Costa Brava Hotels, Hotels Costa Dorada, Hotels Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol Hotels

As I have already talked about Lloret de Mar, this city with thousands of tourists every year, especially in summer ist the most popular destination, at which people come to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, the weather at the Costa Brava and their hotel in Lloret de Mar.

But the city also attracts many young people for its festive atmosphere during the nights. So have you thought about to go out in Lloret de mar this summer? On the site of the tourist board of Lloret de Mar, you will find the complete list of bars, nightclubs and other dance clubs (for all ages).

For more information of the upcoming parties in Lloret de Mar, those that should not be missed, you better check out before leaving and make your decisive choice

You can refresh with a cocktail with having spent the day sunbathing on the beach, or in a themed bar to find local drinks or rather exotic. After that why not continue the evening in a nightclub, there surely be something for everyone!

In Lloret de Mar more than 25 nightclubs exist, which make you dance, and also many music bars, to make you vibrate to the rhythms of Spanish music.

If you want to get some sleep during your stay, there are a lot of hotels by the sea, but you can also find a holiday rental in Lloret de Mar to be in a more intimate atmosphere.

You are here to spend your holiday in Costa Dorada apartment and you never heard about calçots? Impossible! If you booked a Tarragona apartment for your Costa Dorada holiday, you cannot miss the calçots.

The calçots from Valls in South Catalonia grow up since the XIXth century; enjoy your holiday in Costa Dorada apartment. Its production is still in Valls however you can now consume calçots in all Catalonia so even if you are not in Costa Dorada but in holiday in a Barcelona apartment, you can also find it. Indeed the onion cannot be produced everywhere because the calçots are protected by a controlled denomination.

The calçots are sacred. They have their own mass which is the starting point of the calçots season. The ceremony in honor of the calçots is at the beginning of each year and is called the calçotada. If you come in Costa Dorada accommodation don't miss the calçotada. Every year in Valls, you can assist to the Gran Festa de la Calçotada.

The calçots are different from the onions. In comparison to the basic onion, the calçot is eaten raw without side dish.

How to prepare the calçots ?

I you have booked a Tarragona apartment or even a Costa Dorada accommodation, eat calçots. We put directly the calçots on the grill of the barbecue. When they are ready, we put them in newspaper to keep them warm. The calçot is smooth and looks like a small leek.

How to eat the calçots ?

The calçots taste with Romesco sauce. The sauce is prepared with grilled almond, green and red peppers, tomatoes, pepper, salt and parsley.

To eat the calçots, we will have to take them by the hair, to press them on the bulb. When you will hear a noise and you will have to take out the skin of the calçot to dip it in the Romesco sauce.

But the calçots are not a complete meal, it is like a starter. For the calçotada, sausages, black and white puddings and grilled meat follow. But the calçots

Where to eat the calçots ?

The restaurants of Catalonia propose the calçots from December to April. I advice your to taste the delicious calçots for your holiday in Costa Dorada accommodation in the restaurant Calmossa (30km from Tarragona).

Now you know everything on the calçots. Either you are in holiday in Barcelona or in Costa Brava, taste the calçots !

The Enomaq 2011 in Zaragoza, the International Show of Winery and Bottling Machinery and Equipment, is an important fair and trade show about the winery and bottling industrie and will be held from 15^th February to 18^th February 2011 in Zaragoza, the capital of the province of Aragon in Spain. The fair Enomaq 2011 in Zaragoza not only gives detailed insight about the world of wine, but also gives the possibility to discover the city and book a hotel in Zaragoza.

To spend your holiday in Zaragoza without stress and to have easy access to the Enomaq 2011 in Zaragoza, it is recommended to book a hotel in Zaragoza in advance. By doing this, you can select the best suitable hotel in Zaragoza and can avoid unpleasant and tiring problems.

In general, Zaragoza is a perfect city for holidays in Spain, having hosted important fairs like the Expo 2008 and will host the Flowers Expo in 2014, besides having excellent connections with Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and Toulouse in France, which adds to the worth of a holiday in Zaragoza. There are also many sights in Zaragoza, like the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, which is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.

The location for the Enomaq 2011 in Zaragoza will be the Feria de Zaragoza, with different halls and sectors dedicated to the different parts of winery and bottling. Some of the sectors include: the bottling machinery and auxiliary equipment, tanks and containers, machinery for wine treatment, products and material, grape processing machinery and wine-growing auxiliary trade.

Everything from the development of a grape to a good wine will be explored and discovered, which makes this wine fair in Spain not only interesting for exhibitors and professionals, but also for private persons interest in wine and winery. With the Enomaq 2011 in Zaragoza fair about wine, you will experience one of the most important trade shows in the wine sector in Europe, so booking a hotel in Zaragoza to see the International Show of Winery and Bottling Machinery and Equipment 2011 in Aragon's capital in the north east of Spain will be worth a visit and a stay.

The Enomaq 2011 International Show of Winery and Bottling Machinery and Equipment in Zaragoza is also a perfect opportunity to make important business contacts with manufacturers, food and drink industrialists and producers, as well as wine growers and oenologists. Spend your business holiday in Zaragoza and enjoy the world of wine with the Enomaq 2011 in Zaragoza!

Address:

Feria de Zaragoza

Carretera Nacional II

50012 Zaragoza

Spain

Hotels in Madrid can be full in February quite easy, when the SIMM 2011 Fashion Fair in Madrid will take place from 3^rd to 5^th February 2011 in Spain's capital. The SIMM 2011, Salón Internacional de la Moda de Madrid, or Madrid International Fashion fair will concentrate in the 65th edition about the Fall - Winter 2011-2012 fashion collections and also Spring - Summer 2011 in the Feria de Madrid.

The Feria de Madrid fair centre is located in the Parque Ferial Juan Carlos I, an important location for events. It is near to the airport, which makes the Feria de Madrid a very accessible fair centre and Hotels in Madrid near the fair centre are a good solution for accommodation in Madrid. Deciding to visit the SIMM 2011 in Madrid will definitely be a good decision if you like fashion as a private person or if you are interested in this because of your business.

This event has a leading position in the fashion industry of Spain and attracted around 9.700 visitors in September 2010 (the SIMM 2011 is twice every year) and even more visitors and exhibitors are expected this year. The winter fashion part this year will be about charm, class, ego, gala, man and woman, also a special section about fur and leather fashion for winter.

But if you are staying in your accommodation in Madrid, don't forget to see the spring and summer part of the fair, which will focus on ready to wear clothing and fashion. It is an excellent chance to see the newest fashion items and bring them back to one of the hotels in Madrid you are staying in, also to receive a lot of information about fashion trends of the future during the SIMM 2011 in Madrid.

To have access to the SIMM 2011 during your stay in Madrid accommodation in one of the Hotels in Madrid, you can use the metro lines of the Madrid metro system. The Feria de Madrid, where the SIMM 2011 will be held, can be reached by the metro line 8. The bus lines stopping at the Feria de Madrid are: 112, 122 and 828.

The SIMM 2011 will be held in the Feria de Madrid showrooms or halls 12 and 14, and will be open from 09:30 to 19:30 every day from the 3^rd to the 5^th February 2011.

