Category ‘Galicia’
5 Historic Sites in Galicia
May 8th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Galicia - the North of Spain, Think of crashing waves, long deserted beaches, bracing cliff walks. Make yours a really historic holiday! See the sights, explore the area, and delve into the history. A healthy sort of holiday, especially when dinner involves a plate of really good fish, freshly caught and landed that morning. Thinking about it is enough to put a bit of colour in your cheeks – so go to Galicia this year and see another part of Spain. Let’s start with 5 of the best historical sites to see.
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Read the entire post » 5 Historic Sites in Galicia
5 Historic Jewish Sites in Spain
April 27th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Do you long for a little more than the norm when you take a Spanish holiday? Perhaps you like to explore the history of your destination, or yearn to dig a little more than skin deep?
Lovers of history, archaeological interest, or just lovers - these destinations make for great romantic breaks – will appreciate a look at some of the Jewish routes in Spain. Let’s see a few of them, 5 historic Jewish sites in Spain.
Read the entire post » 5 Historic Jewish Sites in Spain
Read the entire post » 5 Historic Jewish Sites in Spain
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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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.
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Read the entire post » St Patrick in Spain – The Luck of the Irish!
Tripadvisor adds Spain to Best Beaches list
February 22nd, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Breaking news! Tripadvisor as just released it’s Traveller’s Choice Awards. The coveted Best Beaches in the World list is always eagerly awaited by the travel industry, as much as the film industry and the upcoming Oscars, and this year – 2013 – not one, but two of them are in Spain – of course!
More proof that you needn’t go long haul to find the best beaches in the world – as voted for by you, the real experts.
Read the entire post » Tripadvisor adds Spain to Best Beaches list
Read the entire post » Tripadvisor adds Spain to Best Beaches list
Top traditional foods of Spain
January 18th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Self catering on a Spanish holiday means that you get to try out all of the great local foods. Traditional Spanish food is known the world over, but how much of it do you know, what have you tasted? Forget impersonal hotels and the ubiquitous buffet – try renting a beautiful Spanish holiday home and rustle up some local flavour instead. What will you try?
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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!
Read the entire post » Hitting the slopes in Spain
Read the entire post » Hitting the slopes in Spain
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!
Read the entire post » Top 5 places in Spain to spend Christmas
Read the entire post » Top 5 places in Spain to spend Christmas
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!
An October fiesta in Galicia – Seafood!
October 4th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Spain has a lot of holidays….I have to say, it makes it an attractive country to live in! We have local fiestas, national fiestas, holy days, puentes, whereupon if Tuesday should happen to be a day off, then Monday will almost certainly be too - no sense in breaking up a good party!
There are also different special days for every province, as well as national holidays, worth noting if you have booked your Spanish holiday to coincide arriving on one – bring emergency rations (wine and cheese!) because nothing, and I mean nothing will be open…
The two main national holidays to remember are December 6th – Constitution Day – and very soon October 12th - Fiesta Nacional. You can of course choose to celebrate with us in any art of Spain – but there’s a special party planned in Galicia.
Like seafood? You’ll love this one! Just remember to pack the Tartare sauce!
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Read the entire post » An October fiesta in Galicia – Seafood!
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.
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Read the entire post » Spain on a plate
Just Nuts about Spain
June 9th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Of course we are! And you are too….but today we’re talking the edible kind – nuts that grow in Spain and that are consumed in Spain at a high rate. I bet you have never had a Spanish meal that did not contain at least one form of nut….maybe you didn’t even realise. They’re used to add texture to dishes, to thicken soups, to make Turrón, to decorate and adorn. A great source of protein too, and a bit like beans of course the Spanish have a different name for each one! Let’s explore the humble nut and look at some of the delicious dishes produced here in Spain!
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Read the entire post » Just Nuts about Spain
Seeing Spain – religiously!
March 30th, 2012 by vernon
People tour Spain for all manner of reasons. Some for the scenery. Some for the variety of food on offer. Others to go walking or to watch Spanish football. All manner of people come to Spain for all manner of reasons.
I’m not a religious person but you don’t have to be in order to appreciate some of the finest locations and most impressive architecture on show across Spain. Churches, monasteries and convents are plentiful in Spain. And there are so very many religious monuments to see en route.
In part one of my biblical proportion tour across Spain, i begin with some small churches and big cathedrals.
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Read the entire post » Seeing Spain – religiously!
Getting the builders in…architecture in Spain
March 10th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
I have to be honest. A visit to a city or large town in Spain is a real pain in the neck.
Eh?
Well, half the time you will be craning your neck skywards, admiring the fascinating architecture, spirals and sculpture, gargoyles and saints, intricate carving and superb styles that depict Spain and it´s colourful – and sometimes chequered - history. Absolutely do buy a guidebook and swot up before you visit. But, hang on – what do all those terms actually mean? Let´s have a look…
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Read the entire post » Getting the builders in…architecture in Spain
Spain on film – take 2
February 27th, 2012 by vernon
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.
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Read the entire post » Spain on film – take 2
Lent in Spain
February 22nd, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Did you all have a flipping good time making pancakes yesterday? The traditional Shrove Tuesday pancakes, or crepes, are delicious anytime and often served in Spain as a snack as well as a dessert, with various toppings both sweet and savoury.
Today of course is Ash Wednesday, and the start of the season of Lent observed by the whole Catholic world, who in turn make up most of the Spanish population. The prelude to Easter - Semana Santa- the biggest and most celebrated festival here, and worth booking ahead in advance.
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Read the entire post » Lent in Spain
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!
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Read the entire post » A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
New Year Resolution – Spain….sunshine guaranteed!
December 26th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
So the gifts have been unwrapped and the turkey has been decimated – if you look at another leftover turkey sandwich or liqueur chocolate or watch another re run of The Wizard of Oz you´ll scream….
So pull up to the computer or switch on that laptop instead – but of course – you´re already here!
Why not spend a few rewarding moments perusing the site at Spain Holiday instead. Forget the cold weather outside your window, give the central heating a miss, browse the selection of holiday homes to rent and make 2012 the year to discover Spain and all it has to offer you – I can think of no better way to start the new year with a smile!
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Read the entire post » New Year Resolution – Spain….sunshine guaranteed!
A different side to Spain – the countryside and farmlands.
October 30th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
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…
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Read the entire post » A different side to Spain – the countryside and farmlands.
