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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

The northern Costa Blanca, Spain

A holiday in the northern Costa Blanca is set within a greener and more rugged landscape than the south which is relatively flat and dry. The climate here is mild throughout the year with an average of 320 days sunshine each year, perfect for spending time lazing on the many Blue Flag beaches dotted along this coastline.

Apartment from Benidorm the area is not so commercialised as the south and though there are areas of construction, as in most of Spain, you can still find unspoilt Spanish villages and ports. Inland from the seaside resort of Denia and Javea, most popular with vacationers, you will find the Jalon Valley, a rural area of natural beauty and noted for its vineyards and wine. Further to the north the vineyards make way to citrus groves. The hills of the northern Costa Blanca are predominently covered in pine trees, which along with the citrus trees gives a distinctive Mediterranean fragence.

Benidorm has come a long way from its days as the being a bucket and spade resort, and is now much more upmarket. It still has 2 beaches giving 4 miles of soft sand, perfect for family holidays and the best nightlife on the Costa Blanca, though the resort has so much more to offer with its delightful Old Town and the theme park of Terra Mitica.

To the north of Benidorm is the white washed village of Altea set on the coast infront of an impressive backdrop of hills, the Sierra de Bernia. Altea is largely untouched by mass tourism and so still retains its old Spanish feel. Altea is famous for the church of Virgin de Consuelo with its blue dome, a symbol of this region. The beach here is 6km long, broken down into smaller bathing area by cliffs. A long promenade runs along the beach. A holiday rentals in Altea offers a more peaceful location, yet close to the resort of Benidorm for day trips.

Calpe is dominated by the towering Penon de Ifach, a vertically sided rock that protrudes from the Mediterranean over the town. The town, once an ancient fishing village is now one of the most popular resorts in the northern Costa Blanca with its quaint Valencian charm and beautiful sandy beaches. The town still has its fishing port, where you can watch the daily catch, though next door a stunning marina houses dream yachts.

A glimpse of Calpes past can be viewed from the old town walls beside the Moorish quarter, used to defend the town against the pirate attacks. Calpes Romain heritage can be seen at the remains of the Roman villa next to the Paseo Maritimo, and more at the towns Musem of Archeology. Self catering Calpe comes in many forms from frontline beach apartments on Calpes beaches to luxury villas overlooking Calpe and the Penon de Ifach.

Between Calpe and Moraira is the small village of Benissa withs it not to be missed Cathedral of the Marina Alta.

The small town of Moraira is set on the Mediterranean with a backdrop of hills, rising upwards towards the Jalon Valley. About 1 hour from the airport at Alicante, Moraira's climate averages 18 degrees over the year with an impressive 325 day average of sunshine.

The town maintain its fishing port history which can still be seen at the interesting fish auction from Tuesday to Sunday on the harbour side, many of the fishes caught ending up on a plate in one of the excellent restaurants and bars around the modern marina and port.

Moraira has 8km of shoreline to choose from, many of the beaches designated Blue Flag. Many of the Moraira holiday rentals are luxury villas with private pool set in the hills with outstanding vistas over this region.

Javea is set in an area of outstanding beauty. The town has an historic past and the old town is beautiful to behold with its traditional buildings with their small balonies looking out towards the main Javea beach of Playa del Arenal with its long stretch of sand. Bars and restaurants can be found alongside the Avenida del Mediterraneo alongside the Javea harbor area. Many of the Javea accommodation rentals on the site have spectacular views from the hills overlooking the town of Javea and its beaches.

Denia is much more a family resort, a quiet town based around a fishing port, where the daily catch is unloaded and sold at the town market. Voted as the 3rd most healthiest place to live, Denia climate, like most of the towns in this region is mild yet with long sunshine hours and an average yearly temperature of 19 degrees. This climate is ideal for the oranges and lemon groves around the area, as well as an ideal climate for holiday makers.

Much of Denia's history can be seen at the Castle, dating back to Roman times and open to the public, the castle is also the museum of archaeology. Inland from Denia is the golf resort of La Sella, where we also advertise many properties, perfect for the golfer amongst you. With over 20km of shoreline to relax on, a holiday villa Denia is a perfect place to stay for families looking for a quieter location.

