Posts Tagged ‘spain’

Natural Wonders of Lanzarote

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Whilst Lanzarote has traditionally been linked with package holidays a growing number of independent travellers are now visiting the island. Lured by cheaper flights, great weather and some seriously spectacular scenery, as Lanzarote is home to an abundance of wonderful natural attractions many of which were forged during the massive volcanic eruptions that rocked the island during the 1730

Lanzarote Sport Holidays

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

Most holidaymakers enjoying a break on Lanzarote in the Canaries like to laze their days away in the sun either by the pool or on the beach. But there is a significant minority of visitors who fly into Lanzarote to enjoy a more active type of break.

Water Sorts Or Land Based activities?

Water sports or land based activities, what your poison? The islands great year round climate makes it a real mecca for sports enthusiasts of every stripe. Offering a wide array of sporting activities which can be enjoyed both on dry land and at sea.

Places To Stay

Holiday rental accommodation for example Lanzarote hotels can be rented much more cheaply than on many other Spanish holiday islands.

Lanzarote’s Big Event Of The Year

The premier sporting event in the calendar on Lanzarote is the annual Iron Man triathlon – said to be the most gruelling event of its kind in the world. The course is certainly daunting as competitors are asked to work their way through a 3km swim, a 180km cycle and then top all of that off with a full marathon. Quite a few of the 1000 plus entrants never see the finishing line – whilst the fastest 60 quality for the Iron Man grand final which is held every year in Hawaii.

Two Wheel Tours

Cycling holidays are also very popular – as Lanzarote boasts lots of hilly volcanic and picturesque terrain. The ideal conditions for cyclists in search of somewhere warm and with little rainfall during the winter months. With many of these tourists booking a stay at the well known sports camp, La Santa, which is located in the north of Lanzarote and which enjoys an excellent international reputation.

On The Water

As an island Lanzarote also boasts a fine water sports pedigree – and offers a wide array of activities from kite surfing though to canoeing. Lanzarote is a popular dive holiday destination – thanks to the fact that the waters around the island offer great visibility, as well as fascinating array of marine life. Whilst surfers flock to the wilder and more rugged beaches on the islands north west coastline, such as Famara. Where the wind and wave conditions are simply ideal.

Lanzarote has a huge array activities for beginners just trying their hand to professionals making sure it is the the number 1 activities holiday hotspot.

The Best Self-Catering Holidays In Puerto del Carmen

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Every one of the Canary Islands has its favourite resorts and the Island of Lanzarote is no exception. The resort of Puerto del Carmen remains high on the list of favourites as it sheltered position against a backdrop of volcanoes means that it is well sheltered and an excellent sun trap.

These conditions mean that visitors can thoroughly enjoy the golden sandy beaches that run along its seafront, whether they are swimming, snorkeling or sun bathing. In addition, there have been recent improvements to the promenade which has greatly enhanced it for pedestrians.

Over the last forty years, the town has developed from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to become the resort it is today. So it is now home to some of the best self-catering Lanzarote accommodation to be found on the island. Travellers on a tight budget are well catered for as there are plenty of Lanzarote holiday villas so finding something suitable should not be a problem.

With no shortage of holiday apartments in Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen consists of numerous complexes that follow a low rise architectural model, with plenty of planting to soften the exteriors. The quiet streets of the town form a tranquil backdrop for holidaymakers.

Aside from the wide choice of Lanzarote accommodation available in Puerto del Carmen, the town itself has numerous attractions and activities to while away the time, including several sea based trips. In the immediate vicinity of the town there is also a new golf course and a tropical park that children love.

Aside from the wide choice of Lanzarote accommodation, Puerto del Carmen is well provided with restaurants, with nearly every national cuisine represented, from Italian to Japanese. A good number of these establishments offer local specialties, with particular emphasis on seafood, especially in the old harbour area.

For those who enjoy late nights whilst on holiday, there is a wide choice of clubs and bars mostly situated in the central area of the town. Unsurprisingly, many of the music venues don’t open their doors until the small hours, as is typical of Spanish nightspots.

