Italy Archives - Top Spot Travel

September 20, 2019 by Jeremy

Best Clubs to Visit for a True Rock and Roll Men’s Night out in Madrid

Everyone knows how Madrid magnetizes millions of visitors with charming flamenco sound and exotic dance moves. Luckily, whether it’s more rock, pop, indie or funky, the capital offers a huge array of pubs, clubs, halls, or whatever you prefer to call to satisfy your musical preferences.

In this post, we will present to you rock and roll places where you should expect the real feeling of the genre with a bit of alternative and hardcore vibe when you travel to Madrid.

In order not to overwhelm you with information but not forget anything important. The list below consists of the most recommended rock and roll places in Madrid with considering factors such as the quality of the bands, acoustics of the premises, location or clientele, among others.

These places will be an ideal stop for every men’s night out in Madrid and not to mention all the possibilities for a rock and roll bachelor party.

Honky Tonk

I start with the bar more often trodden in my Madrid nightlifer. Frequently open from Monday through Saturday and every day they offer live music with double sessions on weekends. Tribute groups play mashups with national bangers. Although rock n ‘roll is the protagonist, pop, indie or funky always have a place in this legendary club.

This place also has two stages. The plant at street level is the right place to chat quietly listening mainly to the classics, while at the bottom is where everything is cooked concerts.

Entry price: free

Location: Chamberí – Bilbao

Bonsu Tip: Although you always find some spot here to stay, don’t be too late for the performances. Three large columns on the ground floor make it difficult to see the stage in some areas.

Thundercat

Within Thundercat walls, they have managed to create a powerful brand image that breathes rock n roll on all four sides. For everyone looking to hear the authentic crispy sound of classic tube amps with some dirty riffing through the night, there is hardly a better place than this one.

Initially, pictures of KISS, David Bowie, Jimmy Hendrix or The Doors adorned its walls under natural reddish lighting. Subsequently, the club made a quality leap with a beautiful integral reform with a distinctive leopard carpet.

Its week begins with great jam sessions on Thursdays and continues with two concerts on Friday and Saturday.

Once the live music ends at 02.00 AM, the bar finishes completing its capacity by organizing a respectable queue outside.

Entry price: free – from € 3

Location: Alonso Martínez

Bonus Tip: If you go to the show, stay at the bottom on the left, in the area closest to the stage. You will enjoy the excellent view in addition to the comfort of not having to move every time you want to have a snack.

The Monkey

Nestled in the outskirts of the Puerta de Toledo, The Monkey emerges as an alternative rock hotspot if you go around the La Latina area and want to continue banging your head. The club consists of an excellent open part, which makes it an appropriate space for live music.

But beyond the genuine bands that gather from Thursday to Friday, the club also offers attractive leisure proposals such as comic monologues, storytellers or poetry and live painting meetings.

Entry price: free – from € 5

Location: Puerta de Toledo

Bonus Tip: If this bar convinces you to come back more often, then take out your ‘Monkey Card.’ It is free, and they make you offers and discounts on drinks.

Moby Dick

Its quarter-century tradition endorses this place as one of the iconic concert halls in Madrid. In its careful and original industrial decoration, marine and nautical themes mix with electric guitars hanging on its walls.

While the three previous rock bars copy the agenda of each other, Moby Dick raises the bar in authenticity and program. In its programming, you will recognize prestigious artists that may well be in your Spotify or Apple Music collection.

Therefore, the prices of the tickets vary greatly. Besides, it is common to find theme parties, musical competitions, or comic performances.

Entry price: from € 6

Location: Cuzco

Bonus Tip: It has a fast food cooking service. If you arrive in a hurry to a concert and you have not had time for dinner, for a reasonable price you have a Rock Menu.

Wurlitzer Ballroom

Open every day of the week, and its garage-style makes it the most alternative on the list. More than versions, its live performance sheet bets on original rock groups and all its variants. Therefore, you will see that the Wurlitzer is an ideal place to discover new bands of the national scene.

The sound quality in the club is more than acceptable, and the club is getting renovated at the moment. You should know that of the five proposed clubs in this list; this is the one with a younger clientele, more twenty years old rockers than thirty visit this place.

Entry price: from € 5

Location: Gran Vía

Bonus Tip: If you decide to visit it on the weekend, we advise that you do it during concert hours. After 3.00 AM, you may be waiting for longer outside than in the club.

In Conclusion

Apart from these five, there are other fantastic places with live rock performances such as the Costello Club, La Boca del Lobo or La Fontana de Oro, among others.

All you have to do is grab yourself a beer with your pals and stroll around this beautiful city that may not be so famous for rock and roll, but undoubtedly present numerous opportunities to headbang all night like never before.

September 3, 2014 by jfalbelda

A guide to the Best Vineyards and Best Wineries in Europe

If you are a wine enthusiast then visiting some wineries and vineyards should be a part of your next travelling plans. Beautiful vineyards are scattered throughout the globe, Europe especially has some magnificent vineyards that you can visit whether you’re enjoying your holidays in Turkey, in France or in Spain.

