Posts Tagged ‘Europe’

Carol Byrne
Think January – think cold winds, sleet and snow…No! Think again! Log onto Spain Holiday and browse the selection of properties in the Canary Islands for this coming January.  Why? Well, if you enjoy the elegant strains of classical music, then you are in for a treat. What´s the occasion? The Canary Islands International Music Festival held throughout January and February,  on the major islands.  So book now for a holiday with a difference – and sunshine too of course!

Read the entire post » Classical Music – listen in style on the Canary Islands
Carol Byrne
As you peel that Valencian Orange and bite into the juicy segments, or tuck into a delicious Paella whilst on holiday at the local fiesta – you may be forgiven for imagining the Spain you see is all about Sun, Sea and Sangria…. but a thriving agricultural layer survives here too – and it´s not just about the rice and the oranges! -  although they are an important part of the fabric of Spain too… Hop into your wellies and Barbour jacket, and let´s look at the farming patterns of Spain…

Read the entire post » A different side to Spain – the countryside and farmlands.

Acting, Art and ….Aubergines? Almagro!

July 31st, 2011 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
In the province of Ciudad Real, Castile la Mancha, you will find the city of Almagro – nestled within the hills of the Paleozoic mountain range.  A volcanic region, the landscape is interesting, but the city more so.  Totally rebuilt and conserved in the original style, it offers you more sights than you can shake a stick at.  Add in a little theatrical glamour and you can discover a city of surprises not a million miles from Madrid. So book your flight to Barajas airport and enjoy Almagro in August!



Read the entire post » Acting, Art and ….Aubergines? Almagro!

Fun, fiesta and fireworks – Lloret de Mar

July 21st, 2011 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
A holiday that will appeal to everyone?  Families, groups of singles, couples, lone travelers…? Yes, it is possible on the Spanish Costa Brava, everything you could ask for and easily accessible – fun filled activity holidays, beach relaxation holidays, walking and beautiful scenery and a huge choice of gastronomic delights – head north, to Lloret de Mar and the surrounding towns and villages and you won’t be disappointed! Come for the Fiesta this week!

Read the entire post » Fun, fiesta and fireworks – Lloret de Mar
Carol Byrne
In the province of Huelva, Andalucía - Doñana National Park, named after the Duchess of Medina Sidonia,is regarded as one of the most important wildlife havens in Europe.   Protected since 1969 and a World Heritage UNESCO site since 1994, covering over 75,000 hectares this immense wildlife haven is a must-see for any nature lover. Hop aboard, let’s take the tour….

Read the entire post » A day with the Duchess – Doñana – Huelva
Carol Byrne
  The translation of the name from the Arabic certainly seems to suit this most eastern capital of Andalucía. The visitor can also reflect from the hilltop Moorish Alcazaba (the second largest fortification after the Alhambra palace in Granada) and it’s large palm filled gardens, sweeping down to the bustling port and city centre below. The port manages to combine a ferry terminal, fishing port and marina. Also the castle sets the scene for one of the best views of the Barrio de la Chanca, or cave quarter carved into the rocks. Looking down over the wall of Jayrán you might be surprised to see zebra and ostrich strolling around, this is the Centre for Rescue of Animals of the Sahara, nothing to do with that wine at lunchtime!

Read the entire post » The city of Almería – the Mirror of the Sea
John Kramer
Uswitch.com has just published a study has concluded that Britain and Ireland have the poorest qualities of life in Europe. France, for the second year running, has come out on top, closely followed by Spain.

Read the entire post » UK is bottom of the list for European quality of life study
John Kramer
Newspapers across Europe are dominated by the deportation of gypsies from France and Italy. The European Union has gone as far to declare it “a disgrace” and is threatening some form of disciplinary action.  A community that is used to living on the fringes of society is suddenly thrust into the spot light. One country that is increasing held as an example for successful integration is Spain.

Read the entire post » Gypsy integration in Spain seen as a example for Europe
John Kramer
Figures recently released at Europe’s biggest environmental fair, the Biofach in Germany, have confirmed that Spain has overtaken Italy as the number producer of organic produce in Europe. Spain has 1.25 million hectares certified as organic, Italy has 1.15 million.

Read the entire post » Spain is now Europe’s largest producer of organic food