Category ‘Travel news’
5 Reasons to Visit the Costa Blanca
March 8th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
The Costa Blanca. Sun, Sea, Sand. You already know the reasons why the Costa Blanca – the White Coast – is such a – literally – hotspot for tourists. But if you had to name just 5 reasons to visit, what would they be? What are your top reasons for booking up the Costa Blanca this year?
Read the entire post » 5 Reasons to Visit the Costa Blanca
Read the entire post » 5 Reasons to Visit the Costa Blanca
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
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…
San Sebastian voted as having the best food in the World
September 10th, 2012 by John Kramer
San Sebastian in Northern Spain has been voted as the greatest gastronomic destination in the World.
According to a panel of food experts, travel writers and critics, San Sebastian is the place to be if looking for gastronomic delights.
It came out top for its food culture, the quality of its restaurants and the quality of the food on offer.
Read the entire post » San Sebastian voted as having the best food in the World
Read the entire post » San Sebastian voted as having the best food in the World
Gran Canaria walking festival
September 10th, 2012 by John Kramer
The island of Gran Canaria is getting for its annual 5-day walking festival.
The five day celebration takes in some of the island’s most beautiful hikes. It starts on the 15th of September and runs until the 22nd. There are five different walks across five days.
Read the entire post » Gran Canaria walking festival
Read the entire post » Gran Canaria walking festival
Getting dirty in Granada – the Festival of Cascamorras
September 5th, 2012 by John Kramer
Spain is home to some pretty strange and wacky festivals. From baby jumping to celebrating near death experiences by carrying each other round in coffins – Spain has the lot!
The Festival of Cascamorras in the town of Baza is certainly up there with the strangest. Certainly the dirtiest.
Now classed as National Tourist Interest, it takes place yearly on the 6th of September.
Read the entire post » Getting dirty in Granada – the Festival of Cascamorras
Read the entire post » Getting dirty in Granada – the Festival of Cascamorras
3.3% increase in Spain’s tourism numbers
August 22nd, 2012 by John Kramer
According to figures just released today by Spain’s tourism ministry, 2012 is proving to be a great year for Spanish tourism.
Over 32,8 million international tourists arrived on Spanish shores in the first seven months of 2012. An increase of 3.3% over the same period last year.
Read the entire post » 3.3% increase in Spain’s tourism numbers
Read the entire post » 3.3% increase in Spain’s tourism numbers
Spain’s official Olympic uniform
July 18th, 2012 by John Kramer
Yes it really is as bad as expected.
The picture below has been causing quite a stir in social media circles with many people asking how Spain – a country full of great designers and home to the likes of Zara – could have outsourced the design of their official Olympic uniform to Bosco (that’s right Bosco…), a Russian company.
Read the entire post » Spain’s official Olympic uniform
Read the entire post » Spain’s official Olympic uniform
Staying cool under the Spanish sun
June 30th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Whew….¡Que calor! It´s hot and getting hotter…
This last month of June saw extremely high temperatures hit Spain – last week was more like mid July.
That might be music to your ears if you spend 50 weeks of the year in the drizzle under the grey skies of Northern Europe, and indeed the sunshine is just what you want for your hard earned fortnight away from work.
But unless you want to explore Spanish hospitals instead of the wonderful country and customs, then take heed and keep your cool.
Sensible sun worshiping means safe tanning and respect for the intense rays…let´s have a quick check-list before you fry…sorry…fly!
Read the entire post » Staying cool under the Spanish sun
Read the entire post » Staying cool under the Spanish sun
The Science Park, Granada – Parque de las Ciencias
June 6th, 2012 by John Kramer
The science park, known as the Parque de las Ciencias in Spanish, is based just outside the center of Granada. It makes a fantastic day-out for all the family.
It is one of Andalucia‘s largest and best museums.
Read the entire post » The Science Park, Granada – Parque de las Ciencias
Read the entire post » The Science Park, Granada – Parque de las Ciencias
Waving the Royal flag in Spain – a jubilant Jubilee
May 30th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Wherever you choose to spend the month of June, there´s no getting away from the Big Party. Whether you have a street party at home in Blighty - don´t forget to bring the umbrella! - watch the celebrations on the box, or maybe even fly to Spain for some guaranteed sunshine! Where will you be?
Read the entire post » Waving the Royal flag in Spain – a jubilant Jubilee
Read the entire post » Waving the Royal flag in Spain – a jubilant Jubilee
Gardening for green fingers in Valencia
April 11th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
You´ll just have to face facts…! Your Summer gardening will consist of either a hosepipe ban, or a wash out, depending on the British and Irish weather – and as for an outdoor party or barbeque – ha! - forget it!
