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Archived Posts from “Spain”

Preparing for Your First Visit to Benidorm

18

March

If you have never visited Benidorm, you are in for quite a treat. While there are a number of things that you may want to see and do while you are there, there is certainly no way to do everything on your first trip. It may be necessary to spend some time thinking about the sights and activities that you are certain you want to include and then making an itinerary before your trip.

Benidorm is famed for its peaceful yet bustling lifestyle. Those who have never been there will notice upon arrival that it offers everything you would expect in a major city and still has the quiet solitude of a country escape. There are many historical sites to behold, beautiful and pristine beaches on which you can relax and amazing nightlife and restaurant opportunities not to mention the shops and other amenities.

There are a number of festivals that take place in Benidorm each year and if you are traveling during one of these, it is essential that you make time to visit the festival. Many of the festivals offer religious undertones and some are rich in cultural heritage. They are certainly something that you want to include in your first visit so take the time to research the annual festivals and see if you are going to have the opportunity to attend one during your visit.

Aside from the many festivals, Benidorm offers a wide range of activities to suit a number of personal preferences. Whether you enjoy water sports, hiking, sightseeing or you simply want to relax on the beach and soak up the sun, you are certain to find the perfect activity no matter what you prefer to do on vacation. There are also a number of golf courses, many of which are world famous for their greens so if you enjoy playing, this will be a good place to work towards your professional golf career. Some of the courses have been designed by famed designer Seve Ballesteros and many are host to the Spanish National Golf Championships.

If you are a history buff, be sure that you make time to visit the historical ruins that are spread out all over Benidorm. Planning holidays in Benidorm takes a bit of time but if you take a few moments to research your options prior to traveling you can be certain to take in all of the sights you want and the activities that you enjoy on your first visit. Many enjoy the outdoor market that offers a huge selection of different local items and the El Cisne Flea Market is open on Sundays and also offers a range of Spanish items.

Taking the time to plan your trip will help you to ensure that you enjoy everything there is to enjoy upon your first visit to Benidorm. You may not be able to see and do everything but you can get the gist of this beautiful region and why it is such a popular tourist attraction and you can always visit again to catch the sights that you miss the first time.


Five Tenerife Holidays That Don’t Involve a Beach

26

February

Tenerife has acquired a rather undesirable reputation over the years as the typical holiday for Brits abroad, in all of their red faced, all-day-breakfasted glory. However, this reputation is rather unfair and many hoteliers and those working in tourism have tried to change the reputation of Tenerife holidays to attract a different class of clientele.

A little searching beyond the bright lights, huge hotels and neon-decked bars of the large coastal resorts and you can find the real Tenerife, famous for it’s spectacular volcanic landscape and perfect weather – who wouldn’t want year-round sun?

Walking in Tenerife

If you’re a keen rambler then you should look no further than Tenerife. The spectacular mountains and moon-like terrain offers scenery like nowhere else in the world. If you are after a challenge then you should scale Mount Teide in the middle of the island, which rises to a whopping 3,718 meters above sea level: about three times higher than Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain.

Because the terrain rises very steeply in Tenerife, it means that walks are not for the faint hearted, unless you plan a more gentle route in advance. You should also take care not to walk during the middle of the day as the intense heat can make even a gentle stroll a challenge. If you are up for the adventure, you will have one of the best rambling holidays around.

Sports

There are a huge range of sports available on Tenerife and the perfect, still and hot conditions make it an excellent place to improve the technique of your chosen pastime.

There are hundreds of tennis courts around the island – many pros choose Tenerife as the place to train during the off-season. Badminton is also a popular sport to play in Tenerife because of the many days where the wind isn’t very strong, making it certain that the shuttlecock flies true!

Golf is another huge pull for holidaymakers and the islands numerous golf courses and resorts make it easy to get a round in before tea.
Fishing and Whale and Watching

The Atlantic Ocean surrounding Tenerife is teeming with life – there are so many things to see in the ocean that it makes lounging around on the beach seem like a criminal waste of time.

The seas are so full of fish that even the most modest fishermen can seem like experts and there is nothing more satisfying than cooking up the fish that you caught earlier that day on the barbecue.

There are many sailors that offer trips out into the ocean to see whales and dolphins. Costing about £20 per person for a couple of hours trip, it is a great way to see a different part of the island and the spectacular sight of a whale in the ocean is not to be missed.


Tenerife – The Perfect Place To Celebrate Your Anniversary

24

May

Sometimes, purchasing jewelry and flowers for your spouse to celebrate your anniversary just isn’t enough. If you are coming up on your 10th or even 25th wedding anniversary you will want to do something that is truly unexpected. Planning a surprise vacation may take a little finesse, however, the rewards will be well worth your hard work. Vacation destinations such as Hawaii, London and New York City provide endless amounts of entertainment, but if you want to plan a romantic getaway for two you should consider visiting Tenerife. This small island, located off the coast of Africa and directly beneath Spain is as exclusive as it gets. When your significant other finds out what you have planned she will be unable to hide her excitement.

