Dali – Visit The Heartland Of Surrealism

The Spanish artist Salvador Dali was the figurehead of the surrealist movement which continues to inspire artists today. Much of Dali’s work is on display in America, but some of his original paintings can be seen in his hometown of Figueres in the Catalonia region of Spain. Dali lived the former and latter years of his life in Catalonia and the rugged coastal landscape of the region which inspired many of his paintings can be seen in much of his work.

Whilst Dali was alive he designed the Dali Museum in Figueres and gave a number of his paintings and other works to the museum. The museum is described as a “surrealist experience” rather than simply a museum – due to Dali’s design and architectural input to the building, which includes surreal visual effects. The museum is a half hour drive from Girona Airport, and is open year round except for Christmas and New Year’s day.

Around an hours drive to the north will bring you to the coastal village of Port Lligat, and here in Cadaques you can visit Dalis home, which is also open to the public. The spectacular scenery of the Costa Brava inspired many of his most famous paintings, and the Mediterranean light was also a key factor in his work. The house remains very much as it was when Dali lived there in his later years, and includes his painting room with one of his unfinished works. There are also some bizarre decorations including a stuffed polar bear and a tiny cage which contained a pet cricket.

Getting to Girona

Ryanair operate low cost flights to Girona Airport, and there are many companies offering car hire at Girona Airport

Climate of Girona

The climate around Girona is very hot in summer, and pleasantly mild in winter with temperatures regularly reaching 15-17 degrees Celcius – perfect for a spot of picture gazing!

Great Places To Eat In Sun Filled Majorca

Majorca has a great local restaurant scene but it also offers world class fine dining.  If your idea of a perfect getaway is eating out in style, the island is home to five Michelin Star restaurants.  That’s one for every day of the week – with time to revisit your favourites at the weekend.

Plat d’Or – Son Vida

In the 5 start Sheraton Majorca, chef Rafa Sanchez is dedicated to designing a hybrid of Mediterranean and Majorcan cuisine using only the freshest of seasonal local produce.  That’s why his restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Star seven years in a row.

Tuck into dishes such as coca with cuttlefish and boififfaron sausage, Majorcan trampo and creamy wild mushroom vinaigrette.  Or come with an appetite to sample five courses of 10 tasting dishes from the menu.  You can eat on the terrace overlooking the famous Arabella Golf Course or inside in a modern, casual setting.

Es Raco des Teix - Deia

At the opposite end of the fine dining spectrum is this locally run contribution to Majorca’s Michelin Star food experience.  Josef Sauerschell’s family-owned restaurant is situated in the pretty little coastal village of Deia.

Sauerschell’s Degustacion Menu offers up a wide range of dishes such as a salad of prawns, turbot and figs, followed by entrecote and oxtail with balsamic vinegar and marrow.  All of this is served in a dining area with panoramic views – how can you go wrong?

Es Moli den Bou – Sa Coma

Tomeu Caldentey was awarded his Michelin Star in 2004, and since 2009 he’s been wowing the fine dining faithful from Hotel Protur Sa Coma Playa.  His signature style is traditional Majorcan food with a personal twist.

The menu may look simple but every dish is a work of intricate modern art.  The seafood is a speciality but for a taste of something different – Majorcan-style – try the veal cheek with pumpkin. And don’t overlook the weekday express menu for a great meal deal!

Read’s Hotel - Carretera Santa Maria-Alaró

British celebrity chef Marc Fosh has held his Michelin Star since 2002.  For fine dining in high style choose the Bacchus restaurant – named one of the top 20 restaurants in Spain by “Gourmetour”, and Conde Nast’s “Best Hotel Restaurant in Europe” of 2006.  It’s situated in a 16th Century room under towering stone arches and frescoed walls.  Here you can eat such creations as fillet of suckling pig with white asparagus, pumpkin and broad bean and pea ragout.

For something a little less formal you could drop in at the Blues Bistro.  It’s located in an original olive pressing room from the 18th Century.  And with a wonderful bistro menu full of daily specials it won’t break your budget.  But with all mains in Bacchus coming in at under €30, you don’t need to feel guilty about choosing the high-class option.

