Where is Barcelona?

Barcelona

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.

Fodor’s Barcelona

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One Great Reason to Visit Barcelona

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the numerous landmarks and monuments.

Barcelona

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• Official Tourism Site

Where is La Palma and La Gomera?

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.

Canary Islands (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

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One Great Reason to Visit

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to enjoy the slow pace and take in the landscapes each island offers the visitor.

Canary Islands

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Where is Mallorca?

Mallorca, Spain: The perfect family holiday is waiting on the popular Balearic Island Of Mallorca.

The largest of the Balearic Island’s – and one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations – Mallorca has earned itself a family-friendly reputation, and for good reason. It can be difficult pleasing every member of the family whilst on holiday, especially if there are young children and teenagers living in close proximity for a week or two, but there are plenty of Mallorca hotels that are designed to accommodate families of all ages and the island in general is geared up to meet a variety of needs. With countless blue flag beaches for teenagers to top up their tans, wild water parks for energetic children and cultural tours aplenty for the parents, there is something here to keep everyone happy.

For a full day’s entertainment and a great way to use up some of the kids’ boundless energy, a trip to a water park should be high on your agenda. Once the entrance fee has been paid, the facilities can be used as many times as desired. Western water park near Magalluf has to be the best family day out for all ages. There are slides, waterfalls and water facilities to suit all, and various shows running throughout the day for continuous entertainment.

Parents in need of some time to themselves, meanwhile, can leave the kids to enjoy their hotel’s day care facilities and consider a trip to the Caves of Drach. Located in picturesque Porto Cristo, this hidden gem is certainly worth exploration. Inside the caves you can find ceilings encrusted with stalactites and one of the world’s largest underground lakes, measuring 177 meters in length with varying depths of between 5 to 9 meters. Visitors are entertained with a concert performed by musicians aboard a small boat which slowly crosses the lake, offering a welcome cultural excursion for parents in need of rest and relaxation.

This post is part of a monthly Spanish Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find Mallorca hotels suitable for all tastes and budgets.

Lonely Plant – Mallorca (Regional Guide)

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One Great Reason to Visit

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to see the grand Gothic style cathedral in the island’s capital of Palma de Mallorca.

Majorca, the perfect destination

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• Wikipedia
• Mallorca Tourist Information

The delights of the Spanish Paradores

Road trippers and nature lovers shouldn’t leave the Spanish Paradores off their must-see travel list. The Paradores are important historic buildings across the country and are cultural and architectural remnants of the Roman Empire, Arab, and Germanic rule. Once the location of great battles and home to some of the greatest kings, today these great palaces, hospitals, and monasteries have been transformed into comfortable, even luxurious hotels for visitors from all over the world. For a feel of Spain through the ages, live in history and sleep in style in one of these fascinating and awe-inspiring structures. Here’s our pick of seven of the best!

Parador de Zafra, Extremadura

Housed in a huge castle which belonged to the Duchess of Feria in 1437 is today a flourishing 4-star hotel called Parador de Zafra. The hotel is located in the province of Badajoy, in the town center of Zafra. Near the Parador de Zafra lies the famous Santa Maria church. The luxurious interior of this huge hotel is guarded by nine crenels. The hotel still sports iron mounting, coffered ceilings, and other small decorative items which have survived the centuries.

Parador de Lerma, Castle Leon

Originally the Ducal Palace, it was built on the foundations of an old castle which dated back to the 15th century. Today this Palace, designed by Francisco de Mora and built in the early half of the 17th century by King Philipp III is the Parador de Lerma. This 4-star hotel has 70 guestrooms, of which no two rooms are alike, differing depending on their location within the castle. The stone floors, antiques and slanted wood still feel as they did five centuries ago.

Parador de Santo Estevo, Galicia

The Parador de Santo Estevo was originally called the Benedictine Monastery located in the north of Ourense in Galicia. It can be found near the Spanish town of Nogueira de Ramuín almost close to the edge of a canyon which is surrounded by lush green and wooded mountains which look like a scene out of the history books. This hotel has a total of 77 rooms of different sizes both with and without private living rooms. The rooms have been remodeled and designed to a more contemporary yet luxurious style.

Parador de Plasencia, Extremadura

The Parador de Plasencia is located in the middle of the ancient Spanish town of Plasencia. Architecturally rich, this building can be found near the Portuguese border. This 15th century monastery houses a four-star hotel with countless halls, gothic type façade, open air pool and 66 beautiful guestrooms. Each of the rooms features high ceilings and natural stone walls which create a romantic and comfortable atmosphere. Oriental carpets, baldachins and baroque sofas add to the feeling of comfort and luxury of staying here.

Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera, Extremadura

Located in the Cáceres province in an old village named Jarandilla de la Vera – which is 230 km away from the Spanish capital of Madrid – the Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera was once home to the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V and the king of the Spanish Empire. This castle – dating from the 15th century – has lost none of its charm and superior presence over the centuries. Still guarded by fortified towers, wooden rafters, and huge open fireplaces, it’s a must visit for every tourist. The comfortable, beautiful and open rooms give visitors a feeling of freedom.

Parador de Oropesa, Castile La Mancha

The Parador de Oropesa was once a 14th century castle and housed nobles, dukes of Oropesa and many clergymen over the centuries. The 4 star hotel can be found in the fertile valley near the Tagus River. Today it features a romantic atmosphere with pool, stylish interior and 14th century charm. The large and impressive mosaic floors, watch tower and an underground arched cellar just adds to the unique experience. Each room has been furnished with upholstered furniture, decorative lamps, comfortable and spacious rooms. This Parador still maintains an atmosphere that resembles Castilian aristocratic tradition.

Parador de Monforte de Lemos, Galicia

Located in Galicia, the Parador Monforte de Lemos is a huge monument and consists of San Vicente del Pino monastery, fortified tower, and the Duke’s palace. This impressive piece of architecture embodies various styles of epochs from the time of the Middle Ages right down to the 18th century. Each guestroom here is unique and has a special charm which is a mix of both old and new lifestyles. The huge, bright and well decorated rooms are comfortable and inviting.

Guest contribution from Escapio.com where these historic hotels in Spain are just a handful of the luxury, boutique and design hotels perfect for a long holiday or a weekend break.