Posts Tagged ‘costa brava’
City Heat – Top 5 City Breaks in Spain
April 29th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
City breaks – our favourite type of mini break and the total antithesis from where we live. A rural setting in some of the cleanest air in Europe is wonderful but sometimes a little bit of carbon monoxide is called for! A few short days in the city is a treat and a cultural top up, and needn’t cost the earth either. Spanish cities are worth exploring more than most. Let’s take a quick look at the Top 5 city breaks in Spain, for that next weekend away.
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Read the entire post » City Heat – Top 5 City Breaks in Spain
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
Arches and Architecture of Sant Feliu de Guíxols
March 27th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Picking up the latest copy of the archaeology magazine, Medieval, this week, it automatically fell open to reveal pages and pages of the stunning architecture of a hidden gem in Catalunya. The magazine itself, although Spanish, celebrates archaeology, history and travel all over the world, it’s a great buy, even if you are just looking at the pictures!
The article in question centred around the parochial church, which is the Monastery – Monasterio de Sant Feliu de Guíxols – but there’s so much more to this special place on the Spanish Costa Brava – let’s take a closer look.
Read the entire post » Arches and Architecture of Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Read the entire post » Arches and Architecture of Sant Feliu de Guíxols
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…
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Read the entire post » Surreal Art Inspiration in Catalunya with Dalí
Too many cooks in Spain
February 20th, 2013 by vernon
Can you have too much of a good thing when it comes to Spain?
No, of course not. And that applies to the wonderful food you can taste on your holiday travels around the country.
When it comes to Spanish food, there really cannot be too many cooks.
Read the entire post » Too many cooks in Spain
Read the entire post » Too many cooks in Spain
Be my Valentine – Top 4 Romantic Spanish Spots
January 17th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
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?
Read the entire post » Be my Valentine – Top 4 Romantic Spanish Spots
Read the entire post » Be my Valentine – Top 4 Romantic Spanish Spots
January in Spain. Part 2 Barcelona
December 16th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
A picture speaks a thousand words. Or so they say. In this case, it’s certainly true. To continue with our mini guide for January in Spain and the events that will take place , let’s take a trip to beautiful Barcelona - where you might like to attend the Fotografía World Press Photo Exhibition. Come and see for yourself the most moving and impacting images from the lens of the World Press from news stores over the past year.
And of course, a real bonus, there’s always Barcelona too!
Read the entire post » January in Spain. Part 2 Barcelona
Read the entire post » January in Spain. Part 2 Barcelona
What to do when it rains in Spain
October 20th, 2012 by vernon
It doesn’t happen very often in southern Spain, but what can do you do to pass the day when the heavens open and the rain falls on Spain?
After many months of dry weather you often get two or three days of heavy rain. So your holiday visit to the beach is off. What then?
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Read the entire post » What to do when it rains in Spain
Sea View Spain
August 31st, 2012 by vernon
I once met an estate agent in Spain who told me that a sea view was overrated.
He had an alternative take on the benefits of a view of the Mediterranean or Atlantic oceans.
“People buying a house with a sea view soon get bored of it. Within months they take it for granted. After all, not much happens. Once in a while you see a boat and get excited, and that’s it. Until the next boat. Really, in truth, it’s just heaps of water.”
Well this inland living boy was on the coast the other day, admiring the sea view from the house of friends. And I for one was transfixed.
Read the entire post » Sea View Spain
Read the entire post » Sea View Spain
The sweet smell of Spain
July 17th, 2012 by vernon
Which of your senses do you use when holidaying in Spain?
Sight, obviously. There are some wonderful sights to see in Spain. Your ears, quite possibly. As the sounds of Spain are a crucial ingredient of life in the country.
But what about your nose? Can you smell Spain?
Yes you can.
Read the entire post » The sweet smell of Spain
Read the entire post » The sweet smell of Spain
My favourite five coastal destinations
June 15th, 2012 by vernon
I was asked recently to name my favourite five coastal destinations in Spain.
One each from the Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa de La Luz, Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical.
A tough challenge. But here goes. My famous and favourite five.
