peace - Welcome to Spain

Have you ever wondered if there truly is somewhere out there, a place where you will feel for the first time at peace with yourself? Have you ever wondered if you could escape for just one day out of the ordinary life you have been living so far and immerse yourself in a totally different world? If you are yet to find this peace of mind, then you will be very pleased to hear that all this can be achieved.

You should not consider too many things when you are talking about spending your vacation in Spain. The only thing that should be on your mind is the assurance that you will be spending some of the greatest moments of your life here, which will make you come back for more.

If you like the mountain side, you will be very excited to hear that Ronda is a village which is clinging on to a mountain. It stands near a famous bullring and from its position you can have a wonderful overview of the Río Guadalevín gorge dividing the town.

Ronda is a great place to be if you are looking to see what Southern Spain is really all about. You will find out that this place is very unique and that it has a really strong history due to its bullfighting customs. You will not find just a regular bullring here, but the oldest one in Spain which is still used today by the toreros holding corridas on an annual basis. If you are not into bullfighting too much, there is no need to feel disappointed. Ronda is a wonderful town with friendly inhabitants who will likely be very helpful to you if you have any questions regarding this place.

San Sebastian can be found 20 kilometers away from the border with France and it is located on the Cantabrican coast. The population here does not exceed 200.000 inhabitants and the city can be regarded as a medium sized one. What makes this town special is the beautiful green vegetation and lush mountains you will be able to see most of the time. It is considered one of the top places people visit in Spain because of its natural landscapes which hypnotize the eye. Buildings here are very impressive and they date back to the early 20th century.

Another remarkable location you will not want to miss is Santander. This elegant, cosmopolitan city has a population of roughly 200.000 inhabitants and it is built around beaches and bays. You will be able to see many historical buildings here, each of them having its own meaningful story behind it. The best places to visit if you decide to come here are the Peninsula de la Magdalena, the beaches, the port and the city center which stands as a commercial area.

The way you spend your next vacation will deliver a mood which will be with you all year long. Do not let that be an unpleasant feeling. Come to Spain and you will understand how true beauty and peaceful natural places can really soothe your mind.


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The only place where Heaven and Earth can meet - Welcome to Spain

Many people have trouble when faced with the endless choices of vacation plans that hundreds of agencies offer. As you know, you will be faced with endless hours of researching for that dreamy vacation for two which not only will be unforgettable but will also be less likely to poke a hole in your wallet.

If you are tired of searching through hundreds of brochures and on the internet for God knows what beautiful promising places, then it is time to relax for a bit. Yes, take a seat and take your time to begin understanding Spain. A wonderful place that will definitely make you feel at ease is the town of Morella. Many people claim that visiting this magnificent place is like going back in time.

It is situated near the Mediterranean Sea and it stands 1072 meters above the sea level and is built on rock. The streets of this place are so lonely sometimes that you will feel like you are the first person to see them. The walled areas here are breathtaking and at the top of the hill you will be rewarded with a castle which offers outstanding views of the city and the sea. Morella is famous for its gastronomy offering top quality cheeses, pumpkin tarts, cured meats, meatpies, honey, ham, herb liquor and sweet potato pies.

Pasajes San Juan is located in the bay of Pasajes and it is just a wonderful small Basque traditional city which can be found 10 kilometers from San Sebastian. You have a variety of options if you choose to visit this place and they include Renteria, car or boat traveling possibilities. Pasajes San Juan also has a rich fishing history and rumors go that a lot of famous adventurers have set sail from this place. You will be very pleased to find very old buildings with impressive architecture, all of them overlooking the sea. Do not be lazy and decide to explore it by car, the best experience will be discovering it by foot.

If you love medieval places, then Pedraza is one of the locations you will not want to clear off your list. It is the most beautiful medieval walled village in Spain. If you have a car, you will be asked to park it at the main entrance of the village to avoid high traffic inside it. Upon entering this place, you will feel like you have just gone back in time. Pedreza can be found within the Segovia province, just an hour’s drive from Madrid. You will be able to see many large houses here that were once owned by Spanish nobles and dukes.

If you are still undecided about the place where you want to spend your next vacation, there aren’t too many thoughts to blur your decision. Spain is one of those great places you will not be likely to forget too soon.

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A place for absolute relaxation lying on ancient ground - Welcome to Spain

Like everyone else out there, relaxation is very important for each of us. After a year long period of work, it is time for that well deserved vacation we have worked so hard for. But choosing a great location can prove somewhat of a difficulty with all the offers out there. If you want to experience one of the greatest times you will ever have in your life, then the option lies ahead of you. Do not think too much about it, think Spain.

When we are talking about Spain, we are talking about a place of absolute wonder with a plethora of magical places to visit, each having deep history roots.