Tristan - Puerto Portals

Gerhard Schwaiger is master chef of Majorca’s only 2 Michelin Star restaurant.  If you want to experience luxury and innovation on a plate then this is the eatery for you.  It’s also known as the place to be seen – a dining spot for the international glitterati.

The restaurant overlooks the yacht-filled Puerto Portals Harbour.  So if you’re planning to eat here you might as well do it in style.  The Tapas Serie IX offers such delicacies as sea bass with truffle noodles, celery and quail egg.  Just be warned – you pay to break bread with the rich and famous.  The food may bring tears to your eyes, but so will the bill.

Adriano Comegna writes on behalf of Thomson holidays, a leading travel operator specialising in Majorca holidays.

Spanish Art Lives On

There is one man who will forever famous on the Spanish art scene – he has been dead for over 30 years,  he is course, Pablo Picasso. Picasso’s Museum remains one of the cities biggest attractions with hundreds of people flocking to see his work in a remarkable environment. There are lots of cheap flights to Barcelona and you’ll never be short of things to experience in this action packed city, particularly if you appreciate fine art.  The Picasso museum houses a great number of his works and is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces in Barcelona’s La Ribera.

The Pablo Picasso Museum

The museum first opened in 1963 and the original collection comprised donations by Picasso’s friend Sabartés, items that Picasso had previously given to the city, gifts from collectors and colleagues, and works that were housed in other galleries and  museums around the city. After Sabartés death Picasso donated a large number of canvasas to the museum, including early works and items presented to his relatives.

Picasso is known for co-founding the Cubist movement. Picasso also wrote poetry and crafted sculptures. He lived in Paris during the Nazi occupation of the city and defied many of the rulings by the invaders. He could not exhibit during this period, although he continued to paint.

Barcelona held a place in Picasso’s heart. As a boy he resided in the city, regarding it in times of sadness or nostalgia as his true home. He even suggested that the museum be housed here after rejecting the idea to open the exhibits in Malaga instead. The museum has one of the most extensive collections of his artworks and well worth a visit!

Leave The Primus Stove Behind And Go Glamping

If the thought of camping is just a bit too basic, but you like the sound of being within arms length of the great outdoors, considering a Glamping Holiday – camping with a touch of glamour! These up market camping holidays, are becoming increasing popular – and its easy to see why. You stay in a enormous Yurt tent, which has a solid floor, electricity, a proper bed,  hot and cold running water and loads of space. Specialist camping sites are taking off in Spain and Italy, and at this time of year, its still very warm. A quick on line search with reveal the best of the bargain arline tickets, which means more money to spend on your holiday adventure.  Here are a few ideas about Glamping which might alter your views on communing with nature!

The Hoopoe Yurt Hotel – Andaluzia, Spain

This gorgeous yurt hotel is set in 3 hectares of forest and olive groves, boasting breathtaking views of the Grazalema mountains in southern Spain – perfect for nature lovers who want all the usual creature comforts! With 5 beautifully designed yurts to choose from, each with its own private bathroom, you really are spoilt for choice. Lounge in a hammock, swim in the chlorine-free pool or stroll down to Cortes de la Frontera, a typical Andalucian ‘white village’ where you will find a number of bars, restaurants and shops.

Don’t miss a visit to nearby Ronda, one of the oldest towns in Spain, set above the 100 metre Tajo Gorge! This historic town has retained much of its atmosphere and has splendid views from the Puento Nuevo Bridge, as well as Moorish ruins, and pretty collonaded streets. Rhondas Bull Ring,  also houses a Museum outlining the history of bull fighting in Spain.  Rondas 18th century Matador, Pedro Romero moved away from the old style of bull fighting on horseback, and established the fight on foot – matador versus bull. In early September, there is a festival held in Ronda called the Feria Goyesca where local people dress up in costumes portrayed in Goya’s spanish paintings. People come together to celebrate traditional spanish life, with music, dancing, and of course, fine sherry and tapas!

