Posts Tagged ‘Catalonia’
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
Barcelona – the Spanish Grand Prix
April 16th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
A Spanish holiday, but with a bit of extra Va Va Voom? If you want to rev it up a few notches this year, and like the scents of leather and fuel more than sun cream, then head to Montmeló next month. It’s up in Barcelona, and petrol heads will be delighted to know it’s also the destination for the Spanish Grand Prix. Come on, get into gear!
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Read the entire post » Barcelona – the Spanish Grand Prix
Bubbly Spain – Cava country of the Penedés
April 15th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Holidaying this year in the North of Spain? Why not. Rolling countryside, vibrant cities, wild and rugged coastline - Catalonia has much to offer. If you like to celebrate your arrival pick up a bottle of the local bubbly – Cava in Spain is often superior to it’s French counterpart – Champagne. Take a day trip or longer and explore the Penedés, the region famous hereabouts for it’s production of Cava.
Let’s take a ramble around Cava country. Salud!
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Read the entire post » Bubbly Spain – Cava country of the Penedés
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
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
Artistic impressions in Spain: Picasso
February 25th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
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.
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Read the entire post » Artistic impressions in Spain: Picasso
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
The 10 Best Nudist Beaches in Spain
January 31st, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Getting away from it all, chilling out, sometimes means leaving all your worries behind. What about leaving your luggage at home too?’ Not all of it, you understand, even that well known Irish airline might object to you travelling that light! Just leave out the swimwear, wetsuit, sarong – but do remember the high factor sun lotion.
Go naked, visit some of the naturist beaches in Spain, there might be more than you think, and experience a holiday with a difference…here’s a quick tour of the 10 best nudist beaches to be found in Spain.
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Read the entire post » The 10 Best Nudist Beaches in Spain
Spain’s Natural Parks – Top 5 in Catalonia
January 29th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Having covered the Top 5 Natural Parks in the province of Andalucía, in the far South of Spain, let’s take a trip to the North. The difference in climate between the North and the South of Spain is clear when it comes to nature. Travel to Catalonia, and discover dramatic mountains, green meadows and rushing rivers. Take a Spanish holiday with an emphasis on healthy activities and nature. Let’s look at the Top 5 of Spain’s Natural Parks – in Catalonia.
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Read the entire post » Spain’s Natural Parks – Top 5 in Catalonia
January Saints – San Antonio – all over Spain!
January 2nd, 2013 by Carol Byrne
So you thought that the party was over? But it’s just getting started in Spain! This weekend sees the arrival into every village square and city plaza of the esteemed Three Kings, those noblemen bearing gifts. They’ll dress up and hand over gifts and throw sweets high in the air for the children to catch - Spanish Christmas, if you like. If later in the month is when you plan to visit, and you’re still in the mood for more fun and fiesta, then make it on one of the Saint’s days – celebrated somewhere in Spain, every day of the year!
Start with San Antonio – and book yourself into the Balearics!
Read the entire post » January Saints – San Antonio – all over Spain!
Read the entire post » January Saints – San Antonio – all over Spain!
The Catalan Pyrenees – a Cool Spot
December 27th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Mountains and Spain. A romantic notion, and most often conjured up when one thinks of the Sierra Nevada, the backdrop for the Alhambra Palace of Granada, and the frame of that picture perfect part of Andalucía. In France perhaps the first thought is of the Pyrenees, but remember that they have a Spanish side too! Gentler and less rugged than their French cousins, they make a popular hotspot – or rather cooler spot - for overheated Madrileños in Summer, and are a number one destination for the ski set in Winter. Whether you’re a two holiday a year person or not, take a second look at the Pyrenees, for a lofty holiday at any time of the year
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Read the entire post » The Catalan Pyrenees – a Cool Spot
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
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!
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Read the entire post » Hitting the slopes in Spain
Holidays are comin’- days off in December
November 27th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Nearly here, Christmas is just around that corner folks, and if you have been really, really good - have you?! - then perhaps you have a treat in store. Who would not like to find a holiday in Spain in their stocking this year?!
Perhaps you have decided on an early treat all to yourself? Good on you! If you do happen to plan a Spanish holiday in December, then take into account the extra days off planned for next month, and ensure that you aware of the dates – because when there’s a national holiday in Spain – don’t plan on going shopping!
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Read the entire post » Holidays are comin’- days off in December
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!
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Read the entire post » Top 5 places in Spain to spend Christmas
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…
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
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.
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Read the entire post » 3.3% increase in Spain’s tourism numbers
When is a sausage not a sausage…When it’s Spanish of course!
July 18th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Let’s follow on from the post on kitchen paraphernalia….So now you know your Cazuela from your Chino and the Sartén is out ready for breakfast….but what’s the best sausage to buy? Honestly, have you seen the choice in Spanish supermarkets? Whole aisles are dedicated to the not so humble sausage, just picking one type may take up a whole afternoon!
Head to the nearest bar and order up a café con leche and a tostada smeared with fresh tomato and take a few minutes to consider the different sausages on offer – you’ll be less baffled with a little meaty knowledge!
Read the entire post » When is a sausage not a sausage…When it’s Spanish of course!
Read the entire post » When is a sausage not a sausage…When it’s Spanish of course!