Las Tablas de Damiel is a wonderful city which can be found around Castilla La Mancha and it is situated to the Northeast of Campo de Calatrava. What makes this area so special is the rich wildlife that can be seen here. This magical place truly is a memory you will not forget so easily and if you are curious about the directions, you should know that it stands 30 kilometers northeast of Ciudad Real.

It was founded in 1973 and it encompasses a total area of 4633 acres found at the confluence of the Ciguela and Guadiana rivers. Here you will be able to see rare species of animals, but not on a regular basis. One of the most frequent sightings will be those of carp, crayfish, turtles, weasels and water rats.

Alberca (which was known as Valdelaguna in the past) is situated in the southern part of Salamanca. It is a quiet, beautiful village encompassing 1084 meters and it stands at sea level on the slopes of Sierra de Francia. Here you will be able to visit the prehistoric caves of Cabras Pintas found on the edge of the village. The main attraction for this place is the diversity of natural scenery that can be found here.

You will be able to see quartzite, granite and slate which have a key role in supporting the varied vegetation: chestnut trees, walnut trees, pine trees, forest of oaks, almond groves and also apple trees. This truly is a place you will not want to miss due to its atmosphere and beautiful sights.

Logrono is the capital of La Rioja and it covers 79 square kilometers and holds 148,000 inhabitants. The meeting of different cultures that can be found in this city generated various building designs which are well complemented by amazing green spaces and a plethora of historical buildings. One of the reasons you will definitely feel attracted by this place is its famous gastronomy.

You will be able to find it at the mouth of the Iregua river, which stands to the east of the river Ebro. The city’s main entrance consists of a massive ancient stone bridge offering a splendid overview to the old part of the city. If you think you have planned your vacation, then think again. You only need to visit Spain once to understand its mysteries.


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Friday, July 23, 2010

Have you ever been to Paradise? Spain is just its finest replica!

There are a lot of travel agencies out there and this makes it so hard to choose a place which you will not be sorry to have picked, a place where you will be 100% satisfied of having a great time. If you are just tired of the same flashy exotic places all the agencies are selling vacation plans for, take a while and relax for a minute, take things one at a time and you will understand why Spain is the ideal place for your next vacation destination.

There are hundreds of places to visit in Spain. From the futuristic town of Valencia to the rural parts of Spain, you will find yourself in a paradise of wonderful ancient places you will no longer want to leave.

Cuenca is just one of those towns which stand as a world heritage and it is located just below the ruins of the once fierce fortress of Kunka. Its cobbled streets lead to the hanging houses this city is populated by dating back to the 1500s being the main attraction of this place. If you also love wine, you should know that this town is famous for its wine production and you can acquire a bottle by visiting a bodega to buy this great tasting, rather cheap but nonetheless unique wine. To the east of the town you will be able to find Seeania de Cuenca, a place where waterfalls, gorges and amazing green valleys are the secret elements for seducing your senses.


Hondarribia is yet another great place situated on the Cantabrian coast, just near the Province of Guipuzcoa. It is a traditional fishing village with Basque origins and in the last years tourism has continually increased in this town because of its amazing beach promenade which offers incredible views across the Txingudy bay.

Guernica is a wonderful town standing at the heart of the Basque country and has a history of being a symbol of resistance and independence for the Basque people as well as being the once ancient capital of the Basque country.

Guernica is now a symbol of peace and this is due to the key role it played during the invasion of Franco’s troops during the time of the war. It was a town used as a guinea pig for the armies of Italy and Germany. The town was attacked in midday when it was marketing time and a lot of people were killed during this cruel attack. Due to this incident, one of the greatest painters in the world, Pablo Picasso was truly inspired and decided to paint one of his greatest paintings, the Guernica.

If you would like to remember your next vacation as one of the best choices you have ever made, then consider choosing Spain as your next destination for your vacation. It is not just a place filled with incredible history, but it is also a wonderful place full of magical landscapes.

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Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid, Spain

The Botanical Gardens, were any of you out there aware that there is actually more than one botanical garden? This gal will be the first to admit just that, but as it turns out, Montreal is not the only place that boasts a beautiful botanical garden which houses many exotic flowers. The garden we are talking about is referred to as the Royal Botanical Garden and it is located in Madrid, Spain.

The garden boasts 20 acres of land and houses approximately 30,000 different types of flowers and plants, not to mention approximately 1,500 different species of trees. It is a garden lover's dream! The Royal Botanical Garden, referred to in Madrid as Real Jardin Botanico was commissioned (or paid for) by Carlos (Charles) the Third in the later part of the 18th Century. Surely this was the best investment Carlos ever made.

