Spain — Travelogue

High Speed Ferry Service From Barcelona To Palma De Mallorca

May 22, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

It used to take seven hours to get from Barcelona Spain to Palma De Mallorca. Most people would jump aboard the night ferry and sleep until they arrived in the morning. But today travelers staying in Barcelona apartments can take a high speed catamaran that will get you to Palma De Mallorca in a little less than four hours, leaving you more time to enjoy your day or weekend trip to the island.

During the summer season travelers will find 2 high speed catamarans and super ferry making the journey between Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.

Even if you have been to Mallorca before, there are always plenty of activities for you to enjoy. If you are on a weekend or day trip, and do not have the pleasure of spending the night, it is important to pack as much into one day as you possibly can. Hiring a personal guide is a great way to see the entire island. You can contact them directly, or have them arrange additional day trips outside of the city. If you would rather head out on your own, you can take a walking tour and rent an Ipod shuffle that is preloaded with everything you need to know. Another great way to take in the city is to jump on an open-top tour bus. Lasting 24 hours you can hop on or off when you like. Take a tour of one of the museums in Palma De Mallorca, or spend your time at the Bellver Castle. Just 3 kilometers from the center of town is was built in the 14th century and continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island and is home to the Municipal Museum. Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy spectacular views of the bay. Of course if you feel like relaxing you can spend your day at the beach. You can go windsurfing, or grab your fins and snorkel and explore the deep blue sea. You can hire a boat at some of the beaches, or try your hand at kite surfing.

If you decide to do nothing but relax and drink in the wonderful climate on the island, you cannot leave without enjoying a couple of the fantastic restaurants in Palma De Mallorca. Start the morning off with an authentic breakfast. Make sure you save some room, because you will want to have tapas for lunch washed down with a white wine Sangria. Before you head back to your apartments in Barcelona and board the high speed ferry, you have to try a seafood dinner as the jumbo prawns, muscles, angler and monkfish are absolutely delicious.

Filed Under: Barcelona, Featured, Mallorca, Spain

Beaches of Malaga,Spain

April 18, 2012 By phagemann 2 Comments

Malaga is a beach town on the Andalusia coast of Spain. It is the fifth largest city in Spain and is a popular tourist destination due to its prime location in the Mediterranean. Malaga has a comfortable subtropical climate, which is perfect for lounging and relaxing on the beach. There are several beaches to choose from in Malaga.

Playa Palo is a popular beach that is located to a marina called El Candado. It is perfect for travelers that enjoy sailing, fishing and diving. It is also popular for its amenities, which includes parking lots, beach bars, restaurants, life guards and a promenade. The sand here is soft, pristine and ta.

Playa Huellin is a local beach that is often overlooked by tourists. Here you will find a more relaxing and authentic beach experience. It is located near the Banderas promenade, which is named after the popular Spanish actor Anotonio Banderas. It has a laid-back atmosphere with several common beach amenities. This beach is perfect for those who enjoy less crowded beaches.

Playa Las Acacias is a popular beach that is often crowded with tourists and locals. This beach stretches a mile long that is divided by several comfortable coves. It is popular among the younger crowd because of its lively promenade. This beach has very fine sand and a variety of amenties.

If you are looking for a more tempting beach, consider Playa Almayate Bajamar. It is a nudist beach that stretches three miles long. Although it is a nudist beach, it has a laid-back atmosphere and is often far from being crowded. A new promenade is in the works, which may give the beach a tourist vibe and attract more international travelers.

Playa de la Malagueta is a pristine beach with beautiful black sand. It stretches one mile and is located near the Paseo Pablo Picasso, a busy town center that has shopping, restaurants and bars. It is accessible by bus and includes several life guards on duty. Although this beach is most popular among locals, tourists are finding out about this gem and visit more often, especially during the summer time.

Comfortable weather and plenty of sun has made Malaga a featured destination for many Europeans, with many cheap flights to Malaga it is no wonder that many travelers have made this a popular resort town on the Mediterranean.