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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

Spanish Galicia

The region elected its first parliament in 1981 following autonomy from Madrid. The Galego or Galician is the official language of the region, it is closely related to Portuguese and while most inhabitants understand it, only about half use it primarily.

In the 5th and 6th centuries Galicia was the centre of the kingdom of the German Suevi. Moorish rule followed but the king of Asturias liberated it during the 9th century. Its people's strong spirit of independence was shown during the Middle Ages when the feudal lords often rebelled against the crown and again in the early 19th century by the general resistance to occupation by Napoleonic forces Later in that same century Galicia was the scene of a somewhat surprising cultural and literary revival.

Galicia is a mountainous region, with several fast flowing rivers tumbling towards the Atlantic Ocean, of which the Mino is the most important. The area relies heavily on agriculture with extensive cattle and pig farming, food processing and fishing are also important. There is a large petroleum refinery at A Coruna and a strategic naval base at El Ferrol. Wind farms produce much of the region’s electricity.

A Coruna, formerly known as La Coruna is the capital of province of the same name.

A Coruna reached its height as a port and a textile centre in the late Middle Ages. The Armada sailed from its harbour in 1588 intent on collecting the Spanish army from Holland and the subsequent invasion of England. Bad weather and the English fleet, led by Sir Francis Drake, combined to thwart the attempt. 10 years later Drake himself paid Coruna a visit and sacked the city. In 1809 during the Peninsular War it was the scene of the in which Sir John Moore was killed. The city was a focus of antimonarchist sentiment during the 19th century.

Today it is a busy Atlantic port and the distribution centre for the surrounding agricultural area. It has shipyards, metal works, an oil refinery, glass and ceramic plants and an important fishing industry. The summer months see a significant tourist trade.

Chief landmarks are the Roman Torre de Hercules, which is now a lighthouse and a 13th century church. Miradores, glazed window balconies, are characteristic of A Coruna. It is the site of an arsenal and army garrison. The city is also spelled Corunna.

Santiago de Compostela is in A Coruna province and sits on the Sar River. The city is one of the chief shrines of Christendom. There in the early 9th century a reputed miracle led to the discovery of the supposed tomb of the apostle St. James the Greater. A sanctuary was built by Alfonso II of Asturias. During the Middle Ages the city grew around the shrine and became, after Jerusalem and Rome, the most famous Christian place of pilgrimage. It still thrives today as a pilgrimage site and has inevitably become a tourist centre. It is an archiepiscopal see and has a university that was founded 1501. The economy is based on agriculture, the manufacture of linen and paper and tourism. Its most remarkable building is the cathedral, which replaced the earlier sanctuary after its destruction by the Moors in the 10th century. Its construction started in the 11th century and was completed during 13th. Constructed in Romanesque style, the cathedral has had baroque and plateresque additions and restorations. Other historic buildings include the Royal Hospital from the early 16th century that was built by Ferdinand and Isabella to accommodate poor pilgrims.

Lugo is capital of Lugo province, it lies on the Minot River. The city is the processing and economic centre for the surrounding fertile farm area. One of the largest slaughterhouses in Spain is in Lugo. It has a cathedral dating from the 12th century and well-preserved Roman walls from the 3rd century.

The city of Ourense is the capital of province of the same name. It lies at the centre of an agricultural region with extensive vineyards. There is some light industry. Formally a Roman settlement, it reached its greatest importance as the capital of the kings of the Suevi during the 5th and 6th centuries. It has a fine 12th century bridge and a restored Gothic cathedral. There are hot sulphur springs, known since Roman times.

Pontevedra is the capital of Pontevedra province. It lies at the mouth of the Lerez River on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a major fishing port. Clothing, leather goods, and fertilizers are made, and farm products are traded. Among its many old structures are a Roman bridge, the Gothic Church of Santa Maria and the picturesque ruins of a 14th century convent. The city is reputed to have been the birthplace of Christopher Columbus's certainly the Santa Maria, his ship, was built there.

