Archives: nature

COSMOCAIXA SCIENCE MUSEUM IN BARCELONA

Experience a Blend of Science and Innovation Like Never Before!
Heralded as one of the finest science museums in Europe, CosmoCaixa Science Museum is your chance of coming across the most eclectic blend of science and ingenuity. Inaugurated in 1981, it was closed in 1988 and was reopened in 2005. Cosmo Caixa Science Museum claims its superiority over all other museums in Spain by being the first interactive museum in the country.

Cosmocaixa Barcelona.jpgWith an aim of bringing science to all the enthusiasts, CosmoCaixa Science Museum exhibits some of the most impressive science highlights. Helping you understand different disciplines of science, Cosmo Caixa Science Museum even gives you a chance to do experiments first-hand.

Full of stuff that will enchant adults and adolescents alike, CosmoCaixa Science Museum in Barcelona strives to make science exciting and fun. With the assortment of intriguing exhibits promising to hold your attention, here you will come across Flooded Forest that is a remarkable recreation of the Amazonian rainforest. Encased in walls made of glass, the Flooded Forest is an endeavor at watching the marvelous ecosystem from a number of different perspectives.

Also featured here is the Wall Geological which provides an insight into the geology of the world. There is also the Room Of Matter that depicts the progressive evolution of matter and life on earth. The planetarium housed here is all about understanding the development of universe at different stages.

Cosmocaixa Museum.jpgWhether it is the Big Bang or the Internet, Shakespeare or anything else, the CosmoCaixa Science Museum helps you eye things from a scientific perspective. If you are an enthusiast of flora and fauna from different ecological zones, the Toca! Toca! area in CosmoCaixa Science Museum is just the place for you.

With Albert Einstein's statue welcoming you at the information desk, you feel as if you have really entered the era of discoveries. Everything about CosmoCaixa Science Museum in Barcelona is about educating locals and tourists. Even the elevator is entirely made of glass so that you learn about the way it works as you mount it to get to the upper floors.

Promising to make your experience richer and entertaining at every step you take, there is a huge Acariquata tree with a height that goes from the bottom all the way to the top of the museum. Modern and playful, CosmoCaixa Science Museum is what you call having fun as you learn.

More Information about CosmoCaixa in Barcelona:
Official Web

Address: Isaac Newton, 26 / Tel. 93 212 60 50
Public Transport:
• Buses: 17, 22, 58, 73, 75, 60 y 196
• Tramvia Blau
• Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat de Catalunya: Avinguda del Tibidabo Station

And find your accommodation Barcelona deal just clicking here!

Apartments Barcelona

Diving in Costa Brava

Thanks to its beautiful seabed, the Costa Brava attracts thousands of divers from beginners to insiders. If you want to discover new seabed or simply if you are determined to make your first dive, why not book a Costa Brava hotel or a Costa Brava apartment close to a diving center of Catalonia?

 

diving in costa bravaDiving on the Costa Brava is so popular because it also has its peculiarities. In general, divers are attracted by the coral reefs and their beautiful colors. You can see the seabed from blue to bright red or orange. For more experienced divers, a number of cavities in the beautiful sea are also findable.

 

A popular spot for diving on the Costa Brava are the Medes Islands. Located close to L´Estartit, they are declared as natural protection zone and dive boats leave daily for exploring the seabed exceptional. The pricing for diving there is 30 euros per person.


costa brava.jpgFinally, if you want to discover scuba diving, you can make your baptism on the Costa Brava with a monitor (35 to 40 euros). And if you like this first taste, then why not pursue theoretical and practical courses to graduate?

 

Costa Brava holidays

tossa-de-mar.jpgYou have chosen a wonderful Costa Brava hotel, a hotel in Lloret de Mar or a hotel in Tossa de Mar? You want to visit the Costa Brava in some days. Even in winter there are plenty activities for your Costa Brava Holiday.

If you prefer relaxing, you will find a lot of Costa Brava hotels with spa and you will be able to discover the calanques of Costa Brava and wonderful sights.

