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South Beach Wine & Food Festival

South Beach Wine Festival and the Viva España Gala honouring the wines and foods of Spain which was presided by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.

Holiday Self Catering Property Rentals in Spain

Spain boasts just about everything you could ever wish for in a holiday destination.

This popular European country has a fantastic climate, a wealth of culture and history, some amazing and diverse landscapes, numerous tourist attractions, lots of great food and drink and a huge range of self-catering holiday properties to rent during your stay in Spain.

As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Spain truly has something to offer all tastes, whatever type of holiday you’re looking for, whether it’s an annual family vacation, a romantic break or a last-minute weekend getaway.

With so much to see and do in this amazing country, here’s a taster of what you can get up to during your stay.

There is no shortage of self-catering properties to rent in Spain, too. There’s an abundance of beautiful villas and apartments available here, so you can find your ideal holiday property rental in no time at all!

The regions of Spain include Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, La Rioja and Valencia, and each one offers so much to its visitors.

Within those regions, there are, of course, also some fantastic cities, towns and villages to check out. In fact, there are so many places that you’ll want to return to Spain, time and time again.

Some of the popular areas of Spain include Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Bilbao, Alicante, Granada, Malaga, Valencia and San Sebastian, among others, of course.

Whether you’re looking to tour a busy city or laze on a beautiful sandy beach, Spain has the answer.

Madrid, the country’s capital, is brimming with museums and art, so be sure to check it out if you’re an art lover. There’s the Golden Triangle of Art, which is three museums – the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. You can also see the Royal Palace of Madrid, tour Real Madrid’s famous football stadium or relax in one of the city’s parks or gardens.

Seville, Spain’s fourth largest city, is rich in history and a must see here is the amazing cathedral and its bell tower, the Giralda. Seville is also said to be the tapas capital of the world, so be sure to sample some delicious food and drink while you’re there.

The historic city of Barcelona is perfect for a short break. It has some lovely Gaudi architecture to gaze at and some interesting museums, too. It’s also an ideal location for a beach holiday, as it has 4.2km of sandy beaches situated just 10 minutes from the centre of the city!

Another popular visitor attraction is the Guggenheim Museum in the city of Bilbao, which is located in the Basque Country. It’s a must for art lovers. While you’re in Bilbao, take the opportunity to try some pintxos, which are like tapas.

Alicante, along the Costa Blanca, is a well known destination which has miles of sandy beaches to offer its visitors. Its mild climate is one reason why so many people come to visit. But if you want to do more than just lie on a beach all day, then the city of Alicante has no shortage of things to see and do. There’s the castle to visit, various parks to enjoy, museums to see and a wealth of restaurants in which to dine.

The city of Granada, meanwhile, boasts the stunning Alhambra Palace, that was once the home of the Arabic Sultans and is today a major tourist attraction. You can take a tour of the Alhambra and view the amazing architecture for yourself.

Malaga is another popular area with tourists. The city has a cathedral, a market, the Picasso Museum, numerous other museums, and the harbour and castle, too.

Malaga is just one of the many popular tourist destinations situated on the Costa del Sol. There’s also Marbella, Puerto Banús, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas and more. The Costa del Sol is perfect if you’re after a beach holiday, as it has many excellent beaches to discover. The kids will love them, too.

Valencia is an ideal destination to relax and unwind. It has a lovely old town which has gardens, squares, museums and historic buildings to explore. Apparently, Valencia is where paella was invented, so, it’s not surprising that there’s no shortage of restaurants, cafes and tapas bars in this great city. Why not try some paella while you are there!

San Sebastian is another great beach holiday destination. The best beach here is said to be Playa de Concha, which is not only popular for sunbathing, but also for swimming and water sports.

Spain also has much more to offer those wanting a sports holiday. There’s plenty of golf available, as well as fishing, horse riding, scuba diving and other activities. Many people don’t realise that Spain has good skiing facilities, too. The ski resort Sierra Nevada, for example, is worth checking out.

