Escape to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands
One of Europe’s favourite holiday islands called Lanzarote is located in the Atlantic Ocean not far from the African coastline. And this group of islands were once considered by historians to actually be the long lost city of Atlantis. Today however Lanzarote and the Canaries enjoy the crown of the second most visited region in Spain even though it is not on the European mainland .
The separate islands that make up the Canarian archipelago though are considered to be like chalk and cheese, however as each island enjoys its own quite unique character and cultural development. A typical example of this is the governance of the islands with the eastern islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura being governed from Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. Whilst the islands of El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma are administered from Tenerife.
Lanzarote hasn’t only been a recent tourist destination though as the islands has been attracting British and foreign visitors since the 1900’s . But modern tourism only started to take off during the 1970´s. As General Franco began to loosen his stranglehold on Spain As the area was in desperate need of a boost to its economy after years of restriction.
It’s amazing how the calming effect of time can change fortunes and today the island welcomes visitors that number into the millions as they arrive from all over Europe and other parts of the world, and bizarrely even tourist from the Spanish mainland. Most of which are very happy to get away from the very hot mainland temperatures in favour of the much more appealing Canarian climate.
The growth of internet usage has changed the tourist market worldwide. And Lanzarote is no exception to this trend. As more and more people eschew traditional travel agencies to build and book their own breaks direct online. This has led to an upsurge in demand for holiday accommodation and villas in Lanzarote. With self catering apartments and villas in the main resorts representing a high percentage of the total number of tourist beds now available on the island.
The most luxurious rental villas in Puerto del Carmen can be located in areas such as Risco Prieto. Which sits right at the top of the Old Town, overlooking the picturesque harbour area which is currently being transformed into a beautiful marina which will have all the trapping of luxury for its visitors.
Whilst vistors preferring to look for villas in Playa Blanca should focus on the Montana Roja and Rubicon Marina areas. As this area has a particularly wide range of quality rental accommodation at reasonable prices.
Not all holidays are cantered around the coastal resorts however, and as more tourist prefer to experience the true atmosphere of the island, rural holiday are increasing in popularity. Visitors that take time out to tour the island are surprised to find how unspoiled it is . This is one of the reasons that prompt many to come back year after year to experience the true Lanzarote in countryside fincas and apartments.
Search out the Least Expensive Airfare to Barcelona Spain
Ok you want to head off to a bed and breakfast in Barcelona and have a great time, but how are you going to find the money for the airfare to Barcelona Spain? Well you should know that it’s not necessary to pay an arm and a leg, as long as you keep a few things in mind.
Wait to Purchase
If you are looking for the cheapest airfare to Barcelona Spain, one of the best things that you can ever do is take your time. You may want to prepare your trip months in advance, but you need to know that this is not the way to get the top deal. As an alternative, you are going to want to wait until even just a few weeks before you want to leave, to get your airfare.
In this way you will always get the best price on your airfare to Barcelona . A few people have had to cancel their trips, and airlines are looking to fill those last few seats in their planes, so the prices are amazingly low, a good deal less than at any other time.
Look Around
The next thing that you are going to want to do to be certain that you get the best airfare to Barcelona Spain is to check around. There are a number of different airlines out there that you have available to you, and to be certain that you are going to get the best price on airfare, you are going to have to check around to the different airlines to make sure that you are always getting the most value for your money.
Obtain Discounts
There is also the option of getting discounts on your airfare to Barcelona , so be sure that you check for this. Even if you just call an airline representative and ask them about any discounts that may be offered at that time, they will let you know about any that you may be eligible for.
These are all terrific tips and will make sure that you pay no more than you absolutely have to for your airfare to Spain. After all, you are going to have enough to worry about and the last thing that you want is to be spending more money than you absolutely have to. There are a lot of great ways to find deals, so if you want to save yourself the most money you are just going to have to put some effort into it.
Spain Vacations – What to Buy During Your Holidays in Spain
What should I bring home from Spain? This is one of the questions most tourists ask while on holidays in Spain. Looking for things to buy in Spain should not be a problem, though, since Spain is known for many world-class products. Here are just some you can fit into your suitcase.
1. Spanish saffron – Saffron is one of the world’s most sought-after spices, and Spanish saffron is the best of them all. Grown in the plains of La Mancha, Spanish saffron has the best rating when it comes to color and quality. It’s not easy to find, too, so it’s best to bring home a bottle or two for your kitchen or one of your cooking enthusiast-friends when you return from your holidays in Spain.
