Marbella Sunset

Guest Author: Michal Kniec

Shaking the hotel manager’s hand was a strange sensation for me. On my travels all around the world I’ve met many welcoming people but never anyone as friendly. A little perplexed, I was quickly ushered into my room whilst making rather colorful small talk. Thanking me for my choice he closed my door and I was left alone. Still stunned, I sat on my bed and looked out my window onto the Spanish shores. Waiting for my mind to catch up with my body, I realized that the trip to Marbella was going to be fantastic.

Hitting the streets…

I woke up the next morning revved up and ready to go. I was visiting the region with a budget in mind so I decided to ask around before I decided to go. The friendly manager suggested that there is no better place to visit than Casco Antiguo. I made my way down to this mysterious destination finding that it was actually the Old quarter of Marbella.

Streets of Marbella

With quaint cobble streets as well as historical buildings, there were certainly worse places to be. Walking through the labyrinth of alleys allowed me to poke my head into many a small traditional boutique, with the temptation to spend almost overwhelming!

Chowing down!

Getting a little hungry I decided on finding a distinctly Spanish place to eat. Stumbling upon the Restaurante & Terraza Carmen was a godsend as it looked charming and was quite easy on the wallet. Most dishes priced between $5 to $15, I had delightful pasta with fresh seafood. Certainly worth going to again, I still can’t believe how lucky I was to find it.

Being quite the history buff I went searching for culture and found myself in Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnacion. An absolutely stunning church, I took a long walk around to truly get to grips with its size. Built in the early 16th century, the building representation of architecture in the region, matching the entire countryside blissfully.

Wanting to jam as much as I could in a day, I found the Marbella nightlife to be just as enchanting as in the daytime. With a huge assortment of bars at my disposal, I found my way to the Stones Music Bar. Perhaps it was the karaoke or great TV sports events, but I knew I had to try my hand at the hottest place in town! With a LOT of delicious cocktails, many priced for as low as $4, I made my way to the microphone and the rest was history…

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If the tour bus isn’t your thing and you wish to see Barcelona on your own there are a few nifty ways to explore other than walking with a city map in hand.

Segway Tours

Barcelona Segway Tours

Quite recently Barcelona started offering segway tours. As of now you can’t rent a segway and explore on your own but you join a tour. The tour takes about 2.5hrs and it won’t cover any sights outside of the center. I recently did a segway tour in Washington, DC so be sure to check out my review of my first ever Segway experience!

Rent a Vespa

Rent a Vespa in Barcelona

The epitome of a cool city scooter has to be the Vespa. To ride a Vespa has some sort of cult status. You’re riding in stylish, retro spirit. Vesping in Barcelona offers tours on Vespas, but also a rental service so you can explore the city on your own.

I’ve never personally rented a Vespa in Barcelona but I’ve rented scooters in different places around the world and it’s such a great way to get around and see some of the sights and things that aren’t always in walking distance.

Cruise Barcelona by Bicycle

Rent a Bicycle!

There are plenty of bike rental places in Barcelona to choose from, one of the best and most popular . And next to the Bicing bicycles which are part of the public transportations system in the city you will always see plenty of people with rented bikes in the city. This way you don’t only explore the city on your own, but stay active while doing so.

Rent a GoCar

Barcelona GoCars

Exploring the city by a GoCar might be the most popular way to sightsee at the moment. These yellow little cars are equipped with a GPS and a guide in several languages so that you can leave the city guide book at home. It provides you with a lot of flexibility as you explore at your personal pace and get to drive in the small, narrow streets the buses can’t reach.

Whichever way you choose to do sightseeing, apartments in Barcelona keep you close to everything that is happening in the city.

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Tenerife

Photo courtesy of pasotraspaso

Scattered 300km from the North African coast, the Canary Islands are in a great geographical position for year round warmth. So with a perpetual spring time climate, dramatic landscape, warm ocean and great beaches, Tenerife has a lot to offer. And with so much natural beauty there’s no need to spend much on a good day out.

Lying on the beach on my first day, wafting my face with a fan and watching the clouds roll over the mountains like a fluffy blanket, I decided I just couldn’t sit about all week like a baking vegetable; I had to get out and see some of this stunning island.