Filed Under: Featured, Malaga, Spain

Barcelona Wine and Cava Day Trips

March 12, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

The wine region of Penedes lies south of Barcelona. The area has a world-renown reputation for producing Spanish champagne, known as cava, and superior white wines. Good quality reds also emerge from the region. Its close proximity to the Barcelona apartments and hotels makes Penedes the ideal spot for a wine and cava connoisseur to tour on a day trip.

Cava Winery Cordorniu

The Cava Winery Cordorniu sits in the village of Sant Sadurni D'Noia. The winery dates back to the 16th century. The winery's cellars were built by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. The imposing structure has eyecatching architecture and has been declared a National Monument of Historic and Artistic Interest. Tours to the winery usually take approximately eight hours and include a visit to Sitges, which overlooks the sea. Sitges features a picturesque white medieval quarter with winding cobbled streets. Most tours allow an hour or so of personal time to explore Sitges. The full day tours provide lunch at one of the area restaurants.

Torres Winery in Pacs

The Torres Winery in Pacs is a delightful day trip that offers visitors the chance to view the winemaking process up close. The tour of the Torres Winery usually lasts one hour, but the entire trip will take approximately eight hours. Visitors will learn about the wine making process in great detail. The tour will cover the process from vine to bottle. Visitors will also be able to tour the winery's massive cellars. After the tour at the winery, visitors are welcome to sample wine at the special tasting centre.

Jean Leon Estate

The Jean Leon estate was one of the first wineries to create white wines in oak casks. Visitors can learn about the history of the estate and its winemaking process. They can also visit the large visitors centre. Wine tasting is included in the tour. Following the wine tour, most tour companies wrap up the day by visiting the historic town of Sitges.

Wine and cava day trips from Barcelona usually take eight hours to complete, but can run up to nine hours or more. Most tour companies allow two to six people per trip. The tours run year round from January to December. Rates vary, depending on the tour company. Pickups from area hotels or apartments in Barcelona are available. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Some tour companies require that the day trip must be booked at least seven days in advance.

Filed Under: Barcelona, Featured, Spain

Travel Photo Of The Day-The Castle of Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava, Spain

March 5, 2012 By Travel Photo Of The Day Leave a Comment

Photo By Travelpeter

The Castle of Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava, Spain

Lloret de Mar is a small resort town located in the northeastern part of Spain on the coast. It is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Brava and is 75 km from Barcelona.

For more information and destinations in Spain check out Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventures Spain

Filed Under: Costa Brava, Featured, Spain, Travel Adventures, Travel Photo Of The Day

Madrid Museums, Spain

February 21, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Madrid, the capital and largest city in Spain is definitely one of the most popular cities to visit. Known for its fascinating history, Madrid boasts over 45 museums–many of them art museums–but all promise cultural experiences that should not be overlooked. When staying in a city for a extended period of time whether it be a hotel or an Apartment in Madrid, one gets to take in the city at a slower pace. One gets to enjoy all the city has to offer, from fine dining, the architecture to the history of the city and quite often this can be brought together in the many museums Madrid has to offer.

The Golden Triangle of Art is made up of three museums including the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Each one of these museums has its own appeal. The most famous art museum by far is the Prado. This museum, which opened almost 200 years ago is housed in an 18th century building and contains works by European masters such as Raphael, Velazquez, Rubens, Bosch, Goya and many more. With over 4,800 paintings by Spanish artists and large collections by the Italian and Flemish, and over 900 works of sculpture, it is easy to see why this museum is known the world over.

For contemporary art the Reina Sofia is the perfect choice. This museum, which is housed in an 18th century hospital, offers four floors of both permanent and temporary exhibits, with collections by Picasso, Miro, Dali Salano and other famous artists. A complement to the Prado and the Reina Sofia, the Thyssen-Bornemisza offers an important private art collection with everything from ancient to modern pop art.

The Museo de America exhibits archeological findings, textiles and clothing from North, South, and Central America. This impressive museum's 25,000 artifacts exhibit the myths, beliefs and ways of life of different societies, and languages of indigenous cultures. The most fascinating exhibits are the Aztec Tudela Codex from the 1500's, and a Paracas mummy from the first century BC.