Vigo is a large city in the province of Pontevedra built on an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to an important naval base and one of Spain’s busiest ports. The country's most important fishing fleet sails from here. It also has shipyards, canneries, petroleum and sugar refineries and various light industries. In 1702 a Franco-Spanish fleet, escorting galleons loaded with gold, silver and precious stones from the Spanish colonies in the Americas, was attacked and largely destroyed in the Bay of Vigo by a combined force of British and Dutch vessels. Several galleons were sunk and it is believed that much of the treasure is still at the bottom of the bay. In 1719 the port was captured by the British.

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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

Spains Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. Its' wonderful beaches are one of the main attractions and ideal for water sports for most of the year. Denia and Javea are both located to the north of Alicante and are wonderful towns found at the bottom of a mountain. The holiday town of Moraira is also a favourite choice. Some of the coastal towns such as Gandia, Denia, Alicante and Cartagena have lovely old quarters, which are worth visiting. One of the principal resorts in the north of the Costa Blanca is the holiday resort of Benidorm. It has the attraction of the Terra Mitica theme park, as well as the beaches and the very lively nightlife.

Valencia is Spain's third largest city and is situated among a plain of orange groves. Along with the city of Murcia they both have universities, picturesque cathedrals and an abundance of museums.

The south of the Costa Blanca extends to Torrevieja and La Manga del Mar Menor. Torrevieja, which is approximately 45 minutes drive south of Alicante, is much expanded and before tourism the town's main source of income was sea salt from the large salt lakes which surround the area. There is a huge selection of accommodation to choose from along this coast from luxury Costa Blanca villas overlooking the towns of Denia and Javea in the north, modern holiday apartments in Benidorm at the heart of the nightlife to more rural cortijos and fincas just inland from the coast, yet close to all the activities.

A Costa Blanca holiday offers so much to do, the area is only second to the Costa del Sol in the number of Golf Courses it has, and we have a large selection of golf properties at the Villamartin golf resort and at La Manga. The courses at Villamartin, Las Ramblas and Campoamor offer exciting fairways with each golf course within 5 minutes drive of the other. The other famous golf course at La Manga is situated just to the south of the Mar Menor near to the sea whereas the golf resort of Ciudad Quesada lies inland from Torrevieja.

The Costa Blanca is served by 2 airports, 3 counting the one at Valencia. Alicante is the main international airport with numerous flights per day and the smaller airport of Murcia, next to the Mar Menor is well served with flights from the UK.

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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

Spains Catalonia

Catalonia encompasses a large part of the Spanish Pyrenees. There are some wonderful national parks for nature lovers to explore as well as skiing in the winter season. The coastline is well known for the popular resorts along the Costa Brava and Costa Daurada and the not so well known holiday region of Costa Garraf.

Barcelona is the capital of the region and offers the possibility of a city and beach holiday combined. It is home to a busy port and as a city is on a par with Madrid in all aspects. The cathedral is a popular attraction for visitors as well as Las Ramblas in the old part of the town, probably one of the most famous streets in the country. It is busy and thriving at all hours with its picturesque buildings, cafes and shops which lead down to the seafront.

Girona is another historic city to visit in this region. Like Barcelona, Girona also has in the old town, la Rambla de la Llibertat, a street full of busy shops and cafes. There is also a cathedral as well as museums. Many visitors take day trips to Girona from the coast, but it also has a very good choice of restaurants and places to stay.

The Costa Brava - the Wild Coast - is part of the Catalonian coastline within the province of Girona and can be found to the north of Barcelona. Although the Costa Brava has many busy holiday resorts there are still quieter beaches to be found such as Santa Cristina.

To the south are three of the busiest destinations; Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar (which is an old fort town) and La Platja d'Aro. L'Estartit is also popular and has a marine reserve which is excellent for scuba diving.

If you want to get away from the beaches and travel inland you will find the medieval villages of Peratallada, Peralada and Pals.

Looking for holiday villas Costa Brava, choose from our wide selection of properties in this beautiful region of Catalonia.

The Costa Garraf, is a little heard of region of the Catalonian Coast between the city of Barcelona and the Costa Daurada.

Located by the Llobregat delta, the Costa Garraf forms a low lying region with long sandy beaches, against steep sided cliffs. Vilanova i la Geltru is a popular resort as is Castelldefels and Sitgues, one of the most popular towns along this stretch of coast.

