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How do you like to arrive in Spain? In the traditional fashion, by air? Or by sailing to your destination? Or, perhaps, by train? First impressions are important and I have been very impressed when arriving at certain distinctive locations. 

Read the entire post » Trains and boats and planes

The good thing about Spanish summers is that I can have a nap in the afternoon. And not feel guilty. After all, it is too hot to go out. So i place myself in a horizontal position in my dark and cool bodega lounge and have a sleep. Just like the locals do. In summer they would not dream of letting the light or the heat into their cool houses. Darkness prevails. But i did come across a man once who could not wait to get home in order to chill out. So he did so under the sun. 

Read the entire post » Every Picture Tells a Story – Chilling Out

The hard hitting economic budget announced by the new Spanish government in the Spring of 2012 has received much publicity worldwide. But one of the many financial cuts announced in the budget did not attract much attention. The one that stated that the Spanish government would reduce their funding of making movies in Spain by a whopping thirty five per cent. That sent many a Spanish film director reeling. It may mean an end to some of the biggest films produced being shot on location in Spain. Which would be a pity. For so many destinations in Spain are famous thanks to the wonderful world of cinema.

Read the entire post » Spain on Film – the final cut

Spring has sprung in Spain.  The sun is growing stronger each day, and the countryside is erupting and unfurling with riotous colour, and heady scent. What better start to the season than a walking holiday in clean fresh air, under the Spanish sun? If you happen to choose the towns of Dénia or Javea as a base to hang your boots then you may be tempted by the view of El Montgó from your superb rented holiday home… Rising loftily to 753ft, what does this climb hold in store for you?  Let’s find out…!

Read the entire post » Spring walking – go to El Montgó

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. 

Read the entire post » Spain on film – take 2

If you have visited the Costa Blanca, then it was probably to fly into Alicante and maybe spend a couple of sunshine filled weeks on the beaches of Benidorm or the bustling city of Valencia.Perhaps you even enjoyed a quieter location in one of the fishing villages located up and down this lovely white coastline. And who would blame you? White sands, sunshine, water-sports, nightlife – it’s an attractive combination and the perfect antidote to the rest of the working year…let´s have a look at some of them and then travel inland and see what some of the other villages have to offer…Hire car? Let’s go!

Read the entire post » Day trip from the beach? – exploring the White Coast

We´re not talking about fried rice and sweet and sour noodles – the other sort of eastern – but the east coast of Spain. Well, actually maybe fried rice! Spanish food is celebrated all over the world, and happens to be pretty fashionable amongst foodies at the moment. Switch on to any weekend food programme or Rick Stein series and watch Chorizo, Almonds, Saffron or Paella as the main stars…tapas bars such as the excellent José from my Twitter friend José Pizarro are popping up everywhere, whether you live in London or Luxembourg. But the east coast specifically with it´s range of food developed over the years, introduced by invaders and visitors alike, is worth a mouth watering holiday…best bib on – let´s go!

Read the entire post » Eating Eastern – Spanish style

Spanish food….loved all over the world.  Rich Olive oil harvested from the sun drenched hillsides, plump Tomatoes full of Spanish sun, robust flavours of Garlic, Goats cheese and glorious Seafood from the North…The gastronomy is one of the strong forces that pull tourists to Spain every year, who would blame them?  But what about the Pudding? It seems Oranges are not the only fruit!

Let’s explore the delicious sweet course of Spain!

Read the entire post » Sweet Spain! Your Just Desserts…

When you think of a Spanish destination, what comes to mind?  High mountain villages, walking, climbing, sleepy inland idylls, the bustle of fashionable cities, galleries, cathedrals, gastronomy?  The trouble with Spain is, it’s so diverse, and offers so much, that it’s nearly impossible to settle for one thing.  Okay, so you’ve decided beach is best, but, hang on a minute, which hot Costa?! And why the name Costa anyway?

Read the entire post » A Spanish dilemma!…which Costa?

When arriving on the Costa Blanca it is tempting simply to spend every day on one of its many fine, long and sandy beaches. Understandable. But a mistake. Take those bare feet out of the sand and go discover parts of Spain that are within a size 7 hop away from the beach. In distance they are not far from the Costa Blanca. In all other regards, they are a million miles away from the tourist throng one expects in the most popular Spanish resorts.

Read the entire post » Sun, Shoes, Succulents and Sax

Why do we land in Spain and then immediately drive past the centre of the location at which we have arrived? Contrary to popular myth, Malaga is marvellous. Girona is great. And Alicante is a location that warrants a closer inspection than simply a quick look over your shoulder from behind the window of a car or coach. It’s a bad habit when it comes to seeing Spain.  No sooner has the plane landed, than people head off to the Costa del Sol, Costa Brava or Costa Blanca. All excellent destinations in their own right, no doubt. But the cities themselves are worthy of more than just a landing stage for your aircraft. Take time out at the start or end of your holiday and experience city life, Spanish style. Beginning with Alicante.

Read the entire post » Stop! Look! It’s Alicante

When people talk about Spanish wine they never speak of the excellent vino that hails from a corner of Murcia. Prior to going on a wine tasting tour of Yecla and Jumilla, I was always a Rioja man. But, as I write, there is now a bottle of the finest red from Jumilla in front of me. This area is, in every sense of the word, intoxicating.  

Read the entire post » Tasting Jumilla and Yecla

Villamartin is the name of a very popular urbanization and a World renowned golf course that borders it. Situated on the Costa Blanca, Orihuela, in the Province of Alicante. 

Read the entire post » Villamartin, Costa Blanca, Spain

According to a new study carried out by Experian Hitwise, Spain still tops the list for online flight searches by UK internet users. Monitoring millions of searches performed between May and July 2010, Malaga, Tenerife, Alicante, Barcelona and Majorca all came out in the top ten, pushing Spain way ahead of the other countries.

Read the entire post » Spain still tops the list for online flight searches

Travelling to Alicante in the upcoming month? Then you will be surrounded by national and international musicians brought together in one place to give the city an extra groove to the summer fun.

Read the entire post » International Summer Music Festival – Alicante

Marina Alta is a coastal district in the northernmost province of Alicante, and is known for having the most stunning landscape in Costa Blanca. It has a very complex terrain with numerous mountains, valleys and a rugged coastline with many cliffs and coves stretched along the Mediterranean.

Read the entire post » Diversity within the Marina Alta district