For a trip back in time to Spain's golden age, the former home of the "Shakespeare of Spanish literature", now the Lope de Vega Museum, is a delightful experience. A two-story brick house, this museum offers rooms with furniture from the 17th century and a beautiful garden with fruit trees that were described in Lope de Vega's journal.

With 24 rooms of artifacts reflecting the history of the Spanish Navy, El Museo Naval is one of the most significant naval museums the world over. The rooms go in chronological order with exhibits from the 15th century to the cutting-edge technology of today. One of the most interesting exhibits is the Peral Submarine, invented in 1884, which many call the first U-boat.

There are a number of other important museums in Madrid such as the Archaeological Museum, the Caixa Forum, the Goya Museum and many more. For those who are planning a trip to Spain, visits to any of these museums offer rare experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Head back to your apartment in Madrid, take your time and soak up the city, enjoy a bottle of wine at your new favorite restaurant and plan your next visit to one of the many museums throughout Madrid.

Filed Under: Featured, Madrid, Spain

Day trip to Badajoz, Spain

February 15, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Adventures and history buffs looking for something different will find Badajoz, Spain is one of the places to visit on a day trip from Seville. Badajoz is 200 kilometers (124 miles) northwest of Seville. It takes about two and half hours to drive from Seville to Badajoz. With the closeness of Badajoz, those staying in Seville apartments can make a easy day trip or a romantic weekend getaway.

Visitors to Badajoz can see historic sites dating back hundreds of years, visit museums and sample local cuisine in the restaurants.

The Badajoz Cathedral from the 13th century is one of the city’s historic buildings. A portal and window decorations were added when the building was remodeled during the Renaissance. Choir stalls in the cathedral date back to the 16th century.

Visitors who want to see an older historic site can walk past the Espantaperros Tower. This watchtower was built in the 12th century. It is part of the Alcazaba Fortress from the ninth century.

The Archaelogy Museum is one of the city’s historic buildings. The Palacio de la Roca was built in the 16th century. The museum has over 20,000 pieces in its collection. Some items date back to Roman times.

Painting and sculptures from the 18th through the 20th centuries are displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts. Visitors can also see engravings by Dali and Picasso here.

Exhibits at the Bullfighting Museum include photographs, posters and bullfighters’ costumes. Some of the items here date back to the 16th century.

Visitors can see religious art at the Cathedral Museum. Choir books from the 15th century with miniature paintings are some of the items displayed here. Sculptures, panels, tapestries and paintings are part of the museum’s collection.

History lovers will enjoy visiting the Museum of the City. Exhibits here focus on the history of Badajoz dating back to prehistoric times. Visitors will learn about Arabic and Muslim influences on the city and what city life was like during medieval times. Some displays provide information about life in Badajoz during wars.

Before returning to your apartments in Seville,visitors who are hungry after sightseeing will find several restaurants serving local cuisine. Items on the menu at Azcona include squid in ink, lamb stew and vegetable stew. Diners at Miajon can order Iberian pork. Iberian pork loin and gazpacho are served at The Abaceria.

Filed Under: Badajoz, Featured, Seville, Spain

Weekend Trip, Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca

January 29, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

You have been doing the extended stay, spending almost a month in your Barcelona apartments, it's time for something a little different, you're looking for another adventure, where do you look?

How about traveling offshore?, Just to the south of the mainland of Spain lies the Balearic Islands, a chain of islands lying in the beautiful Mediterranean. Mallorca, the largest island of the chain makes for an excellent destination. A little far for a day trip, but a great escape for a weekend trip.

Palma de Mallorca is the main city on Mallorca where half of the population of the island lives. A top tourist destination off the Spanish east coast, Mallorca has a lot to offer besides sun and sand.

It is easy to reach Mallorca by ferry from Barcelona with three ferry services, Balearia, Trasmediterranea and Iscomar Ferries. Ferries run every day and the trip takes about seven hours and 45 minutes. The price of tickets depends on several factors such as if you are taking your vehicle, if you have special luggage and which accommodation you select. Reservations should be made in advance. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone or at the office.