It is wise to book accommodation in Madrid in one of the many suitable hotels in Madrid in advance in order to easily avoid a stressful holiday travel.

When visiting Salamanca in Spain to spend holidays, there are plenty of sights in this student city, known to teach the best Spanish in Spain. But besides the Salamanca University, you should the Salamanca Cathedrals during your holidays in Salamanca.

The two Cathedrals of Salamanca, the New Cathedral and the Old Cathedral, were built in the 15^th and 12^th century respectively, and are located in the city centre, not far away from each other. Near the University of Salamanca you can the these two wonderful pieces of art and architecture standing next to each other, towering over the city like huge statues.

The Old Cathedral of Salamanca was founded by Jerome of Périgod, a bishop, and is over 700 hundred years old. Filled and decorated with Romanesque styles as well as Gothic inspirations, the Old Cathedral or Catedral Vieja combines these two styles with ease, due to the fact that it was founded in 1140 and a lot of time to be finished.

On the Old Cathedral in Salamanca is also the famous Torre del Gallo, which you should see during your Salamanca holidays. Benefit from the unique experience in Salamanca, enjoy the Salamanca weather and sights and visit this old cathedral.

However, to enter the Salamanca Old Cathedral, you have to enter through the New Cathedral of Salamanca, so if you are staying in a Salamanca Hotel, keep in mind to prepare for visiting two cathedrals in a row.

With the construction starting in 1513, the Salamanca New Cathedral or Catedral Nueva is the newer one of the two, but nevertheless old and impressing. From baroque to gothic style you can find elements on this breathtaking sight in Spain. Now this monument is directly next to the Old Cathedral of Salamanca, which is handy and practical if you want to see both of them.

Unfortunately the Salamanca New Cathedral was affected by an earthquake in 1755, the effects of which can be seen still today. But nevertheless, the majestic impression of this famous sight in Spain is something that you have to visit during your holidays in Salamanca, especially if you are in a near Salamanca Hotel and can walk towards it.

Also famous is the astronaut on the façade of the New Cathedral of Salamanca, which was designed during restorational workings a few years ago. It is now part of the cathedral that combines so many different styles and epochs, and therefore fits with the overall impression of Salamanca. So take a picture of the Salamanca Cathedral astronaut while visiting this place!

So if you want to learn Spanish and have a fondness for impressing old monuments, especially cathedrals, spend your holidays in Salamanca and visit the famous Salamanca Cathedrals!

The famous Christmas in Port Aventura will be entertaining its visitors with special Christmas shows and events, so prepare yourself and your children for spending the best time of the year in Port Aventura! (Read here about general information about Christmas Holidays in Port Aventura).

Port Aventura tickets are not too expensive, as they offer a lot of promotions and discounts. But what is important to know about accommodation in Port Aventura, is that you have different options. You can either book a hotel inside Port Aventura itself; which is easy and simple and you have access to the park, but you can also book a hotel in the different surroundings at the Costa Dorada, for example a Salou Hotel PortAventura which includes the tickets to Port Aventura.

PortAventura is well-known for family holidays or family vacation in Spain. It offers fun and entertainment for the whole family, especially with the new shows they offer during Christmas time.

Here I present you a summary list of the best shows in PortAventura:

Christmas Present

This is your chance to know the toy's factory of Santa Claus, in an acrobatic show with gnomos and reindeers dancing with the typical Christmas carols.

Where? In the Great Imperial Theatre in China.

Christmas Dream

A tender and moving show where Catherine, who didn't want to celebrate Christmas, recovers the illusion and the will to share Christmas magic.

At the Saloon.

Port Aventura on Ice

Great skaters on ice will performe a magnificent artistic exhibition. In Polynesia.

Great Christmas Party

Live Christmas as if you were in Mexico, funny and colourful. In the Cantina.

Woody on Christmas Tour

Join the tenderest parade, where the little ones will be able to share incredible moments with Woody and other famous characters.

In Mediterrània and Far West.

The Enchanted Forest

You will find Mörla witch who'll show incredible tricks, you'll meet the fairies ice palace and the toys' factory of Santa Claus. In Mexico.

The Arrival of the Royal Emissaries

The 3 Kings assistants arrive on floating chariots to pick up the children's letters, to end with a great show of music and fireworks. In Mediterrània.

The 3 Kings Ride

¡Just don't miss this important event, especially for the littlest ones!

In Far West and Mediterrània.

The Big Small Show

The small children will particularly enjoy this special show with puppets.

In the Tarima of the Far West Station.

The Christmas Stop

The most tender Christmas characters take every corner in Port Aventura, and they are waiting for you followed by artists and dancers... In Mediterrània.

La Posada de los Gnomos

For an authentic Christmas meal, in the Gnomos Inn the naughtiest Gnomos will help you a very special banquet of typical homemade American food, Cesar salad, Ribs and Brownies.

In The Iron Horse Hotel - Emma's House, in front of the Silver River Flum.

When spending Christmas Holidays in Port Aventura, keep in mind that the Christmas offers and specials apply from the 27^th November 2010 until the 8^th January 2011, and the park is closed on the 24^th, 25^th and 31^st December.

Now I wish you a merry Christmas in PortAventura during your holidays at the Costa Dorada!

The Costa Blanca of Spain is known for wonderful locations and beaches, and not only Alicante is a renowned city for holiday - you can also spend enjoyable and cheap holidays in Benidorm!

Located at the western Mediterranean Sea, Benidorm has a mild climate and sunny weather even in the colder months and is divided into the Poniente and Levante. The corresponding Poniente beach and Levante beach give you access to swim in the Costa Blanca, a pleasure you should not miss during your cheap holidays in Benidorm.

Benidorm is about one hour away from the Alicante airport and therefore easily accessible if you want to spend your holidays at the Costa Blanca. Due to its fame, Benidorm is a touristic place, but differs notably from other resorts in Spain. Famous in Benidorm are the cabaret acts, which are popular and take place all night long. This along with the many bars and discos offer a good nightlife in Benidorm.

Benidorm Hotels are also widely spread and popular, especially Benidorm Playa Levante Hotels or Poniente Hotels. But not only people who want to enjoy the Benidorm nightlife could spend fun and cheap holidays in Benidorm, also families benefit from the wonderful city at the Costa Blanca. During summer, you can enjoy the beach and participate in many water sports. The Benidorm beaches also have blue flag status, which is a certificate for their quality.

In the Mediterranean Sea lies also the Benidorm Island, a small island inhabited mostly by peafowls. This is of course a wonderful option for a boat tour during your Benidorm holidays, so you should definitely visit the peacock island of Benidorm.

A popular destination for family holidays in Benidorm is also the Terra Mitica Park, located only 10 minutes away from Benidorm. The Terra Mitica Theme Park is divided into different ancient sections, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and the Isles, with corresponding sights, rides and attractions.

With Terra Mitica tickets you have the option to book a Hotel in Benidorm with the tickets included, which is easy and you can avoid unnecessary stress during your cheap holidays in Benidorm. There are also a lot of specials and promotion offers for Terra Mitica, at the moment you can buy a 2x1 ticket to have access to Terra Mitica for two days, but pay only for one day.

To get to Terra Mitica Benidorm, you can take the train, who stops at Terra Mitica Station, or a bus (line 21 and 22) and step out at Terra Mitica.

