Barcelona is one of Spain’s most versatile tourist destinations: one minute you can be touring architectural masterpieces and the next lying on a beach and topping up your tan. There are obvious choices when it comes to what to see and do whilst in Barcelona, but why not explore the area in a bit more depth and seek out some hidden gems? You’re likely to discover a new and exciting side to this Catalan city.
To really get a taste of Barcelonan life, take a leaf out of the mature residents of the Gothic Barrio’s book. Come two o’clock, when most locals are settling down for a siesta, don’t follow the other tourists returning to their Barcelona hotels. Instead, take a trip to Fira Nautumismo and browse the wide range of collectables on offer in the street market set up by the elderly residents. You can get anything from stamps and coins to crafts and jewellery here and will discover some real gems that cannot be found on the main shopping strip.
If you want to hang out with the coolest Barcelonans then head to the (not so) secret bar, El Mariachi. Tucked away in the Barrio Gotico and identifiable only by the painting of a snake-entwined woman sitting below the legend of El Mariachi on the ‘shop front’, this bar is the most popular hangout for musicians such as Manu Chao. Take in the mismatched furniture whilst supping on a random array of spirits and beers. If you dare to venture into this muso den, you should make sure you sample the interesting cocktails on offer, such as the Mariachi – made with Pacharan, or hydro-miel – the house speciality liqueur blended with honey.
Whether you’re looking for an ideal souvenir for your stay in Barcelona or wanting to feast your eyes on some local art, then take a walk from the Ramblas to Escudellers. Here you will find Art Escudellers, a pottery shop selling pieces from all over Spain. Navigating the shop is easy as the products are divided by their region of origin. Expect prices to increase as you head downstairs and if you do find yourself making an extortionate purchase, ease your soul with a swig from the fabulous wine cellar in the basement.
It’s also worth heading out on foot and making the most of the beautiful landscape surrounding Barcelona. Pack your own picnic and watch the world go by on a trip to the Botanical Gardens at Montjuïc Mountain, situated near the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. These beautiful gardens showcase the Mediterranean’s most extraordinary plant and wildlife and are a great place to relax and spend an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and beaches.
The Canary Islands are often synonymous with lively nightlife and long days on the beach soothing a hangover, but the islands of La Palma and La Gomera have been largely untouched by the tourism trade and offer visitors a true taste of Spanish island life.
Both islands boast dramatic natural beauty, with rugged mountains and incredible scenery, perfect for those who enjoying exploring the great outdoors on their holidays. The stunning scenery is surrounded by beaches of black sand, formed from the volcanic geology of the Canaries which offer a stark contrast to the white sands of their Spanish counterparts. For the walkers and hikers amongst you, La Palma boasts the incredible Caldera de Taburiente National Park to the north, where you can explore walking trails, or venture to the jaw-dropping Fuencaliente volcanoes for a day out with a difference. Over on La Gomera, you’ll find the UNESCO world heritage site of the Garajonay National Park, which is largely covered by the lush Laurel forest and perfect for hiking through. If you prefer to explore the islands in a more relaxed manner, hiring a car is the best option as public transport is very limited. It is advised that you arrange car hire before you travel to La Palma and La Gomera, as these services get booked up quickly during the peak season.
As well as enjoying the unspoiled beauty of these islands, you can relax and unwind in one of the many cheap hotels on the island, which offer homely comfort as well as exceptional service and authentic cuisine, including the famous tapas, Canarian potatoes with mojo or traditional paella. It is recommended that you indulge in fresh fish whilst holidaying on the islands, as it is caught daily and is the perfect addition to the locally produced wine. You can also take a little bit of the Canaries home with you by purchasing souvenirs from the markets and small shops, where local handmade crafts, aloe vera products, lace and pottery are in abundance.
The slow pace of life and untouched qualities of each island means it’s certainly not a place for party goers. These islands are not served by direct flights from the UK and have relatively little or no influence from other nations, so visitors will experience the authentic Canary lifestyle. It’s the perfect holiday for those wanting to enjoy the natural scenery whilst relaxing and unwinding.
This post is part of a monthly Spanish Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find plenty of hotels in Spain suitable for all tastes and budgets.
Scandrett Bay is just one of the tranquil beaches located on the Maharangi Peninsula, approximately 1 ½ hours north-east of central Auckland. It’s a perfect spot to relax and unwind if you want to do a day trip from Auckland, or there are three traditional kiwi baches that can be rented if you want a longer break.