Some of the main sites to visit are:

• The Castell de Bellver was built in the 14th century on the ruins of a Muslim site. Today, it is a museum for archaeological finds and classical sculptures. High on a hill, it has beautiful views of the Bay of Palma. It is one of the most important castles in Spain and worth a walk around the moat and a visit to the top of the castle to see the marvellous architecture.

• There is also an architectural museum in Palma de Mallorca that is like a small village with models of the major classical architecture of Spain.

• The Cathedral de Mallorca is a spectacular site and beautifully lit at night. It exhibits religious paintings and other things. It is a majestic background to the Paseo Maritimo along the port where the boats and yachts are chartered. The majority of discos, bars, pubs and restaurants are there and they stay open until 6:00 AM.

• The Banys Arabs or Arab baths is the only structure from the Arab settlement that is still in Palma. It was built in the 10th century to function like a sauna with a heated floor that was splashed with water for steam.

• The Contemporary art museum has paintings by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Juan Gris. The collection is worth seeing and the admission is free.

Palma de Mallorca is a historically interesting city with beautiful beaches, year around sun and a vibrant nightlife. It is a great place to visit when staying in one of the many apartments in Barcelona and a good base from which to visit the charming villages, hidden coves and rugged mountains on the rest of the island. The ferry cost is inexpensive with convenient departure times.

Filed Under: Barcelona, Featured, Mallorca, Spain

A Day Trip to Burgos, Spain

December 28, 2011 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Although initially inhabited over 800,000 years ago, the city of Burgos was officially founded in 884 to serve as an outpost on the Christian-Moorish frontier. Burgos then rose to prominence as the capital of Castile. The city is the venue where the laws governing Spain’s treatment of Native Americans, the Leyes de Burgos, where first publicized in 1512. Burgos played a significant role in the conquest of Seville, the Peninsula War with Napoleon and as an operational base for Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War. Because of its many medieval landmarks, numerous parks and unique museums, this historic Spanish city makes a wonderful day trip from Madrid.

Visitors who travel the 250-kilometers from Madrid to Burgos will be greeted by the medieval entrance to the city, the Arco de Santa Maria. The town center has medieval architecture and a statue honoring El Cid. You’ll be amazed by the ornate façade, balustrade turrets and statuary of the Gothic Burgos Cathedral. The church, built in 1221, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Guests can visit the monasteries of the Royal Retreats and the Miraflores Charterhouse. You will awestruck by the detail and design of the Retreats, the intricate woodwork and marble mausoleum of King John II and the alabaster angles of the Charterhouse. Tourists can stroll along the beautiful tree-lined Paseo del Espolón which is located on the banks of the Arlanzón River. Here you’ll find an endearing mix of shops, restaurants and cafes. If you are looking for an inner city retreat, you can visit Fuentes Blancas. This large city park offers numerous walking and biking trails, camping and many other outdoor recreational activities. You can explore one of the city’s ten museums, including the Museum of the Book, The Museum of Human Evolution and the Museum of Burgos that preserves and displays the history of the city.

You must sample the wonderful local cuisine made famous because of its Queso de Burgos white cheese, Jamon Serrano cured ham and the Morcilla de Burgos pig blood’s sausage. Guests can also enjoy one of the many festivals that are held throughout the year. The city’s inland location and elevation create a continental Mediterranean climate of warm summers and cool snowy winters.

If you are spending time in Madrid, the three hour trip to experience the historical, architectural and cultural opportunities of Burgos is well worth the journey.

Filed Under: Burgos, Featured, Madrid, Spain

Spend a Magnificent Day in Valladolid, Spain

December 26, 2011 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Located at the confluence of two rivers and within three distinct wine growing regions is Valladolid, Spain. This delightful city is a wonderful day trip from Madrid. Valladolid and the surrounding countryside grew in population and importance after the Christians re-conquered the area from the Moors in the 10th century. Valladolid was the residence for the Castilian kings and until 1561 it was the capital city for the kingdom of Spain. It was in this city that King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were married and Christopher Columbus passed away.