With the Benidorm Hotels and sights in this beautiful city at the Costa Blanca, you can see that it is easy to spend perfect cheap holidays here, whether you want to enjoy the Benidorm nightlife and weather or plan your family holidays at the beach of Benidorm. Cheap holidays in Benidorm is enjoyable in all seasons.

In Andalusia, the south of Spain is a city so rich in history and culture that it is absolutely a must to visit this wonderful piece of architecture and science - Seville or Sevilla in Spanish. As the capital of Andalusia, you can be sure to experience unique and exciting holidays in Seville Spain.

Why don't you book already now one of the many wonderful Seville holiday rentals in the city and plan your exploring tour in the capital of Andalusia? There is a lot to discover for sure.

The history and culture of Seville is rich and ancient, as part of the Moorish empire in Andalusia you can be sure to find tracks and traces of this past of Seville, which are alive throughout the city today. Seville has also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are the Cathedral, the Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias.

Of course, as a more southern region in Europe, Seville also can boast with its climate, resulting in wonderful weather. Seville weather in winter is usually mild and hot in summers. If you want to escape the colder weather in winter, a stay in Seville in a holiday rental is a good solution for this problem!

Seville is also easily accessible having its own Airport. The Seville airport has connections throughout Europe and therefore you should always find a good flight, international or national.

Like mentioned earlier, Seville has a lot of sights, most important the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Cathedral of Seville is part of the 12 Treasures of Spain (The Sagrada Familia Barcelona and the Alhambra Granada also belong to that). The Cathedral of Seville is located at the Plaza del Triunfo at the Avenida de la Constitutición in Seville and you can get there easily by Tram (T1).

  In front of the Cathedral is also the next UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alcazar of Seville. It is a breathtaking palace and you should not miss it. The best idea is to first visit the Cathedral of Sevilla and then the Alcázar or vice versa, because the two sights are directly next to each other.

The third World Heritage Site that you should visit during your holidays in Spain in Seville is the Archivo General de Indias. It is a historical place which houses the most ancient documents about the Spain and the Spanish Empire in Americas and a must see sight in Seville during your vacation. It is conveniently located directly next to the Cathedral and Alcazar, so kill two birds with one stone and visit all three Seville sights while you are there.

During your stay in a Seville holiday rental you should also see the golden tower of Seville, the Torre del Oro. After you visited the three World Heritage Sites in Seville, just head towards the river Guadalquivir and you should see the tower immediately.

From the Torre del Oro in Seville, head towards the park Maria Luisa in Seville and you will have two other sights. The Parque de Maria Luisa and the Plaza de Espana de Seville, perfect for enjoying the architecture and experiencing unforgettable holidays in Seville Spain.

Besides this sights, Seville also has a lot of Museums you should not miss, not only because the interesting cultural pieces they exhibit, but also because of the architecture of the museums itself. If you are in a Seville holiday rental near the Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares (Traditional Arts and Customs Museum), definitely take a picture from the museum in front of the pond.

As you can see, Seville offers a lot to its visitors, not only sunny and mild climate and weather, but also a lot of sights, perfectly suited for sightseeing because most of them are located in the same place.

Book one of the nice Seville holiday rentals today and experience unique holidays in Spain.

Located in Granada in the the province Andalucia in Spain is the famous sight Alhambra Granada. It is a wonderful piece of culture and architecture and you should absolutely visit the Alhambra Granada during your Spain holidays!

When thinking about famous sights in Spain, you immediately think about this wonderful palace which was built in the 14^th century under the Moorish empire of Andalusia. It is the first sight you have to visit! And although this sight was constructed without a certain plan for the site and has due to this a slightly unorganized structure, it is still captivating and wonderful.

When you spend your holidays in Spain or directly in Granada, make sure to see this beautiful building and be astonished when you observe all the details. Also accommodation in Granada allows you to admire the architecture, so why don't you book a hotel in Granada?

Alhambra tickets differ a lot, you can buy tickets for a daily visit or even for a visit by night, only the gardens or the whole complex. It is also wise to book Alhambra tickets in advance as there are only limited entries available (if you manage to visit in the morning, there are usually more entries). Usually the price is around 13€, children under 8 years are free. But it is absolutely worth it!

Because of the Granada airport and train and bus stations, you also have good transportation, giving you the possibility to plan trips in and around the city. The location at the Costa Tropical also makes it a perfect holiday destination for families.

The culture of Spain is very diversified, as you can see. Especially Andalusia, the country of flamenco, can provide with interesting sights and traditions.  And Granada, the capital of the same named community is a pearl.

The city offers a lot more than the Alhambra, sunny Granada weather and wonderful sights  along the windy streets: it has a rich history and culture as a site of a fight in the past, the Battle of Granada. But what could be of special interest for you is that tapas in Granada are usually free when you buy a drink. This is typical for the south of Spain and you should absolutely try the local Granada cuisine!

If you like to enjoy wonderful parks and gardens during your Spain holidays in Granada, there are also a lot of them in Granada. The most famous of course is the garden of Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, but also the garden Carmen de los Mártires is worth a visit.

And last but not least, the garden of the University of Granada is also a sight in Spain that shouldn't be missed (and is by the way regarded as one of the best student cities), as it offers a time for recreation and relaxation and you can easily access it from your hotel in Granada.

You see that this city is beautiful and rich in culture and has one of the most famous and wonderful sights in Spain, so the next time you are in Andalusia, make sure to visit the Alhambra Granada during your Spain holidays!

The sunny province of Alicante in the community of Valencia offers interesting history and a perfect location at the Mediterranean coast and is therefore a good solution for family holidays in Alicante Spain!

Alicante is located directly at the Costa Blanca in Spain, and has a rich history and ancient sites to visit. So besides the sunny Alicante weather you can also enjoy visiting the sites and exploring Alicante's history, including Greek and Phonician settlements.

The Alicante airport also makes the city perfect for holidays in Spain, with easy arrivals possible and a lot of good Alicante hotels where you can enjoy your stay. There are also ferries available bringing you to the Balearic Islands if you wish to and a good transportation network throughout the city. Families also benefit from unique family holidays in Alicante, because the City of Lights (the meaning of Alicante or Alacant) offers you plenty of choices.

So let's focus on the attractions in the city, besides the Alicante weather and the Costa Blanca of course!

Alicante itself has a historical city centre you can explore, starting from the Rambla de Alicante working your way through the streets decorated with palm trees. The old quarter of Alicante is very stunning to wander around in; there are a lot of traditional bars and pubs hidden in the small and winding streets.

The squares in Alicante are also wonderful to see, so remember to visit the Plaza de Quijano and the Plaza de la Santisima Faz. There is also a museum, the Nativity Scene Museum Alicante, where you can see and observe Christmas themed objects from all over the world.

For the history interested, there is also the Ermita de San Roque, an hermitage which was built in the 16^th century. Of course, probably the most famous sight of Alicante is the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, the famous castle on the mount Benacantil. Usually you can see it from your Alicante hotel in the city pretty well! Situated in an height of 166 m, the medieval Santa Barbara Castle in the Mediterranean region gives you an impressing view over the City of Lights. In the castle itself you can see different rooms and halls, each of them has its own history to tell.