If you like walking and taking the fresh air and you want active holiday, you can walk from Lloret de Mar to Tossa de Mar. Walking is allowed during all the year in Costa Brava!

You will walk along the sea and discover the beautiful landscapes of the Costa Brava. This walk from Lloret de Mar to Tossa de Mar is quite easy and will take 3 to 4 hours. For more information, please consult the website of the tourism office of the Costa Brava region.

If you also want to visit during your holiday in a wonderful Costa Brava hotel, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar have a rich heritage. In Lloret de Mar you can visit the Santa Clothilde gardens, Saint Joan castle, the monuments of the city such as the Canaletes Fountain. In Tossa de Mar you should go to the municipal museum. Tossa de Mar is a typical city of Costa Brava. It is surrounded with ramparts.

For the gastronomy part, we suggest you the Tapas del Mar restaurant and the Minerva restaurant as well which propose a delicious Mediterranean cooking

You will find soon other suggestions for your Costa Brava holiday.

Galicia Holidays

Galicia is a province in the very north of Spain and Galicia holidays in an apartment in A Coruna offer you an experience that can be described with one word: green!

Galice_horreo_by_Hugo_Soria_GNU.jpgThe lush mountains, fields and valleys of Galicia are so full of an incredible plant world, that during your Galicia holidays in an apartment in A Coruna you might think you are in Ireland! With booking an apartment in A Coruna you can be sure to spend a Galicia holiday in a wonderful city. Another option is to book a hotel in Santiago de Compostela, which is also the goal destination for the camino de Santiago de Compostela, or Way of St. James, a pilgrimage route along the north of Spain.

As a main sight in Santiago de Compostela, the  Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, or Santiago de Compostela Cathedral gives you the chance to see one of the oldest cathedrals in Spain, which is said to be resting place of the apostle St. James, originally only a small tomb but later expanded to the Cathedral Santiago de Compostela. The architecture of the different façades is incredibly detailled and this is reflected in the floor plan of the cathedral itself, too: the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral has the form of a cross.

Other interesting sights in Santiago de Compostela include the Casa Gotica, or Gothic House, which dates from the 14th century and houses also a museum dedicated to the pilgrimage way, the Pilgrimage Museum. But besides imposant monuments and museums, Santiago de Compostela also has a lot of parks to offer, one of the best ones is the Alameda Park. If you need to rest in a natural surrounding during your Galicia holidays in a hotel in Santiago de Compostela, the Alameda Park in Santiago de Compostela gives you shelter and impresses you with beautiful pavillons and large oak trees.

But of course, your Galicia holidays will be incomplete without discovering the amazing nature of the surrounding! Galicia is located at the Atlantic Ocean, with beautiful coastlines and capes, and is surrounded by mountains. Very interesting natural sights in Galicia are the many rivers flowing through the province, which add to the green feeling of this region.

Ribeira_Sacra__R%C3%ADo_Sil__Lugo__Galiza_by_vorjales_CC2.jpgWonderful Galicia holidays can also be spend at A Coruna, the capital of the province and second largest city, with the Torre de Hércules, or Tower of Hercules near the city. The Tower of Hercules is around 2000 years old and was used as a lighthouse, and still is today. There is a legend that the famous Hercules battled with an enemy here, which gives the lighthouse its name.

In the province of Galicia are also different natural parks, each worth a visit during your Galicia holidays: The Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, the River Eume Natural Park and the Dunes of Corrubedo Natural Park. You can walk along the coasts and capes and discover the rich green nature of Spain's north, which differs a lot from the rest of Spain.

800px-Bolboreta_azul_by_Javier_Pais_CC2.jpgIf you decide to spend your Galicia holidays in Spain, you will not be disappointed if you want to see a different face of Spain. The green and lush nature is a unique site in the north of the country, and especially booking an apartment in A Coruna will give you pleasure in discovering the culture and history of the region.

Galicia holidays are also easily reachable thanks to the two airports in Galicia; Lavacolla airport in Santiago de Compostela and Alvedro airport in A Coruna.

Spend unforgettable Galicia holidays in Spain!

