It can be quite daunting to be sure that you are really visiting Madrid, as it is not confined to just a city or district, but could be a conglomeration of areas which are historically and culturally mingled and interlinked.
There is the historical Madrid town which displays the Moorish influences through its quarters and churches at the Santa Barbara and Montserrat areas with the magnificent view of the La Casa de Campo gardens near the Orient Palace, Villahermosa Palace, El Prado Museum, and the Casón del Buen Retiro.
Next, there is Madrid which is full of culture offerings displayed through world-renowned museums such as the Museo del Prado together with the splendid 18th century palace of Royal Madrid along with its botanical gardens.
Then, there is the offering of modern Madrid, the bustling city is always booming with businesses and happenings, whether with the locals or visitors, in its transactions, restaurants, bars, and other modern attractions.
Attractions of Madrid
Whichever facet of Madrid you will be visiting, your attention would probably be cast on the city center where lies Puerta del Sol. This connects to the city’s major and interesting sites such as the Ciudad Antigua, Plaza Mayor, Encarnacion convent and Descalzas Reales convent.
There are many splendid architectural pieces in Madrid which are housed in the Prado Museum that established Madrid as a definite stop on European art tours, with modern homes and Spanish paintings by both American and European painters.
Location of Madrid
The city of Madrid was chosen to be the capital of Spain based on its strategic location. Felipe II aimed to unite and centralize the country from a strategic location of administration and that was how Madrid, in Iberia center, was appointed capital.
Madrid is placed on a plateau that is 650 meters high at 300 kilometers above sea level. Its weather is quite extreme with a freezing winter and a burning summer. Nevertheless, Madrid developed into a modern city with about 3 million people. The city is quite an interesting sight of old medieval and new modern buildings, with narrow quaint streets and unique shops splattered with 18th century Bourbon squares.
But it is the locals - the madrileños – who stand as the key attraction of the capital as they hang out at the cafes, terrazas, Sunday flea markets, or enjoying themselves in bars, discos, clubs or tascas.
The transport network in Madrid has been improved tremendously which includes extensions and new road constructions so as to relieve the city of its traffic congestion.
It is very easy to get around the city as all places of interests center around Sol, the city center which is the main sightseeing area for a tourist.
There is no worry about the accommodation selection here in Madrid as there is a wide selection of stays that fit every budget.
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11/11/2010
Enchanting Madrid
Serene Coastal Resort of Las Galletas
LAS GALLETAS may be just a coastal town that is not very big with a splatter of bars, shops, and restaurants on its main street which allows pedestrians only; but the tourism industry has impacted it like other Spanish coastal resorts.
Las Galletas’ Development
There are many expatriate businesses happening around this region through bars and restaurant businesses catering to a complex-oriented style holiday which have spurred the tourism industry here since 1960s.
Though this place was named COSTA DEL SILENCIO, or ‘Coast of Silence’, this misnomer hears the constant sounds of cement mixers and pneumatic drills on developing buildings, as well as the flying buzzes of airplanes at its international airport since 1978. However, these happenings occur mainly on weekdays at the east side of the town.
There is still a quiet and reserved area which displays the natural rocky landscape with impressive cacti near Montaña Amarilla that gives some respite. Similarly, one can enjoy the nature reserve of Rasca at the west side of the town.
Overview Highlights
This coastal town of Las Galletas still draws many tourists to its huge resort area, the Costa del Silencio which is next to it. There is an adjoining harbor which encourages a stroll while the inland holds the major shopping district, Calle Central that has numerous narrow streets catering to pedestrians only. Further away is the avenue of La Rambla with trees lined along its side, although not frequented much by pedestrians. There are some restaurants here that overlook a slim promenade as well as a narrow stretch of pebbled beach with waves crashing in on the rocks along the shoreline that challenges both body-boarders and local surfers.
Along the beach, you will find big concrete walls in the sea which was set up to protect the local fishing boats in the small harbor. This place attracts a lot of divers and sunbathers.
The point of focus at the town is the major road in this resort town. There are 3 commercial centers close to each other that offer malls, shops, supermarkets and travel services as well as bars and restaurants.