If you are of the common garden variety then come to Spain instead 
… and explore some sumptuous gardens open to the public – let´s try out the beautiful region of Valencia – it´s not all just Orange trees you know…!
Read the entire post » Gardening for green fingers in Valencia
… and explore some sumptuous gardens open to the public – let´s try out the beautiful region of Valencia – it´s not all just Orange trees you know…! Read the entire post » Gardening for green fingers in Valencia
Bus stop – La Alpujarra
April 8th, 2012 by vernon
The public transport service in Spain is excellent. So much of the attention is always on the high speed train service that now covers so much of the country and allows you to travel between the major cities at high speed.
But what if you want to see the country outside your window? Some trains go so fast it is difficult to take in the scenery.
I catch the bus. I think the superb coach network is a great way to see Spain.
Read the entire post » Bus stop – La Alpujarra
Read the entire post » Bus stop – La Alpujarra
Butterfly park in Benalmadena
February 6th, 2012 by John Kramer
Benalmadena is home to Europe’s largest butterfly park.
Opened last year in conjunction with the local town hall (they provided the land), the park has proved to be a resounding success. Visiting it makes a great day out for all the family.
Read the entire post » Butterfly park in Benalmadena
Read the entire post » Butterfly park in Benalmadena
Parque La Bateria, Torremolinos, Costa del Sol
January 16th, 2012 by John Kramer
Parque la Bateria is another one of those parks, that is literally a hidden gem when travelling with children.
Despite being in one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular destinations, Torremolinos, it is still relatively undiscovered by foreign visitors.
As with the neighbouring Parque de la Paloma in Benalmadena, its the kind of place that will keep the whole family entertained for hours and all completely free.
Read the entire post » Parque La Bateria, Torremolinos, Costa del Sol
Read the entire post » Parque La Bateria, Torremolinos, Costa del Sol
Barcelona to build huge indoor ski run by 2015
January 10th, 2012 by John Kramer
Recent articles in the Guardian and the French newspaper Le Monde have stated that Barcelona is set to build a huge indoor snow centre. It is due to be completed in 2015. The entire structure is going to be carbon neutral.
Despite being situated under two hours away from ski resorts in the Pyrenees, this new centre promises to be one of kind. People can swim in the Mediterranean and ski, all within the same city.
Read the entire post » Barcelona to build huge indoor ski run by 2015
Read the entire post » Barcelona to build huge indoor ski run by 2015
A new era – the UK’s jet-setting toddlers
January 10th, 2012 by John Kramer
A recent survey has clearly demonstrated our changing travelling patterns.
Children of today will have been abroad four times by the time they reach ten.
Thirty years ago, 65% of children had never travelled by the age of ten and if they had, the most probable destination was a local seaside town.
The most visited family holiday destination was Cornwall…..now, its, you guessed it, sunny SPAIN.
Read the entire post » A new era – the UK’s jet-setting toddlers
Read the entire post » A new era – the UK’s jet-setting toddlers
Malaga’s Palmeral de las Sorpresas
January 2nd, 2012 by John Kramer
Malaga’s port has been undergoing some massive reforms and expansions.
One of the oldest ports in the World with over three thousand years of antiquity, it is now the second most important cruise terminal in Spain. Bringing thousands of passengers onto Malaga’s sunny shores.
The Port is conveniently located right in the city centre, within easy walking distance to most of Malaga’s cultural and historical highlights.
It is also a great place to stop off for some lunch and a rest when exploring Malaga’s sights.
Read the entire post » Malaga’s Palmeral de las Sorpresas
Read the entire post » Malaga’s Palmeral de las Sorpresas
2011 – third best year on record for tourism figures
December 24th, 2011 by John Kramer
2011 is set to be, the third best year in history, for Spanish tourism figures.
According to recent reports, 54 million tourists have visited Spain so far this year. This number is set to increase to 57 million, by year-end. A 7.7% increase on the figures for 2010.
2007 is still the best year on record, with 59.2 million travellers and is closely followed by tourism figures from 2006, when 58.4 million people visited Spain.
Read the entire post » 2011 – third best year on record for tourism figures
Read the entire post » 2011 – third best year on record for tourism figures
Raise a glass of Anis, say cheers in Chinchón!
December 11th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
What a delightfully named place! Don’t you agree?!
Where will you find it? Just a short 50km southeast of the capital city, Madrid.
Come see why Madrileños flock there for their long weekends and Sundays out…take a trip and see what attractions that Chinchón has to offer!
Read the entire post » Raise a glass of Anis, say cheers in Chinchón!
