Spain-holiday.com/blog

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. 

Read the entire post » Spain in black and white

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.

Read the entire post » Horses for Courses

Taking a riding holiday in Spain is fast becoming ever more popular. The country and the countryside lends itself to being seen in this way. Those who are not troubled by the idea of becoming saddle sore love coming to Spain and getting a leg up on these unique horses. The Andalusian thoroughbred horse is a classy creature and there are so many lovely locations in Spain that are seen best from the saddle. 

Read the entire post » Saddle up in Spain

Parents will know all about those words they hear from the rear of the holiday hire car. Words guaranteed to send a chill down the spine of mummy or daddy. Two words. What’s that? An almost inevitable utterance from children who see something out of the car window. A sight they are not used to seeing when at home. So, here are some answers to that annoying question. What is that?

Read the entire post » I spy in Spain

Grapes are all around me. A friend cannot give me enough. A neighbour has land where I am encouraged to take as many grapes as I wish. If things carry on this way I will soon be running my own bodega. But there is no need to. There are plenty for you and me to visit throughout Spain. So let’s go on a road trip. You can drink. I will drive.

Read the entire post » Time to wine in Spain

Men who are into golf will be watching the Ryder Cup with the passion they reserve for this annual event. In 1997 Spain became the first country in continental Europe to stage the event. Year after year men who love to play golf board aircraft to show off their green skills at golf courses all over Spain. With the sheer quantity of golf facilities on offer in the country, you could be forgiven for thinking Spain invented the game.

Read the entire post » Golf in Spain – the ‘hole’ truth

What do you notice when on holiday in Spain? The people? The places you drive by? The beautiful beaches or magnificent monuments? Probably all those. But i am always taken by how people on holiday here notice the animals of Spain. Indeed, i am as guilty as the next person for giving them a name. Why do we do that? And my treasured photo album of Spain is full of the animals of Spain.

Read the entire post » Animal magic in Spain

Wherever Paul Simon was thinking of when writing the classic hit record, ‘The Sound of Silence’, one thing is for sure. He wasn’t dedicating the song to Spain. The Spanish love noise. They would feel bereft without it. But what are the sounds of Spain? The loud ones, and the less intrusive, quiet ones. And where should you go to hear them?

Read the entire post » Sounding out Spain

Taste is one of the five recognised senses. And what better way to sample the flavours of Spain than to taste the place via its food and drink. And that is just for starters. That’s what cookery book author Claudia Roden spent several years doing as research for her new, sumptuous book called ‘The Food of Spain.’ I can think of less tasty ways to savour all a country like Spain has to offer.

Read the entire post » Spain on a plate

Before the outbreak of the Civil War, Laurie Lee made his way from northern Spain to the south. He stayed in Zamora and Toro on his way to Valladolid. Heading south, en route to Almuñécar (see part 1 feature), he spent time in Cadiz and Malaga. But it was in Seville that he first experienced the true character of Andalusia. Judging from what he writes, both places have improved greatly in the intervening years. 

Read the entire post » Laurie Lee on Spain – Part 2, Savouring Seville

It was announced this week that one of the newest museums in Spain is to close. The Niemeyer Centre in Avilés will shut its doors after only six months. The arts centre cost 44 million euros and opened to a fanfare. A new regional government in Asturias has said the building will shut because of “financial irregularities.” It may open again next year. The people of Avilés took to the streets to protest. They had hoped the futuristic new building would do for that city what the Guggenheim museum did for Bilbao. It is indisputable that, in some major Spanish citities, those working in the tourism industry are encouraged to send everyone to the same places. Hence why a few are packed and others are empty. So here is my tribute to just a few of the lesser known, inexpensive museums of Spain. There are many more where they came from.

Read the entire post » Missed museums of Spain – Part 1

I was alarmed recently when speaking with Spanish friends at how they fear for the future of flamenco – in all its forms. How can a cornerstone of Spanish culture be under threat? Surely there are still many locations in Spain that promote flamenco and keep it thriving.

Read the entire post » Finding Flamenco

For over 50 years the Osborne bull has graced the Spanish roads and countryside and has become more than just a simple advertising campaign. Today the famous bull is regarded as the unofficial national symbol of Spain. But what is the story behind it?

Read the entire post » The Osborne Bull dominating the Spanish Landscape

It is all about the passion for Flamenco! The Jerez Flamenco Festival is the world’s leading Flamenco festival and soon it is to take place in the city of Jerez in Andalusia. The 25/02 to the 12/03/2011 are the dates to be heading south to get a feel of the colorful shows with world famous dancers, singers and guitarists.

Read the entire post » Jerez Flamenco Festival

In southwestern Spain within the Cadiz province lays the city of Jerez de la Frontera. A charming place to visit with more things to see than some would have imagined. One might not be aware of it, but a couple of things that many relate to Spain originally come from Jerez de la Frontera; the fortified wine that we call “sherry”, the world famous dancing horses, and the passionate Flamenco music.

Read the entire post » Sherry, Dancing Horses and Flamenco