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April – It´s not all about Easter!  Although, if you do happen to spend April in Spain, then Easter   -Semana Santa – really is the big parade and one not to be missed.  Spanish style is the only style when it comes to the biggest celebration of the year and Seville is one of the best shows to see, but what´s on the rest of the month? Put the kettle on and have a read – there´s more to the start of a warm Spring in Spain than just the chocolate eggs!

Read the entire post » Activities for April – in sunny Spain

Looking to book a Spanish Spring holiday for 2012? Rugged walking, deserted beaches, National Reserves, and the best of wildlife.  Ski slopes and walking trails compete with traditional village life.  Add the superb architecture from 9th Century Christian Europe – as declared by UNESCO  -  tempted? Of course you are!…come and discover Oviedo….. the capital of Asturias!

Read the entire post » Spring into Oviedo for 2012

It has been a long few weeks of thespians patting each other on the back and handing out awards. The BAFTAS, the OSCARS and the GOYAS. And films shot in Spain have been nominated for prizes at all three ceremonies. Especially, of course, the latter. Which is when the great and the good of the Spanish film world get together to praise the work of those who do such a great job. Not just of making movies but, crucially, of promoting the glorious country of Spain via the big screen. 

Read the entire post » Spain on film – take 2

Once upon a time very few film directors came to Spain to shoot their movie. For decades film fans reminisced about the days when famous film actors could be found reciting their lines in Spain. Spaghetti westerns starring Clint Eastwood or they pined for the time when Omar Sharif performed in front of camera for director David Lean in Doctor Zhivago. A movie that made many a woman swoon over Shairf. Fans of big films on the big screen wanted to visit the setting of their favourite film. Places like Peñiscola, where a cast of thousands took part in the filming of El Cid. But there were many barren years. The time when Hollywood ignored Europe as a whole, including the stunning scenery of Spain. It is all very different now.

Read the entire post » Spain on film – Take 1

As you peel that Valencian Orange and bite into the juicy segments, or tuck into a delicious Paella whilst on holiday at the local fiesta – you may be forgiven for imagining the Spain you see is all about Sun, Sea and Sangria…. but a thriving agricultural layer survives here too – and it´s not just about the rice and the oranges! -  although they are an important part of the fabric of Spain too… Hop into your wellies and Barbour jacket, and let´s look at the farming patterns of Spain…

Read the entire post » A different side to Spain – the countryside and farmlands.

So, you´ve selected the area you want to visit for a break over Christmas, or perhaps in the New Year – nothing like escaping the British weather – or Irish, if the Dublin floods this week were anything of a prelude of what to expect   – and browsed the Spain Holiday site.  You´ve chosen a lovely property from the huge selection available, remembering that renting directly from the owners has the advantage of a home-from-home with usually well equipped kitchens and all that´s needed. Now all you have left to do is to pack and look forward to your winter place in the sun! What can you expect to buy and cook there? Forget the weekly dash around the supermarket that sells all – you can do that too – but it´s far more fun to explore the art of shopping – Spanish style!

Read the entire post » Self catering in Spain? Cooking up a storm!

A British made television series that saw the chef Rick Stein travel around Spain has revitalised interest in Spanish food. An enthusiastic Stein was on a voyage of discovery, trying to see if Spanish food had improved since he first ate in the country as a child. He decided it has come on in leaps and bounds. And he’s not wrong. I’ve been known to set off on my own culinary tour of Spain and I have been fortunate enough to taste some of the best food on offer in the country. And unlucky enough to eat some of the worst. 

Read the entire post » Culinary Spain – the north south divide

Spanish food….loved all over the world.  Rich Olive oil harvested from the sun drenched hillsides, plump Tomatoes full of Spanish sun, robust flavours of Garlic, Goats cheese and glorious Seafood from the North…The gastronomy is one of the strong forces that pull tourists to Spain every year, who would blame them?  But what about the Pudding? It seems Oranges are not the only fruit!

Let’s explore the delicious sweet course of Spain!

Read the entire post » Sweet Spain! Your Just Desserts…

  Let’s carry on with our very Royal visit. Spain abounds with interesting architecture, from Moorish Castles to modern art galleries, ancient monasteries to elegant Plazas…you could spend the whole time looking up!  Our tour of the Palaces of Spain continues now with a few more Royal gems in the crown of Spanish architecture…...read on!

Read the entire post » Palaces in Spain – Part 2.

I feel sure that the most pleasant days I have had in Spain have been those spent on foot. Walking through mesmerising countryside. Strolling through stunning cities. Discovering hidden gems simply by putting one foot in front of the other. It can be hard work. Especially if you live, as I do, surrounded by mountains. No walk is flat for very long. But the sheer variety of landscape throughout Spain means that you can experience all manner of walking terrain in the space of a day, let alone a week. I’m not a serious walker, but I’ve met those who are. What is clear is that whether you walk Spain for 30 minutes or an entire day; you’ll be glad you did take a hike. 

Read the entire post » Take a hike in Spain

The Nava Cider Festival, Spain’s answer to the Oktoberfest starts today, and always promises to be a week of cider mayhem. Running until Sunday 10th July, the Nava Cider Festival has been a permanent fixture on Spain’s festival list since 1969, celebrating the drink, which has deeply rooted origins in the principality of Asturias, which forms a part of the region of Green Spain.

Read the entire post » Nava say never to a glass of cider in Asturias…

I like to think that I am somewhat of a cheese connoisseur; well maybe connoisseur is pushing it, but I do love cheese, all types of cheese, from all corners of the globe and I especially like cheese accompanied by a good Spanish red wine. In fact the only cheese I am not keen on is that of the goat variety and when you live in Spain that can be a bit of a problem, as a high percentage of Spanish cheese is produced from goats milk. However, there is one very special Spanish cheese that I can’t resist, even with its goats milk content. Its name? Queso Cabrales (Cheese).

Read the entire post » Introducing the distinguished and delectable Queso Cabrales

Nestled on the Costa Verde – The Green Coast – of Asturias, take time out to visit Llanes in the extreme East….where you’ll discover an active port, a dizzy cliff-top walk, stunning white sand beaches, turquoise sea, sparkling cider…..and did I mention the cheese? Yes, please. 

Read the entire post » Cliffs, Cheese and Cider, longing for Llanes..

Our beloved Spain is the country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the northern hemisphere. A total of 603 areas in Spain have been distinguished and recognized for their suburb quality of water and services. The 603 areas are consists of 511 different beaches and 92 marinas.

Read the entire post » Spain takes the lead with Blue Flag beaches

So you’ve booked the holiday in Spain. Packed the suncream and the shorts. And the phrasebook…hang on a minute…they do speak Spanish in Spain, right? Well, yes they do of course, Castellano is the language but there are dialects too…so where are you off to? Let me explain….in English!

Read the entire post » Tongue in cheek – say that again?!