Albufera Park in Valencia

In Valencia at the Costa del Azahar, which means coast of the orange flowers, is located a wonderful sight in Spain: the Albufera Park in Valencia. Albufera means lagoon and this is also the name of the lake who gives his name to the Albufera Park in Valencia.

450px-Albuf_by_Joseaperez_CC3.jpgThe Albufera Park in Valencia is a natural park with around 21.000 hectares, an incredible sanctuary of the plant and waterworld of the lake, a must see sight during your Valencia holidays. It is a wetland area of incredible worth and beauty, because it gives shelter to many different species and plants. The Albufera Park is located only 10 km from Valencia, so it is easily accessible during your Valencia holidays in an apartment in Valencia. You can visit and admire the park as a day tour, or even spend more days in this unique wetland region.

Especially holiday makers who enjoy observing the nature will have a pleasure wandering around the Albufera Park in Valencia. It is attractive throughout the year. The history of this natural park is also very interesting, as this lake and wetlands have always lived from fishing. Therefore, the fishermen moved near to the lake in order to live their lives.

Another important product of the Albufera region, and logical result of the wetland surrounding, is the rice from Valencia, which is especially delicious and grows well in the wet Albufera area. It was introduced around 800 years ago and is now a staple food in the area.

800px-Pescador_albufera_by_kurtxio_CC2.jpg And what comes to your mind when you think about rice in connection with Valencia? Of course the paella! In the region of the Albufera lake the fishermen created the paella, a dish made from rice of the Albufera rice fields. The original paella was a "poor man's dish", like many other popular dishes today, and the original recipe from the Albufera fishermen in Valencia contains rabbit and snails. But today the seafood paella is also very popular, with fish or gambas giving a unique flavor to the rice dish.

Devesa2_by_L_Vicent_GNU.jpgIf you want to visit the wonderful Albufera Natural Park in Valencia during your Valencia holidays, you will experience a wonderful time there and can truly enjoy the nature of the wetlands. It is however important to keep in mind that this a natural protected area, so respect the environment if you decide to visit the Albufera from your apartment in Valencia. By helping to preserve this wonderful region at the Costa del Azahar, you will make sure to continue enjoying this sight in Valencia for future visits, too.

 The Albufera Park in Valencia is one of the most importants sights and natural parks of the area, so add a special experience to your Valencia holidays by visiting this park!

Costa Blanca holidays in Elche

Lying close to the Alicante airport, it could be a good decision to spend your Costa Blanca holidays in Elche or Elx, if you are fond of history and palm trees. The city of Elche or Elx is located at the Costa Blanca in Spain and a perfect holiday destinations thanks to the Elche weather and the good quality Elche hotels in Spain.

Elx_panoramica_by_Carlos_Quesada.jpgElche is only about 23 km away from Alicante, so it is also possible to stay in Alicante and plan one or two day tours to this wonderful historical city. But of course, it is also recommended to stay in a Costa Blanca hotel in Elche to fully enjoy your holidays in Spain.

The palm tree filled city offers a lot of sights, thanks to the interesting history of the town. Originally Elche was located about 10 km away from its actual position when it was established around 600 B.C and was originally called Helike, resembling its status as Greek colony.

After being conquered and reconquered by Romans, Moors, Carthaginians, Goths and the Spanish Kingdom again, the city survived and presents its diverse history in the Elche museums: the Archaeology and History Museum or Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche, the Elche Palaeontological Museum, the Elche Municipal Festa Museum and the Palm Groves Museum.

If you have the chance to visit any of the Elche museums during your stay in a hotel in Elche, make sure not to miss it, as they offer the most interesting exhibitions and history.

400px-Huerto_del_Cura2003_by_Javier_martin_GNU.jpgAdding to Elches reputation of being a palm tree city and at the same time being  UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Elche Palm Grove or Palmeral de Elche. In case you are not staying in one of the Elche hotels in Spain, but in the near Alicante and planning a day trip to Elche, make sure to visit this jewel of Elche first.

