Archive for 'Pretty Views in Spain'

Those of you who have found a holiday rental in Valencia and are exploring this beautiful seaside city will, no doubt, find themselves at the marina at some point. If so, it is hard to miss the striking architectural gem that is Veles e Vents (meaning “Sails and Winds”). Also known as the America's Cup Building, it and its accompanying park were constructed ahead of the 2007 America’s Cup, which is the world’s premier offshore racing competition, and took place in Valencia that year. This was the first time that it had been held in Europe in over 150 years and the city had it built as a central base for the teams and sponsors, as well as spectators who were afforded excellent views of the proceedings from its excellent position overlooking the marina.

An ultramodern pristine white concrete beauty, it is a minimalist building made up of staggered horizontal platforms that was designed by David Chipperfield and Fermín Vázquez. Work was begun in 2005 and it was opened in time for the preliminary regattas, held in May and June 2006.

Granada is a stunning and historic city in the Andalusia region of the south of Spain. Positioned at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it is famous for its striking architectural character, which largely reflects Moorish occupation during the Middle Ages. While the most famous attraction in the city is, no doubt, the Alhambra palace complex, there are plenty of other things to see and do. Many make a day trip to see the Alhambra or just spend a couple of days in the area but if you find a vacation rental in Granada you'll find that there will be lots to keep you occupied. Or find a vacation rental in Andalusia and take a few trips to the charming city. Whatever route you decide on, be sure to pencil in these excellent activities...

Here's what to see and do in Granada.

The Generalife of Granada is a palace and series of large gardens that was built in the 13th century during the reign of Muhammad III (1302–1309) and remodelled and added to several times over the centuries. Positioned on the slopes of the Hill of the Sun, or Cerro del Sol, the whole estate offers amazing panoramic views over the city below. It was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus but is thought to have originally been an architect's house that later passed to the royal family and remodelled accordingly. One of the translations of the name is actually “garden of the architect”, though there are multiple interpretations and theories.

La Clerecia is a church in Salamanca and its towers are known as Scala Coeli. The church was formerly known as the Royal College of the Company of Jesus and was a school and residence for the Jesuit priests who taught its students. It was begun in the 17th century by order of Queen Margarita of Austria, wife of Philip III of Spain, and was designed by Juan Gomez de Mora. A Baroque-era building with two iconic towers that offer two different perspectives on the city, it boasts utterly stunning views over the city and is a must-see for those who have found a vacation rental in Castille and León and are spending time exploring the city. While the climb to the top is a bit arduous, it is well worth the effort.

If you have always wanted to experience the beautiful beaches, crystal-clear seas, almost year-round great weather, natural bounty, culture, parties, activities and fun of the Balearic Islands, then you're in luck. We have been rounding up five of our most amazing villas on the islands and putting them into a handy list for your reference. So, have a glance, find the right villa rental in the Balearic Islands and get planning your trip today!

Here are the rest of our picks...

3. Sa Casa Rotja (Available from €175 per night)

Located 5km from Sineu on the island of Mallorca, this large and lovely farm estate was built in 2017 and is in a quiet and peaceful part of the countryside, surrounded by fields.