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Read the entire post » My favourite five coastal destinations
Spanish shorts – Sa Riera
May 11th, 2012 by vernon
A friend remarked at how that when i write about the glory of Spain i can get carried away and write too much. Fair point. I do not set out to writer chapter and verse. It is simply that i allow my enthusiasm to get the better of me. There is so much good to be said about the country at a time when the news headlines about Spain are all doom and gloom.
There is much to celebrate about the country and every reason to holiday here. So stand by for some Spanish shorts. Not the type that would show my legs, they are not a good sight in Spain! But, coming up, some Spanish shorts that are worth noting.
Read the entire post » Spanish shorts – Sa Riera
Read the entire post » Spanish shorts – Sa Riera
Cafe culture in Spain – take it outside!
April 2nd, 2012 by vernon
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.
Read the entire post » Cafe culture in Spain – take it outside!
Read the entire post » Cafe culture in Spain – take it outside!
Near Girona, there’s Olot to see!
February 9th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
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!
Read the entire post » Near Girona, there’s Olot to see!
From Estartit to Les Medes – Costa Brava
January 13th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
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!
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Read the entire post » From Estartit to Les Medes – Costa Brava
How best to see Barcelona
December 15th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
A fantastic city break, Barcelona is one of those places where you book a weekend with the intention of a few days away, and there is just so much to see that you immediately plan another visit as soon as you come home!
A romantic weekend for two in February celebrating St Valentine´s day in style, wander solo on a Gaudi pilgrimage if you´re an art afficionado, or take the whole family and see the city in style.
But what´s the best way to get around? Well….. choices abound!
Read the entire post » How best to see Barcelona
Read the entire post » How best to see Barcelona
Costa Brava amongst the ‘Best of the World Destinations 2012’
November 28th, 2011 by Louise Brace
The stunning region of the Costa Brava in Catalonia has been voted as one of the world’s Best Travel Destinations 2012. The awards which were presented in the National Geographic Traveler Magazine, chose 20 destinations, which they claim all hold promise for improving mind, body and spirit.
Read the entire post » Costa Brava amongst the ‘Best of the World Destinations 2012’
Read the entire post » Costa Brava amongst the ‘Best of the World Destinations 2012’
People I’ve met in Spain – part 1
October 28th, 2011 by vernon
On my travels around Spain you are struck by how vast the country is. By how varied it is. And by how, when you take into account how big the country is, just how underpopulated Spain is.
But in among those people are some very interesting characters.
You see travelling through Spain is not simply about seeing the sights. Taking photographs of monuments such as the La Sagrada Familia (still a work in progress) or the Alhambra Palace in Granada (in essence a reform that just happens to be the biggest tourist attraction in Spain).
It is about the people you meet en route.
Read the entire post » People I’ve met in Spain – part 1
Read the entire post » People I’ve met in Spain – part 1
Barrio Poblenou: Where Barcelona meets the sea
October 17th, 2011 by Louise Brace
Poblenou (catalan for New Village) is a popular barrio neighbourhood in the Sant Marti district of Barcelona. Where the city reaches down to the Mediterranean Sea at the Mar Bella Beach; with Sant Adrià del Besòs to the east, Parc de Ciutadella to the west and Horta-Guinardó and Sant Andreu to the north. Poblenou is by far one of the more dynamic neighbourhoods of Barcelona, combining old-style charm, with cutting edge architecture and, of course, the beach…
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Read the entire post » Barrio Poblenou: Where Barcelona meets the sea
Missed museums of Spain – Part 2
October 6th, 2011 by vernon
So we have established that there are museums for every age, interest and taste in Spain.
True, there have been one or two notable casualties recently. Expensive white elephant museums that have closed their doors almost before the paint has dried.
But there are some very well established museums all over Spain that continue to be popular, despite not being promoted heavily by local tourist offices.
In part one i came across ships in Sanlúcar, planes in Malaga and football in Barcelona.
Here’s a few more for your must see list.
Read the entire post » Missed museums of Spain – Part 2
Read the entire post » Missed museums of Spain – Part 2
