Spain Archives - Page 2 of 5

July 18, 2014 by Jeremy

Three Essential Sights In Seville

Famed throughout Spain for its culture and architecture, Seville should be a part of any travel enthusiast’s itinerary when spending significant time in this sun-kissed nation. It all too often gets passed over by those choosing to devote more of their time to cities like Barcelona or Madrid, or to beach hotspots like Malaga or San Sebastian.

Even if you can only spare a few days at the most, swinging by this historical city will yield huge rewards. While you should look the following sights for further information after reading this article, don’t feel like you have to squeeze in your research time on the shaky wi-fi found in cafes or guesthouses.

The Internet in Spain for tourists can be a positive experience by using a portable wi-fi device, allowing the traveler to conduct business, research, or just fool around playing games whether you are stuck in an accommodation with crappy wi-fi or on the move while aboard the many trains that speed their way across this country. With this quick tip out of the way, let’s get into the meat of the details of the essential sights in Seville.

1) Cathedral of Seville

While it has been historically considered the third largest church in the world, modern measurements of its massive interior have crowned it as the world’s largest cathedrals. Occupying the insides of a former Moorish mosque, this place of worship is also widely known as the final resting place of famed world explorer Christopher Columbus, but the glitzy roofs of the interior will impress those that bore at the thought of history.

2) Real Alcázar

Being one of the more spectacular royal palaces in Spain, Real Alcazar simply cannot be missed by fans of extravagance. Lush gardens, more rooms than you can possibly count, and signs of financial abundance will be ever present during your times on its grounds.

Christopher Columbus planned his voyages to the West Indies here, and in the room in which he did it, his coat of arms can also be viewed by those fascinated with his life.

3) Plaza de España

Built for a world’s fair in 1929 meant to improve relations of former Spanish colonies with their former mother country, the Plaza de Espana is quite possibly one of the world’s most beautiful public places.

Complete with over a half mile of ponds, fountains, canals, and buildings constructed in the Renaissance Revival style, this square is the architectural highlight in a city filled with architectural highlights.

May 15, 2014 by Jeremy

Best beaches in Fuerteventura

As the warmth of spring continues to spread across Europe, thoughts of how one will spend their summer holidays are beginning to run through the minds of many, as many employers are beginning to request that their workers put in for their time off in the months ahead.

Looking through the papers and online, you may have noticed some deals on flights to Fuerteventura, and this has gotten the wheels in your head turning. Being home to a wide selection of amazing beaches, Fureteventura allows people of all sorts to enjoy their time in the sun, no matter their interests.

In the following paragraphs, we will play matchmaker between you, the sand craving public, and the best beaches in Fuerteventura. Let’s get started!

For families: Costa Calma

For those bringing along an entourage of little people on their holiday to Fuerteventura, basing your beach bumming activities along the sandy shores of Costa Calma is a sure way to ensure a happy holiday for all involved. The list of amenities is considerable, as restaurants, resorts, and stores containing supplies and provisions are all well within reach, and with 1.5 kilometers of wide sand available to spread a blanket and plant a sun umbrella, you’ll have plenty of room to enjoy the outstanding natural environment available here.

Another point in Costa Calma’s favor is that its sheltered location knocks down wave heights (Fuerteventura is notorious for big swells), making it much safer for your kids to splash around here than anywhere else on the island.

For those wanting to escape the crowds: Isla de Lobos

If solitude in the midst of awe-inspiring nature is what you seek from your Fuerteventura holiday, then taking a boat trek to the nearby island of Isla de Lobos will prove to be a fruitful endeavour. This isle is mostly an outcropping of volcanic rock in ocean off the main island, measuring a meek 4 square kilometers in size.

But this place contains a delicious white sand beach, numerous tidal pools with a soft sandy bottom, and excellent opportunities for awesome snorkeling and diving adventures. All of this takes places far from the frenetic pace of the main tourist areas, making it a must for the traveling introvert.

For those looking for a romantic long stroll on the beach: Playa de El Cofete

Couples seeking a romantic recharge after a hectic winter spent suffering in dismal weather and equally dismal workloads will find many secluded beaches on Fuerteventura.

However, there is perhaps no beach quite as spectacular as Playa de El Cofete, which is difficult to access, as passage is only available via a rutted trail, but with tall mountains in the background, a wild ocean pounding upon the beach with unimaginable ferocity, and fewer people within sight than fingers on your hands, it is a voyage well worth it.

