So much has been written about Antoni Gaudi and his association with Barcelona it’s almost inconceivable to venture to that pearl of the Mediterranean without at least spending some time admiring the sinewy extravagances of the architect’s fanciful imagination. But Barcelona is completely full of peculiar shops, bars and restaurants that’ve been going about their business since before Sr. Gaudi picked up his first pencil. There also are tons of great Barcelona Apartments to explore the city just like the great architect used to.

At number 11 Carrer de la Princesa, a painted be-turbaned head glares out from the curve of a massive blue query mark. Below it a glass display case holds playing cards, puzzles, wands and complicated illustrations of the illusionist’s art. This is El Rey De La Magia, founded in 1881 and the oldest wizardry shop in Spain.

Shortly before Gaudi started work on the Segrada Familia, Joaquin Portagas became charmed with the arena of illusion. After a trip to South America where he learned some new tricks and systems, he made a decision to take a full-time step into the sorcery world and opened El Rey de la Magia, a brave step at a time when only a few people understood and practiced the illusionist’s art. At that time wizardry was principally performed on street corners, in markets and bars - it wouldn’t become truly popular till the 1930’s, when it eventually entered the theatres and became a major hobby.

In the shop, and the tiny museum of sorcery close by, posters going back to the initial years of the previous century publicize the famous magicians of the day, a number of them dressed in flowing Chinese robes. The bright costumes were seen as awfully exotic when they first appeared, and besides - there had been masses of space to hide things!

In 1933 the 1st wizardry group in Spain was started in Barcelona, the Asociacin Catalana Illusionistas - and met in Quatro Gats, the same caf where Picasso, Joan Mir and other artists, writers and poets would meet. Magic was seen by many as an element of the humanities in those days.

By the time Jos Maria Martinez took control of the store the wizardry business had been declining for a considerable number of years - there had been even talk of changing the property into a bar. At that time he and his better half, Rosa Maria Llop, were pro actors but included sorcery in their specifically produced performances, something they still do today.

Magic is now a seriously well-liked spare time pursuit again, and even though most people quite like the grand David Copperfield-type illusions, it’s still the close-up, more intimate stage performances that people really prefer. And you aren’t getting much more close-up and intimate than the performances held at their little theatre, where toddlers to grandpas goggle in shock at the ‘magical ‘ Sun. shows. Why not hire some Apartments in Barcelona to practice your own sorcery tricks in the town?

The theatre is part of a museum of significant wizardry props ( where you can see Rosa’s grinning head mysteriously suspended in a glass case ), but in the workshop below, Jos Maria works inventing new tricks for customers worldwide, though in the world of wizardry nothing really changes.

eEssentially wizardry is outlined by one or two rules - levitation, changing colour, shape or place, and breaking something apart and putting it together again. Regardless of if you’re chopping someone’s head off you still need to put it back again or where’s the wizardry? There’s not - it’s then known as murder!

The most significant thing in sorcery is making the truth of something that does not exist. That comes down to method, you need to focus the public’s attention where you would like it. One of the hardest illusions to do is levitation as it needs about 4 mins to line up, in full public view, and 4 mins is a really long time for a magician to stand on stage and do nothing.
.

Although the island of Lanzarote is relatively small, it has a large number of high days and holidays that add to the attraction of visiting this Canarian outpost and many visitors book Puerto del Carmen Villas to coincide with one or other of these fiestas, for example; Dia del Reyes, Carnival and Los Dolores..

The Christmas period is always a busy time on Lanzarote. Demand for accommodation such as holiday villas in Playa Blanca is high. And the locals celebrate Christmas not once but twice. As in Spain children don’t get their hands on their presents until Epiphany on the 5th of January, or Dia del Reyes as it is known locally. When processions take place in the main towns cross the island featuring three kings on camel back, who dispense sweets and presents to the crowds. The best procession takes place in the islands capital of Arrecife and in the main resort of Puerto del Carmen. So you are planning to reserve any one of the Lanzarote holiday villas and apartments then book early to avoid dissapointment.