With its clear waters and pleasant climate, vacationing in a holiday rental along this coast offers up plenty of opportunities with Barcelona situated not too far to the north east. There are many apartments in Barcelona, ideal for a short break before spending the remaining time lazing by the pool of your Costa Garraf villa.

The Costa Daurada - the Golden Coast - of approximately 240km has many long, sandy beaches and runs from Tarragona northwards to Barcelona. Tarragona is a major industrial port but still has many of the remains of its Roman history. To the south of the city is Port Aventura, one of the largest theme parks in Europe.

To the north of Tarragona is the town of Sitges which is a lively resort and is popular amongst the Spanish and holidaymakers alike. The local restaurants serve many Catalan dishes.

The resort of Salou and Cambrils found to the south are amongst the busiest and have safe, shallow waters which are ideal for family holidays in one of the holiday villas Costa Daurada.

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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

Spain Travel: Year Round Events

Spain is one of the better countries in the world with rich culture based on religion and customs. The country is inhabited of about 45 million people of whom 80-94% are Roman Catholics. This is the reason why local as well as national events are based on Catholicism and faith. Spain is also home to several great things to do. While in this country, you will never have to worry how to spend your days because believe it or not, Spain travel can give you total vacation experience.

Here are some of the events you can catch and the things you can do if you decide to travel to Spain:

Run with the bulls. If you dare and tough enough to face the challenge of running with the bulls or simply want to join the fun without actually getting face to face with the bull, Pamplona should be your destination. The festival happens every July and has already attracted visitors from all parts of the world. The celebration is offered to San Fermin, the patron saint of Pamplona. This religious and unusual celebration makes Pamplona a good destination for your Spain travel.

Skiing and Mountaineering. Visit Catalunya, Aragon, and Torremolinos and Malaga in Andalucia and stay at one of the top winter resorts in Spain. Perfect time to go is during the late spring where you can have your winter sports by day and go at the beach and sunbathe in the afternoon.

Watch the Primera Liga Live. See you favorite football stars like Zidane, Raul, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Ronaldo, and David Beckham as they all play for the best football team in the UAFA Cup: Real Madrid.

Café all Day. Treat yourself in the relaxing day at one of the café in Spain. The country has lots of cafés in every village, town, and city where you can spend your whole day chatting with friends or alone savoring the Spain environment.

Go to local village fiesta. Spain travel might not be complete if you haven’t seen any local village fiestas. Since every town has their own patron saints to offer thanksgiving, you can never miss attending one. Fiestas normally have parades, religious activities, and parties during the night.

Meet the Artists. Spain travel would introduce you to several world-renowned artists. Visit Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Barcelona beach’s giant copper fish and other Gehny’s contemporary structures. Know more about the art of Antoni Gaudi in his structures at Barcelona and get introduced with his unusual tile style and graceful organic curve.

Take a glimpse of Diego Velazquez’s art in Prado Gallery in Madrid. Diego Velazquez painted the "Old Woman Cooking Eggs" and "The Rokeby Venus". And of course, who would not recognize Pablo Picasso? See his work Guernica at the Reina Sofia. Or visit the Picasso Foundation in Malaga.

Stay during the Holy Week. Spain travel is also ideal during holy week where the whole country commemorates that passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. See all the plays, activities, traditions, and the celebration of the country. If you are not a Catholic, you can still witness this activity.

Eat Snails. The Snail Festival happens every snail Lleida give you a different appetite for food. Although snails are the main course, you can also drink, dance, and eat other local foods all day and all night.

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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

Spain's capital Madrid

Madrid is relatively young when compared to the other great Spanish cities such as Seville and Valencia and so it lacks the traditions of the ancient Andalusian and Castilian towns. It lies on a vast open plateau and is subject to extremes of temperature, the daily variation is sometimes 22°C. The locals sum up their climate as nine months of winter and another 3 months of hell.

It is the nation's chief transportation and administrative centre. Its commercial and industrial life developed very rapidly after the 1890s and today it is nation's chief transportation and administrative centre, rivalled only by Barcelona. Besides it’s many manufacturing industries, Madrid are foremost as a banking, education, printing, publishing, tourism, and film production centre.

