Category Archive: Spain

20 Best Beaches in Fuerteventura Spain

With 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, and winter temperatures averaging in the low 70’s,  Fuerteventura beaches lure travelers to their shores. Offering beautiful stretches of white and black sand, terrific year-round surfing, sailing, diving, sport fishing, and all sorts of adventure both on land and water. Fuerteventura is one of the Canary Islands (but owned by Spain), located about 63 miles off the coast of Africa.  Flights to Fuerteventura Spain go into the airport at El Mattoral, from dozens of cities across Europe, making it an easy and affordable destination for a beach vacation. So Which Fuerteventura Beach is For You? There are over 150 beaches on the island ranging from fine, white sand to black volcanic rock formed from volcanic activity, dating back thousands of years. Generally speaking, the beaches on the north part of the island have […]

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Postcard from Roses

On rainy Seattle days, I enjoy thinking about how lovely the coast of Spain is. Roses, located on the north end of the Bay of Roses, is a great beach getaway spot. And the Hotel Vistabella, where I stayed, provides a lovely view of the sand and surf.

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Spain by Land or by Sea

My head has been thinking a lot about Spain these days and have been sussing out all the things to see and do in the Catalunia province in northeastern Spain, from the big city of Barcelona to the mid-sized city of Girona to the small town of Begur.  There’s exciting stuff:  medieval cities, historic town centers, fabulous food and drink, incredible, art, charming seaside villages, beaches, and lots more.  Oh yeah, my time is Catalunia is going to be just fine. As I talked to friends and family members who have been to Spain (I haven’t, this is my first trip there), I discovered that a family member is going to Barcelona to start a cruise during the precise time I am going to be in there.  We live 20 miles apart from one another, but we have to travel […]

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Visiting Malaga for August Fair

The Feria de Málaga, also known as the Feria de Agosto, is a long-standing tradition in the city of Malaga, located on Spain’s south coast. The name of the festival translates into Málaga Fair or August Fair, and is in honor of the incorporation of the city into the Crown of Castile by Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon on August 18, 1487. The first year the event was celebrated was 1491, starting with a simple procession and some bullfighting. It has since evolved into a 10 day party, still including the parade and the bullfighting, but now with fireworks, traditional music and dance, and of course, food and drinks. The Feria is distinctly divided into a day festival and night festival. La Feria de día runs in the city’s historic center from midday to about 7 […]

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Party Down in Ibiza

Located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Valencia, Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands (a regional governmental level in Spain) and is home to a port district that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  But, let’s face it, what Ibiza is really known for is its party reputation – despite plenty of options for cultural and family travelers – so chances are that you’ll be doing plenty of partying during your Ibiza holidays. The nightlife is generally centered around Ibiza Town in the south, and Sant Antoni in the west.  During the summer, the peak tourist season, top DJs and music producers head to Ibiza to make appearances at the clubs.  Many of the prominent DJ’s have a performance circuit around the island, creating a way to present and try out new music.  Music is generally electronic, […]

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Exploring the White Villages of Andalucia

When travelers think of the Costa del Sol in Spain, the first thing to come to mind is often American-style resorts. What was once a quiet coastline of fishing villages has expanded rapidly, resulting into what many would call over development. Yet this isn’t the only side of Andalucia. Venture away from the coastline and into the hills and you will find the region’s famous white villages. Stunning from afar, impossibly perched up on hillsides, they are somehow even more fascinating when you finally reach them after a series of hairpin turns on two lane roads. All you will need to explore is a rental car, a basic map, and an appetite, and with so many options, it’s fascinating and affordable. Once you arrive in each of the following villages, explore on foot and find a restaurant or tapas bar […]

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Terrific Tenerife: 5 Reasons to Go to the Canary Islands

Just a mention of the word Tenerife and wide stretches of sunny beaches spring to mind. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and although it is located 0ff the coast of western Africa, they are part of Spain. For decades Europeans have been flocking to Tenerife and the Canary Islands for guaranteed sunshine and outdoor adventure. If you’re looking for a new beach destination, here are five of the top reasons to add Tenerife to your wish list. 1. Stunning Volcanic Scenery What’s a beach vacation without some incredible scenery? In Tenerife that scenery is the result of volcanic activity. Visitors can admire rocks jetting out from the ocean as well as the dormant volcano Mount Teide. If you’re interested in exploring this volcano, hit the hiking trails in Parque Nacional del Teide. Some travelers come to Tenerife […]

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Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls

Each year, on July 6th, the San Fermin Festival kicks off in Pamplona, Spain.  It’s a festival filled with tradition, one of them a crazy, adventurous, daring, and downright dangerous tradition.  It’s the annual running of the bulls through the streets of the town.  The running of the bulls originally started as a practical means to move the bulls from one part of the town to the other.  Since those original days, it’s been romanticized in books and film – Ernest Hemingway said running with the bulls fueled his creativity – and now it’s become a tradition attracting visitors from around the world. The bulls run the half mile course every day of the fiesta at around 8 am, with six bulls and a hundred or so people, many of whom are alcohol-fueled.  Runners wear white shirts with a traditional […]

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Majorca: One Island, Hundreds of Beaches

There’s a reason European beach lovers have made the island of Majorca (also spelled Mallorca) a popular holiday destination – it’s because every where you turn there’s a beach calling out to you to relax and enjoy.  Even the fondest sun lovers must come off the beach sometime, and Majorca holidays offer plenty of shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife to go along with your sun. So how about those beaches?!  Any listing of beaches is sure to stir up an argument as one person’s favorite is not included and another’s most dreaded beach is.  So consider this a sampler of some beaches that may be worth a try, selecting one that best meets your geographic location and beach style. Busy Beaches If you’re looking to mix and mingle with lots of people, turning your time at the beach into one […]

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Sun & Sand on Mallorca

A popular Spanish holiday island in the the Mediterranean, Mallorca has a bit of a split personality.  On one side are the secluded beach, challenging cycling trails, spectacular natural beauty for hiking and enjoying, challenging deep water rock climbing, and an environment that creates a haven for a variety of seabirds.  On the other side, Mallorca  appeals to the hip and trendy, with luxury resorts, marinas full of yachts and luxury sailing craft, top notch restaurants, and plenty of rocking nightlife and bars. So how does a visitor take advantage of the warm weather in Mallorca, and reconcile these two versions of the island into a wonderful vacation?  There’s plenty to do on Mallorca, whether you’re young, hip, and ready to party, or are just looking for a relaxing beach getaway.  Here’s some ideas on how to make Mallorca the […]

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