Posts Tagged ‘Granada’
Wild Spring Plants of Andalucía
May 15th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Go take a hike. Venture into the countryside – the Campo – of Andalucía at this time of year and take a deep breath and and a lasting look.
The countryside, as far as the eye can see, is covered with a colourful and sweet smelling blanket of wild flowers and herbs. A walk in the stunning Alpujarras at this time of year will lower your blood pressure, set your pulse to a slow rhythm and you’ll experience that feel-good factor, in some of the freshest air in Europe.
Take a second look at the wild Spring plants of Andalucía, and their uses.
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Read the entire post » Wild Spring Plants of Andalucía
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
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
Using your 5 senses in Spain
April 9th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
A holiday in Spain will leave you with all sorts of lingering, beautiful memories. Uploading your photographs when you get back home is all part of the pleasure, remembering each sun filled day out, that great Paella, the gorgeous beach you chose when you booked that perfect holiday home. Spain will fill all of your senses, and leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. What are your special memories of your best Spanish holiday?
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Wandering in Granada, a fresh look at the Alhambra
April 7th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Sometimes you just want a different perspective on something familiar.
Yesterday, we found ourselves in Granada, and spent a few sun filled hours wandering the narrow streets of Sacromonte and the Albaicin – leading up to the stunning Alhambra. Avoiding the hordes of tourists until the last moment, we dodged the main plazas and souvenir filled streets in favour of the local areas. A little edgy, a graffiti filled world opened up to us, as well as an insight into day to day life in the shadow of the most beautiful palace in Spain. Take a wander around Granada, and take a fresh look at the Alhambra palace and it’s surroundings.
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Read the entire post » Wandering in Granada, a fresh look at the Alhambra
Spring Flowers in Spain – in Photographs
March 31st, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Think of Spain in Springtime and you’ll probably conjure up thoughts of early sunshine, long stretches of sandy beaches, vibrant cities celebrating their Spring fairs. Well, yes, all that too, but more awaits if you venture out into the countryside of Spain during this most fragrant of months. Take a picnic, pack a blanket, and take a drive. Stop in some of the best countryside in Europe, the Alpujarras mountains and it’s foothills, and take a stroll. Like nature and wild flowers? Like to browse some wild flora photos? You’ll love this!
Read the entire post » Spring Flowers in Spain – in Photographs
Read the entire post » Spring Flowers in Spain – in Photographs
Cold and Wet? Ski and have Fun in Spain!
March 6th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Most of us woke up to a layer of white this morning – snow that is. Here in the Alpujarra mountains the ground was covered with a few inches, the views to the Sierra Nevada were simply stunning this morning. Unlike the UK, things won’t grind to a halt – but work for many will probably stop – it’s time for some fun in the sun – and the snow – literally, Solynieve. The general rule of thumb is if it rains or snows lightly on the Alpujarra, it will result in a layer of thick snow up there! Fancy some fresh air? Consider a Ski trip in the South of Spain – it’s not just for the beach!
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A day in the life of… Almuñécar
February 27th, 2013 by vernon
Many a popular Spanish town or city has its special day of the week.
The day when more people visit the place than on any other day of the week. It is often market day. And, at all times of the year, that day in Almuñécar is Friday.
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Read the entire post » A day in the life of… Almuñécar
Statuesque Spain
February 24th, 2013 by vernon
Spain is jam packed full of statues.
You must have noticed them when you go walkabout on your holiday in the country.
You cannot walk far in a city or town without passing several statues. While they get sat upon (and something else upon) by birds; surely they must represent points of interest to all of us.
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Read the entire post » Statuesque Spain
Spain in black and white
February 22nd, 2013 by vernon
We have grown accustomed to taking colour photographs on our travels. Spain looks great in colour. The vibrancy of the country lends itself to it.
But many people holidaying in Spain grew up in the era of black and white photography. And I have been taking a look at the country through a monochrome lens.
And I can reveal Spain looks great in black and white.