Visitors who travel the 200-kilometers from Madrid might want to leave their hotel or Madrid apartments early for the 3 hour drive to Valladoild. Travelers will find the early get up well worth the trip, for they will find a delicious local cuisine that includes fish, cheese, bread, pastries and the area’s famous lechazo or baby lamb. Here you will find Spain’s best lamb’s cheese and pastry shops that produce the popular and well known St. Mary’s rings and St. Claire sponge cakes. Guests can sample the Cigales, Rueda and Ribera del Duero wines.

If you prefer to sightsee, you can visit the parks along the river or the Plaza Mayor that was used as a template for the main plaza in Madrid. You will also find many fine examples of 15th and 16th century Gothic churches. You can visit the unfinished Cathedral that was commissioned by King Phillip II, the Benedictine Church of San Benito and the Dominican Church of San Pablo. These religious sites display intricate Baroque facades, Romanesque reredos and Gothic statuary.

You can see the home where the novelist Cervantes finished writing Don Quixote and the final home of Columbus, which is now a museum featuring the discovery of the New World. You can experience the artworks on display at the National Sculpture Museum or explore the exhibits of the Science Museum. Guests can visit the Royal Palace that was the birth place of King Phillip II and home to Napoleon during the Peninsula War. Valladolid also has archeological remnants of a Roman camp and palisade walls.

The continental Mediterranean climate generates cold winters and dry hot summers. In general, the average temperatures in the city enable tourists to comfortably visit year round. Whether your interest is history or architecture, culture or cuisine, Valladolid is a magnificent adventure located just three hours from Madrid. If staying in one of the many hotels or apartments in Madrid for any length of time, one might make this a 2 day or weekend getaway from the city.

Filed Under: Featured, Madrid, Spain, Valladolid

A Day Trip to Lloret de Mar From Barcelona

December 13, 2011 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Lloret de Mar is a popular Catalonian resort city located on the Costa Brava. The first documented evidence of the city was in 966AD. It was described as Loredo from the Latin for laurel bay. It was attacked frequently in the Middle Ages by the Saracens. Folklore states that the traditional “Dance in the Town Square” dates from this period. The town center was originally located one kilometer further inland as a defense against pirate attacks. The port was commercially active throughout the 18th century.

Today, Lloret de Mar attracts hundreds of thousands of holiday seekers each year. Approximately seventy five kilometers away and easily accessible, Lloret would make for a wonderful day trip for anyone visiting Barcelona on business or pleasure.

Tourists enjoy the Blue Flag award winning, white sandy beaches that are washed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. They can enjoy numerous secluded coves and inlets off the main beach.

Visitors looking to explore the culture and history of the area will be amazed by the ancient churches, monuments and museums. They can tour the Church of Santa Roma that was built in 1522 and spectacularly demonstrates Moorish, Byzantine and Renaissance architectural influences. The Castle of Sant Joan was built in the 11th century and was used to repel attacks from Genoa, England and France. All that remains today is the castle tower that was restored in 1992. Today, visitors can enjoy marvelous views of the surrounding area from its summit.

Tour the city and see the Monument to the Fisherman’s Wife and the Santa Clotilde botanical gardens. The monument is a bronze sculpture erected in 1966 that is an emblematic symbol of the city. The garden was designed by Nicolau Tuduri in the style of the Italian Renaissance and offer wonderful views of the sea from its cliff top location. Visitors will also enjoy the time spent touring the maritime museum.

The young will be thrilled to spend the day at Gnomo Park. This gnome themed indoor/outdoor family friendly attraction has a playground, ball pool, and a craft workshop. There are also screenings of children’s films. The young at heart will be enthralled by Lloret’s wide variety of exciting night life.

Whatever your pleasure, cultural immersion, a view into the past or day of sunbathing and water sports, Lloret de Mar is well worth the hour or so trip from Barcelona.

Filed Under: Featured, Lloret de Mar, Spain