Archive for 'Travel Tips in Spain'

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.

Thinking of a holiday in Spain when travel is possible once more but unsure of where to go? We completely understand because you are kind of spoiled for choice! No matter what sort of holiday you want, when you're going, who's going with you, or what kind of budget you have, there is something for everyone in Spain and a pretty endless list of stunning towns, resorts, and areas to choose from. Here is our guide to finding the right option for you!

Travelling solo?

If you're thinking about going it alone, one of the best Spanish destinations to choose is Barcelona. As it is a bustling metropolis, a cultural hot spot, a foodie heaven, and a seaside city, you'll hardly have the time or space to feel lonely and will find plenty of places to go out and mingle, if you so choose. Whether you want to sit alone with a good book sipping coffee or want to explore the party scene, you want to take in all of the attractions or just lie out on the beach and work on your tan, Barcelona can offer all of that and more.

Barcelona at sunset; a sea view in which sky and water alike are pastel dreams, a gentle breeze over the water cooling your skin after a long and sunny day of exploration, a great glass of wine in hand, a belly full of delicious local tapas, the night stretching long and full of possibility for partying, dancing, bar-hopping, or simply wandering the pretty streets of the city ahead of you.

This is the kind of image, the kind of moment that many of us, no doubt, are craving right now, in need of a break and relaxation given the stress and uncertainty of the current state of the world. Yet, unfortunately, for the time being, such an escape is yet a while away. However, that does not mean that we cannot indulge in some dreaming, advance planning, and adding of things to bucket lists.

All over the globe, we have had to adapt, as humans do so well, and have learned to do more things virtually in lieu of the real thing for the moment. And what a time in history to need to do that! While being unable to leave our homes is not ideal, at least we are safer when we have the luxury to do that and, if you have an internet connection, you have access to all sorts of incredible tools and resources to help stave off your wanderlust even just a little bit for now. From virtual tours of the world's best museums to regional recipes accessed in seconds at home to allow us to travel with our tastebuds, there has never been a better time to explore the world from your own sofa.

It is a bit of a pain to get to the Cíes Islands in Galicia and yet they are reason enough to immediately go find a vacation rental in Galicia and plan a trip to this part of Spain. Often cited as the most beautiful islands in Europe, this archipelago is made up of three islands – Monteagudo (the "Sharp Mount" or North Island), do Faro (the Lighthouse Island, or Isla do Medio, meaning Middle Island) and San Martiño (Saint Martin or South Island) – that are located off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia. Declared a Nature Reserve in 1980, they are a part of the Atlantic Islands of the Galicia National Park (Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia) that was created in 2002. It is an exceptionally peaceful and utterly stunning place with picture-perfect beaches, incredible scenery, and a complete absence of hotels, souvenir stores, and developments as well as no vehicles of any description (bar the odd maintenance vehicle). If you're looking for a place where the majesty and beauty of nature remains almost completely untouched by man then it is the destination for you.

However there are a few points to keep in mind:

1. You need authorisation to visit.

In saying that the islands are a pain to get to, it isn't actually that difficult. They are, however, highly protected in order to ensure they remain untouched and lovely and this means that there are restrictions for visitors. A total of just 2,000 people are allowed to visit per day and you must request permission in order to do so. Head to the park's official website and complete the form and then book your transport ticket. You can do so up to 45 days in advance of your visit although this period can be shorter during the low season. Be sure to get on this in advance or you might miss out! In order to book a ferry, you will need an authorisation code so there is no way around it and you will also only have two hours upon receiving your authorisation to book with any of the official ferry companies that offer services to the islands. If you want to visit this magical oasis, you will need to be organised and be ready to set aside a day during your trip and plan well ahead.

The famous Sierra Nevada mountain range is located in the region of Andalusia in Spain, is Europe’s most southerly ski resort, and boasts one of Europe’s longest ski seasons. For those looking to plan a European ski break over the Christmas holidays or over half term or spring break next year, it is a perfect destination. But don’t just take our word for it, here are five reasons to find a vacation rental in Andalusia and head to the Sierra Nevada ski resort for a ski holiday this winter season.

1. How long is the ski season in the Sierra Nevada?

As noted, the Sierra Nevada ski resort boasts one of the longest ski seasons in Europe, usually starting in late November and running all the way until early May, with the Alpine meadows of the mountain resort transformed by a blanket of snow for almost half of the year. It also offers almost guaranteed sunshine and night skiing on Saturday nights, weather permitting. All of this means that you can easily plan a trip to the area and that you have lots of options and wiggle room for when you can go on your ski holiday in the Sierra Nevada. This is a great reason to choose it as your next ski trip destination!