The Garden is located in the heart of Paseo Del Parado and tourists can stroll through the garden for a nice break from the noisy hustle and bustle of everyday life. After a person has gotten his bearings in this beautiful piece of heaven, he can step over into the Prado Museum where he can learn a little about Spain's history. Whether you enjoy the museum first or the Garden, rest assured that they are both worth spending time on and you and your loved ones will no doubt never forget them!

The Real Jardin is not the biggest of the many botanical gardens that are in this world but it is by far one of the most extensive in its collection of flowers, trees and plants. With the many different species of each, the average tourist would most likely feel that there are not enough hours to take in all that the Jardin has to offer. On the plus side, the Jardin never has an off season.

As mentioned, the plant life as well as the trees that are thriving in the Real Jardin come from all over the world; there are Iris which are from South Africa to the Peonies which come from Japan, Korea or even China.

The climate in Madrid makes for favourable growth conditions for the plant life that is housed there. As you can expect, this is a plus for the tourists as well as for the economy in Madrid. Tourists all year round makes for excellent money making.


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Gran Via: Be Amazed

You have been waiting for this for a long time and you have finally done it! You have booked the flight, bought your vacation clothes and you are ready to embark on a new adventure! Destination - Spain, better yet, you have decided to check out Madrid, Spain. If you are wondering which places to visit, why not go for something different?

Almost everyone who goes on vacation anywhere in the world will choose the path most taken. Why not take the road less travelled and check out some of the lesser known areas? One place in particular that you can visit would be Gran via which is located in one of the busier spots in Madrid. The great part is that Gran via is not a building but rather a collection of buildings. It is a section in Madrid that draws all sorts of people from all walks of life. Any type of person can find what they want or need in Gran Via.

Sure, there are places to shop, eat and even see movies but if you are like this writer, then you most likely enjoy taking in the beauty of architecture. It might sound boring but when you really look at a building, the lines of it, the feel; whether it is inspired by modern architecture or if it has been inspired by something out of the 15th century; this is when you can really appreciate just about any building in any country in the world. The same can be said if you like to sit in a particular spot and watch life as it happens all around you.

Gran Via was designed in the 19th century when the designers realized that something had to be done in order to pull the Plaza de Espana and Calle de Alcala together; they needed something that would tie it all together in one tidy, multicultural and awe-inspiring package. They succeeded in doing so when they created Gran Via.

In order to make this dream a reality the powers that be had to destroy quite a few older buildings but the citizens will tell you that it was for the better and the area's economy has been better ever since. Gran Via means great road which is a fitting name when you consider what the area is like.

It took a very long time to finally get the approval to make this addition but it finally happened in 1904 and by the time the last section of this amazing road was finished, it was 1929. Suffice it to say, it really does pay homage to the name “great road”. As you can imagine, the construction of this multicultural piece of history made work for quite a few architects who were anxious to make their name in architectural history.

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Almudena Cathedral: An attraction worth seeing

Spain, with this one word a person will conjure up many images in his mind of bullfighting arenas, beautiful women and beaches on which to bathe and sleep for hours. Perhaps you have not even considered that there are beautiful buildings to visit there as well.

This can be said about many buildings in Spain but the building that I speak of is located in the beautiful city Madrid in Spain and it is called the Almudena Cathedral. Where this cathedral now stands used to be what is said to be the only church that happened to be dedicated to Maria de la Almudena who was a Saint revered by the people of Spain.

The history of this beautiful structure is rich. Unfortunately we cannot get into the complete history but we will take a look at the basics and in turn, many of you will hopefully go on to research this gem of architecture by yourself when you have finished reading this. This cathedral was designed and the building started back in 1883 after the citizens of Madrid got their permission from the powers that be to build there.

The cathedral's design is one of a neo Gothic nature and is said to contain a tomb which has a lovely picture of the Virgin de la Almudena. The construction of the cathedral was finished in 1993, it was then consecrated by Pope John Paul the second. Now, it should be noted that when this church was designed (as previously mentioned) back in the 16th century, they had to hold off on building the cathedral because of various legal mumbo jumbo, mostly of a political nature and the fact that someone who had a lot of power and money did not want it to be built.

Suffice it to say that after much debate, the building of the cathedral resumed and the result is the beautiful building that stands there today. When you get there and look at the beautiful structure both inside and outside, you will appreciate all of the labour that went into the construction of this building, both labour of love and physical labour as well.

This building may not be very famous to the world but it is worth taking the time to appreciate and if you really want to find another reason to visit, you should know that it was the location of the wedding ceremony of Dona Letizia and Prince Felipe which took place in the month of May, 2004.


