Posts Tagged ‘Spanish tourism’
Organic eating in Jaén
April 4th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
With all this possible Horse meat in the food chain, we’re all starting to wonder exactly what it is we eat – and most of us are becoming a little fussier about where it comes from. If you would like to sample some organic food treats on your next Spanish holiday, then come to Jaén. Check out the certificates in the local bars and restaurants – because from the end of this month they’ll be taking part in El Valor de Jaén – otherwise known as the Organic Tapas Route Festival. Fancy biting into some good organic food with a welcome slice of Spanish sunshine on the side?
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Fería time in Seville
April 2nd, 2013 by Carol Byrne
What are you up to later this month? Thinking of a trip to sunnier climes, a boost to your well being? Where better than Spain this Spring to do just that. How about a fería to beat all ferías too? Head to Seville this April, and join in with all the razzmatazz of the Seville Fería. And Seville isn’t so bad either. After all the snow and rain of the UK treat yourself and make a Spring date with some Spring sunshine and the Fería of Seville.
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Read the entire post » Fería time in Seville
5 Best Shopping Sites on the Costa Blanca
March 11th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Holidaying on the Costa Blanca this year? It’s all very well lazing about on the beach for a week or two, and once you’ve seen the sights and traipsed around the cathedrals and museums, amused the kids and done the whole water-sports thing, you may be hankering for another activity. Something energetic? No! I’m talking about a little credit card flexing, retail therapy, that feeling you only get from good chocolate, red wine and…..shopping! Leave the bloke on the golf course and ‘borrow’ his credit card – time for some shopping!
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Read the entire post » 5 Best Shopping Sites on the Costa Blanca
A Royal trip – making music in Aranjuez
February 14th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Aranjuez? Where’s that? Close to the capital of Spain, Madrid, just 46 kilometres in fact, this destination makes for a great day trip from the noise and bustle of the capital city. At just under 50 kilometres from Toledo too, consider Aranjuez for a visit the next time you are in this beautiful part of Spain. Royal connections ensure that there is plenty to gaze at, with stunning architecture and sightseeing. So leave the bustle of Madrid alone for just a day, and explore Aranjuez. It has a famous musical connection too - ringing any bells?!
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Read the entire post » A Royal trip – making music in Aranjuez
Around Madrid – seeing Segovia
January 14th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
A visit to a capital city is always a treat – a weekend dash can really be rewarding with a bargain flight, a couple of nights seeing the city of your choice, a little shopping and sightseeing, sampling the local gastronomy, maybe take in a show. In Spain, Madrid offers all of this and more, and will beckon you back for a second visit before you know it. Second time around – take a little more time, base yourself in Madrid and see a little of the surroundings too – how about Segovia for starters?
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Read the entire post » Around Madrid – seeing Segovia
Horsing around in Seville
November 15th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Think of just the word ‘Andalucía’ and you will automatically conjure up all manner of evocative images…hot sun, soft sand, warm waters….flamenco, fiesta, or simply fun. What does it mean to you? For me, I think of the white Andalucían horse, strong, proud and graceful.
Are you equestrian minded? If so then there’s a treat in store just for you, that will have you champing at the bit! This month, from the 20th to the 25th of November, you can get your fill at the SICAB fair in Seville. Want to know more? Saddle up, we’re off to Spain! Don’t spare the horses!
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Read the entire post » Horsing around in Seville
Party in Benidorm!
November 8th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Think of Benidorm, and then think of a party. Not a Stag party, nor a Hen party, Benidorm is not just about those….but the party is for both a male and a female! A very Spanish type of party – yes, you guessed it…a Fiesta!
Why not take the whole family along from the 9th November, for a week long fiesta to celebrate both La Virgen del Sufrage and Jaime Apostol, the patron saints of Benidorm – there really is something for everyone in this week long fiesta of fun..
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Read the entire post » Party in Benidorm!
Eye on Alicante – Benisa, the best bits
October 30th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
The final instalment on our trip up and down the White Coast of eastern Spain, the Costa Blanca. We have looked at some of the most popular destinations, where tourism has taken over from fishing, and at the myriad of activities and best bits from each destination. Lastly, we take a trip to Benisa – in Valenciano Benissa – and see what it has to offer you…
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Read the entire post » Eye on Alicante – Benisa, the best bits
Eye on Alicante – Javea, the best bits
October 26th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
A typically Spanish town that has blossomed around tourism, which enjoys a micro climate, contains some of the best beaches and coves in Spain, and still manages to avoid high rise developments? No, I´m not dreaming, but you could be enjoying all of this and more with a visit to Jávea, the third visit on our tour of Alicante on the Costa Blanca…is your bag packed yet?
Read the entire post » Eye on Alicante – Javea, the best bits
Read the entire post » Eye on Alicante – Javea, the best bits
Art lovers in Málaga – a few stolen hours
September 18th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
There’s loads more to do in Málaga than just waiting around the airport to take the plane home!
If you find yourself arriving early at the airport after your break in the sun on the Costa del Sol, then hang on to that hire car for a few hours more, or take the new and fast Metro to the centre of this stunning city and discover much more than you might think. In a series of shorts, let us take you on a trip around town, there’s something for everyone…in fact, there’s more to fill your free time than just Duty Free! Let’s start with…Art.