2. Sherry – True, sherry may not be as popular as red or white wine but it is definitely a treasure of its own – a treasure you’ll want to bring home from the town of Jerez. Like the Spanish saffron, sherry can be a great addition to your kitchen, if not to your own wine cupboard, since it can be used as a cooking ingredient, too.
3. Ceramics – Spain is well known for its ceramic industry so make sure you buy ceramic plates when you go shopping in Spain. You can buy ceramic tiles, too, if you wish, from Valencia and Seville or bring home some exquisite pieces of Majorcan pottery to decorate your living room with.
4. Leather goods – Spanish leather goods are excellent souvenirs, too, and you can even use them for years after your trip, so make sure you include a pair of leather shoes, a leather purse or a leather belt in your shopping list while spending holidays in Spain.
5. Lace – Shopping in Spain won’t be complete unless you buy a lace handkerchief, shawl or tablecloth. Spanish lace products are handmade in Catalonia, where the lace-making industry began in the 16th century.
6. Hand fans – Finally, don’t forget to pick up some authentic Spanish hand fans. Whether wooden or made of ivory, simple or embroidered, hand fans are beautiful souvenirs and great gifts for all your friends. Even if it’s cold where you live, you can always use your hand fan as a prop when you dance the flamenco or simply hang it on your wall.
These are just some things you can buy during your holidays in Spain. Keep in mind, though, that the best souvenirs are your own photographs and memories, which are priceless and can be treasured for a lifetime.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Spain, by car. Zencarhire.com offer car hire from many locations throughout Spain, including, Car Hire Alicante Airport. To book a car rental in Spain, or learn more about car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com
Holiday Fun in Nerja Spain
Nerja is one of the resort towns along Spain’s Costa del Sol or Sun Coast, aptly named for its clement weather and beautiful beaches. Because of this, it is a good idea to stay in a Nerja apartment and spend your holidays in Nerja while trying out the exciting activities it has to offer, like those listed below.
Explore the Caves of Nerja
With its remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations and prehistoric wall paintings in halls with names like Hall of the Waterfall, Hall of Phantoms and Hall of the Lance, as well as the largest calcite column in the world, the caves of Nerja are truly worth exploring during your holidays in Nerja. You can also see the skeletal remains excavated from the cave in the museum just outside the caves or attend a concert or ballet performance in one of its large chambers.
Watersports at Burriana Beach
It goes without saying that one of the things to do in Nerja is to relax or have a splash at its idyllic beaches. In fact, many tourists rent apartments in Nerja just for this purpose. The most popular beach is Burriana Beach, which is also the largest in town, as well as the most commercialized. This means that you can easily find sun beds, palm umbrellas, shower facilities and restaurants on this beach or take advantage of its watersports centre and go surfing, jetskiing or scuba diving.
Enjoy a Stroll through the Balcony of Europe
The Balcon de Europa or Balcony of Europe is a wide palm tree-lined promenade built on the site of a 9th century fortress. If you want to enjoy the most stunning views of the city or the ocean, or catch glimpses of the surrounding mountain ranges and even the coast of Africa on a clear day, there is no better place to go to than here. You can also stop by the El Salvador church, dine at one of the fine restaurants on the Balcon or hire a horse-drawn carriage from here to see the rest of the town.
Make a Difference at the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary
Visiting the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Nerja, particularly if you’re visiting with your kids or love animals. This is because you won’t just get to see and pet donkeys, along with mules, horses, goats and even dogs. You can also make a difference by doing some volunteer work, such as helping in feeding, grooming and walking the animals or make a donation to maintain the sanctuary.
Nerja Nightlife
The nightlife in Nerja may not be as dynamic as that of other Spanish towns, but it is still something to enjoy during your holidays in Nerja. If you’re staying at a Nerja apartment near the Balcon de Europa, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a good bar or pub where you can drink, dance or simply interact with the locals, although you will eventually have to head out to Tutti Frutti Plaza or Antonio Millon. If you’re staying in Playa Capistrano, though, you will need to go to Burriano Beach or make your way to the town centre, where you’ll have a better chance of catching a flamenco show.
Take a Spanish Class at Nerja Language Centers
If you want to have more fun or get to know the locals better during your holidays in Nerja, you should definitely enroll in a Spanish class at one of the language centers in town. There are several for you to choose from, most of which offer both beginner courses for those who want to learn enough basic Spanish to get by and advanced courses for those who plan to stay in Spain long or become regular visitors. Many of them even offer excursions around the town or to nearby cities, like Malaga and Granada, so you can practice your Spanish while seeing some amazing sights.