The Canary Islands, which are part of Spain, are also popular holiday destinations. There are seven islands to discover – Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Fuerteventura. They are all worth a visit and if you’re looking for a Spanish holiday property rental, there’s no shortage of accommodation there.

Spain can offer so many different types of holiday to suit all ages and tastes. Whether you’re looking for art and culture, a sandy beach or a ski slope. Or if you’d rather get close to nature, visit a winery or sample some excellent cuisine, Spain has it all. What’s more, it boasts a lovely warm climate that makes it an attractive all-year-round destination – perfect for a self-catering holiday at Christmas or mid summer.

Go and discover Spain today!

Sampling All Spain Has To Offer

Spain is more than sun, sea and sand, for years the mass tourism has led many to believe that the country only exists in terms of resorts and holiday complexes. Buying property in Spain has been shied away from by many because of this fact; prospective buyers have not wanted to buy in a country that the majority sees as a sunny Blackpool.

They could however not be more wrong, Spain has depth that so many do not see and the best way to get a true idea of the delights this country has to offer is to buy a villa and holiday there regularly. Numbers of villas in Spain have been steadily increasing since the mid nineties and now as the Spanish property bubble is on the brink of deflating, the time could not be riper for buying a place in the sun.

Spain holds more than what made it famous during the eighties, the resorts are still there but increasingly ex-patriot communities are being built up creating little pieces of Britain abroad. This may sound ghastly to you but it offers the best of both worlds for anyone wishing to buy property in Spain. This double edged sword offers the security and comfort of living with members of your own nation, whilst being at liberty to sample the pleasures of Spanish culture.

By far the biggest reason for me to buy a villa in Spain would be the sumptuous cuisine. There is more to Spain than just paella, its heady mix of Jewish and Moorish influences have created a balanced palate. Do not be afraid if you are a pork lover though, after centuries of catholic domination pork has become a staple of the Spanish diet.

If you buy a villa along Spain’s beautiful coast however the fish dishes with their heavy Mediterranean influence are truly out of this world. If you are a fan of the tapas style of eating, always remember to adhere to tradition and get a drink in your hand before you tuck in.

In terms of sport many would understandably avoid the bullfights that are a regular occurrence in Spain, but if you are investing in Spanish property remember Spain has one of the best football leagues in the world. Matches at stadiums like the Neu Camp are an experience never to be forgotten, living in Spain you would have the chance to visit the matches regularly and surround yourself with the fanatic football followers.

The biggest benefit to buying property in Spain is the people; welcoming and fun-loving they enjoy a good time and will happily share evenings with those who make the effort with them. As long as it is not siesta time you will find them working hard and in the evenings socialising over food. Life in Spain is relaxed and operates at a different tempo to Britain, purchasing a villa in this wondrous country allows you to slow down to this pace of life.

If you feel you are ready to take the plunge and buy a second home in Spain you will experience all this country has to offer for the rest of your life. Arguably it is purely the sun that tempts people to buying property in Spain, but once you look deeper you will realise there is so much more.

The food, the striking scenery and the hospitable people making buying a Spanish villa well worthwhile in today’s climate. With prices the way they are it is definitely a buyers market and you could find yourself a bargain. Before you know it, you could be relaxing by the pool in your own Spanish villa ready to immerse yourself in this ancient culture.

Try Spain For A Great Holiday

If you want to know all about Spain, then the best thing to do is research it before your vacation. Learning about Spanish culture before you come to Spain will help you to have a better grasp of the place and the people. If you come to Spain you won’t be disappointed by the wide array of things to do and see here.

Spain offers a wide variety of cultural, culinary, and historical activities that are right for everyone. You can visit the beautiful meadows and valleys, hike the Pyrenees, or relax on a beach with your entire family. You will find something for everyone in your family when you visit Spain.

When you are in Spain you may notice that the language sounds different than that spoken in South and Central America. The Spanish in Spain is commonly known as Castillian. This form is related to Italian, Portguese, and French. You may also hear people speak Basque, Catalan, and Galician if you travel to different regions of the country.

