Places to extend the summer 2014

By Luke Durden in Destination

If you are someone who, like us, has not been able to threat yourself to a proper holiday, we propose below a number of destinations and hotels that where you can loose yourself, disconnect and prolong the summer, for many has already begun its countdown. Majorca, Cabo de Gata, Ibiza or Minorca… Choose one and don’t let anyone tell you that summer is over.

More summer in Majorca

It begins in May and does not end until well into October. Some years, the weather is good even during the first weeks of November and, although the Mediterranean Sea begins to cool, it is still possible to take a swim in some of its coves. The best areas to enjoy this time of year and find a good budget accommodation in Majorca are north of the island, such as resorts in the Playa de Muro, hotels in Puerto de Alcudia, rooms in Alcudia centre, iconic accommodations like the Hotel Formentor, apartments in Pollensa. In the west you can find good boutique hotels in Santa Ponsa and Costa de la Calma at affordable rates, especially starting in September. Finally, somewhere in the East Coast, most notably hotels and apartments in Cala Ratjada, designed for you to enjoy everything without worrying about anything.

If you are rather a city person, and you do not want to give up the bustling atmosphere of the city even in summer, choose a hotel in the centre of Palma or rent a room overlooking the Paseo Mallorca in the trendy neighbourhood of Santa Catalina or the Paseo Maritimo of the capital. Prices in September go down in these areas, and the cultural agenda in Palma continues to be very active with plans for all tastes and ages, from the independent music festivals to classical music concerts, expositions and opera cycles.

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The calm of Minorca

To forget everything and reconnect with your natural side, we suggest booking a hotel in Minorca or villas in Cala d’en Bosch. Minorca is a Biosphere Reserve, a magical place full of tradition and a spectacular gastronomy. While in September the winds begin to be felt more strongly, the water of the Mediterranean on its coast remains at an ideal bathing temperature and the weather is good for all kinds of outdoor sports, especially hiking.

If you travel with friends, take the opportunity to organize a couple of days hiking in the newly recovered path of Cami de Cavalls, that covers the whole perimeter of the island and offers a very different picture of what is commonly known to a tourist who comes to Minorca. As it is a very long way it should be done in several days. In addition, stopping and enjoying the scenery is really worth it. Minorca is not, of course, an island to visit in a hurry.

Cabo de Gata

More nature, but in this case, in the south of the Peninsula: Almeria and its spectacular coastline full of landscapes that look like straight out of a film. From western deserts to towering mountains overlooking the sea, fertile orchards, sandy beaches full of light… Cabo de Gata is one of those favourite locations for photography lovers, a space in which to lose track of time and places location and to go and enjoy the hours of unlimited freedom. The accommodation in Cabo de Gata is varied and ranges from budget hotels in Almeria to 4 star hotels in El Toyo, one of the most exclusive areas coastal areas, next to the village of Retamar.

Costa de la Luz

Specifically, El Rompido and its incredible strip of sand, that stretches into the sea resulting in one of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches on the coast of Huelva. It is a destination to go alone or with your partner to restore inner peace, energy, reading, sleeping, sunbathing, eating well and enjoy what the Italians call the dolce fare niente. A few meters from the beach there are several hotels, one of the most recommendable, especially if you go with your partner is an adults only hotel in El Rompido, right next to the sand.

Use the trip to rest is essential, but if it is the first time you visited this coast, we can not but recommend that you can organise a couple of routes to see around them you will definitely enjoy it, marshlands, long beaches, gastronomic tours, parks…  Huelva is a paradise waiting to be discovered and moreover in September when the weather is still good and everything is much quieter than in August.

Good reasons for spending a summer in Madrid

By Loren in Uncategorized

No one thinks of Madrid in August. The capital is empty, streets become long runways where distracted tourists walk under the sun while residents escape to the coast or to the mountains when they get a break from work.  Shops are an authentic oasis where we can relax during several hours, and beers go here and there because thirst does not go away. People say Madrid is not for summer… Today, we are ready to refute this statement here. Do you join us?