You might be able to make a few phone calls and book a beautiful hotel suite within a few minutes, but locating flights to Tenerife will take more effort. First, you will need to decide where you want to stay on the island. Although Tenerife is rather tiny, it will be more convenient for you to tay in a hotel that is close to the airport that you fly into. After you have booked your flight and found a hotel to stay in, you will want to devote the rest of your time to wining and dining your spouse.

There are countless gourmet restaurants in Tenerife, so be sure to make a reservation and ask for the royal treatment. You don’t even have to do anything special while in Tenerife in order to impress your spouse. A long walk on the beach, a candle lit hotel suite and some quiet time together will make her fall in love with you all over again. Make sure that your next wedding anniversary is filled with passion and splendor by booking a Tenerife vacation today.


Planning An Affordable Tenerife Vacation

11

May

While exotic vacation destinations are some of the most beautiful places in the world, everything associated with them can be very expensive. From hotel suites to car rentals, you are going to have to budget your trip down to the penny if you want to have enough money leftover to buy souvenirs. This is why travelers look for cheap flights to Tenerife before they even think about mapping out the rest of their vacations. Until you know that you will be able to fly at a reasonable price you don’t want to get involved in comparing hotels or putting together a meal plan.

In most cases, people that want to plan a vacation leave everything up to travel agents. If you are working with someone that you can trust it is very likely that you will be able to go on your vacation and stay within your budget. On the other hand, you might be able to get a better price if you plan out your own trip. There are many different websites that are dedicated to vacation planning, and if you are willing to spend a few minutes going through them you will learn what it takes to go on an awesome vacation.

Because Tenerife is located in the Canary Islands all you probably want to do is relax. With world class resorts and stunning beaches, all you are going to need to bring with you are a few bathing suits and a lot of sunscreen. Don’t get overwhelmed while you are planning your trip. Instead, think about how great it will be when your airplane finally touches down and you get to spend your days walking on the beach and taking in the magnificent views. Make sure that you pack everything that you need before you get on the plane because your worries will disappear as soon as your flight takes off.


What To See While You Are In Spain

10

May

Many people immediately think of bull fighting and beaches when they envision a trip to Spain. In this modern country you will have the ability to create virtually any type of vacation that you want to. For example, some come to Spain to discover its culture. The arts are celebrated throughout all of Spain, from dance and painting to cuisine and music. There are several different travel companies that offer tours of Madrid in which visitors are carted along on open trolleys. Make sure that you have your camera in tow because you are going to want to take pictures of literally everything that you see.

Since Spain has a thriving business industry, many people who visit actually come to further their corporate careers. When they are not busy signing contracts they are in the nightclubs and discos partying the nights away. The most difficult part about taking a trip to Spain is actually getting there. This is why you should keep your eye out for cheap flights to Spain. When you spend less money on airline tickets you will be able to use your resources to visit museums and dine in world renowned restaurants.

Overall, it is up to the individual visitor to choose which parts of Spain to visit and marvel at. You can purchase a packaged vacation, or you can map out your own destiny. Whatever sights you end up seeing, know that you will be tempted to come back for more. There is just no way that you will be able to visit every single part of this awe inspiring country in a single trip. Make an annual visit to Spain so that you can revisit some of your favorite destinations and make new discoveries on every trip. It is likely that you will end up making new friends that will guide you all over Spain.


Great Sights in Spain

06

November

When traveling to Spain, be ready to gratify in a diversity of culture and traditions. With its many regions, each with its diverse authority and ways of doing things, travelers to Spain will be certain be treated to a plethora of picturesque sights, sounds and experiences.

Touted as one the world’s famous tourist destinations, Barcelona, travelers to Spain will find the openwork spires of the El Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia or the Church of the Holy Family. The personal obsession of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi y Cornet was reflected in the neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece reknowned for its undulating curves and flamboyant design just before he died in a trolley accident. Travelers to Spain’s Barcelona will also find the paved thoroughfare Las Ramblas leading to Plaza de Catalu’a fascinating. In the oldest section of the city, travelers to Spain will get to see the Church of San Pablo del Ocampo and the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, which is a monument to Christopher Columbus. In Barcelona, the Barri Gotic and the red brick Arc del Triomf can be found. Both were designed by Josep Vilaseca.

Travelers to Spain will love touring Barcelon’s finest educational and art institutions. Among them are the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Royal Archives of Aragon, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Contemporary Art Museum.