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Things To Do and Attractions Almeria

Spain is popular amongst tourists because in this country in entire Europe there is a healthy combination of places for amusement or recreation and places which enhance our knowledge. The province of Almeria, located on the South East of Spain serves as the best example for such a place. In fact, historical places which are of interest are much more in Almeria than in any other place in Spain. Now let us start our tour of Almeria:

Cabo de Gata Almeria:

This is a natural park covering an area of about 45000 hectares. The park is located very close to the beach and has the Tall Mountain as its backdrop. According to geologists, the mountain is a volcanic formation and facing this mountain is the beautiful beach with white sand; this is certainly a place which everyone would love. The beach has many hidden coves.

There is also a coral reef near the beach. When you get into the park, you will notice that this park is something different from its contemporaries and is so beautiful that you would prefer to take photos of every nook and corner of the park. Needless to say that the beach has many water sports facilities.

Alcazaba castle:

Most ideally situated on the top of a hill, the castle was once a home for about 20000 armed troops. It was built on the top of the hill so that it would serve as an observatory to watch the movement of pirates and other enemies. Further, the enemies would find it difficult to reach the top of the hill.

The castle has a cathedral which is built in the typical Gothic architecture. According to historians, the cathedral was built in the year 1524. However, it was destroyed by a severe earthquake. Thereafter another cathedral was built in place of the one destroyed. Unfortunately this cathedral suffered casualty during the subsequent wars. But each time it suffered casualty; it was rebuilt and brought back to its past glory.

The cathedral retains its glory even to this day. The cathedral has many priceless collections of art and artifacts. The sculpture works made of marble, carving works on the door and windows are amazingly beautiful. In reverence to the founder of the cathedral, Bishop Villalan, a chapel has been built where a tomb has been built for the Bishop.

Church:
Mojacar is a town in the province of Almeria. This was actually a fortress before being converted into a church. It was also a customs house during the 18th century and the place where custom duties were collected can be seen even to this day. A beautiful arch believed to have been built in the 15th century welcomes the visitors.

Moorish fountain:
This is quite an interesting place which no visitor should miss. According to historians, this fountain is believed to have been built during the Roman period. In fact this fountain was the source of water for people of Mojarcar. Interestingly, the history of the city has been written on the stone around this spring water fountain.

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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

What to Have as Breakfast in Spain?

Breakfast is generally smallest meal in Spain that is eaten during the day. Spanish people eat breakfast only to tide themselves with something until they have lunch. Lunch for them is the biggest meal throughout the day. Almost all breakfast foods in Spain are doughs or sweet pastries. They combine this with thick hot chocolate or Café con leche (milked coffee). Though, breakfast cereals are also widely available in Spain, traditional breakfast foods remain the most popular choice.

Bolos
Bolos are the most admired food for breakfast in Spain. Bolos are sweet roll pastry that people either eat with jam or they simply dipped it in coffee. Bolos are generally treated in oven and made a little warm before consuming. These are quite flaky and light in texture to that of a croissant.

Churros
Churros are very well-known food item for breakfast. In fact, Churros has gained immense popularity as a sweet snack all over the world. Churros can also be called as Spanish doughnuts but they are not round in shape. Churros are basically short stick of dough that is fried with fluted sides with dusted sugar as cinnamon. The traditional way of having it is by dipping it in hot chocolate or coffee for breakfast. Churros can also be prepared at home but there are plenty of dedicated churros maker who are known for possessing an art of making this delicacy. Most of the people in Spain like to buy these fresh.

Magdalenas
Magdalenas are cupcakes that are traditionally eaten for breakfast. People buy this from local bakery and they are quite rich in flavor. These cupcakes are known for being fluffy and they possess a hint of lemon flavor in them. Like other breakfast foods, Magdalenas are also eaten with hot chocolate or coffee.

Torrijas
Torrijas can also be understood as Spanish version of the French toast. Torrijas is generally eaten at Easter as breakfast and it is widely enjoyed throughout Spain for breakfast during any time of the year. The bread is soaked using eggs, sugar and milk but a lot of people accentuate with variations like wine cellar, cinnamon or honey.

Spanish Tortilla
Also known as Spanish on rate, Spanish tortilla is absolutely different then traditional American omelettes. Spanish tortilla does not have cheese but it is very thick egg mixture that is fried and includes boiled potatoes along with onions. A Spanish tortilla can be around 1 1/2 inches thick and it is eaten by adding it like cake. It is in normal breakfast foods and does not tide over until lunch time.

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Preparations needed to visit Running Of The Bulls Event in Pamplona

Thousands of visitors flock to the Basque city of Pamplona that is nestled between Pyrenees Mountains to attend the event that is quite famous -- the running of Bulls. This event is primarily held between July 7 and July 14. Since the running of bulls has acclaimed immense popularity, the event is held when the tourist season is at peak. If you are coming to Spain only to attend the events, it is always recommended that you make your travel arrangements as early as possible. Because this so popular, if you make your arrangements late, you will probably not be able to find any tickets.