Lodge Resort Canonici Di San Marco – Venice, Italy

Perfectly located in the town of Mirano and just a short train ride away from St Marco’s Square in Venice, these luxury tented lodges are surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. Nature lovers can enjoy bike rides as well as boat trips along the charming Brenta River. Beautifully decorated yurts and lodges, with private bathrooms, hot water, fans for the summer and heaters for the winter, mini fridges and Internet access…what more could you want? A home away from home! Its a managable journey into Venice, which is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Check out the programme of events through Venice Tourism. Saving some money on your accommodation and and a couple of cheap flights will allow you a bit of flexibility with your holiday spending budget – and Venice has some exceptional glass, leather and lacework to bring home – just the job for a special gift!

Spanish Highway And Byways

If you want to split your holiday between Malaga and Alicante, or  intend on spending a few days in a different region, take a road trip and discover the delights of the Costa del Sol along the way.  Other transports links between the two regions can be a little unreliable and expensive. There is one train a day between Malaga and Alicante, which takes ten hours and costs 60 Euros. Booking the train can also be quite time consuming as renfe.es (the Spanish train timetable website) can be a little challenging to use. The bus journey take a big chunk of time – and will cost you 55 Euros. There are few buses which follow this route each day, but be warned, the length of the journey is a leg numbing 11 hours!

The Advantage Of A Car

A car journey can be the most cost effective way of travelling to Alicante. While you will be paying for the petrol and hire car, you can then continue to use the vehicle on your holiday at your leisure to discover new places. Make the most of the car and visit some of the top destinations farther away from your holiday resort.

A car can also be the most comfortable way of travelling. The air conditioning and leg room is something you are unlikely to find if you travel on the bus. You can  choose your own music, and if you are feeling a need for some fresh air, you can always pull over, stretch your legs and enjoy the views along the way.

In comparison to the lengthy ten and eleven hour journeys on the train and bus, travelling by car will take you a lot less time. The six hour journey cuts the commute in half; this means that you won’t be wasting your holiday by travelling for entire day. You could do the journey early in the morning and then enjoy the sites and attractions of Alicante in the afternoon!

Explore Along The Way

Embarking on a car journey between Malaga and Alicante means that you can stop off at some other Spanish regions and towns along the way.  You could even journey along the coast and enjoy great scenes across the glistening sea. There are also small beach towns where you can recline on the hot sand during a break from driving.

You can stop off at Cartagena as there are many restaurants serving popular traditional dishes. If you have a few spare hours, you may also want to visit the archaeological sites which contain ruins from the Roman Empire. A walk through the city will even enable you to view architecture from the baroque, neo-classical and modernist eras.

You could also spend a few hours within the city of Granada. Many people enjoy strolling through its parks and gardens which have an eclectic mix of modern and traditional styles. You can delve further into the Spanish culture as the small alleys within the Old Town are lined with traditional white washed buildings. The Cathedral and Royal Chapel are also must-see sites as the exteriors are breathtaking due to their intricate and grand architecture.

So when you are next on holiday in Malaga, you don’t have to restrict yourself to the beaches. You can make your holiday so much more than a beach holiday by hiring a car, driving to Alicante and exploring the Costa del Sol along the way – you might find some real hidden beauty spots along the way!

Marvellous Madrid

Madrid is one of the finest cities in Europe and the capital of Spain.  It’s easy to get to, and perfect for a late summer holiday -  finding a flight couldn’t be simpler. Whether you’re travelling solo or in a mixed age group, Madrid is a great place to dip into Spanish life. Here are just a few of the many attractions on offer…..

The Estation de Atocha

This amazing building found on Avenida de los Toreros, was once a Railway station. It’s high glass windows, and sturdy iron structure now houses a tropical garden. There are about 6,700 plants in this giant greenhouse and it’s open from 7.30am until late.

Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas – The Bullring And Museum

One of the worlds most beautiful Bullrings is a must see sight. It was officially opened in 1934 and replicates the Arab designs used in 13^th and 14^th centuries with bright brickwork and tiles. There is a find statue in commemoration of the bullfighter José Cubero, inscribed ‘ a bullfighter dies, and an angel is born’. Located next to the stables you’ll find the Museo Taurino, which provides visitors with a synopsis of bullfighting and its celebrities. Ventas is the nearest train station.