POP ART IN MADRID

It is true: Madrid is too hot in August. We will not deny it, but it is also true that it is a city with thousands of possibilities for getting away from the relentless sun’s rays of the tableland, at least during the central hours of the day. One of the most recommended plans for enjoying Madrid in August is to make one of its art tours. Museo del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía Museum, the new and surprising CaixaFórum… All these museums offer a complete schedule with exhibitions and activities during the whole month of August 2014. Mitos del Pop is an interesting collection with more than 70 Pop Art works. It will be on exhibition until September 14th in Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

MADRID NIGHTS

Who can resist a weekend getaway to Madrid to enjoy one of the best nightlife in Europe? The Spanish capital is a unique place full of music, dance and fun until the dawn. The advantage of doing it in August is that bars are much less crowded than usual and it is a real pleasure to occupy the dance floor and be the party master. Places such as Malasaña San Bernardo still have a full agenda of interesting night plans with top level independent music sessions. Huertas is another interesting neighbourhood: more commercial music, more eclectic atmosphere and much more touristic. Chueca does not sleep, must visit place for enjoying a funny night, dancing songs you have not heard since many years ago or attending one of those unforgettable parties. Another plan is to take advantage of summer to enjoy the flat roofs of Madrid. Placing a pub, a cocktail bar or even a Chill out disco on the roofs of some of the most emblematic buildings in the centre of Madrid has revolutionized the summer nights in the capital. There are certain tours you can do: if you are a photographer lover, try to visit it at dusk, not just because it is less hot, but also because the light and sunset are striking.

AGAINST OPERATION BIKINI

As the idea of this post is to refute theories. lets kill two birds with one stone: take advantage of your getaway to Madrid to enjoy some of the best Spanish tapas. The cuisine of Madrid is one of the main attractions and, considering that there is less people in August, it is easier to find a place in those bars and pubs which are usually crowded in winter weekends. Besides, the vermouth in Cava Alta and Cava Baja, where a lot of new charming terraces have been opened, is a balm for the body in this time of the year: beers, gazpacho, salmorejo for fighting off heat and no end of tapas: from typical to innovative and crazy alternatives such as pea hummus and green smoothies, undoubtedly more healthy than the traditional dishes or the famous Lucio´s Scrambled Eggs.

Another interesting gastronomic option is to visit some of the new gourmet restaurants opened in Madrid in the last months: it is easier to find a free table without needing to book much in advance (which is very usual during the rest of the year). Some hotels with restaurant in the centre of Madrid also offer very interesting alternatives for tasting some of the most creative dishes in Spain, the same happens with markets, such as San Miguel market. Nevertheless, it is recommended to seek well, compare and keep the senses awake because it is a whole world waiting for you to discover it and quietly taste it.

HOTEL EXPERIENCE

The advantage of going in August to Madrid is that it is low season in this capital and prices and offers of hotels in the centre of Madrid are more affordable than ever. Looking for a good accommodation with free WiFi next to Puerta del Sol or a design hotel in Gran Vía is easier and more economical in August. The refurbishment of many hotels in the centre of the city, in the interest of offering a different and personalized experiences to their guests, has created a new range of possibilities for those travelling to Madrid and wanting to spend some days full of good moment without giving up to comfort. 60’s inspired hotels next to Circulo de Bellas Artes, historic hotels in the old Madrid such as Posada del Peine or family accommodations located in Preciados street, next to the best shops in the capital, the variety is infinite and prices are in the region of 50 euros per night in a double room. A really affordable price if we bear in mind that they are 4 star hotels in Madrid with high level of quality.

Destination for a relaxing getaway

By Loren in Spa & Wellness Hotels

Sometimes, subjects unleash the imagination. Anyone can refuse to, from time to time, fall into the temptation of imagining an entire week doing nothing else than reading under the sun in a paradise beach, with a fresh pineapple plate and a cocktail waiting for you. In the background, chill out music and the murmur of the waves. Without children, without boss, feeling like doing absolutely nothing. That is called, sometimes, happiness.

In our search for happiness, we have found a series of perfect places for shooting our own film, a handful of exquisite destinations, ideal for taking a break, thinking of nothing and enjoying every moment on the seashore.

Chiclana

The first recommendation is to book a spa hotel in Chiclana. This privileged municipality is the access door to the most idyllic beaches in the south of Spain. Just 20 km away from La Tacita de Plata, right in Costa de la Luz, it goes throughout sand areas such as Sancti Petri beach and La Barrosa, surrounded by pleasant pine groves, natural parks, cliffs and the typical lively ambience of this Andalusian coast.