Mount Teidi

Mount Teidi is the third highest volcano on Earth and a UNESCO world heritage site. The array of flora alone is worth the trip. With so many species adapted to the extreme conditions, the grey soil and dark rocks shimmer with colour. But it’s the spectacular views, volcanic domes and stunning lava flows that are truly breathtaking, and if the view is the only way you want to have to catch your breath, then no fear, the majority of the assent can be taken by cable car.

Tip: The more adventurous can continue on with the 4 hour hike to the summit, though if you want to reach the mouth of the volcano you need to get permission from the park office in Santa Cruz beforehand, or take a guided tour.

Just don’t forget to take something warm to put on, despite the blazing sunshine it can get pretty parky up there. Standing above the clouds on the moonscape that is the top of Mount Teidi was the definite highlight of my trip.

San Cristobel de La Laguna

Back to civilisation and there so many more sights and sounds to experience on this Island. Whilst there is undoubtedly vibrant life in Las Americas, Los Cristianos and El Puerto, my favourite of Tenerife’s towns is San Cristobel de La Laguna.

As a lively university town San Cristobel has some great nightlife and at affordable, student style prices, without so much of the tourist ‘wild life’ that one might expect when heading to Tenerife. It’s a cool, more traditional town with a cosmopolitan and contemporary edge. Wondering through the colourful streets of Spanish architecture and chilling in a street side cafe made for a lovely relaxing day.

Eating in Tenerife

One thing that always worries me on trips is finding good vegetarian food, but Tenerife Cuisine is a wonderful mix of Spanish, Latin American and African influences, with a basis of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish. Ignoring the vast array of tourist orientated restaurants; there is a fantastic selection of more local cuisine to be found, for all diets and tastes.

Photo Credits: #2

Majorca

Photo courtesy of Steve2.0

For such a small place, Majorca sure can pull a big crowd. And for good reason – its wide appeal encompasses families, partygoers, honeymooners, and those just looking to get away from it all. Stay in a friendly resort, a budget hostel, or one of the many gorgeous villas in Majorca and then just chose the beach that suits you best. There are lots of possibilities – here are a few favourites:

Puerto Alcudia & Playa de Muro

Alcudia’s beaches, particularly Puerto Alcudia and the adjoining Playa de Muro (in the neighbouring municipality of Muro), are expansive enough to incorporate quieter stretches, whilst having all the facilities you’ll need as a family.

Family-friendly hotels with kids’ clubs, bars and restaurants along the beach plus karting, horse-riding, windsurfing, and paddleboats means you’ll never run out of things to do. Fine sand and clear shallow water make it a perfect and safe place for children to swim.

Nearby lies the S’Albufera National Park. These extensive wetlands are home to plenty of wildlife, and are ideal for bird-watching and walking; over 200 species of bird have been seen there.

Cala Deià Beach

There are plenty of romantic hideaways and quiet coves on Majorca. Take a hike in almost any direction and you’ll be rewarded with stunning cliffs and quiet wild beaches – particularly towards the northwest of the island. Cala Deià beach on a slightly more rugged cove on the island’s West coast is perfect for couple-time. Cliffs either side of this inlet of clear water transform the small beach into a private cove. Terraces high above the beach and hills to and from Deià provide great views of the countryside and the sea.

Peak season may attract celebrity spotters though, so it can get a bit crowded. The two local restaurants here are perfect for whiling away the day over a beer or a lunch of freshly caught fish and chilled wine. But if they’re full – bring your own bottle and a blanket to lie on, and you’ll have everything you need.

Bay of Palma & Magaluf

Majorca provides plenty of places to let your hair down and dance the night away – the best known spot for Mediterranean mayhem on the island is Magaluf. Themed bars and super night-clubs such as BNC attract many of the top DJs. But it’s the day after the night out: cooling off in the Mediterranean waters and making the most of the restaurants and bars by the beach that really keeps the revellers returning.

If partying on the beach is your bag, check out the beach clubs around the Bay of Palma. Puro is a little more sophisticated than the foam party destinations of Magaluf. A beach bar and club that boasts a pool, restaurant and yoga studio besides house DJs and nightlife which carries on until 3am, they even produce their own lounge CD collection.

Playa del Mago

There’s only one way to get a really even tan, and that’s to strip off. And Majorca has some of the best places for doing this, with soft sands, pine forests and clear waters. Playa del Mago is well-known and close to the capital, and just a few kilometres from Magaluf.