The general aspect of Madrid is modern, with boulevards and fashionable shopping areas, but the old quarters have picturesque streets. In the heart of the city is the Plaza Mayor, a 17th century square, built in the style of Juan de Herrera. Madrid’s loveliest gardens can found the Buen Retiro Park which opened in 1631. At the weekends street performers including musicians, tarot readers and puppet shows for children play in the park but this does bring in the crowds. Other landmarks include, El Pacicio Real, the huge and very opulent royal palace. A restored 1850 opera house and the imposing 19th-century building containing the national library, the national archives, and an archaeological museum.  Also noteworthy is the modern University City, which transferred from the town of Alcalá de Henares in 1836.

The best area in Madrid for bars and clubs is Malasana. If you arrive before 1 am you'll find the night yet to get underway. Cool Ballroom is probably numero uno in the city. And don't forget to end the night with the traditional Chocolate con Churrus. Madrid, as you would expect has numerous eating-place but try Casa Mingo in the Rio Manzanares. The house speciality is a whole roast chicken served with a salad and a bottle of cider. On Sunday you should head for, along with most of the population of the city, the Embajadores for the flea market on El Rastro. Most of what is on sale is junk but there are a few stalls with genuine antiques. If you're a football fan try to obtain tickets for one of Real Madrid's home games at the spectacular Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Here you will see the famous "galacticos" perform, or as is more usual under perform.

Madrid places host to three superb art museums, the Prado, which houses one of the finest art collections in the world including works by Veleazquez, Domenikos Theotokopoulos, Goya, Murillo, Ribera, Hieronymus Bosch, Rubens, Botticelli, Mantegna, Titian, Rembrandt, Mengs, Poussin and Gainsborough. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is housed in the renovated Villahermosa Palace and is home to one of the most wide ranging private collections of European art. The Queen Sofia Museum of modern art includes turn of the 20th century Catalan Modernism, Juan Gris' cubism, the bronze sculptures of Pablo Gargallo, some 20 canvases by Salvador Dali and Picasso's work condemning the German bombing the town of Guernica in the Basque country during the Spanish civil war. Also worth a visit is the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales which holds an interesting collection of treasures.

Madrid was first mentioned in the 10th century as a fortress of the Moors. Alfonso VI of Castile drove them out in 1083. The Cortes of Castile met in Madrid several times, and Ferdinand and Isabella as well as Emperor Charles V often resided there, but Madrid became the capital of Spain only in 1561, in the reign of Philip II. The city developed slowly at first, but it expanded rapidly in the 18th century under the Bourbon kings. The royal palace and the Prado date from that period. A popular uprising against the French took place at Madrid on May 2, 1808 at the beginning of the Peninsular War. A fierce battle was fought in the city's central square, the Puerta del Sol. In reprisal, hundreds of citizens were shot at night along the Prado promenade. Goya immortalized the events of that day with two of his most celebrated paintings, both can be seen in the Prado gallery. Madrid again played a heroic role in the Spanish civil war, when, under the command of General José Miaja, it resisted 29 months of siege by the Franco's Nationalist forces, suffering several bombardments and air attacks. It finally surrendered in late March 1939 effectively bringing the conflict to an end.

Alcalá de Henares lies some 30 km to the east of Madrid, on the Henares River. Once surrounded by wheat fields, the building of a major road has drawn it into the suburban orbit of Madrid. Chemicals, plastics, electrical appliances, leather, and china are produced in the town. Among the landmarks are a Gothic collegiate church and the former archiepiscopal palace. The new University of Alcalá de Henares was founded in 1977.

The town was called Complutum in Roman times. It is famous as the former seat of a great university founded in 1508 which subsequently transferred to Madrid in 1836. Also as the birthplace of Cervantes, Ferdinand I and Katherine of Aragon. And lastly as the scene of the Cortes in which Alfonso XI promulgated the Ordenamiento de Alcalá. The Spanish civil war saw the town severely damaged.

Other towns within the autonomous region of Madrid include Toledo, which preceded Madrid as the Spanish capital. Avila, whose old walls remain largely intact and a walk along them provides superb views of the town within and the harsh Castilian landscape outside. Segovia and it’s ancient
aqueduct which is an example of Roman engineering at it’s very best and Guadalajara.