Lanzarote

The moon island. A trip to another world. The perfect place for escaping from it all and never coming back.­ Lanzarote is a dream island, ideal for a week of dolce far niente on the banks of the Atlantic. The small Chinijo archipelago with its amazing pristine island called La Graciosa and its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters: Corralejo, Teguise and the spotless Yaiza… If you are really looking for a relaxing getaway, the best option is to choose an All Inclusive hotel in  Lanzarote or an Adults Only hotel in Corralejo.

Cala Barca (Majorca)

One of the quietest and more hidden sites in Majorca, where you can go unnoticed and spend an entire week enjoying the Mediterranean among pine groves, sand and turquoise waters. Cala Barca Trencada is a small beach next to Mondragó Natural Park, in the eastern coast of Majorca, located one step away from the beautiful fishing village in Porto Petro. It combines peace and services, and leisure areas are at just 4 minutes drive and 25 minutes walk.  If you have the possibility, book a hotel in Cala Barca: relax is guaranteed.

El Rompido

One of the most striking natural treasures in Costa de la Luz, in Huelva. El Rompido hides a sand strip which gets into the Atlantic, very close to the mouth of Río Piedras and its marshes, especially ideal for resting far from the madding crowd. Pristine beach not very visited by tourists, even in summer high season. Perfect for a relaxing romantic getaway: there are several Adults Only hotels in El Rompido, at affordable price, with all types of special services for couples.

4 Fashionable beach destinations for summer 2014

By Loren in Destination

August is… sun beach, cocktails beside the sea, parties until dawn, street games, laughs from a ship, friends, family, love. August is the happiness of those who wait all the year for their holiday month. This is why it is essential to choose well where to make the most of it. If you love the sea, do not hesitate: look for the best beaches below and enjoy!

CADIZ BEACHES

Andalusia coast, from Costa del Sol to Costa de la Luz, is a paradise for sun and beach tourism lovers, for those seeking relax without giving up to fun, sport and good cuisine. If we have to opt for one of its destinations for this summer, we would choose Cádiz beaches without hesitation. Known as “tacita de plata” (silver cup) Cádiz and its surroundings are some of the best places in Spain for getting away and relaxing on the sea shore this month of August. You must visit Zahare de la Sierra, Calas de Conil, Arcos de la Frontera, and go wale watching to Tarifa.

Accommodation in Cádiz

MALAGA COAST

Now we go to Costa del Sol, from Torremolinos to Marbella, going through Fuengirola and visiting a town from time to time. Malaga is a unique province when you are planning to spend your holidays on the beach. Its varied landscape and complete tourist centres make of it the ideal destination for travelling with children or erderls. Comfortable and very versatile, with leisure plans for all tastes, it is the meeting point of quietness and fun for all ages. It is essential to go for a stroll in the centre of Malaga, to visit the Picasso Museum and dinner or go clubbing to Larios street.  If you want to have a good time with children, Fuengirola has several parks and interesting leisure centres.

Accommodation in Malaga coast

FUERTEVENTURA BEACHES

Island full of magic and striking landscapes is the perfect definition for Fuerteventura.  From Corralejo to Jandia, we find paradise beaches forming a destination where rest and comfort converge as in any other place. Nature, exotic flavours, art, tradition… But especially, guaranteed sun and wonderful waters where we can practice all types of water sports for all ages. Do not miss the lively ambience of Puerto del Rosario, Cofete beach and Barlovento, a good dinner in Morro Jable, the Corralejo dunes and Lobos Island.

Accommodation in Fuerteventura

IBIZA BEACHES

The white island is not just for enjoying the craziest summer nights. Ibiza is also a sun and beach destination plenty of exclusiveness and nature enclaves of overwhelming beauty where we can be carried along by the placidity and incredible calm of the Mediterranean. You should not miss the Sundays afternoons in Benirrás, the hippy markets in Es Canar, a walk in Vila and Dalt Murada…

Accommodation in Ibiza

Gran Canaria, the island of magic

By Loren in Gran Canaria

The island where good weather lives. This is the slogan of the official website of Tourism in Gran Canaria, and it is not a trivial sentence chosen at random, but rather one of the main attractions offered by this beautiful island to the visitor. Sun, beach, peace…  Gran Canaria has guaranteed good weather, as well and many other things.

Surrounded by the amazing Atlantic Ocean, it is the island with largest population among all those that compose the Canary archipelago and has one of the most important cities: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria,  co-capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands (jointly with Santa Cruz de Tenerife) – and epicentre of the cultural and artistic life of  the island.