Of course you should not miss Alicante parks during your holidays in Spain! There are a lot of gardens and parks in Alicante, offering you shelter and recreation from an adventurous day. The most famous parks include the Canalejas near the Explanada de España and the Palmeral Park close to the Castle of Santa Barbara, Alicante.

For fun family holidays in Alicante, you should see the wonderful Alicante beaches, which with the lovely Alicante weather and climate offer you a unforgettable experience. Because the city is directly located at the Costa Blanca, you don't have to search too long for the white sand beaches in the city.

The most known beach is probably El Postiguet, directly in the city with a Blue Flag status. You can benefit from numerous water sports and activities here and of course just enjoying the sun shining in Alicante. There is also another Blue Flag beach, La Albufereta beach, where you can also explore the sands of Alicante and swim and enjoy the Mediterranean sea.

You see, everyone's taste should be pleased if you decide to spend your family holidays in Alicante, Spain. Enjoy your stay with your family and visit the city of lights at the Costa Blanca!

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 12^th century and absolutely worth a visit.

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!

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.

The 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.

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!

If you want to experience a wonderful seafood dinner during your next Costa Brava holiday, you should consider prawn eating in Palamós. The fishing town is located in the Girona province and is a popular destination for Costa Brava holidays as it is directly at the sea and offers a wonderful sight!

Fishing in Palamós is very important for the town; it is the most important sector besides the manifacture of cork and of course tourism. The ship fleet is therefore very important for the region. But what makes this small fishing town famous are their prawns, or gambas. When you think about prawn eating in Palamós, you can be sure to have the biggest and most delicious prawns in the Costa Brava.

The red colored gambas have a unique flavor and therefore are well-known in Catalonia and the local fishers carry loads and loads of them back home. The restaurants and fish-shop owners buy their fish and seafood directly from the fishers every day and so you can eat delicious seafood dishes from Palamós in the evening, freshly caught and made! Try to find a Costa Brava holiday home in Palamós that is near the port, so you can watch the ships leave early in the morning and return in the evening.

Prawn eating in Palamós, Costa Brava is of course possible in one of the many local restaurants. A famous restaurant is "La Gamba" (what a suitable name!) and it is located at the Placa Sant Pere, directly at the harbor. Try to be there a little bit in advance, as I mentioned it is quite famous! But in case you prefer something else, around the port are many bars and restaurants that offer quality seafood dishes too.

But of course instead of going to a good restaurant, you can try to cook by yourself! If you buy fresh prawns or other fish from the shop, you can prepare and cook them in your Costa Brava apartment or hotel! Prices for gambas differ widely, depending on many circumstances. But now that the summer months are slowly over, prawn prices are much cheaper. This is only another reason to book Costa Brava Accommodation now!

But gambas are not the only thing Palamos offers: It also home of Catalonias oldest football club, Palamós CF! The football club Palamos was established in 1898, and although it is not too successful, football is still popular in Palamos.

In case you prefer another Costa Brava holiday destination, you can also look for an apartment or hotel in Girona. It is not too far and you have the possibility to visit Palamos for a day to enjoy the gambas.

If you planed to go to Port Aventura Salou with your family, this autumn might be the right moment to enjoy the shows and animations of the park. Indeed from the 25th of September to the 21st of November, Port Aventura celebrates Halloween with its specials and terrifying animations! Don't hesitate and book your Port Aventura Tickets now for a frightening Halloween!

Once again this year, Port Aventura found the perfect shows and attractions to make you spend a terrifying but very fun Halloween. All the different parts of Port Aventura park will offer at least one Halloween special show and you will just have to take a walk around to find entertainment for all ages.

You will be able to experiment the special monsters stop in the Far West or to enjoy the Death Dance in the Mexican part of the park...Even more frightening, you can wonder around the Fear Forest full of monsters and let your worst nightmares become reality in Port Aventura.

During the period of Halloween in Port Aventura, I would advice you to stay at a Salou hotel for a night or even at one of the park hotel so that you can have time to enjoy all the terrifying animations in the dark!

What are the good ingredients for a good holiday in Spain? A nice Hotel in Barcelona or an Apartment in Costa Brava , and of course an amazing weather!

Do people actually know what the climate around Barcelona is like? Let's have a look at some interesting facts:

- Average annual temperature is 15.6 °C

- Average annual temperature of sea is 17.8 °C

- In the coldest month: January, the typically temperature ranges from 7 to 15 °C

- In the warmest month: August, the typically temperature ranges from 25 to 31 °C

- The highest temperature recorded in the city centre is 38.6 °C

-The coldest temperature recorded was ?6.7 °C (19.9 °F) on 11 February 1956

Are you looking for an amazing and unique experience for this summer 2010? Head off to Bunol, Valencia, to the Tomatina, tomato festival, where playing with food is allowed and recommended. Real tradition, gathering thousands of people each year coming from all over the world ready to participate to this tomato battle. The rules are simple: do not be afraid of getting red, dirty and throw tomoatoes at each other. All you need now is a Hotel in Valencia or a Holiday Rental in Valencia, a bit of craziness and a real will to enjoy and have fun!

Last year's edition gathered 45000 people using 125 tons of tomatoes. It is important to precise that the tomatoes used are rotten and not saleable.

 This astonishing tradition started in 1945, when young people back then, used to meet up in the centre of Bunol village. People started throwing tomatoes at each other after one man pushed another one and provoked a giant riot.

This year, the Tomatina is going to take place on the 25th of August, feel free to join in and to respect the basic security rules: prohibited use of bottles, dangerous items, tomatoes must be crushed before being thrown and the battle must be stopped when you hear the bell for the second time.

Look forward to seeing you on the 25th!

If you go on holiday to the Costa Dorada and are looking for interesting activities with your family, I recommend you go to Port Aventura Salou, famous theme park inspired by the Warner cartoons, you could meet woody woodpecker, cookie monster, etc. Only one hour away from Barcelona and 20 minutes away from Tarragona.
The summer has come; it's time to take advantage of Port Aventura night tickets and Hotel + Ticket Port Aventura  

This is an amazing opportunity to spend a lovely evening as you can stay in the park between 7pm and midnight for a cheaper price than when you go during the day as well as enjoy the cooler weather and the magic of the lights.
For a good time, book online you night tickets for Port Aventura!
Port Aventura is a theme park taking you to different worlds through rides, scenery and entertainment. You will travel to Polynesia, Mexico, China, the Far West and the Mediterranean as well as enjoy a different and dynamic entertainment park.
The activities will delight the whole family: thrills for the slightly eldest of you, pools and water slides for young children, also ideal for golf fans and at the same time allowing you to admire the sea views! Parents and children will definitely love it.

Port Aventura Salou is easily accessible whether you decide to travel by car or by train (the park has its own train station) and stay in a hotel within the park or in Salou.
You no longer have excuses not to go to Port Aventura Salou this summer!

The 15th Anniversary of the theme park Port Aventura is coming up in a couple of days! Port Aventura is the biggest and most popular theme park in Spain.