Night Life
Though it may not offer a feisty nightlife as with other Spanish resorts, there are still some bars which serve drinks until the early morning hours, as the locals congregate to watch TV sports while enjoying their tapas out in the cool of the night. There are many themed pubs at the commercial centers for your choosing, such as ‘Peanut Disco Bar’ or ‘Disco Lord’. At the eastern side stands the Coralmar Square which is mainly a British bar that provides some live cabaret entertainment to its few patrons.
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Nature Trails Of Lanjaron
LANJARÓN has enjoyed great tourism and nods of approval from the outside world more than any other place in Alpujarras because of its curative powers, presumably from its spa waters, which are being sold in all of Spain in bottles. Lanjaron’s famous spa baths are usually open from March to December, with the town flocked by the old and the infirmed.
Impressive Strolls
The little town has many modern buildings beautifully decorated, lining the main road and its main hotel, the Avenida Alpujarra. The Alpujarras which was some Moorish castle located at Lanjarón's foothills, marks as a gateway to this medieval town, although it is in a dilapidated condition that is not too distinct to the passing eye. However, a slow stroll of about 10 minutes will unveil its dramatic location by going downhill directly to the terraces and lush flat lands below.
It is an impressive stroll around Lanjaron’s mountains and countryside that might take a day, but is well worth the time spent, as you enjoy the natural beauty and sights all around. As you walk through the town’s alleyways, you might notice a steep track that leads you to the spacious reserved national park called Reserva Nacional de la Sierra Nevada.
For those who love strolls and trekking, Lanjaron holds many opportunities for exercising your love of nature. An easy walk around Lanjaron includes crossing the river bridge on the eastside of town, and uphill on a cobbled path which goes parallel with the river.
There are refreshing sights of small farms, nature views and landscapes before crossing a stone bridge to get back to Lanjarón. This trek takes at least 6 hours to complete.
Refreshing Baths & Massages
This little town also provides relaxation of various kinds, especially after a trek or stroll. There are simple soaks for just 9 Euros, with massages as add-ons, plus mud baths with all types of exotic names.
Places to Stay
There are plenty of good hotels and places to stay in this town, ranging from the up market and grand Hotel España with a pool, to the delightful apartments down the hill. There are studio apartments for rent that come with a kitchenette, as well as beautiful views from the balcony overlooking the castle at the town’s foothill. At the east side of town are some budget rooms that also provide excellent meals or a little walk away, like 1 kilometer. There are quiet affordable en-suite rooms that come with beautiful views of nature and the surrounding landscape.
There are mountain bikes for hire or horse-riding facilities to enjoy a trek around the mountains, as well as rock-climbing activities for the more adventurous.
Gastronomy
Lanjaron’s plentiful restaurants are usually found at the hotels or other places to stay, as with the tapas bars with prices ranging from decent to up market, depending on the menu. There are lots of seafood, meat or even vegetarian dishes to suit your palate.
At night, it is not all quiet as the town’s latest discotheque cum bar belts out its music, competing with the Noche Azul nightclub just at the main square corner.
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Discovering Jimena And Its Surroundings
JIMENA DE LA FRONTERA is more like an open hill town which lies 20 kilometers north of another town, Castellar de la Frontera. It is quite a big town with a majestic Moorish castle that boasts of a triple gateway for its entrance.
Around Jimena
Outside of Jimena town, there lies Gaucin, which is about 23 kilometers away that you can reach by the highway or on foot which is a 16 kilometer climb. The path to Gaucin runs through a string of beautiful cork oak woods and olive groves before reaching the quaint mountain village, which commands majestic views to as far away as Gibraltar as well as the coast of Morocco on a clear day. It is a neat little place for a stop-over as there are plenty of boarding and food choices to satiate your appetite.
The little town is even equipped with a small gas station; there is the Nacional, a quaint little restaurant that serves simple foods, which was established 125 years ago with plenty of history.
Journey to Jimena
There are several ways to reach Jimena; by bus or by train. The latter will require a walk of 13 kilometers before reaching the village, although it is more of an uphill climb. However, there is a place to rest near the train station before taking the hike which serves food and drinks.
Bars are available for one’s refreshing after reaching this region. But if you want to take a rain-check on the hike, there is always the taxi ride for your convenience. The hike is an adventure in itself as it passes through the nature reserve of Cortés.
