spain (27)

Skip the crowds and discover Spain’s best-kept secrets with our insider travel tips.

I’ll be honest with you – I love Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid just as much as the next person. But let’s face it: sometimes the crowds can get a bit too long, the queues for tapas stretch longer than your patience, and those once-peaceful beaches? Swamped. 

That’s exactly why I started hunting down the hidden gems in Spain – those lesser-known Spanish spots that still feel untouched, where you can breathe easy

Read more…

Nestled in the heart of Tenerife, Mount Teide is not just a stunning volcanic peak; it's a gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical experiences in the world. With its clear skies and minimal light pollution, the night time transforms Mount Teide into a perfect canvas for stargazing. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a casual observer, Mount Teide Night offers invaluable information on night tours, stargazing tips, and the best viewing spots.

Why Visit Mount Teide at Night?

Mou

Read more…

Europe, a continent steeped in history, offers an unparalleled architectural journey that showcases centuries of artistic evolution. From Gothic cathedrals to Renaissance palaces and modern masterpieces, each country has its own unique contribution to the world of architecture. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast or simply an admirer of stunning structures, traveling to Europe provides a feast for the eyes and soul.

The Timeless Grandeur of Gothic Architecture

One of Europe's most strikin

Read more…

12962129054?profile=RESIZE_710xZarateman

 

Nestled on the Costa del Sol, Spain´s southern coast, in the Andalusia region, the picturesque city of Málaga beckons travellers with its unique blend of Andalusian charm and coastal beauty. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its stunning beaches and delectable cuisine, Málaga has the proverbial something for everyone. In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual journey through this captivating destination, uncovering its hidden gems and exploring the best ways to expe

Read more…

12754514854?profile=RESIZE_710xLaia Solanellas


The capital of Catalonia is a city that truly offers something for every taste - and in a very literal sense With its rich culinary scene, it offers an endless array of flavors and influences from all over the world. From traditional Catalan dishes to avant-garde creations to a wide variety of international cuisines, the city has something to please even the most discerning palate. So here´s a quick guide to navigating some of the city´s remarkable culinary scene.

Traditional C

Read more…

6 Scintillating Sparkling Wines from Europe


Raise a glass to the world of sparkling wine! French Champagne is the most famous, of course, but there are many types of bubbly wine enjoyed around the world, and some of the best/most nobale hail from Europe. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a glass with friends, there is a sparkling wine out there for everyone. Here are some of the most popular types that you can find at your favorite wine shop or online

Champagne (France)

The world´s most renowned bubby

Read more…

5 of Spain´s Special New Year´s Traditions

12335576059?profile=RESIZE_930xjacinta lluch valero


We Spaniards love to ring out the old and ring in the new as much as anyone else on the planet. And whilst we of course share many NYE practices with the rest of the world (at least the Western world, I guess), there are several which are fairly unique to our country – and here´s a quirky quintet of them:

Toasting with Bubbles - but with a Twist

Of course all of Spain raises a glass of cava (the méthode-Champegnoise sparkling wine – from sweet to dry – made in Catalonia) t

Read more…

12332141285?profile=RESIZE_930xMatthiasKabel


All across the world, all sorts of holiday activities– both religious and secular, age-old and relatively new – are in full swing during this season, including festive lights, special street markets, trees, Santa and elves everywhere, and the rest of it.  But a handful of places feature oddities which range from whimsical to scary to occasionally potentially offensive. Here´s a particularly memorable top ten:

Austria & Germany: Demonic Doings

December 5 is celebrated as St. Nicho

Read more…

The place that is known as the playground for famous and rich The up-market resort of Marbella has a lively vibe and is well-restored Andalusian tradition.

The city is situated in the Costa del Sol, this stylish destination is popular by the wealthy, who frequent the top restaurants, luxurious hotels as well as championship golf course.

Marbella is also known for its trendy boutiques, the luxurious Puerto Banus Marina and it's many lively nightclubs.