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a metropolis known for its nightlife. Travelers to Spain will be entertained with its bars and summer terazas. Areas of note are the Chueca and the Circulo de Bellas Artes where travelers to Spain can enjoy relaxing and drinking in its many bars and discotecas. Three of the finest museums in the world can also be found in Madrid. travel through Spain’s art history as you view the country’s art collection. Museo del Prado is the most famous of the lot. Travelers to Spain will be able to see in the museum Velazquez’s Las Meninas and Goya’s Las Majas.

The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, on the other hand, houses Pablo Picasso’s Geurnica, a depiction of the Spanish Civil War. Travelers to Spain should consider the following notable museums such as Thyssen-Bornemisza art museum that houses close to 800 paintings; the Lazaro Galdiano Museum; the National Library, which houses every book published in Spain; Museum of Bullfighting; the National Museum of Decorative Arts; and the Cultural Center of Madrid, which contains a theater for zarzuela, Spain’s version of the opera. Of course, no place will compare to the Royal palace itself, where travelers to Spain can walk through the residential rooms of 18th and 20th century royalty.

Another sight that travelers to Spain should not leave without seeing is the Alhambra Palace, which is possibly the greatest work of the Moorish art in Spain. Consisting of several courtyards and patios, this Palace in Granada is a superb piece of architectural work with its elaborate inlaid walls and ceiling designs.

Traveling to Spain will not be complete without visiting Cordoba, a city in the South. Look for the Mezquita, Europe’s grandest and utmost gorgeous mosque. Alcazar is another magnificent tourist destination. This Moorish palace was the venue for the Inquisition though it is currently essentially in ruins.

Spain’s sprawling beaches and resorts also provide the perfect tourist destination. Travelers to Spain will fancy Costa del Sol and the Costa Brava, a string of coves from Palamos to Begur.

About the Author

The author of this article is Andrew Tan EC, webmaster of Tour-Spot.com which is Travel Directory for Tour Packages, Travel Agents and Free Travel Guides. Offers various travelling information before you embark on the perfect travel plan.


Staying in the Costa Blanca, Spain

06

November

The Costa Blanca Spain is one of the most popular tourist areas in the country. This area is located along the Mediterranean Sea and is well known for its beautiful beaches. The area has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. While summer is the most popular time to visit, the climate is beautiful all year round.

The first step in planning your trip is to decide which areas you’d like to visit. Larger cities, such as Torrevieja, Benidorm and Alicante have a busy night life, theme parks and historical attractions as well as beautiful beaches. Smaller towns such as Denia and Altea offer a quiet place to relax and enjoy the weather. Consider what you would like to do when choosing your destination.

Travelling to and Around the Costa Blanca Spain

The majority of the visitors to the Costablanca enter through the Alicante airport. This is a large airport that offers several choices in discount airlines. You have more choices in flights at this airport than in many of the smaller airports in the region. To find the best deals, book your flight well in advance of your trip, particularly in the summer months.

The internet is one way to find discount flights. Keep in mind that not all discount carriers are listed on the major travel websites. To find these, you will need to track down the information and contact the airlines directly. This will take more time and effort, but you will save money.

Be prepared to give up a few conveniences in exchange for a lower fare. Many discount airlines don’t offer snacks, require you to check your bags after each layover and will require at least one layover during your trip. In addition, you may need to fly during off peak hours to save the most money.

Once you arrive on the Costa Blanca, you will need to decide how you will travel during your trip. You can either rely on public transportation or consider a car hire. Spain has a good train system and larger cities have good systems of public transportation. Buses and trains are available from the airport to the city and between cities. If you don’t plan to travel through the region extensively, you may rely on public transportation.

If you want to visit many different areas of the region, you may want to consider a car hire. You can rent a car at the airport or in the city after you arrive. A car gives you the freedom to move from place to place. In addition, you won’t need to schedule your travel by the public transportation schedule. You can come and go as you like.

Staying in the Costa Blanca Spain

You will need to make arrangements for accommodations on your vacation. You can either stay in a hotel or rent a property. Hotels are available in abundance all over the region. You can choose a large hotel or resort with many amenities and activities to keep you busy. Golf resorts have become very popular destinations in the area. There are also a variety of smaller, less expensive hotels in the area.

Some people prefer to rent a private property on vacation. Apartments are available in abundance in many of the large cities. You could also rent a villa in the smaller villages. Many rentals have amenities, such as community or private swimming pools. Some are in the center of the attractions, while others are a little off the beaten path for more privacy.

Renting a property has several advantages. For a longer stay, it can actually be cheaper than a hotel. You will have more privacy in a rented property. Most have kitchens, which gives you the option of cooking some of your meals. You can try out a few new local recipes in the kitchen.

You can find property rentals on the internet or through a travel agent. Be sure to look in advance, especially if you are travelling in the summer months. In large cities, such as Benidorm, properties get booked quickly. Some are booked as far as six months in advance.


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