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Read the entire post » Art lovers in Málaga – a few stolen hours
Jamón, Jamón…Come on to Teruel
September 5th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Got some free time? Feeling peckish?
Book some last minute flights between the 7th and the 16th of this month and travel to Teruel in Aragón, on the Eastern side of Spain. Why travel there? Well, a good reason…it’s their Ham festival! We all love Spanish Jamón Serrano, and there´s no better place to try the succulent thin slices than the 28th Fería del Jamón de Teruel y Alimentos de Calidad…
Best long sharp knife at the ready, let’s go eat…
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Read the entire post » Jamón, Jamón…Come on to Teruel
Short tours of the Almería coast. Part 4 – Vera. The naked truth.
August 9th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Vera? Sounds a little like a favourite Aunt…! Pronounced Bay-rah of course, with your best Spanish lisping accent.
So where are we? Yes, we´re already on part 4 of our whirlwind tour of Almería - and down on one of the popular coastal locations for both locals and tourists alike - Vera Playa.
Pack your best bikini – actually, hang on, you don´t really need it (read on!) – and join me there for a look around..you might need your binoculars!
Read the entire post » Short tours of the Almería coast. Part 4 – Vera. The naked truth.
Read the entire post » Short tours of the Almería coast. Part 4 – Vera. The naked truth.
The Midas touch – Spanish saffron…
July 31st, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Have you ever been to Valencia and enjoyed eating that golden Paella and wondered how to get that glorious colour? Or perhaps driven through the flat lands of La Mancha in Autumn and admired the acres of purple hued fields either side of the road? It´s all down to Saffron, often called the most expensive spice in the world – but available in such small quantities it´s a perfect must buy item for your next Spanish Holiday!
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Read the entire post » The Midas touch – Spanish saffron…
Shhh…A secret shared. Musical Murtas in the Alpujarras
July 31st, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Ever arrived somewhere for a holiday and just longed for somewhere a little more traditional, a tad more real?
Well, allow me to share with you my secret location, in fact my home for the past 6 years and some…you won’t find it in many guidebooks, and it’s not on the way to anywhere else!
But your first glimpse of Murtas on the Contraviesa will leave you spellbound, flat roofed Berber styled houses tumbling down a mountain higher than Ben Nevis, throwing open views right down to the Costa Tropical and the mountains of Morocco beyond, with a sweep behind to the snow capped Sierra Nevada and the impossibly pretty surrounding countryside.
Why here? Well, that’s hard to explain…..it’s a little like casting a fishing line, and once you’re reeled in….you’re hooked!
And next week the hills are alive… with the sound of music!
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Read the entire post » Shhh…A secret shared. Musical Murtas in the Alpujarras
Come hell or high water – come to Fuerteventura
July 27th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
That phrase usually means that we are determined to do something, whatever it takes. How determined are you? Can you catch the highest wave? I´m talking Windsurfing, and the best competition around. Interested? Head for the sunny Canary Islands and fabulous Fuerteventura. It’s all happening right now….Pack up your best wet-suit and sea legs and come along to the 27th edition of Sotavento Fuerteventura 2012….otherwise known as the Kiteboarding and Windsurfing World Cup!
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Read the entire post » Come hell or high water – come to Fuerteventura
Healing all ails in the spirit of Spain – cheers!
July 11th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
We all know a glass of red wine is good for you – I said one glass!
Here where I live in Las Alpujarras, history tells us that local wine made up a good portion of the daily calorific intake during the Años del Hambre- the Hungry Years when ration cards were distributed to the Spanish population. The wine boosted energy levels, and allowed people to continue to work and farm their land, although probably mostly through blurred eyes – some of the local wine here - Vino de la Tierra – is extremely strong.
What other Spanish brews are also said to act as healing elixirs? Are there any for everlasting youth I wonder?!
Hmmm, Let´s see…
Read the entire post » Healing all ails in the spirit of Spain – cheers!
Read the entire post » Healing all ails in the spirit of Spain – cheers!
Staying cool under the Spanish sun
June 30th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Whew….¡Que calor! It´s hot and getting hotter…
This last month of June saw extremely high temperatures hit Spain – last week was more like mid July.
That might be music to your ears if you spend 50 weeks of the year in the drizzle under the grey skies of Northern Europe, and indeed the sunshine is just what you want for your hard earned fortnight away from work.
But unless you want to explore Spanish hospitals instead of the wonderful country and customs, then take heed and keep your cool.
Sensible sun worshiping means safe tanning and respect for the intense rays…let´s have a quick check-list before you fry…sorry…fly!
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Read the entire post » Staying cool under the Spanish sun
A roast lamb festival in Asturias – not baaad at all
June 19th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
The first Sunday of July sees a Festival with a difference – visit Asturias in the north of Spain and you can experience the Fiesta del Cordero – one of the most popular festivals of the region. More than two thousand portions of roast lamb are served up to the tune of bagpipes and drums – all set within a green and verdant meadow. Interested? Pack your jar of mint sauce and come to Sunday lunch!
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Read the entire post » A roast lamb festival in Asturias – not baaad at all
San Juan. A magical night in Spain
June 18th, 2012 by 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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Read the entire post » San Juan. A magical night in Spain
Ibiza Rocks – come to the opening party
May 22nd, 2012 by 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!
Read the entire post » Ibiza Rocks – come to the opening party
Read the entire post » Ibiza Rocks – come to the opening party