As the name suggests, the Elche Palm Grove or Palmeral de Elche is a palm grove, or park in which thousands of palm trees are planted. It is the largest in Europe and also one of the largest ones in the whole world, although it was larger in the past. If you visit this palm tree park, you will be stunned and amazed at the variety and age of the different palm trees (some of them are about 300 years old), fully worth its status as UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

For those of you enjoying history and exotic recreation during their Costa Blanca holidays in Elche it is a good possibility to relax while walking along the immense palm trees, which exist since around 500 BC.

Of course this is not the only sight you can visit during your stay in a hotel in Elche. Near the original location of Elche an ancient statue was found, the image of a woman with ornaments in her hair. This statue, the Lady of Elche or also Dama de Elche, is today exhibited in Madrid, but there is a replica in the museum in Elche. The bust of the Lady of Elche dates from around 400 BC and was discovered in 1897.

800px-Dame_%28Elche%29_by_P.H.Louw_GNU.jpgSightseeing in Elche still comes to no end, because there is still the Mystery Play of Elche, which is a play dedicated to Mary and takes place yearly in the middle of August. The Mystery Play of Elche is impressing, and if you have the chance to see it during your Costa Blanca holidays in Elche, definitely see it.

The palm tree city of Elche is, thanks to the close location to the Alicante airport, a perfect holiday destination for all those interested in Spain's early history, as well as people in search of recreation who can walk around the Palm Tree Grove of Elche or along the beaches of the Costa Blanca, which are not too far away (about 20 km). Elche or Elx has interesting sights to discover, so book your hotel in Elche in advance to fully enjoy your Spain holidays!

800px-Arcoiris_en_el_Palmeral_de_Elche_by_José_Carlos_Díez_CC3.jpg

Toroella de Montgri Costa Brava

Have you already heard from Toroella de Montgri, Costa Brava? This small town lies directly at the foot of the Montgri Massif, the so-called sleeping bishop, and should be visited if you want to admire beautiful Costa Brava weather in one of the many nice Toroella de Montgri Hotels!

 

Toroella de Montgri is not very far away from L'Estartit, which makes daily visits possible if you like. But of course has Toroella de Montgri in Spain its own history and charm. In fact, Toroella is known for its rich historical traces and also for the Toroella festival during the summer. But holiday in Toroella is also perfect during the other seasons, so let's concentrate on that!

The oldtown of Toroella is filled with interesting and old buildings, there are many streets to take a walk on and admire the architecture. Lovers of history and cultural heritage will admire the old San Caterina gate during their holiday in Costa Brava and also the slightly scary Torre de les Bruixes, which means Tower of the Witches.

But the most important monument to visit during your holiday in Costa Brava is the symbol of Toroella, the Toroella de Montgri Castle on the earlier mentioned Montgri Massif. The Toroella de Montgri Castle dates back to the 12th century and absolutely worth a visit.

Kat_Montgri_Ulla.jpg 

If you like to see a museum besides enjoying the wonderful Costa Brava weather in Toroella de Montgri, there are two Toroella de Montgri museums. The Can Quintana and Palau Solterra are two equally interesting museums and give you a good impression of history as well as contemporary art.

The wild nature of the Costa Brava is also perfectly suited for wanderings around Toroella de Montgri and nearby places. If you stay in one of the Toroella de Montgri hotels or other Toroella accommodation, I suggest planning a day or two just wandering and exploring the nature.

You should be prepared and take enough water and food with you, so that you can take a rest and maybe organize a picnic to benefit from the wonderful Toroella de Montgri weather, which is usually very mild. In case you like to explore caves, there are plenty of them. But you should speak with a professional in advance before you explore the Toroella caves on your own!

There are also different restaurants in Toroella de Montgri you should check out, it's the best way to experience the local cuisine of Costa Brava. Eating traditional dishes is one of the best parts while spending your holiday in Costa Brava, so book now one of the Toroella de Montgri hotels to experience this wonderful town at the coast of Spain!

Costa Brava Holidays in L'Estartit

Located not very far away from the French boarder, is a popular destination for you to spend your Costa Brava holidays in: L'Estartit.