Apply for a passport at least six months before your prospective visit to Spain. If you already have a passport, get it checked and also make sure making sure that it will be valid during the time of your visit to Spain. After getting details of your passport, select the destination where you want to fly. If you are making it to Spain especially because of Pamplona Running of bulls then book your tickets for Barcelona airport.

You can also take an alternate route to Madrid in case you want to do some sightseeing on the way to Pamplona. In fact you can try and compare the prices of various airlines for both the destinations and choose whichever you find to be cheaper.

Upon your reach, rent a car and enjoy nearby attractions that surround the beautiful town of Pamplona. You can visit the Salazar Valley which is just a short drive towards the east of Pamplona. The valley is home to a number of castles and monasteries. Other popular attractions include the Pamplona cathedral, Museo de Navarra and the Plaza del Castillo.

The running of bulls is an event that it essentially showcases a race between a man and a bull and the distance that they need to cover is around 2750 feet.

For a more royal retreat, book a villa that is close to the venue of the running of bulls. Santo Domingo is a point from where the Running of Bulls event starts. You may rent a balcony on the route to get the most out of the event. These balconies offer great view of the entire event.

The running of bulls is an event that it essentially showcases a race between a man and a bull and the distance that they need to cover is around 2750 feet. The race that begins at Cuesta de Santa Domingo and it comes to an end at the bullring in Pamplona.

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National Monuments Of Spain

There is no doubt that Spain is a spectacular tourist country. The real aura of Spain's rich heritage and culture can be attributed to sprawling beaches, the La Alhambra, exclusive wines, art and architecture. Spain is said to have an effervescent culture that truly knows how to celebrate life. Though the modernity has been greatly embraced by all cities of Spain but the country has truly retained the significance of its history and you will be able to glide in it by taking a glance at the countries historical monument which represents a compelling and deep heritage.

The Alhambra
Also known as The Red Fortress, the Alhambra is the pride of Spain. The Fortress is one of the most exceptional examples of Moorish architecture and Islamic influence in the Andalucía region of Spain. La Alhambra is present in Granada, the city that is full of white building muddles and narrow alleyways.

The architecture of Alhambra is beyond definition. The building’s oldest structure dates back to somewhere in 9th century. Though the fortress walls was renovated somewhere around 14th century by Mohammed V and Yussuf I, the oldest parts of the structure can still be viewed and appreciated. The sprawling fortress has a palace that contains countless fountains and courtyards. Also have a look at archways and intricately carved walls. This Moorish architecture of this Fortress has known to have captivated a generation of travelers.

Great Mosque Of Cordoba
The mosque is also known as the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. You can visit this ancient mosque if you visit Cordoba. The construction of the mosque was done in ancient period, somewhere around 8th century. The mosque was built under the rule of Abd al-Rahman I who had actually fled from Syria following the massacre of his family. The design of this heritage building features a rectangle prayer hall, a courtyard and burrows that are similar to Abbasid mosques and Umayyad mosque from Iraq and Syria.

The mosque is known for Lavish and complicated details, in particular the maqsura which was a private prayer space that was used by the ruler. 300 years after this mosque was made, Ferdinand III declared this mosque to be a cathedral. This national monument is a must visit attraction and you must see it.

Tower of Hercules
La Caruna Harbor is home to a number of monuments in Spain that reflect the Roman heritage of Spain. The Tower of Hercules is the main attraction here and it was built during the first century A.D. and was then known as Farum Brigantium. Updated during the 18th century, this tower is the only remaining functional lighthouse that was used by Romans. The declaration of this Tower as a national monument has resulted in some great preservation efforts.

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Spain : A country with overwhelming attractions

Spain is one of the most favorable travel destinations that has splendid number of attractions and sites and can attract just about any visitor. The country known for its rich history, culture, diversity, coasts, food, wines, nature, festivals, bullfighting and hospitality is located on the Iberian Peninsula. The country has an ending coastline, small but well preserved medieval towns, white washed villages, modern urban centers and a developed metropolis life as well.

Air Travel
Air Iberia is Spain's national airline and has more direct flights in Spain than any other air travel company. Air Iberia has a number of nonstop services for major Spanish cities and travelers from throughout the continent of United States can avail nonstop services.

Entry Requirements
All international travelers require a valid passport for entry to Spain. The passport that they carry should be valid for a minimum of three months before the date of travel to Spain. Residents of Canada, United States, New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom do not require this first day up to 90 days.

U.S. residents can participate in business-related activities or tourism for the ration of three months of their stay in Spain. For those who wish to extend their travel time in Spain who, need to apply visa so that they can remain in the country without facing any legal problems.