Faunia

Faunia is an unusual environmental park. It’s big, at 140,000-square-metres and its designed to show how animal and plant life has accustomed itself to a changing world. Faunia has ten giant themed conservatories, representing different ecosystems. It’s very impressive, since the world’s climatic zones have been replicated, so you can walk through a tropical rainforest or the Mediterranean all the way to the Polar Regions. The pavilions hold over 4,000 animals, which represent more than 720 species and in addition there are in excess of 72,000 trees and shrubs. The aim of the park is to provide an environment where people can learn about the benefits of protecting the natural environment.

Parque Warner Madrid

371 acres of amusement park is going to keep young children happy. There are lots of attractions such as a 3D cinema, the Looney Tunes Express, funfair and water rides, a cartoon theatre and a wooden roller coaster. There are plenty of places to eat, its a bit “cheesy” and children will love it.  Parque Warner is accessible via the M-506 and M-301 routes

El Rastro is Madrid’s oldest market – and its open on Sundays and fiesta days, from 9.00-3.00pm. You name it, you’ll find it here. Hundreds of stalls attract locals and tourists, its get very busy, and its fairly slow moving, but it is good fun to wander amongst the street stalls.

You won’t be short of culture in Madrid; you can visit the Prado Museum, where there are works of art by Rubens, Murillo and Goya, Spain’s finest painters. The Museum is big – so you’ll need at least half a day here. Its free entry on Sunday, but it will of course be busy, so bite the bullet and visit in the week to get the best out of this significant art collection. There are permanent and temporary art exhibitions on displays and there’s a very reasonable café and restaurant, when your legs are starting to flag. The Modern Art Museum is Reina Sofia, on Santa Isabel with works by Dalia and Miro. There is a very classy restaurant here too.

The cheapest way to visit the best Madrid tourist attractions is to purchase a Madrid Card giving access to dozens of museums, and lots of venues and discounts on production of the card. You can also join in on guided tours that are part of the ‘Discover Madrid’ program, for free! It is available from the Madrid Tourist Information office in the Plaza Mayor and through main travel agencies. Seek out a cheap flight to Madrid and enjoy this bustling, vibrant city.

Take A Trip Off The Beaten Track

If you are thinking about Spain Holidays and want to take off over the next few months, here are a few places to visit to give you a taste of what’s out there.

Valencia

Valencia has a Biopark, which is an animal friendly, ecologically aware centre, open to visitors. The park has been sectioned and the landscaping is superb, so you can “visit” the savannah grasslands and Madagascar – which is where the beautiful lemurs will stare you out! Children love this place, since you get to see to wild animals in an environment which reflects their real environments much more than most zoos.

Seville

Seville has The Alcazar Gardens, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and summer evening concerts. Seville Cathedral is huge, and everything in it is larger than life. It also has a Bell Tower, which you get to by climbing up about 35 steeply sloped ramps! Visit the Old Cigar Factory Building where Bizet’s opera, “Carmen” is set and wander along the riverside down to the Expo Seville site, which has plazas, fountains, museums and cultural venues.

Jerez

Jerez, going deeper into Spain, has a strong history of sherry production and is home to traditional Flamenco. The old town in Jerez is made up of tiny alleyways, leading to lilac tree lines squares. Come evening, entire families come out to eat, and sing the evening away over a couple of bottles of good red wine. The Jerez Flamenco Centre and Museum is marvellous – an old building with a library full of flamenco films both old and new, a cinema, and a dance school. There are also gardens, Arab bath houses, great tapas bars, and local clubs where flamenco kicks off at around midnight. The sherry houses (bodegas) are fascinating too – and your entrance fee includes a sampling session of the range of sherry available from the Bodega store. Children will love the Equestrian Centre where the finest Spanish horses display their incredible balance, strength and appitude for dance!

Get Active In Central Spain

La Pedriza is close to Madrid, and it’s known for its great walking with Granite Mountains to test your fitness levels. Or try Avila, which has glacial mountains. From the giddy heights of the top, you can look down on a lagoon, sitting in the hollowed out bowl of the mountain.

