Archive for 'Pretty Views in Spain'

Cave systems around the world are always fascinating, otherworldly attractions that are always worth seeing but some are more impressive or evocative than others. One of the most magical cave systems that you could ever hope to visit, one that really does seem as if you have been transported to some underworld from myth and legend, is the Cuevas del Drach, or Drach Caves, in Mallorca. Just one of the many incredible natural gems to uncover and discover in the remarkable and breathtaking landscape of this paradise on earth, if you're interested in pretty surroundings, outdoor pursuits, and adventure (subterranean or otherwise), then browse our vacation rentals in Mallorca and get planning your next getaway to this magical island.

The Cuevas del Drach comprise four different caves that are called the Black Cave, White Cave, Cave of Luis Salvador, and Cave of the French and are located in the municipality of Manacor, near the locality of Porto Cristo. Formed by water being forced through the entrance from the Mediterranean Sea, the caves are thought to date back to the Miocene Epoch, some 5 to 23 million years ago. They are, without a doubt, one of the island’s main tourist attractions and are truly staggering in scale, with a horizontal extension of about 1,200m and a maximum depth of 25m below ground level, and they also contain a large underground lake, Lake Martel (115m in length by 30m in width), that is considered one of the largest underground lakes in the entire world.

The island of Mallorca is a famous paradise on earth and is one of those places where you can head off on a drive, without any plans or destination in mind, and stumble upon the most exceptionally beautiful sights that you could ever hope to see in life. However, if you have found a vacation rental in Mallorca and are looking for one particularly exceptionally scenic spot then we highly recommend a visit to the Cap de Formentor.

Located on the eastern end of the Formentor Peninsula, on the northernmost point of Mallorca, the Cap de Formentor is made up of dramatically winding roads cutting through picturesque landscapes along the coastline that is comprised of rugged cliffs and rock formations jutting out into jewel-toned seas, endless skies, and lush greenery, all perfectly capped by a striking lighthouse at the end of the peninsula. A popular route and focal point for those driving for pleasure along the stunning coast of Mallorca and for those cycling around the most scenic roads on the island, it is also an area with lots of excellent hiking trails, climbing options, photo spots, coves and beaches, and wonderful points from which to take in the sunset over this majestically beautiful landscape.

When we travel, we want to see things that differ from our normal surroundings and experiences of the world and for many of us, that means escaping the hustle and bustle of the modern towns, suburbs, and cities in which we live to explore beautiful places steeped in heritage that make us feel as though we have somehow stepped back through history. A famous destination that fits this particular criteria to a tee is the city of Girona, in Catalonia. Utterly picturesque and maintaining a storybook historical appearance, this charming city is a must-see for those who have found a vacation rental in Catalonia and who are looking to discover a world and time beyond our own.

There is a reason why lots of different production companies have chosen to shoot in Girona, with “The Monk,” and, “Game of Thrones,” both having filmed various scenes in the city, among other films and television shows. The largest city in northern Catalonia, Girona is characterised by Roman origins, medieval walls, winding little streets to get delightfully lost in snaking about the city, one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe, and distinctive historic palaces picked out in bright colours lining (and reflecting prettily in) the riverside. A decadent feast for the eyes, it is the type of town that greatly rewards idle wandering around without a purpose but also boasts plenty of specific attractions to pencil into an itinerary too.

The town of Enciso is a tiny little gem, a historic and utterly picturesque little village with a permanent population of only around one hundred people, in the southern part of La Rioja in Spain. Little though it may be, it is, however, rather famous for some former occupants from a long, long time ago....dinosaurs!

You might not expect it but this tiny village, that you have likely never even heard of and that is very much off the regular beaten path for tourists, is actually a great place for dinosaur-lovers to come and see traces of those magnificent beasts from around 120 million years ago.

It was during this period in pre-history that this part of Spain was actually a swamp with a mild climate and incredibly dense vegetation. The dinosaurs that roamed the landscape in the area and walked the swampy lands had their footprints immortalised in stone due to the unique and perfect environment for preservation that existed there.

Many people choose to find a vacation rental in Barcelona as the city has so much to offer as a holiday destination. It is the city of Gaudi and full of architectural gems that transform its streets into art galleries and in addition it also boasts lots of great actual museums full of artistic riches and educational treasures, excellent beaches, truly incredible restaurants, some exceedingly trendy bars, a soccer stadium that hosts regular matches for the sports fanatics among you, and much more besides. It is also home to Tibidabo, a hill that overlooks the city, and has been nicknamed the, “magic mountain,” by locals.

At first glance, that last attraction might not seem all that exceptional or interesting but Tibidabo is more than just a hill. It is somewhere to take in the most amazing views in Barcelona, to ride a funicular or to hike, to go to an amusement park, and to see some special architectural gems: all in one place!