The train journey from Ronda to Gaucín is also another lovely way to view the countryside lined with splatters of charming small villages. You can stop off at a particular station, Benaoján-Montejaque, to trek an hour before reaching the very ancient Cueva de la Pileta.
Food, Stay and Bars
There is no difficulty in getting a good place to stay around Jimena as there are everything from budget-friendly choices to up-market hotels complete with restaurants and swimming pools located on their rooftops. Bars are also in abundance with small restaurants called ‘fonda’ which locals recommend. There is a hostel right at the train station which may be a bit out of the way from the town. The Restaurante-Bar Cuenca is one of the best restaurants that serve delicious tapas and hearty meals at a charming terrace patio in the backyard.
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Quaint Little Town of Jerez de la Frontera
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA was also known previously as Xerez, which was a Moorish name. This elegant town is home to Spain’s famous brandy known as sherry. It is a prosperous town surrounded by plenty of wine bodegas and other sights.
It is a peaceful and slow-paced life enjoyed by the locals except for the two annual festivals; namely the May Horse Fair, and the vintage celebration near the September month end.
Jerez Fame
Jerez is famous for its distinguished ancient flamenco tradition, and sherry tours on brandy processing with unlimited free samples. There are many sherry manufacturers around this region, although many producer firms are British Catholic refugees’ start-ups from when they were exiled here. This clan formed a distinct class of their own with tweed-wearing styles and an aristocracy through polo play, which is most conspicuous at the annual Horse Fair.
Attractions of The Town
The main attraction in town is the impressing and looming cathedral of Gothic-Renaissance era, the Catedral de San Salvador, which is open daily. Other attractions include the impressive Moorish Alcazar that was built in the 11th century and the archeological museum which exhibits many unique and historical artifacts such as a 7th century Greek military helmet, a sarcophagus that is supposedly of Visi Gothic origin, as well as the antique bottle vase of Caliphal.
Jerez holds a high enthusiasm for horses that is very evident from the town’s famous equestrian school, the Royal Andalucian School. There are performances with music as well as rehearsals and stable visits to enlighten the visitor.
Cuisine
As with any Spanish town, there are plenty of tapas bars and eateries where prices are decent. There are many traditional Mediterranean cuisines from various restaurants in town.
Accommodations
There are many hotels to choose from, according to your budget or comfort expectation; from luxurious to modest establishments. Some are equipped with outdoor swimming pools and sun loungers for the visitor to laze around in the Spanish sunshine. Others have spa facilities that are distinct with swan neck shaped springs and ice cabins that come with an indoor pool.
Yet again, there are top-quality hotels which provide modern amenities as well as business transaction facilities which are located in the commercial district.
There is a hotel which has been splendidly converted from a noble house in the 19th century, located in the charming San Miguel area. In this previous palace hotel, there are beautiful rooms and elegant dining rooms that are worth a look.
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11/09/2010
Why Spain Should Be Visited
A Special Place in Europe
Spain is situated in Europe; to be more exact, it is situated in the Iberian Peninsula, together with Portugal. Spain is a very often-visited country. A few years ago, it occupied the second place spot on the list of the most visited countries in the whole world. Spain is a very beloved country for many reasons. One of these reasons is the weather. Some regions in Spain enjoy a temperate climate, and others are very happy to be bathed in a subtropical climate. It does not matter where in Spain you decide to go, it is sure that you will have fine weather that will allow you to enjoy your holiday. You won’t have any trouble concerning the weather.
Great Cities
Another reason why Spain is a country that enjoys such a big number of tourists is the beauty of its cities. Each city is different from the others, each city has something unique about it. Madrid, for example, the capital of this wonderful country, is famous and popular for the cultural impact that it always has on anybody that visits it. Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, Descalzas Reales and the Prado Museum are some of the sightseeing places that any tourist dreams about. Barcelona attracts tourists thanks to the Cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, and for the museums that evoke the life of some very important artists. Pablo Picasso is one of them.
Wonderful Traditions
Some tourists choose to go to Spain because they have heard about the special traditions and the unique customs that represent Spain. This country is the mother of flamenco and passo doble, passionate styles of dance that make your blood rush through your veines. One other custom that characterizes Spain and the Spaniards is the bullfight. Bullfighting is a dangerous custom, but one that was implemented into the tradition of these people for centuries. Courage, tact, and a lot of strategy are the ingredients that make the matador win the fight with the bull.