More Lanzarote Accommodation

Barcelona Accomodations

Friday, August 6th, 2010

The lovelycharming city of Barcelona, principal of Catalonia (a Spain’s province), is situated on these shore of these Mediterranean sea also enclosed at either end by 2 stream deltas. The catalonian capital is located at these second largest town in Spain after its capital place Madrid. The catalonian capital has a population of 1.5 million, over 4 million together with districts. these varied, eventful past of these place dates back 4,000 years to these original settlements by early farmers. Afterward it became a Roman colony, these Visigoth’s capital place, after that it came under Moorish rule. It went through sieges, destructions also occupations, finally to become an autonomous democracy 1975. these place has always played an important role in political also cultural life of Spain also it is located at well reflected in these variety also quality of famous buildings, museums, a lot of additional tourist monuments. At present The catalonian capital is located at one of these most different European towns with special way of life also wealthy traditions. You be able to find here a formidable balance of these traditional things also these avant-garde. A cosmopolitan metropolis, The catalonian capital affords visitors a warm also sincere welcome, being aknowledged worldwide as one of these best tourist-friendly towns in Europe.The catalonian capital’s organisation of these 1992 Olympics provided regeneration of this dynamic place, gave a fresh start to its infrastructure development. Come with Oh-Barcelona to The catalonian capital.

WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE:

POINTS OF INTEREST - La Rambla is located at a tree-lined pedestrian road packed with buskers, living statues, mimes also itinerant salespeople advertising everything from sweepstake tickets to jewellery. Pavement bars also stands advertising craftwork, avenue performers surrounded by curious onlookers, a noisy bird marketplace, Palau de la Virreina, a main 18th-century rococo mansion, these Gran Teatre del Liceu, these famous 19th-century opera house- these are all colourful parts of La Rambla’s mosaic. La Rambla ends at these lofty Monument a Colom (Monument to Columbus) also these harbour.
Barri Gotic - also known as Gothic Quarter, it is located at these old part of these place. Picasso lived also worked in Barri Gotic from 1895 to 1904 also Joan Miro was born also lived here during his youth. Gothic Quarter is located at situated on these right hand side of these La Rambla, it contains a concentration of medieval tall Gothic buildings (14-15th century) on narrow cobbled roads also now is located at home to much of these place’s nightlife.
La Sagrada Familia - La Sagrada Familia is located at one of these most famous also magnificent among The catalonian capital’s landmarks. these life’s work of The catalonian capital’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, these magnificent spires of these unfinished church imprint themselves boldly against these sky with swelling outlines inspired by these holy mountain Montserrat. Above each facade there are four towers, 12 in total, which are dedicated to these Apostles. these tower in these center, these tallest of all at 170 m., is located at dedicated to Jesus Christ. Around these there are these towers of these four Evangelists, also these tower over these apse is located at dedicated to these Virgin. They are encrusted with a tangle of sculptures that seem to breathe life into these stone. Gaudi died in 1926 before his masterwork was completed, also since after that, controversy has continually dogged these building program. Nevertheless, these southwestern (Passion) facade, is located at almost done, also these nave, begun in 1978, is located at progressing.
La Pedrera - Casa Mila (Mila House) is located at an apartment building, these last example of Gaudi’s civil architecture.It is located at one of his finest also most ambitious creations, extraordinarily innovative in its functional, constructive, also ornamental aspects. Visitors be able to tour these building also go up to these roof, where they be able to see spectacular views of The catalonian capital. One floor below these roof is located at a modest museum dedicated to Gaudi’s work.
Montjuic - these largest open space in these place, its main monuments are these Olympic installations, these Spanish Village also these hilltop fortress. Montjuic, these hill overlooking these place centre from these southwest, is located at home to some fine art galleries, leisure monuments, soothing parks also these main group of 1992 Olympic sites. Montjuic is located at covered in ornamental gardens with water features also is located at these most popular destination in The catalonian capital on Sundays.
Tibidabo - is located at these highest hill in these wooded range that forms these backdrop to The catalonian capital. It has amazing views of these whole of The catalonian capital, a stunning church, also a family fun park Parc d’Atraccions with old-style rides offering breathtaking views. A glass lift at these park goes 115m (383 ft) up to a visitors’ observation area at Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower.
Modernisme - spectacular modernista architectural creations dotted around these place by famous Antoni Gaudi also his contemporaries.
Camp Nou - home of F.C. The catalonian capital, one of Europe’s leading soccer teams, with capacity of almost 100,000 spectators.
these Seu church - Built in medieval times on these site of a Roman temple, La Seu is located at one of these great Gothic buildings in Spain.
Parc de la Ciutadella - The catalonian capital’s favourite park also a Sunday afternoon rendezvous for families, friends also ducks
these Sardana - traditional Catalan dance, performed outside these church also at national festivals, with everyone encouraged to join in.