A brief history lesson for those who are unfamiliar with wines:

Made from fermented grapes, wine is a beverage which contains alcohol;
Wine has been around since 6000BC;
The winemaking process was cultivated and improved upon by the Greeks;
Wine plays an important role in religion (Christ’s blood) and was heavily supported by the Church. Monasteries even had their own vineyards (some of the best found in Europe);
Over the centuries, the technology behind making wine has gone through modifications and improvements;
A vineyard is essentially a plantation where grapes are grown (primarily for winemaking purposes).

Should you decide to embark on winery visiting trip, here are some suggestions to get your rolling.

1. Bordeaux, France

France is the world’s largest producer of wine (quelle surprise!) Bordeaux is located in southwest France and it’s the largest wine-producing region, it has been in the business of fermenting grapes since the 8th century. Mostly red wine is produced in this region, commonly referred to as ‘claret’ in Britain. There are multiple vineyards that are easily accessible in Bordeaux and you can make a day of it by visiting other historical attractions and taking part of a few wine tastings.

2. Champagne, France

Another great wine-producing region, Champagne is just a short train ride away from Paris. It is ideal for a one-day or one night getaway, you can spend your day touring the vineyard, tasting some great wines and even exploring some wine cellars that were built thousands of years ago.

3. Piedmont, Italy

Located in the northwest region of Italy, Piedmont can be reached easily via train from Turin or Milan. It’s a beautiful place, which specialises in Nebbiolo grapes. Some great wines to try if you’re in the area are Barbera del Monferrato and Asti Spumante.

4. Tuscany, Italy

If you’re in Italy and you have the time, Tuscany is a charming and beautiful place to visit on its own. The fact that there are vineyards scattered about is merely a plus. The best way of getting to these places is by driving since the train will take you only as far as Florence or Siena. Pack an overnight bag and head to Tuscany for a romantic weekend getaway complete with wine tasting tours.

5. Mosel, Germany

Mosel is the place to go if you want to taste some excellent German wine. Although Germany is typically associated with beer, it is the fourth largest wine-producing country in Europe.

6. La Rioja, Spain

Situated along the picturesque pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago, La Rioja is known for growing Tempranillo, a very famous and ‘noble’ Spanish grape. The wines from this northern region are very strong since they are soaked in barrels for an extended period of time.

7. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is one of the oldest vineyard regions in the world and makes wonderful wine using sweet grapes and techniques that have been passed down through the generations family to family. The winery is a family business, owned by the Turasan family and open for wine tasting and visits during select times.

Even for non-wine enthusiasts, vineyards are a great place to visit and experience. Go for a drive with family or friends and enjoy a relaxing a day in the quiet countryside taking in some beautiful scenery.

If nothing else, you’ll learn a lot about this fascinating process stepped in rich history.

Do you have any other suggestions for the best wineries in Europe not to miss? Please share them below in the comments!

February 19, 2014 by Jeremy

Cruising for history lovers

Europe’s got a fantastic history, but it isn’t always easy to get to grips with different elements of its past while you’re on holiday. After all, not everything happened in a single destination! For me, the best kind of break for any history lover is one that takes you to lots of different places – like a cruise.

While you can, of course, head to a number of destinations independently or on an organised tour, a cruise is by far the most relaxing, luxurious option. So, if you want to immerse yourself in the past without losing the relaxing element of your trip by making lots of complicated travel connections, it’s definitely the way to go.

Look on websites like Cruise.co.uk and you should be able to find plenty of itineraries that stop in historical cities such as Rome, Olympia and Athens – and I’ll take a look at their historical highlights below.

What to see in… Rome

Rome is one of Europe’s most exciting historical cities, sprinkled as it is with the vestiges of the Roman Empire. Perhaps the crowning glory of the place is the Colosseum, which was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. Dating back around 2,000 years, the Colosseum used to host animal hunts and gladiatorial shows, entertaining audiences of between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators.

Another highlight are the Catacombs of St Callixtus, which are one of the city’s most important historical sites. These old burial chambers acted as much more than tombs – and today are filled with fantastic frescoes and sculptures. During their lifetime, the catacombs have been popular pilgrimage destinations, as well as shrines to martyrs.

What to see in… Olympia

If your cruise gives you the chance to visit Olympia, take it, because this place is an absolute must-see. Located in Greece, the village of Olympia is just a stone’s throw from Ancient Olympia – the place where the story of the Olympic Games we all know so well today began.

What’s remarkable about Ancient Olympia is that so many of the historical structures, like the original stadium, are still standing. What’s more, there’s a lot you can see within the stadium itself – for example, if you look carefully you can make out the start and finish lines of the 120 m sprint track, while things like the judges’ seats have also survived.

And don’t worry about not understanding what you’re looking at – the signage here is really good, with helpful drawings to show you how the place would once have looked, as well as plenty of information in English.

What to see in… Athens

Staying in Greece for our next destination, Athens is another unmissable historical city – and, of course, is one of the most famous in the world. The Acropolis, for which the city is best-known, stands on a large rocky area right in the heart of Athens, with the modern city sprawling all around it. What’s nice about this is that it gives you an idea of just how important this heritage is to the city.