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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

Spain - Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza

Spain is the land of romance and amazing oddities. From bullfights to Gaudi to partying the night away on Ibiza, travelers could easily spend a year exploring Spain.

Madrid

With a population of over three million, Madrid is a big, modern city in central Spain. The suburbs of Madrid are very modern and not particularly interesting. Make it to the center of the city, however, and you are in for a treat. Small alleys, hidden squares and odd little shops are the norm. In this center, you will find a vibrant public life with outdoor cafes literally overrun with the passionate and interesting people of Madrid. When visiting the city, keep in mind it is very hot in the summer and pretty cold in the winter.

Barcelona

One of my favorite travel destinations, Barcelona is a costal city oozing charm. The city embodies all of the interesting little oddities of Spain with ancient streets where the local hobby is people watching. The city is also the home of best Gaudi architecture in Spain. Gaudi was either a genius or a madman, but there is no denying his architecture is unique. I would describe it as a mix between dripping candles and normal architecture. The big tourist attraction, of course, is the Sagrada Familia church, but better examples can be seen by just walking through neighborhoods. Yep, his work is throughout the city. The only downside to Barcelona is a trend of modernization. While modernization is generally okay, I think it is taking a bit away from the historic charm of Barcelona.

Ibiza

If you’re looking to sit on the beach all day and party the night away, Ibiza is the hottest spot in Europe. An island off the coast of Spain, Ibiza is the rare tourist spot where monstrous tourist hotels don’t dominate. Instead, you’ll find yourself staying in rented rooms, little hotels and hostels in Ibiza Town. During the days, it’s all about enjoying the beaches. At night, the bars and clubs of the island are world famous and they never really seem to close. Bring plenty of aspirin!

If you’re going to visit Spain, you can’t really go wrong. If time is short, Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza are three spots worth seeing.

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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

Spain: Bullfights And Sangria

A cocktail of bullfighting, flamenco and sangria, Spain is a country blessed with rich history and culture. Add beautiful beaches and warm climate, and it’s evident why Spain is the world’s second most visited country.

The demise of Franco opened Spain to a curious world. A booming tourist industry allowed the country to grow, revealing its history and way of life to an interested planet.

Each town revels in its individual brand of architecture, none more so than Barcelona, bearing the architectural signature of Antonio Gaudi. The Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos in Santiago de Compostela is believed to be the world’s oldest hotel. Buildings in the far south of Spain retain a distinct Moroccan influence, a consequence of invasions from ancient past.

Northern Spain seems to have been inspired by Celtic Britain, even borrowing the Scottish bagpipes as instrument of choice.

Spain’s emotional love affair with the art world is captured in its many fine museums. Works of the country’s favourite sons, including the surreal compositions of Dali, and the enigmatic genius of Picasso are displayed with honour.

Attracting over 2 million visitors a year, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is Gaudi’s most celebrated masterpiece. Under construction since 1882, this magnificent cathedral is not expected to be completed until around the year 2080. Today, the project is funded from tourism.

The Plaza Major in Madrid is the capital’s most historic landmark. This old town square is the perfect place to sit and relax, drink your coffee, and watch the world go by. Tourists and locals congregate each day to absorb the ambience and exchange thoughts.

However, there is more to this place than meets the eye. In days gone by, kings have been crowned here and trials of the inquisition held. Other events such as bullfighting have also taken prominence. Despite its age, meticulous attention has kept the square beautifully preserved.

Sun worshippers with little cultural interest can find solace on the Costa del Sol. A haven for beach lovers, the long golden sands provide ample opportunity for that bronze tan.

Located off the west coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands are the ideal destination for beach holidays. Born of volcanic activity, plant life and vegetation thrive in the rich soil, providing safe refuge for local wildlife. Golden sands contrast the black volcanic rock, while the cool Atlantic breeze retains a comfortable temperature.

The Balearic Islands, southeast of Barcelona are another suntrap, a lure for those who enjoy a hot sun and long nights. Indeed, the island of Ibiza is the party capital of Europe.

For those of a more cultured persuasion, the Prado Museum in Madrid houses some of the greatest works throughout Europe. Since construction in 1819, millions have passed through and revelled in its glory.