Accessible, with shallow water and beautiful surroundings, this small cove (just 20 metres long) is an ideal place to fully enjoy the turquoise waters. It is an official nudist beach, but you’re likely to find that ‘clothing optional’ is a more suitable description. The surrounding cove keeps the water shallow and calm, which attracts families and those who like to laze the day away on inflatable lilos.

For the more intrepid, a short walk along the shore heading north from Colonia Sant Jordi, is Es Pregons Gran. Situated in the Es Trenc area which offers a choice of naturist beaches, this stretch of sand is known for its Caribbean feel and the absence of bars, restaurants or facilities, so you can enjoy the coastline in peace.

What are you favorite beaches on Majorca? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Barcelona Sunset

Photo courtesy of ♀Μøỳαл_Bгεлл♂

When it comes to popular European tourist destinations, Barcelona is at the top of the top. At times the city is like an amusement park full of festivals, activities and fun, so it’s no surprise that visitors flock there. But where there are tourists, there are inevitably tourist traps, so here are some tips for avoiding them and doing Barcelona like a local:

Choose Your Airport Wisely

When you’re searching for flights to Barcelona, you’ll often find that results show two different airports: Gerona or El Prat. Gerona is great if you’re going to the Costa Brava, flights are often very cheap and the bus ride is only just over an hour to Barcelona. But it’s important to factor in that the bus is more expensive and takes much longer than the one from El Prat airport.

Don’t Eat on Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is probably Barcelona’s most famous street. Beware, the sandwiches may look quite cheap, but then they’ll charge you a small fortune for a Coke. Instead, explore the lesser known and more charming areas, like Gracia, which has lots of great restaurants.

Know Your Beaches

One of the great things about Barcelona is the fact that it has a beach. Being fairly central, it’s tempting to go to the beach in Barceloneta. In May, this is lovely, but in August it’s not. So instead, just go a few more stops on the metro to Selva de Mar, where the beach is much more chilled.

The Early Bird Catches the Sights

It may seem obvious, but you really do need to get to the main tourist attractions early if you want to get in. But if you don’t manage to get to the Sagrada Familia before the queues, why not check out the church of Santa Maria del Mar in Borne, or Tibidabo Cathedral – two other spectacular religious buildings that don’t draw such huge crowds.

Barcelona is a city full of surprises, but if you don’t see beneath the surface, a lot of clichés you know about it will seem true.

Warning: The following video will make you want to book your flight to Barcelona NOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4MCxsG6784

Majorca Sunset...

Photo courtesy of DJ Petty

The cheap flight era has opened a gateway to Europe for many travelers, promising and often delivering outstanding value on flights. However the value often stops as soon as you set foot on the tarmac of your destination. Exploring many European cities can be a very pricey affair.

But before you put your cards back in your wallet and lock away your passport for another year, consider the Balearic Island of Majorca. A stop in Majorca can offer fantastic value, a unique culture and European romance. Cheap holidays to Majorca deliver this and more, with renowned architecture, natural beauty and a night out to rival Balearic Brother Ibiza. Here is why Majorca can offer all you want from a European break.

Natural Beauty and Adventure

The ability to explore and enjoy natural beauty is essential to travelling on a budget. Majorca lies just off the East coast of Spain, in the Mediterranean Ocean. Rocky coastlines and beaches adorn the Island’s landscape, providing natural beauty in abundance. The Tramuntana Mountain range has been awarded with UNESCO World Heritages status, displaying the cultural and natural importance of the region.

What the Majorcan landscape provides is the opportunity to explore with little or no cost, the Island can be explored on bicycle or foot, providing breath-taking unique views of the landscape. The Majorcan coastline also offers scuba diving to rival anywhere in the world, underwater coves allows you to explore the diverse aquatic wildlife in the area.

Majorca by Night

Majorca offers romance of both kinds when the Balearic sun sets. Magaluf offers internationally renowned nightclubs with chart topping DJ’s and a night that is not for the faint hearted. A night in Magaluf is significantly cheaper than big brother Ibiza, but delivers a metropolis of bars and night clubs, loud beats and cheap drinks- on all on a budget. BCM has weekly residents such as David Guetta, but a ticket can be purchased with drinks for a bargain price of €22.