MUSEUMS - these Barbier-Mueller Museum of Pre-Columbian Art -these only museum in Europe devoted exclusively to Pre-Columbian cultures. Housed in a gothic palace, its collection is located at one of these finest of its kind also gives visitors an insight into these rich world of these earliest cultures on these American continent. This tiny museum contains one hundred pieces, including wood also stone sculptures, ceramics, tapestries, jade, often found in international exhibitions also prestige publications. these exhibits represented these Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Chavin, Mochica also Inca civilisations.
Palau de la Musica Catalana - one of these world’s most extraordinary music halls, it is located at a The catalonian capital landmark. From its polychrome ceramic ticket windows on these Carrer de Sant Pere Mes Alt side to its overhead busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven, also Wagner, these Palau is located at these flagship of The catalonian capital’s Moderniste architecture.
Museu Picasso - is located at The catalonian capital’s most visited museum. 3,500 exhibits make up these permanent collection. Picasso spent several years (1901-06) in The catalonian capital, also this collection, is located at particularly strong on his early work. Displays include childhood sketches, pictures from these beautiful Rose also Blue periods, also these famous 1950s Cubist variations on Velazquez’s Las Meninas (Ladies-in-Waiting).
Gaudi Casa-Museu - Gaudi lived in this pink, Alice-in-Wonderland house from 1906 to 1926, which now houses a museum of Gaudi-designed furniture, decorations, drawings, also portraits also busts of these architect.
Fundacio Miro - it was a gift from these famous artist Joan Miro to his native place. these museum opened in 1975, also now it is located at one of The catalonian capital’s most exciting showcases of contemporary art. There are Oh-Barcelona Apartments in all this nice areas in The catalonian capital. Check it out!

BEACHES - One of The catalonian capital’s greatest draws is located at undeniably its beautiful beaches. Beside world-famous Costa Brava also Costa Dorada which are within 1-hr drive time from The catalonian capital, there are also several nice beaches over 4 km long within these place boundaries, we will list just several of them here: Nova Icaria- Closest to these Olympic marina, always crowded, this wide swathe of rough golden sand is located at great for food goers. There are three perfect beach bars also two very popular restaurants on these boulevard (Mango also Chiringuito de Moncho) also countless bars also restaurants are just a short stroll away. Bogatell- This beach is located at twice these length of adjoining Nova Icaria also fringed by a stretch of stone walkway perfect for jogging, roller blading also cycling. Three large informal restaurants on these boulevard. Mar Bella (Metro Ciutadella Vila Olimpica, plus 20-minute walk)- The catalonian capital’s only naturist beach close to a peaceful park - good for a picnic or siesta under these trees. Barceloneta- wide also long, a traditional also popular stretch with locals, crowded, noisy also very jolly.

WHEN TO GO, WEATHER: these best times to visit The catalonian capital are late spring also early autumn, when these weather is located at still comfortably warm, around 21-25

Barcelona Sights

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Set on a plain rising softly from the sea to a variety of wooded hills, Barcelona is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city and one of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports. Restaurants, bars and clubs are always packed, as is the beach in summer. You could get the impression it’s dedicated exclusively to hedonism, but it is a hard-working, dynamic place hoping to place itself in the vanguard of 21st-century Europe with a heavy concentration of high tech and biomed business.
Quantcast

It regards its long past with pride. From Roman city it passed to medieval trade juggernaut, and its old centre comprises one of the best concentrations of Gothic architecture in Europe. Past this core are examples of the world’s more weird buildings : surreal glasses capped by Antoni Gaud’s Sagrada Famlia church.