L'Estartit is a small town with not many inhabitants, but this makes it an excellent place for holidays in Costa Brava. Like many villages and towns along the Costa Brava, L'Estartit has been originally mainly a fishing village. But now tourism is its main sector, although fishing is still important.

 

Torroella_de_montgri_l_estartit_de_rafael_martin_soto.jpgThe surrounding is beautiful; you can sail; windsurf or even dive near the port of L'Estartit or simply walk along the famous beaches (15 km) and enjoy the sight. There is also a mountain range which offers you a wonderful sight over the sea. You have a lot of Costa Brava hotels in L'Estartit that are close to the harbor, so I suggest booking one to wake up and immediately enjoy the sea.

One thing you have to see and admire are the Medes Islands or Islas Medas, a group of seven small islands that are protected by the Catalonian government. The islands were inhabited in the past, but nowadays they are not inhabited. The only building on the biggest Islet La Meda Gran, a lighthouse, was inhabited until 1930 but today is it automatic.

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Molinet is the closest point to the Medes Islands, so you can walk towards this spot and observe the islands from there. But usually you can also see the islands from whole L'Estartit, so if you have a nice Costa Brava apartment in L'Estartit you can watch the islands from your room's window. 

If you wish to dive and explore the Medes Islands underwater, please be aware that there are strict regulations and special licences required. This is due to the need to protect this area and its plants and animals. So check the L'Estartit site to inform you about the regulations! And please respect the rules.

Golf in L'Estartit is also very popular, so you can use your Costa Brava holiday for that, too! Places for golf are the golf clubs Mont-Pla and Jocs, which offer you a beautiful location combined with your favorite sport during your holiday in Costa Brava.

Whether you like more sport activities or calm holidays, Costa Brava holidays in L'Estartit are always a good solution!

Cambrils - The pearl of Costa Dorada

A perfect Costa Dorada holiday is not the same without visiting Cambrils.

Cambrils is a town directly located at the Costa Dorada, Spain. It lies in the Catalonia region of Spain.
Deciding to book a Costa Dorada hotel in Cambrils means experiencing a wonderful holiday time in one of the most popular locations along the coast.


800px-Cambrils1.jpgCambrils is a city with Roman origin and because of this there are still some signs showing the heritage, such as the architecture. But the city is still growing today, mainly due to the increasing tourism.

Family holiday is also a good reason to book accommodation in Cambrils, because it is not very far away from PortAventura Salou, so you can book the tickets for that in advance. If you think Salou is too active, Cambrils offers you a calm and relaxing location where you can replenish your health and soak up the sun!


The port of Cambrils is interesting to visit; if you like seeing boats and yachts you should absolutely see them at night or in the evening when it's dark. The harbor is illuminated and this makes an absolutely impressing sight!


800px-Cambrils008.jpgFurthermore you have to visit one of the two parks in Cambrils, or if you can both. They are the Parc del Pescador (Fisher's park) and the Parc del Pinaret. Both parks are really huge and act as an oasis to enjoy your visit, to take a break from everything and to take a walk along the beautiful structure of the park. In the Parc del Pescador, Cambrils, there are many different types of plants and trees and a wonderful pond where you can stay.

Sometimes there are also musical events and festivals you shouldn't miss. The park del Pinaret is also stunning, it has also a lot of different trees and plants and many places where you can just sit down and relax.


For vacationers who are interested in Cambrils history, there is an archaeological site with ruins of an ancient Roman villa. Propably around 2000 years old, this ruin is like a portal that connects the past with today. Don't miss this! History-interested people should also visit the museums in Cambrils. There is the Museu Molí de les Tres Eres and the Museu Agrícola de Cambrils, which are both part of the Museu d'Història de Cambrils.


If you have a Cambrils holiday rental that is close to the sanctuary of the Virgin Mary (Ermita de la Mare), you should also see that. Next to the hermitage there is a tower which is a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Another tower in Cambril that you should visit during you Cambrils holiday is the watch tower Torre del Port. It was originally build to watch out for pirates (which was a large risk for towns around the coast). It is the characteristic of Cambrils.