South Coast Spain

For uncomplicated family fun, head for the south coast, where you have Malaga, Costa De Sol, and Fuengirola.   The coastal resorts in Andalucía are geared up for tourists, so there are plenty of eateries, English is widely spoken, and getting around is easy. There are all the usual seaside recreations on offer such as water parks, cable cars, trips into the mountains, and fast boats over to The Rock of Gibraltar and North Africa. Malaga is sophisticated, with beautiful stores, authentic eateries, a Picasso Museum, a Contemporary Arts Centre, and a Castle overlooking the town. Further down the line is Fuengirola, which although built up, has some really excellent restaurants to discover in the streets immediately behind the main road, which overlooks the long beach. And you can go up into the shady hills to visit Mihas, where there is a wonderful Wine Museum….with a little restaurant set deep into a cool courtyard. Perfect for a glass of chilled, dry sherry and a dish of local olives! Take a stroll up to the old Bullring, which is something of a rarity – its more square than round, and the views from the high seats are spectacular.

Spain has so much to offer that you’ll have new and wonderful experiences every day of your trip.

Budget Breaks For Happy Holidays

What’s top of your summer holiday list? Somewhere with a pool? Somewhere close to the beach? Or somewhere with a sea view where you can enjoy a drink at sunset? Well, if you want all this without leaving a hole in your pocket, take a look at some of these places which promise budget fun in the sun.  And the best bit? Most of these properties are offering 20-40% off their normal rates. Go on, you deserve a great holiday that won’t leave you feeling poor and you might find some perfect in the HostelBookers Summer Sale !

Barcelona

Do you want to enjoy the beach and a city break? Barcelona is a happy compromise. Barcelona has a popular city beach within walking distance of the Gothic quarter. Alternatively, stay around Poble Nou for local restaurants, easy access to the beach and its a short metro ride from the city centre. This way you get the best of both worlds with cultural attractions, seductive Barcelona nightlife as well as soaking up some sunshine. You might also like to consider a day trip along the coast to Sitges.

Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel

If you are considering summer in the city, find somewhere with airconditioning!  With both air-conditioned shared and private rooms, the boutique style Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel not only delivers on gorgeous design, it has a charming tiled terrace too. It’s a perfect spot to start your night on the town so pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy at dusk or join other guests for paella on Mondays.

Equity Point Sea Hostel

A hop, skip and a jump from the Balearic sea and sand, Equity Point Sea Hostel is perfect for beach lovers. Choose from 4, 6, 8 or 9-bed dorms all equipped with air-conditioning and en suites. At lunchtime, it’s a short walk back to the hostel for a siesta or why not buy fresh ingredients from the fabulous La Boqueria Market and use the hostel self-catering facilities to pack a picnic. By night, you are just 10 minutes walk from Las Ramblas and the hostel operates free daily tours and offers a free breakfast.

Oasis Backpackers Hostel

The seductive city of Granada offers steamy nights of flamenco, alfresco tapas and sunny plazas. After a day of admiring The Alhambra, enjoying the lush gardens and palace rooms, return to Oasis Backpackers Hostel Granada for some equally stylish architecture and interior design. This boutique hostel offers bright and modern rooms and communal spaces including self-catering facilities. Guests can soak up the sun on the roof terrace with views over the Arabic Albaicín neighbourhood. The hostels also holds  BBQ nights, a welcome drink on arrival plus the chance to win free beer on quiz nights.

Head into the Sierra Nevada mountain range to enjoy a dip in the lakes – its cool, refreshing and the countryside is magical.

Lisbon

Lisbon can provide culture, nightlife and sunbathing. The nearby beaches fly the European Blue Flag for excellence and are popular with locals and tourists alike. At Guincho, try out the surfing – its just a 25-minute train ride from Lisbon. The historic areas of Alfama and the Barrio Alto offer tile-clad buildings and orange tree dotted plazas. Take tram 28 for a 40-minute city tour and lean out the window to feel the wind in your hair! Nightlife gets off to a late start around 11pm and crowds spill happily onto the streets.

Beria Mar

Just a few roads back from the shoreline, most rooms at Beria Mar hostel offer views across the Tagus River. The interior is bright and colourful and the surrounding area of Almafa is Lisbon’s historic quarter. The Hostel offers a free breakfast – perfect for setting you up for the morning, and access to a lounge and games room when your feet tell you its time to go back to base.