Barcelona has been breaking ground in art, architecture and style since the late 19th century. From the wonders of Modernisme to the modern wonders of today, from Picasso to the likes of Susana Solano, the racing heart of Barcelona has hardly skipped a beat. The city’s avant-garde chefs whip up a typhoon that has even the French reaching for superlatives.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an area with its own language, character and history many Catalans think about their home as a separate country. The city itself could keep you busy for weeks but just outside it are sandy beaches, Sitges and the Montserrat mountain range - so be sure to create some time for a few day trips during your stay. Barcelona apartmentscould be the simplest way to pass the time in the city.

On the other hand, the city presented an exhausted picture. The Metro was running but there were no buses ( they’d all been utilized on the front ). Almost all of the animals in the city zoo had keeled over from starvation or injuries. There were frequent blackouts, and would be for years .

By 1940, with WWII raging across Europe, Franco had his regime more decisively in place and things turned darker for many . Catalan Francoists led the way in rounding up victims and up to 35, 000 folk were shot in purges. At the same time, little bands of resistance fighters continued to harry the patriots in the Pyrenees thru lots of the 1940s. Llus Companys was caught in France by the Gestapo in August 1940, handed over to Franco, and shot on 15 October on Montjuc. He is said to have died with the words Visca Catalunya! ( Long live Catalonia! ) on his lips. The executions continued into the 1950s. Barcelonins reacted in alternative ways. Most accepted the situation and tried to get on with living, while some jumped at opportunities, occupying apartments deserted by Reds who had been made to leave. Investors and industrialists in bed with Franco commenced to earn money hand over fist while the general public hardly managed to keep body and soul together.

But as any local can tell you, it isn’t all doom and gloom in Barcelona. There are plenty of Apartments in barcelona The city’s beloved football team FC Barcelona are back on top, erasing memories of its agitated 2007-2008 season with a record-breaking triplete in the 2008-2009 season. Not only did Bara win the desirable Spanish League ( leaving their everlasting rivals Real Madrid in the dust ), but they triumphed in the Copa del Rey and the UEFA champs League, leading to an explosion of street celebrations and Catalan pride unparalleled even in this patriotic, party-hardy city.

Agbar Tower Of Barcelona

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

The Torre Agbar, or Agbar Tower, was created by French designer Jean Nouvel. It opened during June 2005 in Barcelona, Spain, and it has been inaugurated officially by the kings of Spain on the 16 of September of 2005.
The construction, which measures 142 metres in height, hosts the Barcelona Water Company, and Nouvel has designed it to evoke water: smooth and continuous, shimmering and transparent. The Agbar Tower is located in the Poblenou area of The catalonian capital and is named subsequent to its initial owners, the Agbar Group, a holding corporation whose interests include the Barcelona Architect water company Aig

Top 5 things to do in Barcelona

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

1. Among the most recognized boulevards in the planet, La Rambla merits a walk down even when you have just a single day in Barcelona. A gateway to rural Catalunya, the mile-long road is filled with tourists, painters, human statues, fortune-tellers, dancers and musicians. Pulsating flower stalls, a cultural and exhibition centre, the fantastic La Boqueria market, a Joan Mir

End of School trip to Barcelona

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

To celebrate my concluding exam for the duration of my semester in Scotland at the Glasgow University, I treated myself to eight days in Spain (Barcelona and Madrid, to be specific). I went on my own, which I was a slight bit nervous about — I worried about safety, comprehending Spanish and also being alone. Those happened to be realistic worries, however it all turned out great, and it helped me feel a whole lot more positive about traveling alone in the coming years.