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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

Spain: Bullfights And Sangria

A cocktail of bullfighting, flamenco and sangria, Spain is a country blessed with rich history and culture. Add beautiful beaches and warm climate, and it’s evident why Spain is the world’s second most visited country.

The demise of Franco opened Spain to a curious world. A booming tourist industry allowed the country to grow, revealing its history and way of life to an interested planet.

Each town revels in its individual brand of architecture, none more so than Barcelona, bearing the architectural signature of Antonio Gaudi. The Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos in Santiago de Compostela is believed to be the world’s oldest hotel. Buildings in the far south of Spain retain a distinct Moroccan influence, a consequence of invasions from ancient past.

Northern Spain seems to have been inspired by Celtic Britain, even borrowing the Scottish bagpipes as instrument of choice.

Spain’s emotional love affair with the art world is captured in its many fine museums. Works of the country’s favourite sons, including the surreal compositions of Dali, and the enigmatic genius of Picasso are displayed with honour.

Attracting over 2 million visitors a year, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is Gaudi’s most celebrated masterpiece. Under construction since 1882, this magnificent cathedral is not expected to be completed until around the year 2080. Today, the project is funded from tourism.

The Plaza Major in Madrid is the capital’s most historic landmark. This old town square is the perfect place to sit and relax, drink your coffee, and watch the world go by. Tourists and locals congregate each day to absorb the ambience and exchange thoughts.

However, there is more to this place than meets the eye. In days gone by, kings have been crowned here and trials of the inquisition held. Other events such as bullfighting have also taken prominence. Despite its age, meticulous attention has kept the square beautifully preserved.

Sun worshippers with little cultural interest can find solace on the Costa del Sol. A haven for beach lovers, the long golden sands provide ample opportunity for that bronze tan.

Located off the west coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands are the ideal destination for beach holidays. Born of volcanic activity, plant life and vegetation thrive in the rich soil, providing safe refuge for local wildlife. Golden sands contrast the black volcanic rock, while the cool Atlantic breeze retains a comfortable temperature.

The Balearic Islands, southeast of Barcelona are another suntrap, a lure for those who enjoy a hot sun and long nights. Indeed, the island of Ibiza is the party capital of Europe.

For those of a more cultured persuasion, the Prado Museum in Madrid houses some of the greatest works throughout Europe. Since construction in 1819, millions have passed through and revelled in its glory.

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Saturday, December 12th 2009

8:33 PM

Spain – Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza

Spain is the land of romance and amazing odd Code Editorities. From bullfights to Gaudi to partying the night away on Ibiza, travelers could easily spend a year exploring Spain.

Madrid

With a population of over three million, Madrid is a big, modern city in central Spain. The suburbs of Madrid are very modern and not particularly interesting. Make it to the center of the city, however, and you are in for a treat. Small alleys, hidden squares and odd little shops are the norm. In this center, you will find a vibrant public life with outdoor cafes literally overrun with the passionate and interesting people of Madrid. When visiting the city, keep in mind it is very hot in the summer and pretty cold in the winter.

Barcelona

One of my favorite travel destinations, Barcelona is a costal city oozing charm. The city embodies all of the interesting little oddities of Spain with ancient streets where the local hobby is people watching. The city is also the home of best Gaudi architecture in Spain. Gaudi was either a genius or a madman, but there is no denying his architecture is unique. I would describe it as a mix between dripping candles and normal architecture. The big tourist attraction, of course, is the Sagrada Familia church, but better examples can be seen by just walking through neighborhoods. Yep, his work is throughout the city. The only downside to Barcelona is a trend of modernization. While modernization is generally okay, I think it is taking a bit away from the historic charm of Barcelona.

Ibiza

If you’re looking to sit on the beach all day and party the night away, Ibiza is the hottest spot in Europe. An island off the coast of Spain, Ibiza is the rare tourist spot where monstrous tourist hotels don’t dominate. Instead, you’ll find yourself staying in rented rooms, little hotels and hostels in Ibiza Town. During the days, it’s all about enjoying the beaches. At night, the bars and clubs of the island are world famous and they never really seem to close. Bring plenty of aspirin!

If you’re going to visit Spain, you can’t really go wrong. If time is short, Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza are three spots worth seeing.

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