Archives: nature

Winter holidays in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote

The Canary Islands are known for its volcanic origin. During summer time, a lot of tourists come here to enjoy the sun. Usually they live on one of the confortable Gran Canaria hotels or Lanzarote hotels to enjoy their holidays. What little of them know: Especially during winter time, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote have a lot to offer:

CanaryBonifacio2007.jpgGran canaria is one of these islands that can offer warm days even in winter time. However the temperatures are not that high as in summer, visitors can enjoy up to 20 degrees. Same goes for the neighbor island, Lanzarote. This island however, is in general one or two degrees warmer. Not only the air bit also the earth is hot during some days. Due to their volcanic activity, you will recognize that the island is still in active.

The last eruption was several years ago, in 1824. Tourists very much like the climate and the nature but also the beautiful beaches. Let's say, they are different from the other beaches tourists usually know. In the West of Lanzarote, we can find jet-black beaches, whereas in the East of the island we can find golden beaches. The black sand emerged due to the volcanic activity, which is still present. The sand from the West coast came by the wind from the nearby Sahara. Those winds are called "Calima".

anfi-tauro-golf_005066_full.jpgThose of you who would like to experience new things, are welcome to take part in several sports activities. Both island offer great opportunities to pass time. Golfing, for instance, became very big on Gran Canaria during the last years. In addition, water temperatures tend to be very high. Even in winter the temperatures are around 18 degrees.

Not only because of this Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are two very interesting islands. The Canary island offer a lot leisure activities as well as sunny days - even in during winter.

Skiing in Catalonia

skifahren_big.jpgIf you are thinking about your next ski holiday are you thinking of Spain at once? No? Then you should definitely wonder about to spend you next Costa Brava holiday on winter in order to go skiing with you family or friends. It will worth it for sure! Just book a cheap Costa Brava hotel and you can start.
This ski area from Girona and Lèrida to the eastern part of the Pyreness is the biggest in Spain. Here everybody will find the perfect conditions for oneself. It doesn´t matter if you are beginner, advanced or a professional, there are slopes for everyone. Even for ski jumpers or cross-country skiers it is a perfect surrounding to do this kinds of sports. There are more than twelve cross-country areas.
The most popular ski areas are the surrounding of La Molina which is near Girona. Or maybe you can do a day trip to Andorra. This country, which is also known for the good snow condition is only a short driving time away.
ski-holidays-la-molina-a443t.jpgBut it doesn´t matter at all where you are going to spend your holidays in Catalonia. The skiing there is an extraordinary adventure because you can find still untouched slopes and can ski nearly on your own without the mass tourism of the Alps. And you have the outstanding nature around you!
So come to Catalonia and enjoy a really special ski holiday.

Tossa de Mar

World_Spain_Tossa_de_Mar_-_Spain_007973_.jpgIn the neighborhood of Lloret de Mar and Girona the city Tossa de Mar is located. It has a complete different atmosphere than the two bigger cities. Here there are less tourists that for example in Lloret de Mar which is known as a party center. Furthermore, Tossa has a marvelous historical city center. So if you want to spend your Costa Brava holiday on a location where you have both - culture and party - Tossa is definitely a choice for you!
The city is located about 90 km northeast from Barcelona. You can get there either per car or via a plane. There are two airports close to the city - the airport of Barcelona and the airport of Girona. So book one of our cheap Tossa de Mar apartments and enjoy your days on the Costa Brava.
Here you can relax on one of the three sandy beaches or you can dive to see the outstanding underwater world. If you don´t like to go under water you should do one of the boat tours either up to Palamós or to Blanes. Or you just enjoy the sun in one of the broad range of cafés along the beach and port. Beside this you have to visit the old city which is under monument protection. Here you can see the famous city wall which was built at the end of the 12th century. Furthermore, the fortress of the pirates is also an outstanding building from the 16th century. In addition you will find some churches and an archaeological excavation of a Roman settlement.
Tossa%20de%20mar%20castle.jpgIf you want to do a trip into the nature you should go to the natur park Montseny that is located near Tossa de Mar. 1978 the mountain range became a nature park.
You prefer to party than you can find here almost as good bars and party locations than in Lloret de Mar.
You see in Tossa everybody can have the holiday one wants. It doesn´t matter if you prefer nature, party of culture.

Diving at the Costa Brava

When visiting the Spanish coastal region of Costa Brava, you will have many opportunities to explore sunken ship sites, caverns and other natural wonders. Diving is a popular activity in this area, so whether you're a novice or an experienced underwater enthusiast, you will have plenty to do during your Costa Brava holiday.

Diving1(1).jpgThe most popular diving spot at the Cost Barca is the Cap de Creus, which is a series of small islands that offer a variety of diving excursions. Here, you can take lessons, rent equipment, join a diving expedition or find sites on your own using a GPS tracking device and landmarks. Some of the most popular dive sites include:

Es Caials
This site is suitable for novice and experienced divers because you will not have to dive too far to find it. Here, you will find the remains of a British merchant ship called The Llanishen. Located close by is a dive center where you can rent equipment if necessary. There is plenty of parking in the area, so you can easily park your car for the day.
Massa d'Or is located on the most eastern point of the Iberian Peninsula. You can reach El Caials from Cadaques easily.