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Read the entire post » Spain in black and white
Head for the hills – take a picnic in Spain
February 5th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
The sky is azure blue, the birds are singing, daytime temperatures are climbing and the Almond is in full fluffy blossom. Wait a minute, it’s still only February, right? Right. And this is Spain. Even up here at altitude in the Alpujarras mountains the day’s heat will fool you completely into thinking that you have been transported straight to late Spring.
So, make the most of your self catering holiday, think al fresco, pack a picnic and a blanket, and head for the hills!
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Read the entire post » Head for the hills – take a picnic in Spain
February Festivals – San Cecilio in Granada
January 30th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
You’ve thrown off the blanket of UK Winter and decided on some early sunshine – good for you! Escape the dark days and long nights and head for the Winter sunshine of Southern Spain, where the sunrise and sunset are just incredible this time of year, and the views stunning. Have you recovered from all of the New Year parties and festive fun? Great – let’s indulge in a little more then – head for Granada and help to celebrate a Saint for February – it’s the day of San Cecilio – and Granada is planning a party.
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Read the entire post » February Festivals – San Cecilio in Granada
Horses for Courses
January 26th, 2013 by vernon
Lots of people visit Spain to go horse riding. And it is indeed a splendid way to see the countryside. Man and thoroughbred beast united amid stunning scenery and dramatic landscape.
And for those who are at one with horse flesh, there is lots to make you want to keep coming back on holiday to Spain. If you have always thought about going riding, but never got around to doing so, I cannot think of a better country in which to saddle up for the first time than Spain.
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Read the entire post » Horses for Courses
Every picture tells a story in the province of Granada
January 23rd, 2013 by vernon
When you take a holiday in Spain you will go home with lots of photographs. Be they taken on a normal, proper camera. Or via your mobile telephone.
Some will be more memorable than others.
From my vast travels around the varied landscape of Spain, I am going to share some of mine with you. Beginning in the province of Granada, here are some of my favourites.
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Read the entire post » Every picture tells a story in the province of Granada
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
Spain by night
January 14th, 2013 by vernon
One of the best aspects about holidaying in Spain is that you can see so much in the evening.
At almost all times of the year, and in the majority of destinations, it is warm enough to wander the streets of a Spanish city, town or coastal location and savour all that is on offer.
And there is little finer than doing what the locals do at night. Promenading!
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Read the entire post » Spain by night
January in Spain – What’s on – Part 1 Granada
December 14th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
January is a funny old time. All the planning and excitement of Christmas can leave you feeling as deflated as that last lonely balloon you forgot to take down.
It’s also a time for resolutions – why not make your first one a decision to spend more time on holiday this year?
That doesn’t have to be expensive, Spain Holiday have plenty of Budget Options available, all over the country, so even if you have overspent at Christmas, there should still be some room for a treat. There’s always something going on here in Spain, and flights can be cheap if you look hard before you book. What’s on in January? Let’s take a look…
Read the entire post » January in Spain – What’s on – Part 1 Granada
Read the entire post » January in Spain – What’s on – Part 1 Granada
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
Celts. The Winter Solstice. Which Spanish destination?
November 22nd, 2012 by Carol Byrne
For such a Catholic country, Spain does like to celebrate it’s Celtic beginnings! Then again, perhaps Spain just likes to celebrate. Full stop!
The Winter Solstice is another important date on the Celtic and Spanish calender, marked out each year on the same date, December 21st.
Choose a stunning destination and a winter holiday to enjoy the start of something new, and where better to have a winter holiday than Spain?
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Read the entire post » Celts. The Winter Solstice. Which Spanish destination?
The airport run – Part 1. Malaga-Granada
November 15th, 2012 by vernon
So you have to go and pick up friends or loved ones at an airport in Spain, but you want to make a day of it. Stop off for lunch perhaps. Or see one of those tourist attractions you have always meant to visit, but never got around to seeing.
Where to go en route to and from the airport?
Read the entire post » The airport run – Part 1. Malaga-Granada
Read the entire post » The airport run – Part 1. Malaga-Granada
