Posts tagged holidays in spain
Lanzarote Focus: a closer look at the Island of Fire
Apr 23rd
As a result, the island has long been a hot favourite with tourists from across Europe, attracting around 1.5 million visitors every year. But Lanzarote has much more to offer than just great weather alone; the island boasts breathtaking volcanic terrain, a host of natural beauty spots and a raft of unique man made attractions.
Lanzarote was rocked in the 1730’s by a series of cataclysmic volcanic eruptions devastating the most fertile agricultural land on the island, destroying thirteen villages and forcing many Lanzaroteƒ±os to flee for a new life abroad. These eruptions totally altered the geography of the island, increasing the land mass of Lanzarote by around one quarter whilst carpeting large swathes of the island in lava and creating more than three hundred new volcanic peaks in their wake.
Fast forward to the 1960s and Lanzarote faced another type of threat. Package tourism was just starting to take off in Spain under the aegis of General Franco and property developers eyed the island hungrily. High-rise hotels were already swallowing up large tracts of land in southern Spain and on other Canary Islands such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Cĩsar Manrique, an island born artist and architect, abandoned his work in New York and returned to Lanzarote to fight for a more sustainable approach to tourism. Lanzarote today appears much as nature intended. With the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise all well contained.
Lanzarote‚s Top 5 Attractions: Timanfaya Volcano Park, Valley of 1000 Palms, Teguise, Mirador del Rio, Cƒ©sar Manrique Foundation.
Spain: Five cities with beaches
Apr 23rd
Alicante
Alicante, located in the very popular Costa Blanca enjoys the mildest winter on mainland Europe. Also, a few miles outside the city centre, in the resort suburb of San Juan, there is a seven-mile stretch of golden sand. Art and culture are plentiful in Alicante. The 16th century Castillo de Santa Bƒ¡rbara, which occupies the highest point in the city, not only has panoramic views of the city and the sea, but also a contemporary Spanish sculpture collection.
Valencia
Valencia embodies the best of both worlds; a classic but manageable city not overrun with tourists and with a developing beach culture. the beach is a short taxi ride away. The city hosts the world‚s largest fireworks festival, Las Fallas, in March, when the city is literally set on fire. It blends modern architecture with historic heritage of the old city centre.
Malaga
The typical port city does make a splendid cultural city break with some good beaches thrown in. Malaga is blessed with gorgeous gardens, some impressive monuments and great museums. The best of these is the excellent Museo de Picasso. The cathedral is definitely worth a visit and the impressive Castillo de Gibralfaro occupies a majestic hilltop location, with stunning views of the city and the Med below. The most accessible beach is only a short walk from the city centre.
Bilbao
Best for art, art and more art, the city has metamorphosed into a dynamic, hip, culturally zinging A-list destination in less than two decades. There are some good beaches a short metro ride away, and at night head for the Casco Viejo, Bilbao‚s old town, for some serious eating and drinking.
Barcelona
Ideal destination for style, culture and nightlife, Barcelona is one of the world‚s great cities. It’s stylish and chic with incredible architecture, superb cuisine, cutting-edge bars and clubs, museums and a beach. A visit to the central market gives a fascinating insight into Spanish food, and if hungry, there are nothing less than 14 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from! The beach is not as central as Alicante, but offers a resting place from the city’s intensity.
Discover more destinations in Spain…