Category ‘Costa Brava’
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
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.
Read the entire post » Arches and Architecture of Sant Feliu de Guíxols
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…
Read the entire post » Surreal Art Inspiration in Catalunya with Dalí
Read the entire post » Surreal Art Inspiration in Catalunya with Dalí
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.
Read the entire post » Too many cooks in Spain
Read the entire post » Too many cooks in Spain
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.
Read the entire post » Make Merry in March at the Barcelona Beer Festival
Read the entire post » Make Merry in March at the Barcelona Beer Festival
Be my Valentine – Top 4 Romantic Spanish Spots
January 17th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Love is in the air – now you shall be singing along all day. Hey, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – February 14th if you really need a reminder of the date. Forget the bunch of flowers from the garage – we always know – and remember boys, anything with a plug is not a present! What a girl wants is old fashioned romance. Simple. Now, if you were to somehow incorporate a Spanish holiday into that equation – you have a winning formula! Valentine’s day in Spain – how nice! Where are the Top 4 most romantic places to go?
Read the entire post » Be my Valentine – Top 4 Romantic Spanish Spots
Read the entire post » Be my Valentine – Top 4 Romantic Spanish Spots
What to do when it rains in Spain
October 20th, 2012 by vernon
It doesn’t happen very often in southern Spain, but what can do you do to pass the day when the heavens open and the rain falls on Spain?
After many months of dry weather you often get two or three days of heavy rain. So your holiday visit to the beach is off. What then?
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Read the entire post » What to do when it rains in Spain
The 10 best Spanish stadiums to watch football
October 17th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Ah… The Beautiful Game….watching a game of La Liga football on television is one thing, but actually attending a game is another thing altogether. The impossible bright green of the pitch, the roar of the crowd….
Spanish football is played differently from English football, tiki taka is a word you might hear, it´s because Spanish football is played more slowly and it´s a more technical game. Barcelona are the inventors of tiki taka – think of the seconds of a clock!
But, it´s still exciting to watch, and some of the stars are bigger – or think they are! – than the massive clubs that they play for…why not see for yourself? So let´s go to a game…
Read the entire post » The 10 best Spanish stadiums to watch football
Read the entire post » The 10 best Spanish stadiums to watch football
Sea View Spain
August 31st, 2012 by vernon
I once met an estate agent in Spain who told me that a sea view was overrated.
He had an alternative take on the benefits of a view of the Mediterranean or Atlantic oceans.
“People buying a house with a sea view soon get bored of it. Within months they take it for granted. After all, not much happens. Once in a while you see a boat and get excited, and that’s it. Until the next boat. Really, in truth, it’s just heaps of water.”
Well this inland living boy was on the coast the other day, admiring the sea view from the house of friends. And I for one was transfixed.
Read the entire post » Sea View Spain
Read the entire post » Sea View Spain
Spain on a plate
July 29th, 2012 by vernon
Taste is one of the five recognised senses. And what better way to sample the flavours of Spain than to taste the place via its food and drink. And that is just for starters.
That’s what cookery book author Claudia Roden spent several years doing as research for her new, sumptuous book called ‘The Food of Spain.’
I can think of less tasty ways to savour all a country like Spain has to offer.
Read the entire post » Spain on a plate
Read the entire post » Spain on a plate
The sweet smell of Spain
July 17th, 2012 by vernon
Which of your senses do you use when holidaying in Spain?
Sight, obviously. There are some wonderful sights to see in Spain. Your ears, quite possibly. As the sounds of Spain are a crucial ingredient of life in the country.
But what about your nose? Can you smell Spain?
Yes you can.
Read the entire post » The sweet smell of Spain
Read the entire post » The sweet smell of Spain
Photographic memories of Spain
July 11th, 2012 by vernon
We all take photographs as we travel around Spain. Whether we are on holiday in the wonderful country, or living and working in Spain.
And while my memory is not what it once was, I only have to look at my vast collection of photos taken all over Spain for memories of some magical places to come flooding back.
Like these.
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Read the entire post » Photographic memories of Spain
My favourite five coastal destinations
June 15th, 2012 by vernon
I was asked recently to name my favourite five coastal destinations in Spain.
One each from the Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa de La Luz, Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical.
A tough challenge. But here goes. My famous and favourite five.
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Read the entire post » My favourite five coastal destinations
Spanish shorts – Sa Riera
May 11th, 2012 by vernon
A friend remarked at how that when i write about the glory of Spain i can get carried away and write too much. Fair point. I do not set out to writer chapter and verse. It is simply that i allow my enthusiasm to get the better of me. There is so much good to be said about the country at a time when the news headlines about Spain are all doom and gloom.
There is much to celebrate about the country and every reason to holiday here. So stand by for some Spanish shorts. Not the type that would show my legs, they are not a good sight in Spain! But, coming up, some Spanish shorts that are worth noting.
Read the entire post » Spanish shorts – Sa Riera
Read the entire post » Spanish shorts – Sa Riera
Cafe culture in Spain – take it outside!
April 2nd, 2012 by vernon
I had my doubts that the chain smoking Spanish would be prepared to stand outside bars and cafes when the smoking ban was implemented two years ago. But i was wrong. In Spain, as in so many countries today, you can see customers stood outside in all weathers keeping up to their cigarette smoking habit.
And, as a result, cafe culture on the streets has taken off. There are now more and more outside seating areas. The irony, of course, is that those who used to sit outside to avoid the smoke may now opt to go inside in order to… avoid the smoke!
But is there a better way to soak up Spanish life than sitting outside a cafe or bar and watching the world go by?
No.
Read the entire post » Cafe culture in Spain – take it outside!
Read the entire post » Cafe culture in Spain – take it outside!
Near Girona, there’s Olot to see!
February 9th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Girona in the north of Spain is a lovely place in itself to visit or you may choose to fly in there with one of the budget airlines on your way to other parts of Catalonia.
But close to Girona you can visit a famous lake, a volcanic landscape, a monastery and enjoy walking in a Natural Park and visit medieval towns… so don’t just bypass this lovely area and head straight to the coast, hop in the hire car and explore instead!
Read the entire post » Near Girona, there’s Olot to see!
Read the entire post » Near Girona, there’s Olot to see!
A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
January 17th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Well, will she say yes?
To what? …..Your marriage proposal of course – St. Valentine’s day is just around the corner – next month – so if you’re going to do it – then propose in style in Spain. A weekend away as well as a sparkling diamond? How can she turn you down?!
Plan February 14th with sunshine in mind – take a trip to Romantic Spain and choose a special place to spring your surprise!
Read the entire post » A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
Read the entire post » A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
From Estartit to Les Medes – Costa Brava
January 13th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
The North coast of Spain – for the traveller used to the arid landscape of Andalucía – is a complete surprise. One small part of this green and varied Costa Brava coastline in Catalunya holds a delightful secret. Take a glass bottomed boat out from the resort of L´Estartit and discover underwater sea life and a little known paradise…the islands known as Les Medes.
Come on…dive in!
Read the entire post » From Estartit to Les Medes – Costa Brava
Read the entire post » From Estartit to Les Medes – Costa Brava