Considerations
Spring and fall are two most important seasons when people from all over the world travel to Spain. The weather during these two seasons is extremely comfortable and the crowds are also manageable. For the months between May and October, the Spain happens to the least crowded and it is the best time when you can shop around and get deals and promotion that are of true worth.

Language
Castilian Spanish or Castellano is Spain's official language and international travelers may learn a few phrases and words in this language so that it helps in communication. In major cities it is easy to locate non-Spanish speakers also. Most of the shop owners and servers in restaurants also know English.

Currency
The official currency remains to be Euro and it is recommended that international travelers either get their currency converted before being travel or they may also get traveler’s check in Euro. Alternatively, Spain has a lot of ATMs and it is possible to use debit cards easily here. Make sure you do not exceed a day limits of withdrawal so that you do not have to pay extra fee.

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Alcudia – A Small paradise in Spain

Alcudia is a beautiful town in Mallorca, Spain. Alcudia is basically famous for its historical remains and some pristine beaches. The best way to enjoy Alcudia is by hiring the car or by exploring it by foot. You may get some great opportunity to visit the old town that has narrow streets but there is not much parking. The intercity travel is also quite easy with Spain bus service.

Facts About Alcudia

Situated in the island of Majorca, the city of Alcudia is a must visit area in Balearic Islands and is presence towards the east coast of Spain. Alcudia has a long history and is known for the Roman remains which have still been reserve by the municipality of area.

Beaches are also great attractions in Alcudia and water sports here are at rage. You'll find long sandy beaches along with cliffs that have a lot of caves and coves. This may be beaches of the city in special attraction. You may also visit a nature reserve that is quite popular amongst bird watchers.

This nature reserve happens to be resting points for a number of birds that migrate from Europe to Africa. From Balearic Islands, you just need to take a ferry and reach this beautiful city. A ferry also connects Alcudia to Barcelona. From Palma airport, you can reach there by car in an hour.

S'Albufera Natural Park is an important place to visit in Alcudia. This national park is in fact the largest wetland area that is present in the whole of the Balearic Islands. This area was created when a lagoon and a hollow was created that got filled up by sediments. This prime bird watching location displays more than 271 different species of bird during the season. While you're in old town you must visit the Gothic church -- Sant Jaume.

There are a large number of restaurants and bars in town, you must make it to the HarpBar which is owned by the Alcudia’s government and it is essentially an Irish bar that is known for live traditional music.

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Some Important facts about Spain that You must Know before Going for a Trip

Spain has a lot to boast of -- insane bull runs, lavish beaches, beautiful country sides, quaint white villages, Flamenco dancers, 365 days sunshine, largest flea market, incomparable cuisines, enthralling nightlife, stunning architecture and an incredible way of life. You can see all moments and pictures of life, be it modern or aesthetic in Spain. The diverse terrain of country includes never ending coasts, high mountain ranges and some beautiful planes too.

Features

With a history that dates back to an ancient Roman origin, Spain is known to have been under occupation of Christians, Moors and Jews. The country is home to some incredible artists and sculptures, flavorful food and tapas that still have their influence. No matter in which area of the country you are, be it town or village, you can get all flavors of a modern city as well as a quaint village in the vicinity. Spaniards proudly boast of their olive estates and wine and the coasts of Spain do not need any description.

Culture

Since the culture of the country has been influenced by a number of rulers and their reign, the country has been accredited by a number of languages, customs, heritage and food items. The main influence on country is that of ancient Roman because of which Spain is still a Catholic country. Spanish language has also originated from Vulgar Latin. Spain is very well known for bullfighting, Flamenco dancing and splendid ancient architecture.

Food

Cuisine of Spain is a major part of its identity and the kind of recipes that are offered in Spain cannot be found anywhere in the world. These recipes have been passed down within families through generations. The Port of Spain is known for mild flavors, perfect seasoning and use off fresh produce. Spanish people generally use olive oil for food preparation. But most of the Spanish cuisines contain seafood. The most important item in Spanish cuisines is Paella which is a rice dish that is generally paired with Chorizo – an authentic spicy sausage meat, shrimps and other sea foods.

Vegetables and fruits like pomegranates, lemon, avocado and apples come from the fertile land of Spain. Meats and cheese are special products from the Spain’s highland. Another specialty, olive groves can be seen speckle on the hills of country.

Entertainment

Fiestas, festivals, concerts and bullfights can be seen and found through Spain. A number of art galleries like Dali museum and Picasso Museum are also present all over the Spain. The famous running of bulls is held in Pamplona every year between July 7 and July 14.

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Collecting some incredible wines in Spain

Spain is known to have a splendid and rich history of producing world-class wines. Experience and novice wine lovers can find a delectable choice in Spain. You may like to carry some back to your home and preserve it for a party or romantic evening.