Massa d'Or
This dive site is for experienced divers as you will have to brave fierce currents and dive deep in order to reach the caverns underneath the water. Here, you will find different species of fish and plant life. This site can be found off of Sa Rata, a small island in Cap de Creus.

If you've always wanted to learn how to dive, you can take lessons at one of the many dive centers found at the Costa Brava. You will learn the proper diving techniques, how to fill dive tanks and how to test equipment. For those who want to learn how to explore the underwater world safely, you can take a few lessons from experienced divers if it is necessary. There are several Costa Brava hotels situated close to these Diving centers, so that it will be easy for you to reach them.

Tarragona´s beaches and parks

Located at the Costa Dorada, Tarragona is a beautiful vacation spot for those who want to relax, explore the sights and enjoy the nightlife. With many sights to see, you will be able to learn more about the region and its rich history. Tarragona is perfect for families or singles and it has become a major vacation destination for those living in Spain and those from around the world. You can find Costa Dorada hotels situated in the whole city.

Since the Costa Dorada is known for its beautiful beaches and peaceful sunsets, planning a vacation to Tarragona is a great idea if you want to spend most of your time outdoors. With 131 miles of beaches to discover, you will be able to find a small spot to call your own when you want privacy or you can meet new people by visiting some of FENALS_(20).JPGthe more populated areas on the beach. You can also find amazing Costa Dorada apartments directly at the beach, so that you just have to take a step outside to enjoy the the great Mediteranean Sea. The most popular beaches around Tarragona are:

- Llarga beach
- Arabassada beach
- Cala Font
- Playa Longa

Each beach has its own charm and scenery. Whether you want to work on getting a great summertime tan or you want to participate in beach volleyball and other beach sports, these beaches will provide endless amounts of fun during your holidays in Tarragona.

Tarragona offers several great parks where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Parks throughout Spain are known for their beauty and tranquility. The parks of Tarragona are no exception. From the parks in the center of town to those in outlying areas, you will 152.jpgfind the peaceful and relaxing environment you crave while on holiday. With many hotels in Tarragona, you can easily leave your room and walk to a nearby park. The Parks in and around Tarragona are:

- Parque Sama
- Parque de la Ciudad de Tarragona
- River Ebro

Each of these parks can provide a natural background while you're relaxing. Learn more about local plants and trees, see impressive sculpture and architecture, and enjoy the outdoors by visiting one or more of these fantastic parks.

Hiking Guide for the Costa Brava

If you're looking for a unique way to discover the Costa Brava, how about signing up for a hiking tour? Most hiking tours take between 3-5 days and take you to small villages and towns you might not visit during your standard Costa Brava holiday. Hiking is not only an excellent way to stay fit, but it's a way to truly enjoy nature while learning more about the history of this region.

When it comes to hiking and sightseeing, there are a few tours to choose from depending on the amount of time you want to spend on the tour. If you're fit and used to walk a five or six day tour, there may be something that you're looking for. If you're not as fit as you would like to be, a three day tour may be the answer.

Popular hiking tours at the Costa Brava include:
Coastline Hikes
Take a day or three to explore the coastline of this beautiful region. Here, you will be able to hike narrow trails that lead to amazing and romantic views of the ocean or the countryside. Old monasteries, castles and homes provide an air of excitement as you learn more about Costa Brava and its extensive history.

pirineus.jpgMontserrat
In this tour, tour guides take you through this mountainous region and point out many areas of interest along the way. During this tour, you will be able to visit the Montserrat Monastery and Basilica and climb to the highest point on the mountain called St. Jerome. From there, you will be able to see the Pyrenees Mountains.

St. Miquel del Fai
This tour takes place only 20km away from Barcelona. It is a tour that leads into this area where you can see waterfalls, cliffs and other natural wonders. You will also be able to visit the famed Sant Miquel Church, which is located at the top of the valley.

Booking a hiking tour as soon as possible is a good idea as these tours fill up fast. While some tour companies offer day tours, many hiking tours last two days or more. This is definitly an alternative to the typical beach holiday in a Costa Brava hotel.

The Ebro Delta nationalpark

The Ebro Delta in Spain is the biggest wetlands at the Mediteranean coast with its 320 km². The Delta is situated in the Southwest of Catalonia, exactly at that point, where the Ebro flows into the Meditereanian sea.

view1_resize.jpgThe Ebro Delta is a important habitat for numerous bird species and rare plants. A lot of parts out of this region are natural protected and not accessable for tourists. The landscape is coined by lagoons, sand hills, rice fields, canals and so called "Ullas" (lakes). The beatiful national park is surounded by mountains, pine trees and olive groves. You can go fishing here and relax in the unique atmosphere. Also hikers will have a great time here. There are numerous hiking paths which are surrounded by a wonderfull landscape.

