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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.

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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

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.

Read the entire post » Artistic impressions in Spain: Picasso

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?

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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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So what events, places or celebrations would I miss about Spain were the aliens to land tomorrow and beam me up to a planet where fiestas are unheard of, where a siesta comes in the form of a device like something from the Woody Allen film ‘Sleeper’ and where paella is considered to be a food only suitable for creatures who require plenty of salt to survive. A friend asked me the following question recently. What are my unmissable bits of Spain? Those i would go back to see for a repeat performance.

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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. 

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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!

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

I love the fact that I don’t pay for bottled water in Spain. I just fill up at the natural springs and drink what is, at many times of the year, snow melt. There are many ways the waters of Spain can refresh you. People swear by its restorative powers. Some even claim it has cured them of long term health problems.

Read the entire post » In Spain? Then take the water

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

For decades Spain has attracted big names from the world of literature, music, cinema, politics and sport. They have sought sun and seclusion. Success in showbiz or the arts has led many an author, musician, actor or footballer to buy a home in Spain. Many fell in love with the country and never returned to the UK. For others it provides a hideaway. A peaceful setting from which to get inspiration for the next record or book. A pool to sit by where you can read your lines for the next part in a Hollywood blockbuster. When so called ‘A listers’ move to Spain they hope it will go unnoticed by the press and the glossy magazines. But it never does. However, there are many people in the public eye who do manage to live some of the year in Spain and be largely anonymous.

Read the entire post » Seeing Stars in Spain

It was unlucky for me that i visited the northern Costa Brava location called Roses during a period of very strong winds. But it mattered little. This is a delightful destination that, whatever the weather, is blooming lovely. And that is where the puns end. Possibly!

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When touring Spain you cannot help but come across pretty villages and towns. It goes with the territory. I never expected to find so many when i arrived in the northern part of the Costa Brava. I think the ‘three P’ villages of Palafrugell, Pals, Peratallada are a delight. Then there is the town Begur. Which is so so beautiful it positively beggars belief. 

Read the entire post » Believe in Begur