Posts Tagged ‘Mediterranean’

Wild Spring Plants of Andalucía

May 15th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

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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5 Excursions on the Costa Azahar

May 4th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
If we said one of the famous Spanish Costas for a fortnight, most folk would immediately think of the Costa del Sol, or the Costa Blanca.  Rightly so, they’re certainly popular with millions of tourists every year, for all the right reasons.  If we said, the Costa Azahar, most would have to think for a minute, remembering the stretch of coastline to the North of Valencia, stretching it’s sandy fingers upwards, reaching the golden Costa Dorada.  Stay and be surprised by the Costa Azahar, lounge on the beaches or choose from a few days out and about the area. Let’s look at 5 of those excursions on and around the Costa Azahar.

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10 Best Days Out on the Costa Blanca

May 2nd, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
You’ve booked up your Summer Holiday in Spain, chosen the popular Costa Blanca, and sorted the flights.  All you need to do now is plan in advance for some great days out to amuse all the family – you know the sun is going to shine, so no need for Wet Day plans. Great days out start with a little planning.  That’s the great thing about Spain – the weather is almost guaranteed, whatever you choose to fill your Spanish holiday with, let’s look at 10 of the best days out on the Costa Blanca – with all of the family in mind.

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Birdwatching for Spring – in Southern Spain

April 30th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Are you getting a little twitchy? Is it time for a holiday?  Birdwatching is a big part of a holiday for some, and this is the perfect time of year to do so.  Spain has a huge population of migratory birds – and now in Spring, they’re all coming back for their Spanish holiday.  Where can you see them?  Let’s take a look at our feathered friends-  and see where are the best spots for a little Spring birdwatching in the South of Spain.

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Top 5 Beaches – Costa Blanca

April 23rd, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Yesterday we looked at Benidorm, and the top 10 FREE activities there - great ways to save a few cents, especially if you’re travelling with a family -  every little helps as they say. One of those things to do was to visit the great beaches of the area. it’s not called the White Coast for nothing.  We looked at two beaches close to Benidorm itself, but there are of course lots more to choose from.  Let’s look at the top tanning spots – the top 5 beaches of the Costa Blanca.

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Bubbly Spain – Cava country of the Penedés

April 15th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

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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A Spring Festival in Murcia

March 28th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Stuck for something different to do on your Spanish holiday?  From next Sunday- 31st March – until the 7th April, take a trip to Murcia, where they’re planning on celebrating the arrival of Spring.  If you want to see floral processions, giants on parade, and a burial of a ‘sardine’…then walk this way!  Don your best flower covered hat and come along to the Spring festival in marvellous Murcia. And you thought that next Sunday was just Easter Sunday?!

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North of Valencia

March 25th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
From discovering the wonderful destinations ripe for discovery just South of the city of Valencia, we’re turning our heads in the other direction and looking North instead, don’t worry, it’s still sunny! Valencia has many wonderful places in which to stop and spend a few hours away from the city itself, let’s continue on our journey and see what life is like North of Valencia, and a little way to the West too.

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5 Reasons to Visit the Costa Blanca

March 8th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
The Costa Blanca.  Sun, Sea, Sand.  You already know the reasons why the Costa Blanca – the White Coast – is such a  – literally – hotspot for tourists.  But if you had to name just 5 reasons to visit, what would they be?  What are your top reasons for booking up the Costa Blanca this year?

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Carol Byrne
Looking for a destination suitable for the whole family this year?  Then pack your bucket and spade and head for the Costa Blanca.  Spain’s sunny south-east coastline has beaches to brag about by the bucket-load, and Playa Flamenca makes a super spot to park your parasol. There are miles of sandy beaches and lively attractions to keep the whole family amused, so grab the sun lotion and get packing – you’re off to the white coast of sunny Spain, specifically Playa Flamenca!

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Head for the hills – take a picnic in Spain

February 5th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

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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Travelling on the Costa del Sol

January 9th, 2013 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Do you like to find somewhere to rent on holidays and then stay in the same place for the duration of your stay? Or do you like to base yourself somewhere relaxing and explore the area? What’s the best way to see the sights when you are in Spain?  What’s the best method of transport? Let’s look at the options of travelling around the Costa del Sol, in Andalucía, Spain.