Delicious Food
The cuisine in Spain is very tasty. A lot of ingredients stand on the list that the Spanish dishes use; seafood is one of them. Almonds, tomatoes, pork, apples, strawberries, cherries, nuts, and cheese are all very often used in the Spanish dishes. The delicious food differs from region to region, but it mainly uses many of these ingredients. I personally think that all these sound very attractive, and I recommend you to try it for yourself!
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The North East Of Spain
A Very Special Place
From the Basque fishers’ villages to the isolated communities of farmers, the spread orchards and the Pyrenees, the north east of Spain is one of the most diverse regions in Spain. You can go sky diving, hike, taste wines, visit monasteries or admire the contemporary art in Bilbao. The mountainous barrier that separates Spain from France is bordered by four autonomous regions: Euskadi, Navarra, Aragon and Catalonia. Traditionally, this region hasn’t been the most popular among tourists, but its cities are now starting to become more and more attractive for tourists from all around the world.
Euskadi and Navarra
These two autonomous regions have always been connected by a common language, euskera, which is still alive in some of the dialects spoken by the locals. The most interesting cities here are Euskadi, Bilbo (Bilbao), Donostia, and Iruna. Bilbao is very famous for the Guggenheim Museum. Since its opening, Bilbao has lived a cultural rebirth which brought the increase in the number of tourists. Bilbao is a very beautiful city; if you are in Bilbao, you musn’t miss the casco viejo (the old city, the Vasco Museum, the Plaza Nueva and the Arriaga Theatre. The Guggenheim Museum must definitely be among your stops. The building is absolutely spectacular; the tourists are impressed by the steel and titanium walls which are curved, creating a special and unique view.
Other Places to Visit
The north-east of Spain is a very beautiful holiday destination, because it is one of the parts of Spain that offers a little bit of everything. The old city of Gasteiz is also a place that is worth your interest. It is situated on very picturesque hills and almost every little part of the city is the perfect viewpoint for those who love spectacular landscapes. The historic nucleus of the city contains the El Portalon, a wood and brick building named Torre de los Anda, the Museo de Arqueologia and the extraordinary Museo Fournier.
These monuments will take you into a unique journey inside the culture and the history of this part of Spain. Also explore the Basque cities situated along the coast, but also travel inside the region if you want to get contact with one of the most beautiful rural areas in Spain. Choose this part of the country as your holiday destination, and you won’t regret your choice. It will be one of the most amazing experiences you’ve ever had.
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The Altamira Cave: The Wonder Of Spain
The Fantastic European Country
Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. This European country has a little bit of everything: thousands of museums that host impressive art collections, unique architectural styles, amazing cities and breathtaking landscapes. Every person that has visited Spain says that they will definitely try to go back there, at least one more time. This means that Spain charms you with its special spirit, with its traditions and customs. Doesn’t it sound interesting and attracting? Here is what you can do while in Spain.
The Altamira Cave
The most difficult decision that you have to make after you decide that Spain should be your holiday destination is where to go. This is why we are here: to help you into taking the right decision. A very special place in Spain is the Altamira cave. The cave is famous for the paintings that date back to the Paleolithic, representing wild mammals, but also human hands. There are other caves in which the Paleolithic paintings can be admired, but the Altamira cave was the first cave where these paintings were discovered. The cave will charm you with the beauty of its chambers and winding passages, real paths into the history of the country; and why not, into the history of humanity too! Archeologists have discovered a few decades ago, many deposits of artifacts belonging to the Upper Solutrean and to the Mower Magdalean. These artifacts are very attractive for tourists, who come in huge numbers to visit the cave. Besides the fact that the cave is a little journey into the history of the country, tourists have more things to see in the region. Because the cave couldn’t be visited by a big number of tourists every day, a replica cave has been built, as well as a museum. Tourists that don’t have time to wait in the long lines can visit instead the replica.
The Cultural Impact of The Cave
The cave is not only a natural monument; it is of greater importance for Spain. Several painters have declared that some of their creations are inspired by the paintings on the walls of the cave. Even the great Picasso often used to quote: ” after Altamira, all is decadence”. The landscapes around the cave are fantastic; it will definitely impress you, and the region itself is really impressive. You should definitely go there!