You see, you have a lot of possibilities in Cambrils, for families as well as for couples or friends. Families who want to avoid the fuller location of Salou can book Costa Dorada hotels in Cambrils and the tickets Port Aventura, which is close.

 

800px-Cambrils_platja.jpgCouples can also book a Cambrils hotel and enjoy their time together in the many romantic spots Cambrils offers. And friends can of course also have a good time at the Cambrils beach and bars and clubs along the city at night.

L'Ametlla de Mar at Costa Dorada

Do you like charming little towns and villages that are located along the sea? Then you have to spend you next holidays in Costa Dorada!


L'Ametlla de Mar is also called La Cala (it means The Cove) and is a wonderful Costa Dorada holiday destination. It developed as a fishing town and this is still the main activity of L'Ametlla de Mar and if you like tuna fish, you should see the tuna fishing boats (they are the most important fleet for tuna in Catalonia). Furthermore, L'Ametlla de Mar has a large sailing club for those of you who want to spend your Costa Dorada vacation on a boat. You can also walk around the beautiful harbor (one of the most important harbors in the region) and look at the sea.


  800px-Port_de_l%27Ametlla_de_Mar.jpgIt is best to book a Costa Dorada hotel directly in L'Ametlla de Mar so you don't have to travel a lot and can see the most of L'Ametlla. But of course, it is also possible to visit the town by train. You can either travel from Valencia or from Barcelona by train, but the Reus airport is only 35 km away.


After you arrived, you can immediately see the wonderful coastline which is about 14 km long. Along the coast there are cliffs and the typical pine trees giving L'Ametlla its true Mediterranean feeling. It is a quiet and calm town perfect for those who want to avoid crowded beaches.


You absolutely have to visit the Museum of popular Ceramics when you are spending your Costa Dorada vacation in L'Ametlla, it is really interesting to see. The museum has two floors full of ceramics from whole Spain and it's the largest museum in Europe with its 4500 pieces.

Not far away is also La Cala de Sant Jordi, another fishing town located at the coastline. Remember to visit this town as well, because there are ruins of an historical castle, the Castle Sant Jordi. If you like history and religion, it is interesting to know that in this castle was the Order of Sant Jordi, which is known to have been the only part of the Templar Knights in Catalonia. Built on the ruins, there is a renovated castle nowadays.
 

800px-AmetllaDeMar_Beach.jpgWhat is interesting for families is that L'Amitlla de Mar is not very far awar from Port Aventura Park, also located on the Costa Dorada. So if you are searching for a Port Aventura hotel, L'Ametlla de Mar could be a wonderful solution for you. An exciting family vacation is guaranteed with a stay in this wonderful fishing town, as well as for couples!

Weekend getaway to "Terre de l'Ebre"

The "Terre de l'Ebre" ("Ebre land") is a very natural and relaxing region in the South of Catalonia. Its Name comes from the river Ebre that pervades the region and leads into the Mediterranean Sea.

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As a visitor, you might like the nature and rest that you can experience there. Surrounded by olive trees and orange trees you can explore the region yourself. The perfect origin for a weekend getaway is an accommodation at the Costa Dorada, such as a hotel at the Costa Dorada. From there, you get to "Terre de l'Ebre" by bus or by rental car.

The region is divided into four districts: The Terra Alta, Ribera d'Ebre, Baix Ebre and Montsià. The next airport is in Reus. just a few kilometers North of the region. All these parts have one thing in common: They are pervaded by the river Ebre. This is why the region has nice costs especially at the river delta. Also, you will find there mountain chains as well as a very pleasant climate.

Cultural and gastronomic characteristics are typical for Catalonia. Due to the fact that Catalonia has been conquered by several groups of people during the years, there are plenty of relicts from former times. So are the rock paintings of Ulldecona and the Perelló (UNESCO World Heritage). Gourmets have numerous possibilities to try. The typical cuisine of the region, beside rice, magnificent wine and Mediterranean fruits are sea food and fish, such as eel.

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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