There is also the Mallorca Rocks Hotel, if you wish to do this on the cheap stay in the cheaper Mallorca Rocks Hostel. From just €16 a night you get a gig ticket and enjoy all the amenities cheaper.

Alternatively other areas of the Island offer all the romance you would expect of a European Island. Visit the Puerto Pollensa Marina and take in the relaxing atmosphere, there are a number of local restaurants offering authentic Spanish food and wine.

Majorca Flights and Hotels

Majorca Holidays are affordable and flexible in what they offer. Cheap flights to and from Majorca are available all year round with numerous airlines, fly in the evening and on weekdays to avoid extra charges.

The island also works as an excellent base to explore other countries; from the Island you can access southern Europe and North Africa in 3 hour flights. Hotels in Majorca offer low cost accommodation, all the way to five star accommodations.

For those on a budget there are plenty of hotels that offer all inclusive accommodation from as little as €18 a night.

So you can now dust off your passport, and change up some euros to experience Europe on a true budget.

Tourists who rent Seville apartments flock to the cathedral, the Alcazar, or the Torre de Oro, but the list goes on as these are just a few of the many monuments visitors in Seville should see.

Keeping in mind that much of the architecture has medieval and/or Arabian character there are two important monuments that don’t belong in either of the category…

Plaza de España

Plaza de España

Photo courtesy of James Gordon

Unlike the name suggest this is not a square in Seville but a building in the Maria Luisa Park. The occasion to build it was the World Fair in 1929. It is the work of Aníbal González, a modernist architect from Seville in which picked up the Renaissance style in Spanish architecture. It is a great display of the regional architecture, in particular.

The building is an enormous half circle with a tower on each end. In the center of the square in front of it is a large fountain and the walls of the building are decorated with little tiled squares, each one representing a region in Spain. The Maria Luisa Park itself is a true beauty full of gardens, boulevards and pavilions.

Metropol Parasol

Metropol Parasol

Photo courtesy of Gacabo

This might be a construction one would least expect when visiting a city like Seville. As a matter of fact up until March 2011 you wouldn’t have seen this peculiar mushroom like structure.

The Metropol Parasol designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer is the epitome of a modern architectural building. It has the shape of a big mushroom or umbrella. It houses a market, several bars and restaurants, and an underground archaeological complex. It is also equipped with a rooftop terrace from which you have an excellent view over the whole city.

Did you know?: The Metropol Parasol is the World’s Largest Wooden Structure!

Have you ever rented apartments in Seville? If so, was it before or after the Metropol Parasol was open to public?

Summer in Madrid

The summer is arguably the best season of the year. Sun, fun, beach, relaxing, vacation, and more. I could go on, but I think you know where I’m going with this. The sun and its consequences aren’t always as pleasant as we like to believe. The temperatures in July and August can be vicious!

Rather than depending on reviews for cheap and low quality hotels or hostels, each time I visit Madrid I do myself a favor by forking out a little more money to rent Madrid apartments.

By doing this I waste no time getting to an from my apartment with ease and also with the mentality that I’ll be staying at a place that truly feels like home while I’m on the road. Not only that, but I also try to rent an apartment with air conditioning as a remedy for the blistering sun in Spain.

If you don’t have the luxury of having an apartment with air conditioning like myself, here are a few ways you can keep cool during your trip to Madrid this summer.

1. Take a Siesta!

Most of the small businesses are closed in the afternoon for siesta and even a big city like Madrid quiets down for a couple of hours. There is no reason why you shouldn’t lay down for a little siesta of your own. Join the locals! Also, I should remind you that you are on vacation! It’s time to sit back, relax, and explore in the early morning hours or after the sun goes down. Siestas are one of the best ways to pass time during the hottest hours of the day. If, however, a little nap doesn’t fit into your routine stay close to air conditioned spaces and avoid being outside in the burning hot sun.

2. Cold Drinks

While you probably all have heard of Sangria before let me introduce a close relative, the “tinto de verano“. Quite literally, it is translated as “wine of the summer” and it is a mixed drink made of red wine and soda. Needless to say that it needs to be served extra cold. Of course, you should drink a lot of water throughout the day and make sure you are hydrated as well.