The movable fiesta of Carnival arrives in late February or early March, depending on Lent. It doesn

Autumn is one of the best times of the year to visit the Canary Island of Lanzarote. as whilst the summer season is drawing to a close elsewhere in Europe the sun continues to bathe this lovely island in a warm glow throughout the year Planning a holiday abroad this autumn? Then it’s an ideal time to visit Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. As here the weather remains really excellent right into December – even though the summer season has long since ended elsewhere in Europe. As a result of the fact that this unique holiday island basks in a delightful semi tropical climate.

Budget Flights

It only takes four hours to reach Lanzarote from the UK – yet the weather conditions are a world away. Which is why the island is so popular with sun seekers at this time of the year. It’s also cheaper to travel then – as the price of flights to Lanzarote fall sharply in September and October. And there are plenty of budget airline options to choose from too – such as easyJet and Ryanair. So do your homework and grab yourself a flight only bargain as there are plenty of places to stay

Take Advantage Of Cheap Lanzarote Holiday Villas This Winter

The autumn months are certainly a great time to be taking this particular trip. As the summer crowds have disappeared and as the children return to school in early September. Yet everything on the island remains open and vibrant – as this is a year round holiday destination. So there is none of that rather sad out of season feel that you can encounter elsewhere at that time of the year. Whilst both sea and air temperatures are still nice and warm too. Best of all perhaps the cost of accommodation also falls as we get into September and October. With plenty of discount deals available. For example many Lanzarote villas and apartments are available for rent at a 10% discount or more versus summer prices at that time of the year. Whilst hotel room rates also fall considerably. Tourists touching down on Lanzarote in Autumn will find that the mercury climbs well in to the mid 20

Amongst the many other delights that visitors to the island of Lanzarote will enjoy (for those who take the time to explore) is the radical difference between the north and the south of this holiday island.

As you fly over the Canary Islands and come in to land it is almost unimaginable that the top and bottom of this delight holiday destination can be quite so different. Travellers on a tight budget are well catered for as there are plenty of holiday villas in Lanzarote from which to make a choice.

Driving from the largest resort of Puerto del Carmen tourists need to join the LZ1 which takes them past the airport at Arrecife before joining the ring road or circunvalacion, which skirts past the working capital of Arrecife. Before heading towards the junction with Tahiche which is essentially the gateway to the north. Here tourists will also find the former home and studio of the artist C

Mallorca – or Majorca – is the largest of the four Balearic Islands, which are located in the Mediterranean off the southern coast of Spain. And adminstratively fall within the autonomous region of Catalonia. Like the other islands in the group such as Ibiza and Menorca, Mallorca is located around a two and half hour flight from the UK. With flights to the island available with most of the leading budget airlines such as easyJet.

Some thirty years ago areas of the island in the south especially started to earn a reptutation as a slightly downmarket destination. Thanks in no small part to the drunken antics of young and rowdy British holidaymakers in resorts such as Magaluf. Today though that image has long since faded – as VIP visitors and indepdendent travellers are now the norm. With the focus shifting towards the north of the island and in particular the resorts of Pollensa and Alcudia. Which have become very popular with the more discerning visitor.

Many of these tourists prefer Majorca villas to hotels – as they offer much more privacy and luxury. And lots of these properties have been built using locally quarried stone. Which helps to create a very traditional feel – whilst also offering plenty of modern day luxuries. Majorca Villas can be booked locally or through a reputable agent, but to be sure of the best choice book well ahead of time.

The capital city of Mallorca is called Palma and this is where all visitors to the island touch down at Son Sant Joan airport. The capital boasts over 400,000 residents and a host of historic buildings, the best known of which is the famous Le Seu Cathedral. Which was symbolically built on the site of the Moors main mosque on the island. This fascinating structure took many centuries to complete – stretching right into the early 1900s

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

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.

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

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

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.