With unique landscapes, Gran Canaria offers one of the most striking viewpoints routes in Spain, with 16 must visit places from which we can contemplate the authentic magic of this dream island: Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, Pico de Pozos de la Nieve, Caldera de los Marteles, La Crucita, Pinos de Gáldar, La Sorrueda, El Ingenio, Las Tederas and La degollada de las Yeguas, among many others.

Thanks to this natural richness, almost the middle of the island has been declared Biosphere Reserve and has 8 nature reserves, 2 rural parks and 2 nature parks, 7 areas with protected landscapes and 10 natural monuments among which stand out Los Riscos de Tijarana, Roque de Aguayro, Caldera de Bandama and Barranco de Guayadeque.

Hotels in Gran Canaria

Hotels in Gran Canaria

Mountain, sea, light… Gran Canaria stands out for its wide variety of landscapes, its moonscapes, its hills and lush valleys, its impressive cliffs opening onto the Atlantic Ocean and its long sand beaches. Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, the charming Mogán town, Amadores beach, San Agustín, Puerto Rico, Agaete and Las Canteras: any of these places is ideal for escaping from it all and find the peace and calm we miss during those long months of work and routine.

The magic of tradition

Although it is one of the most touristic islands in the archipelago, with an average of 3,3 millions of visitors per year, it preserves that spirit of quietness in all its corners. Its people is kind and friendly, and its traditions are worthy of attention: The cuisine of Gran Canaria is one of the richest in the archipelago, and the local celebrations in its small towns are , along with with Las Palmas Carnival, one of the main cultural attractions of this magical destination.

Places such as the Cathedral of Santa Ana, Museo Canario, Casa de Colón, Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno  or Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park, are must visits since there you can find the key elements of the history of this island with more than 14 millions of years of existence.

One of the most recommended experiences is to taste different varieties of flor de guía cheeses accompanied by one of its wines with guarantee of origin and quality of Gran Canaria, very appreciated by gourmet travellers that, increasingly, visit every year this Atlantic location. This is why the gastronomic trips to Gran Canaria always end up in Santa Brigida, a town full of charm in the middle of the mountains, in the interior area of the island. With long wine tradition, there we find Casa del Vino de Gran Canaria (The house of wines) where we can enjoy a wine tasting and visit a complete exhibition about the history of wine in this municipality.

For toasting, however, there is not better moment that when you are in one of the thousands of traditional parties celebrated in the towns that compose the island. From its above mentioned and extremely famous carnivals to Fiestas de la Virgen del Pino (Feast of Virgin of the Pine), patron of the island, devoutly commemorated every 7th September in Teror.

It is also worth mentioning the Agaete celebrations which receives, year after year, more and more residents, tourists and bystanders. The main function, attended by many people, is the known Bajada de la Rama,, which was declared Festival of National Tourist Interest and is celebrated every 4th August in honour to St Mary of the Snows. Undoubtedly, the must attend summer party in Gran Canaria.

The magical coast

Besides cheese and wine, the cuisine of Gran Canaria boasts other elements that make it authentic and unique. One of them is the fish, captured in its Atlantic waters and taken to the Arguineguín y Mogán harbours. There we can find the essence of the island in each detail and eat one of the best tunas of the Atlantic: the tuna from Mogán, as it is known in many countries in the world.

But  the waters washing the coasts in Gran Canaria offer much more. Blue marlin, barracudas, needle fishes…  Fishing in an authentic fishing boat is one of the best plans of the island for anyone who visits it and looks for something different and special. Recreational fishing could be easily practised in these coasts, and in almost all the marinas in Gran Canaria is possible to book tickets in a fishing vessel for enjoying a sea day with a fishing rod.

For those looking for something more daring, this magical island is the best place in Europe for doing water sports.  The quality of the coast, its delicious weather, its waters and its winds have turned Gran Canaria into the European capital of windsurfing, There we find some beaches such as Vargas and  the wonderful Pozo Izquierdo which are situated in a privileged place, surrounded by the best spots for enjoying this sport.

Diving lovers can also live unique moments immersed in the magical ocean around the island, enclosing the island: there are innumerable scuba diving schools throughout the entire coast, located in the main tourist areas such as Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, where we can easily find a hotel in Gran Canaria at affordable price. Besides signing on a private lesson or on group intensive courses during holiday, these diving centres usually offer the possibility of renting equipment, vessels and areas where you can dive freely.