While you are in Spain you will come across a number of Spanish wine labels. Similar to other European countries, the government of Spain keeps on regulating wines in order to guarantee origin, production methods and class of grapes used for making specific wine. This system has been named as Demominación de Origen, or simply D.O. If you are trying to accumulate the best of wines from spain then first of all, have a look at the label, you will be detailed with the region where this wine was actually produced.

The D.O. is the designation that stands for superior quality and ingredients that are identifiable. Buying a wine that has this designation on it will make sure that you have bought a good quality wine and there is no compromise on its quality. Such a wine that you take your home will be liked by others amongst those who are good wine tasters as well.

You can also choose to purchase Spanish Sherry. Spanish Sherry is a name given to fortified, aged wine -- something that is quite favorite throughout Spain. This is the kind of wine is made using Palomino grapes and it is generally prepared towards the southern region of Spain. There are various Spanish Sherry varieties available that range from light and delicate flavors to other flavors that can be sweet or rich. For light flavor you can go for Fino and similarly for sweet choices in Spanish Sherry you can choose Cream Sherry. Cream Sherry is also known to pair very well with a range of deserts.

Gran Reserva or Rioja Tinta Reserva can also be picked for red wine choice. These wines are generally made from Spanish signature Tempranillo grape. The fine is made to age in an American Oak so that it gives a rich and full bodied flavor that can pair well with meats and steak. The Gran Reserva and Reserva designations refer to the length of time for which these wines have been aged.

The sparkling cava of Spain is also famous as a good alternative to Champaign. Cava is generally used in Penedés region and it is essentially a pink or white sparkling wine that is available in dry to medium-sweet varieties. You may also try Verdejo wine, which is yet another white variety of wine.

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Learn How To Order Vegetarian Food in Spain

Spain specializes in seafood since it is surrounded by Mediterranean in Atlantic City on three sides and is ideally known as Iberian Peninsula. This does not mean that vegetarians cannot enjoy dining in Spain. Spain is also known for some extra fine delicacies that are made using fresh produce and there is a lot that even vegetarians feel delight in having. A bit knowledge about few words and key phrases will help in navigating Spanish menu and find some great vegetarian delights.

Learning how to order vegetarian food in a Spanish restaurant is not very difficult. First of all you need to search for ‘few words’ or ‘cognate’ that you feel sounds similar in both languages. Words such as ‘ensalada’ and ‘vegetables’ mean the same i.e. vegetarian food. You can look for other similar words such as huevos (meaning eggs), patatas (meaning potatoes), arroz (meaning rice). These are absolutely safe to be eaten by vegetarians. Most of the Spanish restaurants will offer pimientos assados which means grilled green peppers. Tortilla espanola stands for Spanish egg and potato omelet and almost all restaurants in Spain are going to serve you same with butter and bread.

There are a lot of food items that you can easily alter. For example paella Valencia -- the famous Spanish rice dish that is generally prepared using shrimps and other seafood items can be made vegetarian by saying "Queria paella sin carne ni mariscos"(meaning that you would prefer to have paella without seafood or meat). Alternatively, you can simply say "pero con verduras solo" which means “with vegetables only”.

There are a lot of servers that may understand a bit of English, even if they are not fluent in English. The word “vegetarian” is understood universally. However, in a restaurant you may ask "Hay comidas vegeteranas?" which means that ‘is the restaurants serving anything that is vegetarian.’

Different regions of Spain may serve you different vegetarian specialties. Alternatively if you are not staying in a hotel and your accommodation happens to be a villa, you have an advantage of cooking yourself, you can always grab something that is fresh in market them yourself. These days, a number of continental and Spanish recipes are available online and you can always check them in order to make sure that you're having something without fish or meat.

Spanish people generally use olive oil for cooking which makes their dishes even more taste worthy. You can also do the same with Spanish dishes and have a great time in Spain.


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Andalusia: The Best Place For Honeymoon

Andalusia is world famous as the best destination to go for relaxing holidays. Andalusia has a very romantic atmosphere and place is exceptionally suited for honeymooners. You may find Andalusia to be densely populated but the area can never run out of nice places that has ample of nature to soothe honeymooners and let them find the joy of their life. Though there are a lot of places in Andalusia which honeymooners can see but a planned visit to these places will make sure that their honeymoon becomes the best time of their lives.

Before you actually trip Andalucía it is important that you were for a virtual trip of the region. There are plenty of online sources which can detail you with interesting sites and activities that could be performed in Andalucía. Create a list off destinations that he would like to visit and also things that you would like to do here.

Andalucía happens to be a big autonomous community in Spain and physically it is impossible to cover every speck of it in a single trip. It is important that you base your list on what you prefer as an activity like diving, snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, shopping, horseback riding and nature tripping. Make sure that both of you as couples decide that which all activities you would like to cover.

