Category ‘Catalonia’
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
10 Just Desserts of Catalunya
April 24th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Spanish food.…Mmmmm. So you’re thinking Paella, Olives, Chorizo, Cheese from the North, silky Jamón from the high mountains. Tapas too of course, a very civilised way to have a drink with friends, a little saucer of food to accompany your drink.
But what about Postre? Dessert is always an intrinsic part of a Menu del Dia in Spain. Sometimes simply a piece of fresh fruit, an ice cream, or a rice based pudding. In Catalunya though, they excel in the Pud department. Let’s take a drool through a sample menu – 10 desserts of Catalunya.
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Read the entire post » 10 Just Desserts of Catalunya
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
Bubbly Spain – Cava country of the Penedés
April 15th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Holidaying this year in the North of Spain? Why not. Rolling countryside, vibrant cities, wild and rugged coastline - Catalonia has much to offer. If you like to celebrate your arrival pick up a bottle of the local bubbly – Cava in Spain is often superior to it’s French counterpart – Champagne. Take a day trip or longer and explore the Penedés, the region famous hereabouts for it’s production of Cava.
Let’s take a ramble around Cava country. Salud!
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Read the entire post » Bubbly Spain – Cava country of the Penedés
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.
Read the entire post » 5 of the Strangest Fiestas – in Spain
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
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!
Artistic impressions in Spain: Picasso
February 25th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Ever spent a day at the art gallery and wondered where the masters of the brush and easel get their inspiration? In Spain, it’s more understandable, this is a country filled to the brim with romantic castles and palaces, a land of majestic mountains and steep valleys, the passion of the country and it’s culture flows with ease onto canvas and paper. Event the most amateur photographer can be transformed into David Bailey in Spain! Picasso went through many periods during his lifetime as an artist, let’s explore just one, and where he went for inspiration – Gósol in the province of Lleida, a short trip from Girona.
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Read the entire post » Artistic impressions in Spain: Picasso
Too many cooks in Spain
February 20th, 2013 by vernon
Can you have too much of a good thing when it comes to Spain?
No, of course not. And that applies to the wonderful food you can taste on your holiday travels around the country.
When it comes to Spanish food, there really cannot be too many cooks.
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Read the entire post » Too many cooks in Spain
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’s Natural Parks – Top 5 in Catalonia
January 29th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Having covered the Top 5 Natural Parks in the province of Andalucía, in the far South of Spain, let’s take a trip to the North. The difference in climate between the North and the South of Spain is clear when it comes to nature. Travel to Catalonia, and discover dramatic mountains, green meadows and rushing rivers. Take a Spanish holiday with an emphasis on healthy activities and nature. Let’s look at the Top 5 of Spain’s Natural Parks – in Catalonia.
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Read the entire post » Spain’s Natural Parks – Top 5 in Catalonia
The Catalan Pyrenees – a Cool Spot
December 27th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Mountains and Spain. A romantic notion, and most often conjured up when one thinks of the Sierra Nevada, the backdrop for the Alhambra Palace of Granada, and the frame of that picture perfect part of Andalucía. In France perhaps the first thought is of the Pyrenees, but remember that they have a Spanish side too! Gentler and less rugged than their French cousins, they make a popular hotspot – or rather cooler spot - for overheated Madrileños in Summer, and are a number one destination for the ski set in Winter. Whether you’re a two holiday a year person or not, take a second look at the Pyrenees, for a lofty holiday at any time of the year
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Read the entire post » The Catalan Pyrenees – a Cool Spot
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
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
Top 5 places in Spain to spend Christmas
November 23rd, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Where do you like to spend the festive season? Christmas is a time for families, and the idea of a relaxing time spent with loved ones is one to look forward to. But rewind there for a second…relaxing? Acres of shopping, cooking and cleaning combined with a drizzle or a downpour is hardly appealing.
Wind down in Spain instead, take the whole family along and choose one of our Top 5 destinations in which to spend a Spanish Christmas!
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Read the entire post » Top 5 places in Spain to spend Christmas
In the Buff? In Barcelona…
November 19th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
December is looming folks, and all that’s on your mind might be the big bearded fella in the red suit and lots of lists of things to do.
But take yourself for a pre season break to Spain – in particular to Barcelona – and you can do something different. Not quite relax, but something more energetic. The Buff Run takes place on the 16th December – and no, it’s not a naked dash! Clothes are required, in fact, fancy dress to be precise…Run this way please..
Read the entire post » In the Buff? In Barcelona…
Read the entire post » In the Buff? In Barcelona…
Beer tour of Spain – hop to it!
October 31st, 2012 by vernon
Here we go. We have taken a road trip tasting the wine of Spain, travelling north to south.
Now let us make the reverse journey seeing the towns and cities that are home to some of the most famous beers of Spain.
Those names you may be used to in your home country, or some new tastes for you when holidaying in Spain.
Read the entire post » Beer tour of Spain – hop to it!
Read the entire post » Beer tour of Spain – hop to it!