Port Aventura celebrates the birthday by offering a lot of special offers to its visitors. A very appealing offer is that related directly to the 15th Anniversary: It grants a 15% discount on your booking, as well as a free ticket for children under the age of 12. In addition there are additional offers, like the 2x1 ticket Port Aventura and the 3 days 2 parks-ticket Port Aventura. Both are available all year long.

The theme park offers not only exciting rides, hotel within the theme park and fabolous restaurants but also a wide offer of entertainment. One of their new shows is the show "Celebration On Ice" starting in July 2010. This is a show on ice that will delight the whole family. Tickets on advance sale are about 15 Euros for adults and 10 Euros for children. Shows will take place daily át 7pm and 10pm.

Port Aventura is located in proximity to Salou, a city at the Costa Dorada, a few kilometers from Barcelona. In conclusion, it offers not only a variety of entertainment and accommodation but also a warm and pleasant climate - perfect for your family holidays. 

Port Aventura is the most visited park in Spain. Located at the Costa Dorada, it is not only a destination for adventurous people that love carousels but also for beach and culture enthousiasts.

Visitors deciding to spend their holidays at Costa Dorada have the opportunity to visit one of Europe's greatest theme parks. Port Aventura is close to several holiday destinations, such as Salou, Reus, Tarragona, and Cambrils. Especially families with children enjoy spending one or two days at the "port of adventures".

For those of you planning to spend more than two days in the park, there are several high quality Port Aventura hotels available directly inside the park. You have the choice between four great hosts: Hotel Port Aventura invites you to experience the romance and beauty of the Mediterranean. Hotel Gold River brings you into the Wild West where you can explore the saloons. Those of you enjoying the Carrabean are welcome to relax at the Carribe Resort. Last but not least, El Paso Hotel awaits you with Mexican style and cuisine.

For the bargain hunters among you, there are several interesting offers. If you plan to spend some days while you are staying in another town, the "2x1 - 2 days for the price of 1" might be suitable for you. If you cannot get enough of Port Aventura the "3 days 2 parks" ticket is your deal. Beside Port Aventura, you will also be able to visit Caribe Aquatic Park - a gorgeous water park with numerous attractions. An additional special is the 15th anniversary of the park. Therefore, Port Aventura grants 15% discount on every booking.  

The Ficomic Convention 2010 in Barcelona is a unique exhibition of modern art, dedicated to the art of comic writing. From May 6th to May 9th, visitors will be able to experince one of the best known exhibitions for comics and its writers.

Spending you holidays in Barcelona or enjoying your holidays at Costa Brava in May will give you the opportunity to take part in numerous events in Barcelona as well as at the Costa Brava. Among those, is the Ficomic Convention 2010 in Barcelona, which is perfect for diving into the world of comics.

This exhibition totally dedicates to the art of writing and several interesting examples from well known writers, such as Jeff Smith, Tanino Liberatore and Gilbert Shelton. They, as well as many more international artists, will be presenting their newest products as well as classical material from all around the globe. Therefore, it is no wonder that visitors from different countries will be expected at the beginning of May in Barcelona. Visitors will be able to get in contact with their stars either in a personal conversation or during a presentation.

The annual exhibition starts on May 6th (Thursday) at 10am and ends on Sunday May 9th at 8pm at the im Palau de Congressos de Barcelona (Palacio 8) next to Plaza Espanya. Plaza Espanya can be reached by metro line 1 (red) and metro line 3 (green), metro station "Espanya". Tickets can be bought there (6 Euros) and also beforehand at "El Cort Inglés" or "ServiCaixa"

Address:

Palau de Congressos de Barcelona (Palacio 8)
Plaza de España
Avenida Reina Maria Cristina
08004 Barcelona  

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.

Salou is a coastal city at the Costa Dorada in the province of Tarragona in southern Catalonia. Salou offers its visitors a lot of leisure activities that offer more than only lying on the beach.

Of course, visitors who have booked a hotel in Salou can enjoy the beautiful weather at the beach. Salou has a 1.2 km long beach with the name Platja de Llavant that is perfect for lying in the sun and relaxing. Also, there are numerous little bays nearby.

Those of you who do not want to lie at the beach all day, Salou offers maybe something you have not expected: Spains best theme park - Port Aventura is just some kilometers away and can be reached easily by bus from Salou. 3,3 million people are visiting the park every year. Therefore Port Aventura is one of the most important attractions in the region.

The park offers a lot of leisure activities. Beside thrill rides, an aquatic park, cild care and festivities you can directly book a hotel inside Port Aventura. Currently, there are some special offers available, for example the 2x1 Ticket: two days for the price of one.

Whereever you live - directly at Port Aventura or in Salou - you will be also be able to explore the culture of Salou. Located at the beach promenade Passeig de Jaume I, you can visit the Casa Bonet of Domenèch Sugranyes, a student of Antoni Gaudi.

In conclusion; Salou offers you: relaxation, culture and action.

Are you a fan of Rock, Metal and Indie music? Then the shopping promenade "Las Ramblas" has something to offer you. No matter where you have booked your Barcelona hotel or Barcelona apartment, Las Ramblas can be reached easily by Metro.

Not directly on the main street, far away from the souvenir shops, in the Carrer del Tallers you can find shops for alternative fashion. Surrounded by old record stores, you can find t-shirts of your favorite band as well as other types of fashion that differs from the mainstream.

Beside Heavy metal fashion and piercing accessories, all kind of other curiosities can be found there, such as plastic figures. Also, you will be able to find water pipe accessories, humorous stickers etc.

In addition to that, there are also retro and second hand stores that offer some surprises. Those record stores offer beside CD and records also information about current concerts and festivals. You will be surprised about the huge variety of records in these little stores.

Those who believe, that these stores are only made for attracting tourists will be surprised that a lot of Barcelona citizens are shopping in these stores. This can also be seen in the numerous clubs of the alternative scene in Barcelona such as Estraperlo, Monasterio or Valhalla Club de Rock.

The city of Barcelona is famous for its sights and also these little cities and villages at the coasts of Costa Brava and Costa Dorada are attracting more and more visitors.

Those of you who would like to make use of the time and explore the beautiful landscape beside the city of Barcelona can use a rental car. No matter if you have an apartment at Costa Brava or an apartment at Costa Dorada you will be able to explore the whole region easily and confortably.

There is also the possibility to use the train instead of the car. However, you will not be as spontanious and flexible as using the train service. Therefore, a rental car is the perfect for exploring the sourrounding areas. There is the possibility to explore the rocky coasts of Costa Brava as well as the beautiful beaches of Costa Dorada. Also, you should experience the nice panorama street along the Costa Brava coastline.

Large companies, such as SIXT offer a good and comparable cheap service in Barcelona and sourrounding areas. To rent a car, you need to be at least 21 years old and need to hold your license at least for year. those who have not a European driver's license should be able to present an international driver's license.

Spanish roads have a speed limit of 50kph / 31mph in the city, 90 kph / 55 mph on open roads and 120 kph / 74 mph on highways. Also, a toll fee needs to be paid on so called "autopistas" marked with an "A" at the highway entrance. In "blue zones" - "zona azul" you can park in city areas 2 hours and for unlimited time in parking blocks.

Tossa de Mar is a popular little fisherman's village at the Costa Brava. Tossa de Mar is characterized by a historic city and gashed rocks and a beautiful beach that can be reached even from Barcelona by bus. 