You can often find cheap flights on major airlines to Spain. This is the most popular way to enter the country and there are many large and excellent international airports located throughout Spain. It doesn’t matter which region of the country you want to visit you will be able to find a flight from your hometown.

When you are in Spain you may want to consider traveling by bus. There are many buses to choose from that have cheap fares and are very comfortable. Seeing Spain while using public transport will save you lots of time and headaches.

If you want to have more independence and freedom on your trip then you should consider using a car rental or car hire company. You can travel wherever you want and whenever you want without worry about schedules. You can find out this kind of information online or through your travel agent.

There is a wide abundance of excellent cuisine in Spain. Whether you are inland or on the coast, in a big city or in a small town you will be able to find food to suit your palate. When you are the coast you can enjoy fresh seafood nearly every day and when you are inland you can select from high-grade meat.

When you are in Spain, you’ll be delighted at how fresh all the food is when you go out to eat. There is very little in the way of frozen food and you can be sure the meat, seafood, and vegetables are usually grown and produced locally.

When you want to eat out for dinner and lunch you should be aware of the differences in Spain in terms of schedule compared to your country. In Spain lunch is usually eaten at 2:00 pm and dinner is served at 9:00 pm or later.

If you want to relax and an enjoy wine, beer, or a mixed drink than you can find a wide selection of bars to choose from. This is a great way to meet some locals and practice your Spanish. There is no age restriction to go into a bar, so feel free to bring the kids. Spaniards tend not to get drunk and this is not considered polite behavior.

The Euro was introduced to Spain in 2002 and this is the common currency. You cannot use any other currency and should be prepared to change money at a bank or ATM machine when you arrive. The airport will usual be able to accommodate your needs.

You can also use credit cards all over Spain for purchases or to go out. You usually need to show your passport upon using a credit or debit card. This is for your own protection, so make sure you have it with you when you want to use your card.

Jack Blacksmith regularly publishes detailed reports on news about Spain and sightseeing. His comments on all about Spain are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain-tips/all_about.html .

Salamanca

Spain Food

Image taken on 2005-10-20 23:49:16 by Vic Lic.

Spain on the Road Again Episode 12 on WMFE TV!

Support PBS programs like this one! Visit www.wmfe.org/support or call 1-866-955-9633. “Pure Paella” Gwyneth is in heaven as the road trip heads to Valencia, a paella-lover’s paradise. She regales Mario with the story of her first trip to Spain as the two share a beach-side walk and talk. Meanwhile, Mark and Claudia tour Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Gwyneth and Mario cook paella with a Zen Master in the Albufera, the epicenter of rice in Spain. The foursome is reunited over a dinner of unforgettable tapas at local favorite, Casa Montaña. Then, the final leg of the road trip heads to Madrid for a whirlwind tour of the city. Saturday, January 10 at 3pm on WMFE TV! Visit wmfe.org for more information.

There are Many Excellent Reasons for Buying a Home in Spain

If you want guaranteed sunshine , beaches beyond compare, some of the best food in the world, a wide choice of entertainment, and a terrific selection of homes at unbeatable prices, then you will find Spain almost too good to turn down. Although the vast majority of holiday makers (and residents) come to Spain to laze about on the beach, there’s much more to the country than the Costas and its islands .

Spain offers amazing variety that covers most options for everyone, including magnificent beaches for sun worshippers and unbelievable scenery with tremendous views and wonderful mountain walks. For those who wish a more urban based life there are some of the most sophisticated cities to be found anywhere. For food lovers, you will find some of the best food to be found anywhere and wine to match.

To buy a home in Spain is not just to buy a dwelling but your chance to buy a lifestyle, and as a place for your holiday, second or retirement home, Spain is unrivalled, particularly if you’re seeking year-round sunshine.

Why would you want to purchase a home in Spain?