The Acropolis is where you’ll find a host of famous ancient buildings, including the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike, both of which date back to the 5th century BC. As well as visiting the buildings themselves, make sure you pop into the Acropolis Museum. This houses the artifacts found at the Acropolis site, and includes spectacular statues.

August 26, 2013 by jfalbelda

Test your Fitness at the Italian Lakes!

As far as picturesque holidays in Italy are concerned, you can’t really beat the Italian Lakes, situated in the north of the country. Whether you’re hoping to head to the area for a chance to unwind and relax lakeside or you’re planning on a week that’s jam-packed with activities, Lake Garda holidays have something for everyone.

Utilise the break from the stress of work to boost your fitness levels by signing up for one of the many action-packed activities available. Whether you decide to base yourself at Lake Garda or neighbouring, more tranquil Lake Como, there’s plenty to keep you occupied, no matter what your fitness level.

Perfect spots for walking and biking, the Italian Lakes are idyllic if you plan to savour the great outdoors – plenty of trails and routes are available to suit all abilities, from gentle strolls to more challenging hills. If you prefer, watersports are particularly popular on Lake Garda, where the wind conditions are ideal for a windsurfing or sailing stint.

Whether you choose to base yourself on the shore of Lake Como in the north or Lake Garda, slightly further south depends on what you want to achieve from your stay. While Lake Como provides some astounding panoramas perfect for a hiking jaunt, Lake Garda has a wealth of activities to suit all tastes.

Tailormake your visit to incorporate all your dreams and wants; with the help of specialist reps, you can customise every second of your stay if you wish to. From boat rides to hikes and bike rides between rustic villages, you can rest assured that if an energetic sojourn is what you’re after, the Italian Lakes will provide.

As autumn creeps up upon us, now would be a great time to plan a little getaway – pack some light layers and you will be able to enjoy what the Lakes have to offer, even when the climate cools slightly.

It’s unsurprising that visitors to the area return again and again – see the appeal for yourself this autumn.

July 27, 2013 by jfalbelda

Great Family Trips in Europe

Heading abroad with the family is a great way to celebrate a landmark event – whether it’s a birthday, engagement or any other joyous occasion. There are a number of destinations within a few hours of the UK that are perfectly set up for family retreats, so you won’t have to travel far to find the right spot for your break.

When it comes to taking a holiday as a group it’s important to choose a location that offers something for everyone, and the best way to to do that is to rent a villa in an area that provides access to several towns and cities as well as lots of countryside. A stay in a French holiday chateau, for example, is something which all family members are sure to love, and you can find more information about this type of accommodation here.

In this brief guide we’ll take you through some of the best locations for family trips in Europe.

Tuscany

Known for its rolling hills and iconic cities – many of which are synonymous with Renaissance art – Tuscany is one of Italy’s most iconic regions. The landscape attracts thousands of walking and cycling enthusiasts every year, and with so many picturesque picnic spots dotted around the area it’s a great place to come if you want to spent a bit of quality time with the family.

landscape of Tuscany

What makes Tuscany particularly suitable for celebrations is its array of fine wines, with 30 local vintages carrying a Denominazione di origine Controllata (the Italian equivalent of the French AOC) classification. Reds such as chianti and brunello are produced here, with the award-winning vineyards of Montalcino and Montepulciano always worth a visit.

When it comes to culture, there’s probably no classier place in Europe than Tuscany, with the regional capital Florence being the spiritual home of Renaissance art. This can be experienced by visiting the world-famous Galleria degli Uffizi, while the city’s cathedral – the Duomo – features some of the most iconic frescoes on the planet.

Elsewhere in Italy, Pisa is full of iconic landmarks such as the Leaning Tower, while those visiting Siena in the summertime can witness the breathtaking Il Palio horse race, which takes place on June 2nd and August 16th in the Piazza del Campo.

Normandy

One of the foremost reasons to host a celebration in Normandy is the food, with the region being home to a huge number of Michelin-starred restaurants serving the finest local cuisine. This is dominated by seafood, with oysters and mussels adding a taste of luxury to Norman life, while the area is also the birthplace of some of France’s most popular cheeses, including camembert.

Finding something to do as a family while on holiday can sometimes be tricky, but Normandy is so full of charming towns and landmarks that there’s no danger of anyone getting bored. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint-Mont-Michel, for example, is one of the most enchanting sites you’re ever likely to see, with this ancient sanctuary sitting in the middle of the stunning bay of the same name. Exploring medieval towns such as Caen and Honfleur, meanwhile, is another great way to spend a day.

Provence

The region of Provence – which includes the stylish Cote d’Azur and cities such as Cannes and Monaco – is widely regarded as one of the most glamorous locations in the world, so it’s a great place to come for a celebration. Aside from boasting a huge number of pristine beaches, many of which bear the prestigious Blue Flag, it’s also home to an array of top-class vineyards.

Many of these are based around the town of Ramatuelle, which is close to Saint-Tropez, with Grenache, Merlot and Syrah among the varieties that are produced here. Anyone visiting this particular region of Provence can also take a trip to the famous Tahiti Beach, which was immortalised by Brigitte Bardot in the 1956 film And God Created Women, and is now home to a number of exclusive beach clubs.