Barcelona

I travelled on Ryanair (a cheap airline) from Glasgow’s Prestwick Airport to Barcelona — though in characteristic Ryanair fashion we ended up in a secondary airport over an hour’s bus ride away from the city. I was staying at the Gothic Point hostel, which I eventually found in the end after walking the wrong way through Barcelona’s Barrio Gotico and accidentally finding the cathedral — a nice shock. It was lovely, dark and complex, and regrettably surrounded with building work. Ah, well. After walking through the nave I went back outside and eventually came across the hostel, which offered free Internet! I was quite impressed (though understandably there was a bit of waiting time to use the computers). I used this time to research Barcelona travel information.

I began my first entire day of sightseeing at Park Guell, designed by Barcelona’s famous architect Antoni Gaudi. I took the metro to what appeared to be the nearest station, but it was still a bit of a lengthy, walk to get there. My next station was Passeig de Gracia, where there were several more well known Gaudi creations. Casa Batllo was too cool for me to try to describe (and also too expensive for me to enter!). Just down the street was La Pedrera, an apartment building with a lot of curves, wavy lines, dazzling colors, oddly shaped windows, etc. After that I continued along the Gaudi trail to la Sagrada Familia, an colossal cathedral whose development has been in progress since about 1883 — and it’s only slightly over halfway done. Unbelievable. I primarily felt a bit robbed when I needed to pay eight euros to get in and then another two euros just to ride up one of its towers, but then I realised it was helping to sustain the construction. Maybe I’ll return to Barcelona in 30 years or so and see it when it’s done!

After that I headed to Placa Catalunya, where I strolled down La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous street. Lined with trees and shops and street performers of all kinds, it was fun and crowded. La Rambla continues down to the statue of Christopher Columbus and the old port, where I sat and chilled out for a bit. Then I made my way back through Barri Gotic toward my hostel, stopping in a few pretty plazas — particularly Placa Reial, with palm trees and lovely historic buildings. I also entered into the cathedral. Barrio Gotico is a great place to get lost, with narrow streets, flowered balconies, wrought-iron railings and traditional street lamps.

The next day I decided to visit Montjuic, where the Olympic Village from the 1992 summer olympics is located, along with some countryside, a quite mediocre castle/fortress, and Poble Espanyol, a model Spanish town that had some really pretty buildings and lots of artisan crafts.

I made a pit stop at my room to get an umbrella, despite the fact that by that point it was sunny again, of course. Then I went on to the Picasso Museum, which wasn’t as thrilling as I’d wanted. A lot of the stuff there was very early work. The same can

Exploring Manriques Lanzarote

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Around the world there are lots of wonderful places to enjoy a holiday. But not many of these destinations cannot come close to Lanzarote for cultural attractions. As this small Canary Island located off the African coast is the birthplace of a famous artist called C

Lanzarote Volcanic Vacations

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Despite the recent volcanic activity in Iceland and the chaos this caused for countless travellers plenty of tourists will still be heading for similar hot spots around the globe during 2010. With destinations such as Lanzarote still very popular. This little island still bears the very visible marks of huge eruptions that took place some 250 years ago. With the interior left resembling the stage set of a science fiction movie.

The surreal terrain of Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands has attracted TV and moviemakers from around the globe and the area has been used for films such as Enemy Mine and The search for treasure island to name but a few.

Fortunately for tourists today these peaks are no longer active. However the volcanic region is always alive with visitors as it is the most popular sight on Lanzarote. But there is still much more to the island than just lava fields and volcanoes – as there are also hundreds of great beaches to explore along with a host of other sights.

Holiday villas in Lanzarote: There are lots of places to stay too – with plenty of self catering properties and hotels for visitors to select from. Villas in Lanzarote have proved very popular with British and Irish tourists over the last decade. Whilst Spanish and German guests tend to book Lanzarote hotels instead. With plenty of luxurious five star options available.

Lanzarote is home to three main tourist resorts. During the colder months of the year Playa Blanca villas tend to get booked up more. Reflecting the fact that their location at the southern foot of the island guarantees more sunshine. However visitors in search of more nightlife should plump instead for villas in Puerto del Carmen. As the islands oldest resort is home to an abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs.

The third largest resort of Costa Teguise is located to the north of Arrecife airport on the south east coastline. It was created around 35 years ago with the help of C