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Interesting History Offerings At Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the Tenerife Islands’ largest shipping port for containers as well as for several oil refineries. It may not be aesthetic to many seeking natural beauty and wonders, but it has an urban vibrancy that is typical of the Canary Islands.
Santa Cruz has been a port since its first conquerors with Tenerife being the regular stopover for replenishing supplies before continuing the last leg to the final destination of the New World.
Spanish galleons stopped regularly at this town which offered protection due to its fortified port. Even today, Santa Cruz still functions as a popular port of convenience to the world’s tankers, Atlantic trawlers and navies. It is quite busy not only as the capital of the island but also as the Canary Islands’ financial and administrative center. It is now a bustling Spanish town that is modern, with many narrow streets, plazas, and parks intersecting some wide avenues which are just as bustling with activity, both commercial and shopping.
Town Attractions
The town center can be explored easily on foot where one can enjoy the splendid ancient churches and museums, but the better sights here are the plazas and parks which are pretty and pleasant for a relaxing stroll as these places are usually void of large tourist volumes.
Town History
The major history piece of Santa Cruz has to be Admiral Nelson who lost his own right arm when he bungled an unsuccessful attack on this town in 1797, causing many of his men to be killed.
Admiral Nelson acted arrogantly in wanting to capture Santa Cruz for the gold that was in the Spanish galleon, but bad weather fouled his attack, causing his defeat. The strong winds caused the town inhabitants to move out to La Laguna while Admiral Nelson continued with his intention of conquest. In the bad weather, his men mistook the town’s position and fired aimlessly from the loose and rocky Jurada slopes instead of the town proper.
The heavy firing from the shore’s cannons separated the British army coming on and this was where Nelson’s right arm was hit by grapeshot, wounding it severely. Although he had it amputated to save his own life, he still wanted to force the town to surrender; but it was his holed up soldiers, numbering 700, that wanted to surrender with full military honors which the town governor consented on compassionate grounds. Nelson reacted to this remarkable and honorable conduct with gifts of cheese and beer in which a barrel of wine was returned as a token of ceasefire and friendship. There were 150 British soldiers killed, while only 12 Spanish soldiers died.
Hence, Santa Cruz continued to prosper.
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Good Offerings From Sanlucar De Barrameda
SANLÚCAR is famous for its sherry production as with Santa Maria. It is located at the Guadalquivir River mouth where it functions as the major depot for the dry and pale Manzanilla wine, which is very popular in the bars around here. There are lots of opportunities for free sampling and visits, which may need advanced bookings with the local bodegas who are also major producers.
Significances of Sanlucar
Besides wine, Sanlucar is also famous for adrenalin pumping horse races which occur on the beach at the end of August. Other than these, the town does not have much to offer except for its ancient quarter at the upper section of the town, known as Barrio Alto. This place is quite interesting and worthy of a visit, however quick it may be.
Sanlucar's port has a colorful standing with historical maritime happenings, such as this was the spot where Magellan started off to check out the world, Pizarro set forth to Peru on a conquest mission and further upriver about 4 kilometers away, Columbus set sail to America from Bonanza, a fishing harbor, which was his third voyage.
The Medina Sidonia palace which was built by Montpensier dukes who decorated it according to the precarious neo-Mudéjar style, makes for a good visit while at Sanlucar. Whereas 13th century Nuestro Señora church showcases its extricate Gothic-Mudéjar structures as can be seen in its portal with the remnants of Castillo de Santiago of Moorish designs still observable high up at the main town area of Barrio Alto.
Natural Beauty
Sanlúcar also offers nature’s best through its unique shell-filled beach of warm waters just about 2 kilometers from the town by walking. Opposite the shore, one can spy the nature park, the Coto Doñana, which has been designated as the area’s National Park with its plentiful marshes that halt the coastline.
Boat cruises are available to view these marshy expanses, although serious exploration is not permitted to safeguard nature’s beauty and inhabitants. The boat cruise takes about 4 hours while 2 guided walks are available for nature lovers. There is also an exhibition center which opens daily to display the natural species in the area, which serves as a very good educational focal point.
Accommodations
Places to stay are usually limited during the summer; hence, advanced booking is advisable to avoid disappointment. There is a tourist center located near the sea which can offer a town map that is full of tourist information.
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