Linger here and soak up the energy of this place, but don’t tell anybody else about this special beach … it’s our little secret!

February 20, 2014 by Jeremy

Bargain sun and sand destinations

Who doesn’t dream of jetting off somewhere sun-drenched and sprinkled with beautiful beaches? But the truth is that our budgets seemed to be stretched further and further, leaving little room for holidays. That said, I think there’s still scope to go away and enjoy yourself, provided you pick a destination that’s known for being budget-friendly.

To help give you a little inspiration for your holiday planning, I’ve put together a list of three destinations that are reliable both in terms of sunshine and being kind to your wallet. If none of these tickle your fancy, you can check out a wider range of options (also budget-friendly) through companies like Holiday Nights.

Benidorm

Topping my list is Benidorm, which is probably one of the best-known budget beach destinations. Sitting on Spain’s Costa Blanca, it has pretty much everything the average UK holidaymaker could want – a healthy dose of Spanish sunshine, great beaches, plenty of nightlife and a few favourites from home.

You see, part of Benidorm’s longstanding appeal is that it’s a bit like finding a slice of England in the Spanish sunshine, what with its pubs and classic fish and chip shops. So, in my opinion, Benidorm is the ultimate place to come to if you fancy having that classic seaside holiday.

Its nightlife has a little bit of everything, including karaoke, live music and cabaret, not to mention lots of nightclubs, while there are some lovely local attractions. For instance, just off the coast is Peacock Island, which you can visit for some gorgeous coastal views.

Crete

Crete is a brilliant budget beach destination if you fancy having a little more variety in terms of what you do. This Greek island is really popular among walkers, while there are lots of amazing historical sites here too.

Let’s take a quick look at the beaches first, though. One of the best is Vai in Itanos, which is utterly idyllic. It’s also unique, being backed by Europe’s largest natural palm grove. Another good option is Preveli Beach, which is one of the best-loved stretches of sand on the island.

In term of other attractions, make sure you take the time to visit Knossos, which dates back to the Minoan civilisation. It should take you a good few hours to explore, so leave plenty of time for your trip – heading there in the morning is usually best, because it can get crowded later in the day.

Corfu

Last up is another of the Greek islands, Corfu. Despite being Greek, this destination has quite a European feel – something that’s largely down to the fact that it’s been occupied by the French, Venetians and British over the years. So, expect to see some European-style buildings and things like cricket being played. If you’re someone who loves a stunning hotel or place to stay whilst away, well you’re in luck. There are some beautiful villas in Corfu that really do make your trip that extra special. Whether you’re there for the beach, or to see what the city holds, there are villas scattered all around the area for whatever the plan is.

Agios Georgian Pagos is one of the most popular beaches here. Spanning 2 km, it’s a popular windsurfing spot, while there are also calmer sections of water perfect for swimming. You’ll find it in the north-west of the island. Over on the west coast, meanwhile, is the spectacular Myrtiotissa, which is often said to be one of the prettiest beaches in the world – and it’s also among the island’s top nudist beaches.

If you fancy learning more about the island’s heritage, meanwhile, head to Corfu Town. The streets in the old quarter date back to the 14th century.

December 22, 2013 by Jeremy

Tenerife: Holiday in the Shadow of a Volcano

Mount Tiede volcano, Tenerife

Tenerife holidays are dominated by one thing, and it’s not the sun, sea or the sand. While these are all important elements of a Canary Island getaway, it’s the majestic Mount Teide that looks down on every visitor to this sunsoaked destination.

Thankfully for tourists and locals alike, this 12,000ft high shield volcano – Spain’s highest mountain – last erupted in 1909, but the evidence of its previous activity lies all around the island and it’s inevitable that you’ll come into contact with volcanic matter at some point during your holiday. If you’d like to book a holiday, this website has everything you need.

Beaches

Tenerife might be famed for its golden sandy beaches, but many of these were artificially made using sand imported from Africa. The most natural beaches on the island are the ones coloured black, which contain tiny fragments of lava from Mount Teide. Such beaches formed when red hot lava flows from Teide cooled rapidly upon meeting with sea water – shattering the lava into fine grains.

One of the best on the island is the resort of Playa de la Arena on the west coast, and there are also attractive black sand beaches at Playa Socorro in the north and the remote Roque Bermejo, a tiny fishing village reachable only by foot or by boat, among others.

Lava tubes

If you tire of sunbathing, you can always take the opportunity to explore Europe’s biggest lava tube. Cueva del Viento-Sobrado (the Cave of the Winds), in the north-west of the island, features 17km of underground tunnels that were hollowed out by magma flowing beneath the surface of the island.