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Eye on Alicante – Calpe, the best bits

October 23rd, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Alicante has certainly been the favourite haunt of British and Irish holidaymakers for many years…and why not? It has so much to offer the traveller of today.  From weekend romantic breaks to full on family holidays  – right through to a week or more of fun in the sun – Alicante is amazing.  With Spain Holiday offering a cool choice of a whopping 215 places to stay – shouldn’t you be thinking of Calpe for your next break?  What does it offer you? Let’s see…

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Sporting holidays in Andalucía – The Top 5

October 9th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
So, do you arrive looking forward to two weeks of rest and relaxation sprawled on the beach, or are you looking for a little more of an adrenalin rush? Is it enough to have a bottle of suntan lotion in your hand, or would you rather it was a tennis racket or golf club?  Maybe you prefer the Aprés Ski to the slalom….or long for the rush of the ski run… Whatever your ideal holiday, Spain certainly caters for adrenalin junkies as well as it does for lounging lizards…!  Let´s see what the top 5 sporting holidays in Andalucía are…

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Carol Byrne
Despite the friendly and intimate airport of Almería, which is a breeze to depart from and arrive at, most holiday makers to the south of Spain tend to head for the bigger and busier Málaga.  I always check out Almería airport first, it’s just so much easier!  There’s a lovely open air bar on the roof where you can watch the sun go down over the sea before you fly home with your holiday memories… Take a few moments and consider the Costa Almería as an alternative for your next break in the sun.  And warm golden rays are what you may expect, this is the sunniest and driest part of Sunny Spain…How about a 6 part story of some of the best bits to visit, and of course the best places to stay?  Let’s start with Garrucha and see what it has to offer you….

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San Juan. A magical night in Spain

June 18th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Midsummer.  A magical night all over the world where pagan rituals are celebrated and embraced.  The night of the 23rd June is traditionally celebrated in Spain with gusto – bonfires and ritual cleansing, dancing and eating, whether you’re on the beach or beached up in a mountain village! So come to Spain for San Juan and see what all the fuss is about – it’s more than just another fiesta.  A veritable Midsummer Night’s Dream – Spanish style!

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Beach life….lounging around on Mallorca

May 23rd, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Not too far from my last post on Ibiza, and staying with the Balearic Islands – let´s relax for a while on the magnificent Island of Mallorca.  Nothing makes a person yearn for some Spanish sunshine than a glance at a shot of clear warm blue water and soft white sand on a stunning beach…so why not head for the best and spend some time getting to know the playas of Mallorca.

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Ibiza Rocks – come to the opening party

May 22nd, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Or come to several opening parties!  The big name clubs on this Balearic Island will all put on opening parties during the month of June – come and join in the fun.  Rather relax?  Ibiza has that too, with a rustic beauty and sunsets like nowhere else on earth. Family friendly? That too – the Spanish Tourism Office have been working hard to promote family tourism in the last couple of years  - with results that have put Ibiza on the map as a top Spanish destination for everyone...so come on….join in the party!

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Spring walking – go to El Montgó

March 31st, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
Spring has sprung in Spain.  The sun is growing stronger each day, and the countryside is erupting and unfurling with riotous colour, and heady scent. What better start to the season than a walking holiday in clean fresh air, under the Spanish sun? If you happen to choose the towns of Dénia or Javea as a base to hang your boots then you may be tempted by the view of El Montgó from your superb rented holiday home… Rising loftily to 753ft, what does this climb hold in store for you?  Let’s find out…!

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Water mill towers? Torremolinos!

March 28th, 2012 by Carol Byrne

Carol Byrne
The Costa del Sol is synonymous with Sun, Sand,  Sea and…..Sangria of course!  Marbella with it´s  yachts, shops and jet set, Malaga for far more than flying from,  Mijas for magical family holidays and then of course there´s Torremolinos. Look beyond the all day full English breakfast boards – there´s far more to discover here, what do you know about Torremolinos?

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