After you have prepared a broad list, sit together and narrow it down so that you can determine the time you can spend on each area and also decide on the kind of budget you would need. It is important that you also focus some time on the available accommodations.

Rather than choosing a hotel, choose a small villa where you will find some privacy and time to know each other better. Honeymoon is meant for just that and a villa in a quaint location in Andalucía will help you do just that. Complete all the formalities that are required with renting of the villa prior to your visit so that you do not burden yourself with unwanted activities. Make sure that the villa that you have booked is not very far of from market.

Andalucía is home to some great flora, fauna and unique plantations. Visiting these serene places where the let you adventure and here you will not have crowds to disturb you. There are numerous gardens that you may visit. You may also participate in paragliding, climbing and ballooning.

Andalucía is a bit conservative and formal area. Make sure that you do not wear a swimming suit the market on everyday clothes to the restaurant or nightclub.

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Gay Travel In Spain

Spain has always remained a popular destination amongst gays for spending vacations or otherwise a good time. With presence of a number of gay friendly resorts and cities, a lot of gays arrive in Spain either individually or in groups to enjoy not only the country beaches, weather and culture but an assortment of nightclubs and gay bars.

Attitudes Towards Gays

Spain is known to have quite progressive attitudes towards gay community and people in Europe. In Spain, gay and lesbian couples have same marriage rights like that of heterosexual couples and they can also exercise their rights of adoption similar to that of heterosexual's. In cities like Barcelona and Madrid, you'll find no sexual discrimination between gays and other part of communities. It's a common scene in Spain to see gay couples walking around freely, hand-in-hand without any shame or fear of harassment. The same is the case when it comes to seaside towns like Sitges. Straight couples and gay couples are seen mixing freely without any problems.

Cities and Towns

The main cities of interests for most of the gay tourists had always remained Barcelona, Madrid and Sitges. However, recently a lot of gay tourists have been visiting the Gran Canaria Island also.

It is quite an astonishing fact that just alone in Madrid, there are more than 40 gay bars and clubs and they cater to a number of saunas and other amenities as well. The city of Barcelona also has more than 30 clubs to choose from. The nightlife of Barcelona is also a little more anesthetizing than that of Madrid. A number of the beaches are also present on the coast of Spain and they are quite crowded during the summer months.

In Madrid you'll find over 40 gay clubs and bars catering to all tastes, plus a number of saunas. Barcelona's nightlife is a little more sedate than Madrid's, but it still has over 30 bars to choose from. It is on the coast so you also have a gay beach to visit in the summer months.

Spain is known to host some of the best gay festival that is held throughout the world. Orgullo is a Gay Pride Event that is held in Madrid each year. The event attracts a number of tourists that participate in the event. Circuit Festival that is held in Barcelona is known to last for a week. There are many merry time activities that are carried during the festival.

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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Montjuic - A Must-Visit Destination In Spain

Montjuic - the Jewish Mountain is situated high above the city center of Barcelona. It is a luxuriant, residential enclave which is known for bestowing amazing city views and displaying spectacular art like you would have never seen before.

Plaça Espanya is the transportation hub of Montjuic and is quite accessible by the L1 and L3 metro lines. After reaching Plaça Espanya you can easily reach Montjuic by taking a walk along Gran via. If you do not want to travel by Metro you can avail one of the city bus services that are available from popular spots such as L'Eixample and Plaça Catalunya.

As soon as you will exit from your bus or Metro to the Plaça Espanya, you will be able to see Museu Nacional d'Arte de Catalunya or MNAC. The view of this art center looming from the pinnacle of a large stone staircase will be amazing. The walk away to the museum is also lined with beautiful fountains making the entrance to the museum a grand threshold.

You can also visit the famous Catalonian artist Joan Miro. The artist is quite famous for his imaginative and figurative works that feature abstracts of birds, stars, women and other basic figures. A lot of these consist of thin ink lines and he is charmed because of his descriptive and lengthy titles that he gives to his works.

You must also visit the CaixaForum which is a free museum that is operated by Caixa bank. The museum features a number of art exhibitions that contain paintings, sculptures, photography and digital art. These features keep on changing in order to assure that this museum always remain worth a view. You may also browse the bookshop which is known for some mind blowing collections of books.

The former Olympic diving complex of Barcelona is also a treasure but it is not very famous. You can enjoy swimming here while gazing at a number of landmarks including Sagrada Familia. The pool is never crowded and the setting is known to be quite stunning.

During the late evening, you must visit the Font Magica which was built for the purpose of world exposition in the year 1929. These enormous musical fountains are beautifully choreographed and you can see the fountains dancing after every half-hour during the summer evenings. You'll be thrilled to watch various combinations of themes that are tacky, entertaining, inspiring and weird as well.

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