Make sure you dress to impress during your tr

Read more…

What Not to Miss in Barcelona

12131168299?profile=RESIZE_930xwalkerssk/pixabay


There's a good reason Spain's second largest city after Madrid is one of Europe's (indeed, the world's) most popular cities - famous and beloved for its art, architecture, culture, cuisine, and nightlife ever since hosting the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. It's also the capital of the region of Catalonia, one of Spain's nations along with Galicia and Euskadi (aka the Basque Country), with its own distinct language and culture. Well, there's a lot to unpack here, so let's get to

Read more…

11147399476?profile=RESIZE_930xSolStock


Welcome once again to Pride month, celebrated in increasing numbers of destinations around the world - although also under pressure in some of them, sadly even including part of the United States, the very country where the celebration of Pride originated. Of course, depending on where you go, travelling while LGBT+ can be a challenge, particularly if you're with a same-sex partner and/or if you are visibly queer. Sadly, there are still many countries where being gay is still consider

Read more…

Spain's 21 Niftiest Nude Beaches

L2F-May-15-pic-Spain-nude-beaches-graphic-MuchoSol.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930xMuchoSol.co.uk,

 

Thinking of coming to the playa in Spain this coming summer? Well, if you're also a fan of all-over tans, nude beaches mark nearly a half century in this country, which has sprouted a whopping 400 where you can swim starkers and sun your bum to your heart's content. Here are nearly two dozen of the top choices!

 

L2F-May-15-pic-Spain-Analusia-Almeria-Vera-Playa-Bah%C3%ADa-Fenicia-Flickr.jpg?profile=RESIZE_1200xBahía Fenicia


Andalusia

Bolonia (Tarifa, Cádiz)  One of Cádiz province's loveliest and most popular strands, with turquoise waters and natural pools create

Read more…
11018875452?profile=RESIZE_930xJosé Balido


 

Congratulations are in order! UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) has just this summer honored Spain's capital city with its first World Heritage Site designation, elevating Madrid to the ranks of destinations with districts or monuments worth preserving for future generations (the larger Madrid community surrounding the capital already had UNESCO sites, including the royal complexes of El Escorial and Aranjuez, which make marvelous day

Read more…

10906429686?profile=RESIZE_930xChowdon
 

There are of course enough varied destinations within this incredibly diverse country to keep visitors coming back repeatedly. And part of the pleasure of getting to know Spain in depth is going beyond the usual "greatest hits" and striking out off the beaten track. In that spirit, this blog has covered destinations like Ciudad Real, Guadalajara, Soria, and Zamora. And today I'd like to introduce you to another ancient, under-the-radar gem of which you may not have heard: the city and

Read more…

The Good Life in Barcelona, Spain

Best Barcelona Guide - Shareef Abdou

Food, wine, mountains, and beaches make up the wonderful landscape of Spain, and when you visit Barcelona, you are in the center of it all. Sophisticated and devoted to the good life, Barcelona invites travelers to experience a different lifestyle that does not cater to anyone but itself. The city’s streets inspire long walks with a tapas café or bodega on every corner, but the nightlife will thrill you.

So what can you expect when you visit this Catalonian capital?

Quick Guide to Travel in Barcel

Read more…

6 of the Best Museums in Barcelona

800px-WLM14ES_-_Museu_Picasso%2C_Ciutat_Vella%2C_Barcelona_-_MARIA_ROSA_FERRE.jpg

Maria Rosa Ferrer/Museu Picasso



Barcelona is awash with fantastic museums and galleries.  So, if you find yourself in the Catalan capital, then be sure them out.  Here's a high-powered half dozen to get you started.    

Museu Picasso

This absolute must (top), opened in 1963, houses the most extensive collection (4,251 paintings) from Picasso’s formative years.  Spread across five contiguous medieval stone mansions, three of which boast permanent collections and two temporary exhibitions, this mus

Read more…

vivancolarioja.jpe?width=1000


A vast valley protected between two mountain ranges, northern Spain's La Rioja features terrain, wind conditions, and soil that differs from one village to the next. The River Ebro flows through it all from west to east flanked by the Cantabria Mountains to the north and the La Demanda Range to the south.

9009228056?profile=original


Vivanco Family Vineyards
, a fourth-generation estate established 100 years ago by great grandfather Pedro Vivanco González, remains a small operation in La Rioja's Alberite. It wasn't until th

Read more…