From here you can reach the city of Barcelona really easy. It is just 30 minutes by car away and is definitly worth a visit. You also have a really good connection to the Barcelona airport from there.

landscape.jpg

During your great Costa Dorada holiday you should defintly visit the beautiful Ebro nationalpark. There are several nice Costa Dorada accommodations close to the park.

Fishing in Andalucía

Have you ever thought about going fishing in Spain? Spain offers great possibilities to experience a fishing holiday that you will never forget. One place that is known as a great fishing destination is the small town Rio Frio. It is a paradise for fishing fans. It is situated between Granada and Malaga. The place is close to the Costa del Sol. You can enjoy your stay in a beautiful Costa del Sol hotel.

07-01-16_malaga_cove01.jpgThe village which is situated in the foothills of Sierra de Loja is well known for its history in fishing. It is a popular for trout fishing. In recent times, records have been catched in this idyllic small town. At this place there is an all year round season, but it is better to go fishing here in autumn, winter or spring because the temperatures in summer a really high. You have several choices where to go fishing. There is the possibility to fish on the Delta-Cares, Narcea, Navia, Sella and Asòn rivers. In these places you can mainly find salmon and trout.

The place is not just a perfect place for fishing, you can also spend your holiday at the Costa del Sol with your family. The place is a really nice touristic place. You can have a nice time in one of the numerous Costa del Sol hotels. The people in this area are welcoming. In fact that there is a lot of fishing in this area, in many restaurants you can find barbecued trout which is a specialty of the area.

What you always have to consider when going fishing in another country is question whether you need a license or not. In Spain there is not national licensing system existing. But therefore you always need a regional license. The prices of these regional licenses are differing from 5€ to 12€. You can purchase such a license in the regional administrative office.
Deep_Sea_Fishing_In_Spain.jpg

Sierra Nevada National Park in Andalusia

sierra nevada.jpgThe Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in Andalusia. The highest point of the Sierra Nevada, the Mulhacén, consists 3,478 meters. It is a very popular destination for people, who like to spend their Spain holiday in a region where one can find a wide range of different activities.


There are over 20 peaks more than 3000 meters. The high peaks offer the possibility to ski in Europe's most southern ski resort. You will find more than 79 ski pistes with a total of 87 kilometers. Until the end of may you can ski in this wonderful paradise. The Sierra Nevada offers the most solar days in Europe. You should absolutely visit this great destination while you stay in a comfortable Costa del Sol hotel or apartment in Costa del Sol.

But the Sierra Nevada not only offers great ski resorts, you also have the opportunity to hike in this fantastic national park. Hiking provides an insight into the nature with its great flora and fauna. The landscape is varied. From an easy stroll to a challenging hike in the Sierra Nevada you have all possibilities. Stay in a great accommodation in Costa del Sol and make a trip to this fantastic mountain range.

With your bicycle to Costa Brava

mountainbike.jpgThe Costa Brava is absolutely fantastic for bicycle fans. The perfect way to discover Catalonia's fascinating history, culture and excellent cuisine is by bicycle. Experience its gorgeous beaches, rugged coastline, charming stone villages and pine covered hills, the Costa Brava is an unforgettable destination for your Costa Brava holidays.

fahrrad costa brava.jpgMountain sport fans experience a varied landscape. Fantastic bays with fine sand beaches and beautiful Costa Brava hotels, green forests in the outback, ancient cities with an extensive history and great Costa Brava accommodations.



Each year the Tour of Catalonia "Volta Ciclista A Catalunya" is held in this fantastic area. The round trip always takes place in May/ June and attracts many bicycle fans to Catalonia. This year the round trip took place from 18. - 24. May.

The fantastic palustrine system of the Ebro delta

lagekarte.gifThe Ebro delta in Spain, with its 320 square kilometers, is one of the largest palustrine systems at the Mediterranean coast. The delta is located in the Southwest of Catalonia, directy where the Ebro river leads into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Ebro delta represents an important habitat for numerous kinds of bird and rare plants. Many parts of the region are under wildlife protection and closed for the public. The landscape is coined from lagoons, sand dunes, rice fields, canals and so- called "Ullas" (=fresh- water lakes). Nearly the total catalan rice- harvest is produced in the Ebro- delta.

ebrodelta.jpgWhile spending a relaxed Costa Dorada holiday you should visit the beautiful Ebro national park. There are beautiful Costa Dorada accommodations within spitting distance e.g. in l'Ampolla. On the one hand you will find the beautiful hotel Dosta Dorada Cap Roig. The 3- stars hotel has modern- equipped Costa Dorada apartments, close to the Ebro- delta. On the other hand you will find the beautiful 4- stars Costa Dorada hotel Flamingo. This air- conditioned beach hotel lies in the very quiet tourist centre. The hotel in Costa Dorada was built in 2005 and offers nice and comfortable rooms.

Information about catalan nature parks are available in web. Plan on spendig a day trip to the beautiful city of Barcelona. Visit the blog "Barcelona apartments" for getting more information about the city.

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