3. Food

With the high temperatures that makes us feel weary we tend you prefer lighter less hearty food. We tend to think less of cold meals, but don’t be fooled and try gazpacho, a very typical Spanish chilled tomato/vegetable soup or ajo blanco (chilled almond soup).

Apart from putting the 3 tips above to use, don’t forget pack some sun screen, a bathing suit and great company. I’m sure you will come up with more “cool” ways to pass the time in apartments in Madrid.

Photo Credits: 1

Due to all the package holidays on offer, tourists traveling to Spain are likely to opt for the Costa del Sol. But the Costa Brava is where all the Catalans head in the summer and with good reason.

The coast is lined with a host of little-known coves; being up north, the air is cooler; and you have the beautiful backdrop of the mountains to boot.

The Costa Brava isn’t just for locals though, those coming from further afield can get cheap flights to Barcelona or Girona. Here are some of the top destinations going northeast from Barcelona…

1. Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar

This charming town not only has three main beaches, but it also has some historical sights too. Wander the walled medieval part of Tossa de Mar, visit some Roman ruins and soak up the sun on the sand. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can catch a boat to some of the more secluded coves. The town doesn’t have a train station, but you can easily get there by bus.

2. Platja d’Aro

Platja d'Aro

The great thing about this town is that, while there is a long stretch of main beach, coves can be reached easily on foot. Those who want to party as well as get a tan will prefer it here. There are lots of little bars and a few clubs too. And if you’re looking to top up your beach wardrobe, there are loads of nice shops. The best way to get here is also by bus.

3. L’Escala

L'Escala

Travel to L’Escala and you have to try the anchovies. The town is famous for these since it is an important fishing port. There is a long stretch of sandy coastline, but also on the menu are a quaint historical centre, roman ruins and water sports. Trickier to get to than destinations lower down on the coast, you might have to get a train and bus combination.

4. Cadaques

Cadaqués

Highest up on the coast, Cadaqués is pretty upscale too. It’s the place to be seen on the Costa Brava and is filled with smart second homes. Its beaches are pebbly, but it is loved for the outstanding natural beauty of the area around it. Big names from art and literature, like Salvador Dalí and Gabriel García Márquez, certainly agreed. Whether you want to visit the Salvador Dalí House-Museum or the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, this town has something for everyone.

In all of the four spots listed above, there are plenty of hotels that will surely suit your budget travel needs. So why not try the Costa Brava this summer?

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4

Barcelona is a popular destination for tourists, especially in the summer months. In fact, the city is full of tourists who rent apartments in Barcelona and who can blame them?

You won’t find many Barcelona residents at the beaches in Barcelona. They prefer to escape the crowded city to lay on the beaches a little further North or South.

In case you are planning a trip to Barcelona this summer you should know a few of the beaches outside of the city, especially if you prefer it a little low key and want to avoid the big crowds on the beach. All of them are easy reachable by train:

Vilassar de Mar

The beaches in this little coastal town north of Barcelona are ideal for kite and wind surfing. In addition, this town is known for its horticulture if you want to take a break from the sun on the beach check out the flower market, especially for the carnations.

Sant Pol de Mar

It is said that here you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Barcelona area and aside from that you can see some impressive architecture, for example the Church of Sant Pau or Sant Jaume and on the more modern side the modernist public school, and the eclectic Can Planiol.

Castelldefels

This town gets its name from the castle (Castell de Fels ) that overlooks the coastline. Besides this castle, among other things that are worth visiting while you are there and want to explore more of the town than just the beach are the Iglesia de Santa Maria de Castelldefels, a Roman Church dating back to the 10th century or the Antique vigilance towers.

Sitges

The Carnival celebrations in Sitges are among the most famous in Spain. This place is known for its beautiful beaches and its nightlife, especially the gay nightlife scene. Worth visiting is also the Cau Ferrat, a house that was owned by the painter Santiago Russiñol and now it serves as a museum.

Vilanova i la Geltru

The beaches here are also very popular among those who like any kind of water sports, but the cultural offer has a variety of other things to offer from museums to caves. The beach promenade is great for a bike ride or a relaxed stroll.

There is really nothing left to say other than to look for Barcelona apartments before you go booking any hotels. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, sun block, hop on the train and enjoy life on the beach!

Photo Credits: 1, 2 ,3, 4, 5