There used to be baches (or cribs as they call them in the South Island) all along the Scandrett’s Bay shoreline. The Scandrett family whom the bay is named after, gave permission for a number of sites to be leased and at least 11 baches were built between 1950 and 1970.
Now just three remain and are owned by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC). New Zealanders love to have holidays by the beach so the baches are usually booked solid over the Christmas period but they are usually readily available outside of this period.
Graham Bach
Graham Bach, the middle one, where my family and I stayed for two nights recently, can sleep up to eight people. It’s literally right on the water’s edge, so the beach is your front yard. While we there we saw an Orca whale and its baby swimming not too far from shore and also a stingray which swum right past us in the clear shallows. Apart from some kayaking, and swimming, we also did a walk up over the headland. There are quite a few decent treks you can do that start from Scandrett Bay.
Kayaking
If you like historic places and cultural heritage, at the end of the headland is a Maori Pa site and the Scandrett Family homestead is open to the public. There is also a virtually intact collection of farm buildings dating from the late 19th century.
Scandrett Bay is a public beach but at night a gate closes off the entrance so you have the beach to yourselves. This, and the fact that it is a little off the beaten track, means that Scandrett Bay is not as overrun by people as perhaps some of the other beaches in the area and much of it’s natural beauty is still intact.
A guest post by New Zealand travel writer, Angela Pearse.
One great reason to visit this travel destination is to experience staying in authentic NZ bach right on the beach, a perfect way to relax and unwind with family and friends.
For More Information
To stay at one of the baches at Scandrett Bay visit the ARC website
Heading Down Under on your own? Australia is one of the easiest countries to navigate solo – with plenty of accommodation and activities that make it easy to make new friends – or just enjoy your own company. Meanwhile, if your day-to-day routine has got you wound up, it might be the perfect time for a solo getaway to recharge those waning batteries.
There’s plenty to be said about the solo adventure – here are some ways to really make the most of your trip:
Indulge – travelling by yourself doesn’t have to have to be about staying in hostels and dorms. If you have the budget to spend, there’s much to be said about splurging on your own hotel room. It doesn’t have to be a five star luxury – even the modest double bed can feel like decadence.
Be spontaneous - on your own, you have no obligation to communicate decisions and itineraries – you’re free to go on a whim. Make the most of those occasions when something takes your fancy and you can do that “about face” in the middle of the street.
Be open-minded – one of the best things about travelling alone is seeing the world unfiltered, without the influences of a travel mate. We spend so much of our time within our circles that we may be conditioned to think and believe a certain way. Solo travel offers greater independence and the chance to learn more about yourself as you learn more about the world.
Great ideas for the solo Australian holiday
Townsville - the perfect coastal getaway, Townsville is a great destination for singles looking for a relaxing time to enjoy the surf and sun. Magnetic Island offers a unique natural sanctuary as over half the island is a National Park. Try out your favourite water sports – what better way to spend your holiday than kayaking amongst Townsville’s brilliant waters? You can find Townsville accommodation that caters for singles as well as families.
Darwin – if you’re looking to meet fellow travellers and make new friends, Darwin is one of the best destinations for single travellers. Backpackers mingle with locals in the many pubs and night spots while the Mindil Beach markets are a spectacle to marvel at. You can also join a tour to visit nearby Kakadu and other nearby national parks.
Brisbane – enjoy a night out on the town in style. Brisbane has a number of great entertainment venues and vibrant hot spots. You’ll enjoy the many singles’ events and travel groups where you can meet fellow travellers. Or just spend a day wandering aimlessly through the eclectic streets of the city.
Author Bio:
This article is supplied by Quickbeds.com. With no booking fees and great rates – you’ll have no trouble finding cheap accommodation – Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne – Australia awaits you.
The Traveler IQ challenge ranks geographic knowledge of cities such as: Punta Cana, Willemstad or Columbia by comparing results against 5,473,834 other travelers.
The Canary Islands are often synonymous with lively nightlife and long days on the beach soothing a hangover, but the islands of La Palma and La Gomera have been largely untouched by the tourism trade and offer visitors a true taste of Spanish island life.
As well as enjoying the unspoiled beauty of these islands, you can relax and unwind in one of the many 
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