Category ‘Barcelona’
10 Cathedrals to visit in Spain
June 16th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Are you enjoying your Sunday afternoon? Feeling ecclesiastical? It’s so hot here this afternoon in Andalucía, the cicadas are starting their Summer rumble and the sun is besting down as the church bells of Murtas call the faithful to prayer. There aren’t that many left, and certainly not enough to fill the largest church in the Alpujarra, but they’re called religiously all the same.
Thinking about the cathedrals of Spain – and there are many! – and compiling a list of 10 to visit. Let’s take a look…
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Read the entire post » 10 Cathedrals to visit in Spain
Bucket list: Top 10 Spanish Attractions
May 26th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
This is actually a really difficult post to write, because there are just so many things to see and do on holiday in Spain. Of course, it all depends on what sort of person you are, and the type of holiday you like to enjoy. If you want to see the best of the best, the most visited hot spots, then take a tour now, and see what are the Top 10 Spanish attractions – you might disagree or have your own favourite list - let us know!
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Read the entire post » Bucket list: Top 10 Spanish Attractions
June Event: Gay Pride in Barcelona
May 20th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Next month, follow the crowds to Barcelona in the North of Spain, it’s time to be proud! Gay Pride – renamed Pride Barcelona – is taking place, and will attract huge crowds, celebrating and growing in number with every year. So get your flights to Barcelona booked – and join in the party at Pride Barcelona!
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Read the entire post » June Event: Gay Pride in Barcelona
City Heat – Top 5 City Breaks in Spain
April 29th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
City breaks – our favourite type of mini break and the total antithesis from where we live. A rural setting in some of the cleanest air in Europe is wonderful but sometimes a little bit of carbon monoxide is called for! A few short days in the city is a treat and a cultural top up, and needn’t cost the earth either. Spanish cities are worth exploring more than most. Let’s take a quick look at the Top 5 city breaks in Spain, for that next weekend away.
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Read the entire post » City Heat – Top 5 City Breaks in Spain
May Music Festival in Barcelona
April 18th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Looking for a Spring holiday? Perhaps a city break with shopping, art galleries a little architecture? Look no further than Barcelona – the city that’s got Gaudi overload and much more to offer. What about a music festival as well ? Come to Barcelona this Spring and enjoy a city that rarely sleeps, and a few days at the Primavera Sound Festival 2013.
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Read the entire post » May Music Festival in Barcelona
Barcelona – the Spanish Grand Prix
April 16th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
A Spanish holiday, but with a bit of extra Va Va Voom? If you want to rev it up a few notches this year, and like the scents of leather and fuel more than sun cream, then head to Montmeló next month. It’s up in Barcelona, and petrol heads will be delighted to know it’s also the destination for the Spanish Grand Prix. Come on, get into gear!
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Read the entire post » Barcelona – the Spanish Grand Prix
5 of the Strangest Fiestas – in Spain
April 10th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Spain loves a party – and fiestas are synonymous with Spain. Perhaps you’ve wandered into one by accident, that’s easy to do, there’s one on almost every day, somewhere in Spain! You can book a holiday around a specific one, or just look one up when you get here. One way or another, it’ll be a riot – of music, dancing, local gastronomy and drinking, usually with loud sound provided on cue with fireworks and bangers. Yes, Spain ‘does’ LOUD very well too!
But there are some really odd festivals too, some so strange you’ll think I am making this up – but, I assure you – it’s all true. You might just have to come along and see some of these in order to quite believe them. Here are 5 of the strangest festivals in Spain.
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Read the entire post » 5 of the Strangest Fiestas – in Spain
Using your 5 senses in Spain
April 9th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
A holiday in Spain will leave you with all sorts of lingering, beautiful memories. Uploading your photographs when you get back home is all part of the pleasure, remembering each sun filled day out, that great Paella, the gorgeous beach you chose when you booked that perfect holiday home. Spain will fill all of your senses, and leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. What are your special memories of your best Spanish holiday?
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Arches and Architecture of Sant Feliu de Guíxols
March 27th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Picking up the latest copy of the archaeology magazine, Medieval, this week, it automatically fell open to reveal pages and pages of the stunning architecture of a hidden gem in Catalunya. The magazine itself, although Spanish, celebrates archaeology, history and travel all over the world, it’s a great buy, even if you are just looking at the pictures!
The article in question centred around the parochial church, which is the Monastery – Monasterio de Sant Feliu de Guíxols – but there’s so much more to this special place on the Spanish Costa Brava – let’s take a closer look.
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Read the entire post » Arches and Architecture of Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Surreal Art Inspiration in Catalunya with Dalí
March 19th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Catalunya, Catalonia. The breathtaking Costa Brava. However you want to say it, this corner of Northern Spain has surprises in store for everyone. There are family holidays, activity holidays, quiet, romantic holidays, city breaks…something for everyone. What about those who like a little art injection with their sunshine? Spain isn’t just about Picasso you know, visit Catalunya with art in mind and you might find it all just a little surreal! Don’t dilly – Dalí on the way…
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Read the entire post » Surreal Art Inspiration in Catalunya with Dalí
St Patrick in Spain – The Luck of the Irish!