There are many excellent reasons for buying a home in Spain , although it’s important not to be under any illusions about what you can expect from a home there . Get the basics right from the outset on what your expectations are , ask fundamental question about what it is exactly that you want from a home in Spain? For example, is it a second home, holiday home or retirement dwelling that you wish to buy?

The Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol has the highest percentage of retired persons in the world, when both Spaniards and foreigners are included. If you’re seeking a second home, will it be mainly used for long weekends or for lengthier stays? Do you plan to rent all or a portion of it to offset mortgage and operations costs? If so, how important is the property income? Are you primarily looking for a sound investment? Is part of the plan to open up a business and work from Spain? These are questions that need answers no matter where you purchase , but nowhere more so than Spain where the range of available options is so varied.

Quite often potential buyers have a number of reasons for purchasing property in Spain. For example, many people buy a holiday home with an idea of living there permanently or semi-permanently after they retire. In a lot of cases the motivation is to start by purchasing a holiday home with the intention of retiring there later on. If this is indeed the case then there a whole number of factors that need to be taken into consideration at the outset than you would need to consider if the motivation was to occupy somewhere just for say a few weeks every year. Conversely if the plan is to live and work within Spain then there are an entirely different set of criteria that need to be looked at. Part of the motivation might be to live within Spain yet commute to other European locations on a regular basis as transport (especially external links) is so straightforward to come by. Many people are doing just that because Spain has a lot to offer.

Whatever the reasons for buying a home within Spain whether purely for residential or investment purposes, life in modern day Spain makes it such a difficult option to refuse.

Tapas bar in Barcelona

Spain Food

Image taken on 2005-11-04 07:08:05 by tobym.

Buying Home in Spain? not Just a Home But a Lifestyle

If you crave for endless amounts of sunshine, unlimited beautiful beaches , excellent food , an abundant choice of entertainment , and a wide choice of homes at affordable prices , then you will find Spain almost too good to turn down. Although the vast majority of holiday makers (and residents) come to Spain to recline on a beach , there’s much more to the country than the Costas and its islands .

Spain offers infinite variety with something for everyone , including terrific beaches for sun seekers and unbelievable scenery with tremendous views and wonderful mountain walks. For those who are comfortable living in cities, there are bustling sophisticated metropolises . For food lovers, you will find some of the best food to be found anywhere and wine to match.

Why would you want to purchase a home in Spain?

There are a number of extremely good reasons why you would want to buy a home in Spain, although it’s important not to fool yourself or try and manufacture something that isn’t there with regards to what you can expect. To get a firm handle on what you expect , ask yourself exactly why you want to buy a home in Spain? For example, are you seeking a holiday or a retirement home?

The Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol has the highest percentage of retired persons in the world, when both Spaniards and foreigners are included. If you’re seeking a second home, will it be mainly used for long weekends or for lengthier stays? Do you plan to rent all or a portion of it to offset mortgage and operations costs? If so, how important is the property income? Is the decision to buy purely based on investment criteria? Is part of the plan to open up a business and work from Spain? Fairly basic questions I’ll admit but they do need addressed, but especially in Spain because of the variety of choices Spain has to offer.

Quite often potential buyers have a number of reasons for purchasing property in Spain. For example, many people buy a holiday home with an idea of living there permanently or semi-permanently after they retire. In a lot of cases the motivation is to start by purchasing a holiday home with the intention of retiring there later on. If this is indeed the case then there a whole number of factors that need to be taken into consideration at the outset than you would need to consider if the motivation was to occupy somewhere just for say a few weeks every year. If, on the other hand, you plan to work or start a business in Spain, you will be faced with a whole different set of criteria. You may be thinking of buying a home in Spain and commuting to another European country to work. Many people are doing just that because Spain has a lot to offer.

Whatever the reasons, living and working within or from modern day Spain is such an attractive proposition nowadays that it is a very hard to not consider.

Lobster

Spain Food

Image taken on 2005-12-10 06:44:34 by adactio.

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