Gran Canaria is the second most populous island in the Canary Islands archipelago. It has long been a popular spot with tourists who value the stunning scenery and warm, spring-like temperatures that last throughout the year. While cheap holidays to Gran Canaria draw 2.2 million visitors to the island’s beaches every year, the sunny coast isn’t the only attraction for vacationers.

Head inland on the island, and you’ll discover a misty and magical world of dense, green laurel trees and ferns, thick with moss and cut by waterfalls and bubbling streams.

The laurel forests or “laurisilva” of the world are heaven on earth for botanists. These pockets of dense forest are scattered across North Africa, Southern Europe and the Canary Islands and play host to some of the most interesting flora and fauna on the planet. These humid woodlands are thought to be relics from another age, left over from the ancient forests that covered this area almost twenty million years ago.

In Gran Canaria the sad story is that the laurel forests have been in sharp decline in recent years, with many rare and indigenous animals disappearing almost entirely. Currently, just 1% of the original laurel forest is thought to remain on the island. This precious habitat is sheltered at Los Tiles, where the atmospheric conditions of the surrounding mountains create the perfect environment for maintaining this natural paradise. The air is consistently moist, allowing tree and plant life to flourish.

Anyone hoping to visit will be pleased to learn that there are walks through the forests, the shortest of which is the .75 km climb up the Mirador Topo de las Barandas. As you reach the peak you’ll be treated to a spectacular view down the deep gorge that runs through the middle of the forest. This hike takes about 45 minutes and is the perfect way to start the day.

More adventurous hikers may be interested in a ravine-side hike to the Marcos and Cordero Springs, where you’ll pass through a series of canal tunnels that, in the past, brought water to the island. It can be quite slippery, so wear decent hiking boots and pack a raincoat – everything here is wet! A torch would also be advisable, as there’s no natural light in the tunnels. This walk takes about 5 hours.

Whether you’re a keen botanist or a tourist looking for something a bit different, the laurel forest is definitely worth a look before it’s too late. Unlike many delicate and rare environmental spots, Gran Canaria is easy to reach on an affordable holiday, and the experience of the laurisilva will be completely priceless.

Where is Seville?

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and is the stereotypical Spain with flamencos, bullfights, Moorish palaces and gorgeous hilltop villages. Other than Seville, the two other principal centres include Granada and Cordoba.

Seville is a great city with its colour and is as alive at night as it is during the day (but what Spanish city isn’t?). There are plenty of beds in hostels and hotels to base yourself to see the sights. Seville contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. It is also the only river port in Spain and lies in the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir River.

Other not to miss attractions include the Plaza de Espana and the nearby parks offer a romantic setting for an evening stroll. Behind the Cathedral is the picturesque old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz.

Frommer’s Seville Day By Day

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Seville

One Great Reason to Visit Seville

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to experience the stereotypical Spain!

Come to Seville

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Official Seville Website

 

Family Holidays to Spain: 7 Days in Benidorm

When you book Benidorm holidays, it is only the start of the excitement you are about to experience.

As one of the top holidays to Spain among British holidaymakers, it comes as no surprise that Benidorm is kitted out with tons of family friendly attractions. You’ll be spoilt for choice with how to spend your week.

Day 1: Terra Natura is an educational wildlife park split off into the seven continents of the world, each zone with its own ecosystem and native animals.

Day 2: After a day relaxing on Benidorm’s best beaches, head to Benidorm Circus. Impressive acrobatic displays and trapeze acts keep tourists flocking back year after year.

Day 3: Terra Mitica is jam packed with traditional thrill rides. Although more of a fairground than a theme park, the rides here pack plenty of punch. Best for older children due to the minimum height restriction of 140cm.

Day 4: What family holiday is complete without some waterpark action? Aqualandia has chutes, flumes and slides in abundance for adrenaline junkies. Adults can relax on the loungers watching youngsters in the splash pools.

Day 5: Swim with dolphins and watch breathtaking sealife shows at Mundomar, one of Benidorm’s finest attractions.

Day 6: Take a trip away from the hustle and bustle of Benidorm and book a Jeep Safari. Teens and adults will love the midnight tours, while those with tots have the option of exploring the island by daylight.

Day 7: Aqua Natura is a family orientated waterpark alternative to Aqualandia. Wind the pace down on your last day in the sun and cool off at this calm child friendly attraction. Complete with slides, loungers, pools and more.

Secure your spot in the sun for a fantastic price. Book Benidorm holidays online now for the best deals on 2013 holidays to Spain.

If you are planning a holiday to Mallorca, there are a number of things that you can do to make your holiday special without breaking the bank. Holidays are meant to be enjoyed and saving money is certainly enjoyable these days. If you are headed to Mallorca and want to save money on your trip, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:

1. Book your trip well ahead. By booking ahead, you can take advantage of many savings opportunities. Most airlines and hotels offer substantial discounts for those who book their reservations at least six weeks ahead of schedule. While you could always wait until the last minute and hope that you snag a deal, it simply makes better sense to book as far ahead as possible and know without a doubt that you are saving money.

2. Travel during off peak seasons when possible. Most tourist destinations are a bit more expensive to visit during their peak seasons. Summer is normally when people take holiday with the family so if you have the option of travelling in the spring or fall, you can still enjoy the beautiful Mallorca weather and enjoy a bit more cash in your pocket as well.

3. Always avoid travelling on the weekends if possible. Mallorca is a popular holiday destination and most visitors travel on Saturday and Sunday. If you can, book your flight on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Not only will you save money on your flight, you will avoid the rush of incoming visitors as well.

4. While in Mallorca, check out free attractions. There are a number of sights that you can see without having to pay a dime. Natural beauty is everywhere in Mallorca and the only thing it will cost you is transportation fare. Depending on where you are staying, you may even be able to walk to many sights and avoid the cost of transportation altogether. Do a bit of research before you leave to see what sights are close to your hotel. Take in these sights and spend a day or so simply walking around and looking at the area.

5. Finally, pack lightly. Most airlines charge additional fees for additional luggage. If you do not need to pack five or six suitcases, then don’t. If you are staying for a week or so, find out what laundry facilities are located on or close to your hotel. Washing your clothing is going to be cheap compared to paying the fare for additional luggage.

This article was written by Hotel Sis Pins, one of the most charming hotels Pollensa offers.