Now the flows have stopped, visitors can walk inside the earth through these atmospheric lava tubes.

Flora

Teide is also responsible for many of the fabulous plants you’ll see during your visit, which have thrived off the nutrient and mineral rich soil created by lava flows. As a result of the unique conditions present on the island, as well as its isolated position in the middle of the ocean, many of Teide’s plants are endemic to Tenerife, such as the Teide white broom, a type of bush with white flowers.

Spa treatments

Of course, all those minerals aren’t just good for plants. There are numerous spas dotted across Tenerife offering volcanic treatments so you can enjoy the benefits of Teide’s molten material.

Views

One of the most popular activities for holidaymakers is to take the trip to the very summit of Teide itself to enjoy the finest view in the Canaries. From the peak, you get a tremendous 360-degree panorama of the entire island, the ocean surrounding it and beyond to the other islands.

There are many ways to reach the top, depending on your preference. You can drive to the car park and take a cable car up the last 1,200m to the upper station; you can apply for a permit and climb to the very summit (the last 200m are restricted); or you can set yourself a real challenge and cycle all the way from sea level to almost 8,000ft!

As you can see, you really can’t escape Mount Teide on a holiday in Tenerife, but then why would you want to? With its great views, alluring black beaches and stunning wildlife, Teide will captivate you during your visit.

December 10, 2013 by jfalbelda

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Andalucia!

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Andalucia

Andalucian Spain is a hidden gem, a vibrant and fascinating region full of endless opportunities for a student educational travel adventure to explore rich culture, culinary arts, and historical heritage, alongside world-class adventure activities! With so much to see and do, here are the 5 top reasons to visit Andalucia, Spain on an Eco-immersion student educational tours expedition that connects all the varied elements of biology, history and culture, leaving students with an in-depth understanding of this magical place.

Andalucia, Spain

1. Cuisine: The food in Andalucian Spain is truly a delight. Sample delicious Jamon Iberico & Jamon Serrano and find out the difference between the two. Try fantastic and varied tapas paired with local wines, and learn about the strong cultural traditions behind the regional foods. Fresh seafood, local produce, fantastic cheeses…a visit to Andalucia is a culinary feast!

2. History: Andalucia is a fascinating living history book. Its strategic geographic setting has made the area home to an incredible melting pot of cultures, a seat of shifting political power, a migration path of varied peoples, and the stage for struggles for dominance over thousands of years. From remains of Paleolithic cultures that lived in the caves at Nerja, to coastal Roman era-settlements, to the Moorish palaces and Catholic kingdoms, visitors can literally walk through history in Andalucia.

Flamenco, Andalucia Spain

3. Culture: Andalucia is a treasure trove of rich culture traditions and blends. Enjoy a stunning Flamenco show in an underground bar or immerse yourself in village life with a homestay. Explore the hidden white villages tucked into the mountains, sunny coastal towns, and rich cultural centers such as Grenada, Cordoba, and Sevilla as you learn about how Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions shaped elements of each of these places.

4. Adventure: There is endless adventure to be found in Andalucia – from skiing in the Sierra Nevada, hiking through an amazing variety of climate and terrain, canyoning in stunning river gorges, enjoying a wide variety of water sports to exploring the famous Nerja caves. Your adventures exploring the natural beauty of Andalucia will help you get a sense of how geography and climate shaped the cultures here.

5. Relaxation: After exploring all the culinary, historical, cultural, and adventure options available in Andalucia, the best way to round out your vacation is with some sheer relaxation. Relaxing with a Café con leche at a local café, taking a dip in the calm Mediterranean, or getting into the laid back Spanish lifestyle (siesta, anyone?), settling into the slower pace of life in Andalucia will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed after your expedition.

White Villages, Andalucia

No matter what your travel style or expedition interest, Andalucia offers something for everyone! If you are looking for a life changing student educational travel adventure, dare to go beyond a vacation with an Eco-immersion adventure in Andalucian Spain!

Crawford Hill is the owner and director of Chill Expeditions, an educational travel company focused on cultural immersion. An expedition leader, former biology teacher, and educational innovator, Hill has been guiding students and adults on wilderness adventures since 1974. Over the years, Hill has led thousands of students and families on experiential learning trips to Costa Rica, Belize, the Galapagos Islands, Peru and Spain. Hill revels in the opportunity to be able to work with students and families across the country with the world as his classroom.