Tossa de Mar is located approx. 90 km North East of Barcelona and 85 km from the French border, the small city's flora includes pines and cork oaks in a Mediterranean atmosphere. Additionally, Tossa de Mar has a city beach richt next to the historic district.

Visitors who spend their holidays in a hotel in Tossa de Mar especially cherish the beach and the attractive beach promenade. Although the beach is a little coarse-grained, it is very popular because of its atmosphere protected by rocks on both sides of the beach.

Walking along the promenade, you will find numerous hotels and restaurants until you reach the small harbour. From there, you can take boat trips to explore the fascinating landscape. Those who like to enjoy a silent atmosphere at the beach should take a trip to one of the beautiful bays right around Tossa de Mar. There are eleven nice beaches in total. 

Having a car will give you the possibility to explore the landscape also on the panorama road that starts next to Tossa de Mar. This road has a length of 13 km and leads through pine forests along the coastline. You will be able to enjoy the view on the sea and the small bays from one of the parking bays. 

Tossa de Mar can be reached by plane. The nearest airport is the airport of Girona, alternatively the airport of Barcelona. From Barcelona, buses leave regularly to Tossa de Mar. Therefore, it is even advisable for those who live in Barcelona to take a 80 minute ride to Tossa de Mar. Fares rage from single tickets to group tickets, A single ride is about 10 Euros from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar.   

In case you have already arranged your holidays in Catalonia, for example in a hotel in Barcelona or an apartment at the Costa Brava you have might have thought about how to arrive at your destination. The following paragraph gives you an idea about the different possibilities

there are three airports in Catalonia. Every one of them is located in a different area. If travelling to the Costa Brava, you might use the Airport of Girona. Travelling directly to Barcelona will lead you to the city airport of Barcelona. Having arranged a holiday accommodation at the Costa Dorada, i.e. in Sitges, Salou or Tarragona it is recommended to use the airport of Reus.

The airport of Barcelona is located approx. 10 km outside the city centre of Barcelona. Arriving at the airport before 11pm gives you the opportunity to use the train to city centre. Alternatively, you can take the bus, which is much more expensive though. After 11pm it is advisable to use one of the yellow-black taxis, because there are no trains or buses departing at that time. Spending 12 Euros will bring you to the center of the city. Additionally, it is to be said that taxi drivers calculate the price by minute. So, it is not advisable to use a taxi during rush hour.

You can reach the Costa Brava by arranging a flight to the Airport of Girona. It is located north of Barcelona, approximately 100 km from Barcelona. From there, you can reach the city of Girona, as well as other smaller cities, such as Lloret de Mar. A lot of tourist use the LCCs (low cost carriers), such as Ryanair to come to Barcelona. After arriving in Girona most of them take a 90 minutes bus tour to the capital of Catalonia. Costa Dorada can be reached by the Airport of Reus. From there you are able to reach the beautiful cities of the Costa Dorada coast.

No matter where you fly to: The beautiful regions of Catalonia will delight you. Especially those LCC make it possible to reach those regions without spending to much money.

Besides Sitges, Roses at the Costa Brava offers a unique carnival celebration in sunny Catalonia. Not only because of its costumes can Roses offer its visitors a great carnival party.

The "Carnaval de Roses" has a long tradition. This celebration takes place in Roses at the Costa Brava in the middle of February. Not only because of this, Costa Brava hotels and Costa Brava apartments are often booked out.

The festivities start this year at 11 February for activities for the young and the young at heart. However, the official beginning is set by the arrival of the "king of carnival" in the afternoon. Music and dance follows throughout the whole day into late night. Who is interested in taking part is welcome to do so. There are no costs for taking part in the festivities. Merely, the traditional rice lunch requires a small amout of money.

In the late afternoon, dozens of people meet at the beach, next to the citadel of Roses. This large group of people will run simultaneously into the Costa Brava floods. this is usually a big spectacle - not only for the swimmers.

Also, part of the programme will be, of course, a large parade through the streets of Roses. Children play usually a major role of the parades. Like the grown ups, the kids diguise themselves with splendid costumes. But beside the kids, the elderly people take also part in the festivities. They even alect their own "carnival's king and queen". Those two lucky persons will be called out in the evning celebration, besides the regualr carnivals king and queen.

Similar to other carnival parties in Catalonia, the festivities end with the funeral of the old king. The "Carnaval de Roses" ends on February 15th with this annual tradition.  

The secound largest carnival in the world is the Carnival of Tenerife. As soon as the Spanish spring begins, the whole island is on its feet. Because of this two reasons, tourists from around the world travel to Tenerife and spend the first warm days in a Tenerife hotel.

Most people combine their holidays on the Canary Islands with a trip to the world famous carnival party of Tenerife, which has an interesting history: The carnival of Tenerife has a far reaching history, which begins in the 16th century. Even at that time, people used to disguise themeselves to express their criticism about satirical speeches and vocals. In the following years, the carnival has been forbidden. Not until the beginning of the 18th century, the prohibition has been lifted.But the during the dictorship of Franco, the prohibition returned. In 1961, the prohibition has finally been lifted.

Since that time, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the first city that has celebrated carnival after years of prohibition. Until 1977, carnival has been known by the name of "winter festival" befor it changed his name to the Carnival of Tenerife.

The similarities of the carnival parties in Latin America is not a contingency. Like in Rio de Janeiro, the Carnival of Tenerife is known for its gorgeous costumes. This is why immigrants from latin America brought their influences to Tenerife.

The election for the carnivals's king and queen sound the bell for the beginning of the festivities. The queen wears a traditional and eloborate costume.Beside the carnival festivities for adults, there is also a carnivals party especially for children, which at least as lavish as the adult carnival..

Europe's largest carnival party starts on 7 February 2010 and ends on 21 February. The celebration will be located nearly in every village and city on Tenerife. The biggest party however, will be located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz. The Carnival of Tenerife ends with the beginning of the Lent at the end of February.

Continue reading "Carnaval de Tenerife: Europe's largest carnival party" »

Do you want to give your Love something very special for Valentine´s Day this year? Then you should surprise her with a weekend on the coast of Spain. Book a little romantic Costa Brava hotel somewhere in a cozy little village. Or do you rather want to have a Costa Dorada accommodation? It doesn´t matter on which part of the coast you will spend the most romantic days of the year. They will be unforgettable and your Dear will love it.
You can do a lot of things here to win someone´s heart. Discover little places along the coast. You can do long walks along the beach. Especially in the twilight the walk hand in hand under palms could be one of the romantic things. But keep in mind that the way to a heart leads always through the stomach. Let yourself carry off to the Spanish cuisine. Find a place in a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy your food without disturbance.
Afterwards you can inspire yourself by the passion of the Spain people when you will dance Flamenco, the typical dance here. But don´t forget the most important thing! Get a present for your partner. In Catalonia it is tradition to give the beloved girl a red rose. But if you think men aren´t getting anything, than you are completely wrong. All the girls and women get a book for their truelove.
But whatever you plan to do - the coast of Spain is the perfect place to spend romantic and relaxing days with your beloved one!

