Posts tagged Spain
Value for money means Spain holidays are top choice for 2010
Feb 1st
The wide choice of cheap flights to Spain and budget accommodation in Spanish resorts, means that Spain is likely to be the top destination for UK holidaymakers in 2010, reports Corporate-FX.
With the credit crunch making value-for-money an even high priority for families this year, Spain holidays are topping most wish-lists.
The reliable weather is an added incentive for holidaymakers and the choice of flights from local airports across the UK makes Spain an easy destination for families to visit.
A recent study by the Post Office revealed that Spain is currently the cheapest country within the Eurozone.
Holidaymakers are advised that Spain holidays can be even better value for money if they are taken away from peak season, when savings of as much as 70% can be made.
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…
Top worldwide restaurants listed: Spain tops the list again
Apr 21st
The San Pellegrino World‚s 50 Best Restaurants 2009 Awards have been announced and for the second year running El Bulli in Spain is named as the best restaurant in the world.
There are 4 British restaurants named in the top 50, three of them in London.
Unsurprisingly Spain, France and Italy were all prominent in the list. Eight French restaurants were named and 6 for Spain and Italy respectively.
Heston Blumenthal‚s Berkshire restaurant The Fat Duck was second overall in the list; the 3 top London restaurants are St John, Nobu and Hakkasan.
The San Pellegrino World‚s 50 Best Restaurants 2009: -
1. El Bulli, Spain
2. The Fat Duck, UK
3. Noma, Denmark
4. Mugaritz, Spain
5. El Celler de Can Roca, Spain
6. Per Se, US
7. Bras, France
8. Arzak, Spain
9. Pierre Gagnaire, France
10. Alinea, US
11. L’Astrance, France
12. The French Laundry, US
13. Osteria Francescana, Italy
14. St John, UK
15. Le Bernardin, US
16. Restaurant de l’Hotel de Ville, Switzerland
17. Tetsuya’s, Australia
18. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, France
19. Jean Georges, US
20. Les Creations de Narisawa, Japan
21. Chez Dominique, Finland
22. Ristorante Cracco, Italy
23. Die Schwarzwaldstube, Germany
24. D.O.M., Brazil
25. Vendome, Germany
26. Hof van Cleve, Belgium
27. Masa, US
28. Gambero Rosso, Italy
29. Oud Sluis, Netherlands
30. Steirereck, Austria
31. Momofuku Ssam Bar, US
32. Oaxen Skargardskrog, Sweden
33. Martin Berasategui, Spain
34. Nobu, UK
35. Mirazur, France
36. Hakkasan, UK
37. Le Quartier Francais, South Africa
38. La Colombe, South Africa
39. Asador Etxebarri, Spain
40. Le Chateaubriand, France
41. Daniel, US
42. Combal Zero, Italy
43. Le Louis XV, France
44. Tantris, Germany
45. Iggy’s, Singapore
46. Quay, Australia
47. Les Ambassadeurs, France
48. Dal Pescatore, Italy
49. Le Calandre, Italy
50. Mathias Dahlgren, Sweden