March 16th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Tomorrow, the 17th of March, is the feast day of St Patrick. New York will hold the BIGGEST parade, and undoubtedly Ireland will drink the MOST pints of Guinness – well, you have to ‘wet the shamrock’! But where did Paddy go on his holidays? Why, Spain of course…You didn’t know that, really?! This year there’s an extra green connection between Ireland and Spain, of the global awareness kind.
Read the entire post » St Patrick in Spain – The Luck of the Irish!
Read the entire post » St Patrick in Spain – The Luck of the Irish!
Make Merry in March at the Barcelona Beer Festival
February 11th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Thinking of coming to Spain this March? Perhaps for Easter, an alternative St Patrick’s day weekend, or just to squeeze a little early Spring sunshine. Is a city break on your mind? Barcelona is a great choice destination if you are considering a city break – so much to see and do. Fancy a beer in Barcelona? Tasty at any time of the year, but go next month and you can partake in the Barcelona Beer Festival, which takes place over the 8th, 9th and 10th of March.
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Read the entire post » Make Merry in March at the Barcelona Beer Festival
The 10 Best Nudist Beaches in Spain
January 31st, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Getting away from it all, chilling out, sometimes means leaving all your worries behind. What about leaving your luggage at home too?’ Not all of it, you understand, even that well known Irish airline might object to you travelling that light! Just leave out the swimwear, wetsuit, sarong – but do remember the high factor sun lotion.
Go naked, visit some of the naturist beaches in Spain, there might be more than you think, and experience a holiday with a difference…here’s a quick tour of the 10 best nudist beaches to be found in Spain.
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Read the entire post » The 10 Best Nudist Beaches in Spain
Spain by night
January 14th, 2013 by vernon
One of the best aspects about holidaying in Spain is that you can see so much in the evening.
At almost all times of the year, and in the majority of destinations, it is warm enough to wander the streets of a Spanish city, town or coastal location and savour all that is on offer.
And there is little finer than doing what the locals do at night. Promenading!
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Read the entire post » Spain by night
January Saints – San Antonio – all over Spain!
January 2nd, 2013 by Carol Byrne
So you thought that the party was over? But it’s just getting started in Spain! This weekend sees the arrival into every village square and city plaza of the esteemed Three Kings, those noblemen bearing gifts. They’ll dress up and hand over gifts and throw sweets high in the air for the children to catch - Spanish Christmas, if you like. If later in the month is when you plan to visit, and you’re still in the mood for more fun and fiesta, then make it on one of the Saint’s days – celebrated somewhere in Spain, every day of the year!
Start with San Antonio – and book yourself into the Balearics!
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Read the entire post » January Saints – San Antonio – all over Spain!
Posh property in Spain
December 23rd, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Well, we’re still here. The End Of The World wasn’t nigh, as it turned out. Lucky us. Luckier still, for some this morning , waking up the day after El Gordo – the famous Spanish Christmas Lottery. No, I didn’t win – or I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this! – but if I had, I think I would be booking myself and my friends and family into a little bit of luxury for Christmas. Not a hotel – too impersonal – but a stunning high end rental property. Now, let’s just imagine for a moment that we had the winning ticket….Where shall we go? Where’s that chauffeur?
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Read the entire post » Posh property in Spain
January in Spain. Part 3 Barcelona and Flamenco
December 17th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
What do you conjure up when someone mentions Spain to you? What tends to spring to mind? I guess it depends on what region you like to visit, so I guess sun and sand if you are a Costa lover or a beach lizard, maybe the perfect paella comes to mind if you love the east coast, but certainly Flamenco – especially so in Andalucía – but, the passion of Flamenco can be felt in the north next month too. Come to Catalunya – to Barcelona – and feel a little of it yourself! Time for the biggest Flamenco festival on the calender in Barcelona – De Cajón!
Read the entire post » January in Spain. Part 3 Barcelona and Flamenco
Read the entire post » January in Spain. Part 3 Barcelona and Flamenco
January in Spain. Part 2 Barcelona
December 16th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
A picture speaks a thousand words. Or so they say. In this case, it’s certainly true. To continue with our mini guide for January in Spain and the events that will take place , let’s take a trip to beautiful Barcelona - where you might like to attend the Fotografía World Press Photo Exhibition. Come and see for yourself the most moving and impacting images from the lens of the World Press from news stores over the past year.
And of course, a real bonus, there’s always Barcelona too!
Read the entire post » January in Spain. Part 2 Barcelona
Read the entire post » January in Spain. Part 2 Barcelona
Hitting the slopes in Spain
December 10th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
The Christmas holidays are a great time in lots of ways. Getting the family together these days is not as easy as it used to be, with people scattered all over the globe. A fantastic idea is to pour over the holiday ideas between the games of Scrabble and the endless TV repeats…what about a break for everyone in the New Year? Have the whole family arrive at a destination and share the cost of accommodation – what better than a holiday with a little activity thrown in…Ski Spain it is then!
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Read the entire post » Hitting the slopes in Spain
Holidays are comin’- days off in December
November 27th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Nearly here, Christmas is just around that corner folks, and if you have been really, really good - have you?! - then perhaps you have a treat in store. Who would not like to find a holiday in Spain in their stocking this year?!
Perhaps you have decided on an early treat all to yourself? Good on you! If you do happen to plan a Spanish holiday in December, then take into account the extra days off planned for next month, and ensure that you aware of the dates – because when there’s a national holiday in Spain – don’t plan on going shopping!
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Read the entire post » Holidays are comin’- days off in December