Do you want to experience something quite different for Carnival? Or do you just plan to spend your Costa Dorada holiday earlier this year to relax and get some sun sunlight? Then you should definitely go to Sitges to attend the Carnival in Sitges there. It will be an unforgettable experience for you and your friends or family. You can discover how the Spanish people will celebrate this event.
Just book a Sitges hotel and get dress up yourself! The carnival will take place from the 19th to the 25th of February 2010 and is known as one of the most extraordinary and most colorful one in the world.
The celebration will begin on Thursday with the arrival of the King of the Carnestoltes who is the spirit of the carnival. But the most spectacular event will be the parades which will be on the Ruá del Extremini. But if you are expecting a normal parade you are absolutely wrong. This one will be much more colorful and a lot of drag queens will attend it. You will also see beautiful decorated carriages and amazing costumes. So therefore this special period of time is also really attractive for the gays but it is not only for them. Last year over 250 000 visitors came to enjoy the happening and celebrate during the next mornings.
But even the greatest feast will come to an end. In this case it will end on Wednesday with an old tradition. There will be a traditional fight between the queen and the king of Carnival and the ghost of the Shrovetide. Of course the ghost will win this fight. Afterwards the king and his queen will be buried symbolically. With this action the Carnival of Sitges will be over.
So if you want to come now to Sitges to see it yourself than take you chance!

If 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.
But 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.

Do you spend you Christmas holidays on the Spain Coast? Then it is a great opportunity to experience a quite different way to celebrate these special days. It doesn´t matter if you will spend a Costa Brava holiday or if you have rent a Costa Dorada hotel you can discover the traditional customs in whole Catalonia.
Enjoy the wonderful and silent pre-Christmas period on one of the several Christmas markets which you will find all over the country. Every year the main focus is on the spectaculars nativity sets which are quite often with real people. The whole town or village will attend on this happening.
You might also be astonished by the bright illuminated streets around the main places and streets. Therefore the decoration at home is not as much as we are used to. Even the Christmas tree is getting more and more popular over the last years. Before the Spain people did not have such a tree. The main decoration is also a cot. It is a Christmas tradition to put the three Magi closer and closer to the nativity set each day until they finally will reach it on the 6th of January. On this day it is also the gift giving by the Three Wise Men and the real Christmas is celebrated.
But already on the 24th of December the families will meet to eat together which can last several hours. Here you can also taste the typical Christmas sweets which will be served afterwards. On this evening the children get already presents. But if you thought now Santa Claus will give it to them is wrong! In Spain the "Gaga tió will give gifts to the children. But not until those have beaten the wooden log and have sung a song for him. As already mentioned the real Christmas celebrations will take place on the Twelfth Day. Already on the 5th of January the arrival of the kings is celebrated with parades. Quite often the three Magi are riding on camels and have sweets with them. The next day they will give presents to the children in the nativity set.
So spend a extraordinary Christmas in Catalonia - Bon Nadal!

Blanes, which is located in the province of Costa Brava in Catalonia, is a wonderful vacation destination for families and those without children as well. With its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, daily activities and active nightlife, you will be able to relax and participate in a variety of activities during your Costa Brava holiday.

Blanes also has an active festival calendar, so be sure to plan your vacation around one of the many street festivals so you can mingle with the locals, sample local cuisine and just enjoy the surroundings.

Outdoor Fun in Blanes
Because of its proximity to the ocean, Blanes is the perfect destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, fishing and picnicking by the ocean. With cliffs overlooking the ocean, you can spend the day hiking to see beautiful views of the town and the ocean.

You can choose to camp during your vacation, rent an Costa Brava apartment or stay in one of many Costa Brava hotels located in the town. Blanes is close to other seaside towns as well including Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar. These towns also have historic landmarks and views of the ocean.

Local Cuisine in Blanes
During your stay in Blanes, you will notice that there are many restaurants, cafes and bars to visit. If you like seafood, you will find many restaurants that serve traditional Catalonian cuisine that include various seafood delicacies. Fresh vegetables, lamb, beef and fresh herbs can also be found in many of the dishes served in restaurants and cafes.

Festivals in Blanes
In case that there are so many small festivals held in Blanes during the year, you should have little trouble scheduling your vacation around one or more. Popular festivals held in Blanes include:
• Festa Major - held in July (21st-28th) to celebrate Santa Anna, patroness of the region
• Sant Tomas Fair - held on December 21st to celebrate Christmas
• Artisan Fairs - held throughout the year
Other events include folk music concerts, the International Costa Brava Fireworks Contest and dance festivals.

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.

The 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.

Port Aventura offers many Festive activities for Christmas in this year. The Christmas and new year period at Port Aventura runs from the 22nd November to the 6th January. It's magical snow and hundreds of lights give the attraction an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for sharing with the family; that's what Christmas is about after all. It is a great opportunity to catch some christmas atmosphere by visiting the park for several days, where you can stay in a comfortable Port Aventura Hotel. To add to this there are, of course, shows put on specially for Christmas and new characters designed to squeeze out every last smile.

It is important to remember that the Park is only open on Saturdays and Sundays during November although a variety of other dates are made available over the Christmas period: From December 6th to 8th, 13th and 24th as well as the 20th until the 31st. In January the park opens from the 1st to the 6th.

The best price for a single day entry is £38.62 for adults and £30.72 for children. For a four day pass the best prices are adults £56.05 and children £45.60. Passes for entry up to 14 days are £65.51 for adults and £52.56 for children.

Christmas is a time for spending with the Family. Even though Christmas has become more and more consumer lead throughout the developed world, there is still an emphasis on Family, even as the age old traditions are slowly playing a smaller role. Port Aventura, Salou offers a modern Christmas Experience which has something to offer for all the family, thus keeping the true spirit of Christmas alive and providing an unforgettable experience for the whole family. So get some Port Aventura tickets and have fun in Port Aventuras christmas world!

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.

Montserrat
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.

Gibraltar's interest is essentially its novelty: the genuine appeal of the strange, looming physical presence of its rock, and the dubious one of its preservation as one of Britain's last remaining colonies. In Gibraltar you can find beautiful beaches and charming Costa del Sol apartments.

Form most of its history it has existed in a limbo between two worlds without being fully part of either. It's a curious place to visit, not least to witness the bizarre process of its opening to mass tourism from the Costa del Sol. Ironically, this threatens both to destroy Gibraltar's highly individual hybrid society and at the same time to make it much more British, after the fashion of the expatriate communities and huge resorts of the Costa. In recent years the economic boom Gibraltar enjoyed throughout the 1980's, following the reopening of the border with Spain, has started to wane, and the future of the colony-whether its population agrees to it or not-is almost certain to involve closer ties with Spain.

The Costa del Sol where is located Gilbratar is a perfect area to spend holidays with the family or with friends: the coast shelters a succession of extensive beaches, coves almost hidden between cliffs, marinas and anchorage for fishing. In the city you can find a great promenade with Bars Restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. There are Costa del Sol hotels for every taste and every budget. Gibraltar is truely a great holiday destination for travellers of every age.

Just a short drive southwest of Barcelona, sits the celebrated city of Sitges in Catalonia. This popular gay and lesbian holiday destination resembles an upscale tropical paradise, sitting picturesquely between the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the lush green hills.

Sitges is an ideal destination to visit any time of year. There are different possibilities to stay, e.g. a nice Costa Dorada hotel or a Costa Dorada apartment. Many visitors flock to the area for its many festivals. Sitges is known internationally for its International Film Festival and its Carnival celebration. Carnival is a popular festival in the months of February and March, and is widely popular for the cultural dancers with bright costumes and its large parade that seemingly envelopes the city streets. The International Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rally and the International Jazz Festival are also popular events.

Since the late 1800s, the city has grown and evolved into a hub for the art community, bringing together a diverse mix of local and seasonal writers, artists, and intellectuals. Enhancing the city's uniquely artistic ambiance is its large number of international residents, estimated to comprise over one third of the city's permanent residents. The artistic and international dominance creates a truly eclectic and liberal atmosphere.

The city is also known for its seventeen gorgeous beaches, which draws in gay and lesbian visitors in the months of July and August. Playa del Muerto is popular with the gay and lesbian community. Throughout the year, the area's nightclubs and restaurants are popular destinations for locals and visitors.

The Spanish city offers a diverse range of architecture, including a beautiful combination of centuries-old historical buildings with a distinctly Cubanesque influence. The Sant Bartmeu church is one of Sitges more popular historical structures, and was built in the 17th century. You will also want to spend some time exploring the Cau Ferrat Museum and the Maricel Museum.

While you are visiting Sitges, be sure to sample its delicious Catalan cuisine. Xato is one of the city's most popular dishes, and features escarole salad, cod, tuna, anchovies, arbequine, and black olives. Its sauce is made from scalded chillies, toasted almonds, garlic, olive oil, salt, vinegar and hot peppers. Other popular dishes include stewed sepia with potatoes and all-i-oli, bull de tonyina, fideuada, and stuffed peppers with cod. Such variety guarantees the extraordinary richness and singularity of Catalan's and Sitgetan's gastronomy. A meal in Sitges would not be complete without the accompaniment of Sitgetan malvasia, a dessert wine.

Blanes is a popular tourist destination for travellers around the world. The city offers many possibilities for all kinds of visitors and all kinds of budgets. This typical catalan town offers its guests nummerous of Bars, Restaurants and Costa Brava Hotels.

Especially the cusine is definitly a reason to visit Blanes. Blanes serves typical catalan dishes, with a large percentage of fish. You can of course also find the traditional spanish Paella in every Restaurant here. But there is also a large variety of chicken and rice included in the local cusine.

Special about this town is the long beach whcih spreads along the whole town. Most parts of the city center are situated dirctly at the beach, so you always have the perfect holiday beach atmosphere to the most places where you go. Along the beach you can find several shops, Bars, Restaurants and Costa Brava holiday apartments.

In Blanes you can find two of the most important botanic gardens in Europe. One of these two gardens is the Jardí Botánic Marimurta garden. This garden is visited by thousands of guests every year that want to see the beauty of the plenty of plants that are placed in that park. Here you can find an amazing combination of artistic garden architecture that is combined with the nature. There are more than 3,000 different kinds of trees, bushes and flowers situated within the park. The garden is 16.5 ha big and opened all year long.

Blanes also offers a lot of possibilities for young tourists. The parties and discoteques in blanes are known in whole Catalonia. There are thousands of party tourists that travel to Blanes every year to be part of the ultimate party experience. You can find a lot of international travelers in this town. Most of them are Dutch.

As you can see, a holiday in Blanes offers several attractions for everyone. It does not matter wheter you are looking for a beach holiday, a nice trip to nature or a party holiday, Blanes can satisfy every of their visitors. So do not hesitate to visit this great place on Spains Costa Brava.

El Bulli is one of the best restaurants on the world. It's absolutely difficult to get a table because the restaurant has opened for just 6 month a year. Executive chef of the restaurant in Catalonia is Ferran Adrià, one of the most influential cooks of the present.


The restaurant El Bulli is situated besides a lonely bay along the Costa Brava in the beautiful village Rosas. You should visit this great area but please note that the restaurant is fully booked quickly! There are numerous great Costa Brava hotels in Roses, near the restaurant El Bulli.

Transport:
By plane: You can reach the restaurant El Bulli from the airport Barcelona or from the airport Girona. From Barcelona the distance is around 177 km, from Girona airport you will need approximately 75 km.

Accommodation:
Aparthotel Isla de Rosas: This attractive Costa Brava Hotel offers fantastic apartments. The apartment complex is located approximately 1 km from the nearest beach and 1 km from the city center.
Hotel Maritim: The 3- stars Costa Brava Hotel "Maritim" is located directly beside the sandy beach of Saint Margarita. Numerous shops, bars and nightclubs are to found within 2 km of the hotel.

Address:
El Bulli
Cala Montjoi, Ap. 30
17480 Roses, Spain
Phone: +34 972 150 457
Fax: +34 972 150 717
E-Mail: bulli@elbulli.com

Transport from Girona Airport - Barcelona:

By car: For the motorway AP7 from Girona Airport to Barcelona city center you need approximately 1 h 20 min by car. For using this motorway one has to pay a toll. The distance is about 100km along the AP7 motorway. The Spanish word for toll is "peaje", in Catalan you say "peatge".
By taxi: A taxi to Barcelona is very expensive. It will cost you around 120 €. The charge per kilometer is fixed at 1,08 €. The charge for extra baggage is not included in the price. For further information please call: +34 97 220 3377.
By bus: The bus goes directly from the airport to Barcelona Estacio Nord and takes no longer than 1 h 10 min. The timetables are tailored with the arrivals and departures of Ryanair flights. A single ticket costs 12 Euros, and a return is 21 Euros. It's not possible to buy the tickets in advance. For further information please call: +34 935931300.

Costa Brava accommodation in the immediate vicinity:

Numerous comfortable and beautiful Costa Brava hotels and Costa Brava vacation homes are located near the airport. How about the comfortable "Best Western Mar Menuda" Costa Brava hotel in Tossa de Mar! The 3 - stars hotel is directly located besides the Mar Menuda beach and and offers impressive views over the medieval walls of the old town.

Car hire companies at Girona airport:

Numerous car hire companies are established at Girona Airport and generally open from 08.00 am to 23:45 pm. Use the opportunity to explore the Catalan culture. With a hired car you are independent during your stay!

The following car hire companies are established at Girona Airport:
Atesa, AurigaCrown, Avis, Europcar, Goldcar Europa, Hertz und Sol-Mar.

Ryanair:

Airports of Departure in Great Britain: Bournemouth, Dublin, Liverpool, Glasgow (Prestwick), Shannon, Birmingham, East Midlands, London (Luton), London- Stansted, Bristol, Durham Tees, London- Gatwick, Doncaster, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester

Baggage: Each Ryanair passenger is permitted to check in up to a maximum of 3 bags (combined weight of 15kgs) subject to the payment of the applicable checked baggage fees. Strictly one item of cabin baggage per passenger (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm is permitted.

Contact:

+34 97 218 6708 for info (Spanish and English) operating from 8.00 am to 20.00 pm everyday of the week.
+34 97 218 6600 for info (Spanish and English) operating 24 hours.
+34 97 218 6606 for flights (Spanish, Catalan and occasionally English).
Email: Gironainfo@aena.es