The Crocodile Park in Torremolinos turns 18!

In 2014, this famous and curious amusement park, focused on displaying these impressive wild animals, celebrates its 18th birthday, with an interesting leisure proposal of fun for the whole family. A must see for those who choose Torremolinos as a holiday destination.

It is one of the most emblematic amusement and animal parks in Spain. Located at t he foot of the Sierra de Torremolinos, the Crocodile Park is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once, especially if you have children.

Marconfort Griego Torremolinos Hotel

Marconfort Griego Torremolinos Hotel

Founded in 1996, the park is very close to the center of the city, next to the Aqualand water park and a few kilometers from the family hotel in the center of Torremolinos, the Marconfort Griego hotel. Besides being a place that is already part of the history of Torremolinos, it is one of the most striking leisure proposals the city has to offer. They boast of having among its residents, the oldest crocodiles in Europe, Paco.
After several renovations and new additions, next year the famous crocodile park in Torremolinos will turn 18 years open to the public, and it aims to celebrate it in style. Along with various surprise activities and special parties, the Crocodile Park will show its over 200 crocodiles in the open air, in large ponds that can be visited and admired from different platforms and viewpoints.

Hotel rooms in Torremolinos

Hotel rooms in Torremolinos

Seeing how they eat, move, interact with each other or hunt is a real show, and it is also possible to see at the park from baby crocodiles to large African caimans weighing over 500 Kilograms.

One of the top attractions rated by children is, allowing them to hold baby crocodiles in their arms and being able to take photos with them. The park also includes a museum of objects, wildlife and African culture, a school workshop and projection area in which educational videos are on display about the history and prehistory of the dinosaurs and reptiles.

The latest in hotels: the All Inclusive Urban

The tourism sector keeps surprising us with new formulas and proposals to conquer and surprise the travellers. There are options for all tastes, pockets and ages: Adults Only Hotels, Picapiedra Hotels, Hotels for Friends… And all of them are totally specialised so that they can offer a personalised service to the detail.

One of the last proposals we have found is the All Inclusive Urban concept, recently inaugurated by the Spanish chain Barceló Hotels. It is a renovated concept of urban hotels which bet on offering their guests an All Inclusive service, but without giving up the exclusivity, the design and the personalisation that characterise the city hotels.

Accommodation in Caceres

Accommodation in Caceres

This service is undeniably a modern revision of the classic All Inclusive applied to urban hotels, but Barceló has managed to give it a special touch which makes it unique and personal, and which makes a urban accommodation become a complete holiday destination.

Hotel in Caceres

Hotel in Caceres

The All Inclusive Urban is a formula specially designed for family holidays or for business, incentive or group trips, as it offers many possibilities inside the hotel, ideal for those who need a comfortable, well-equipped space full of commodities which make their stay easier: rooms and menus for the whole family, conference centres and meeting rooms, swimming pool, parking, wifi access…

One of the Barceló hotels that has already introduced this service is the Barceló Cáceres V Centenario, an exclusive 4-star hotel close to the old town, with suites and specialised services for corporate clients.

The revolution of El Raval, Barcelona

El Raval neighbourhood in Barcelona has been a forgotten place until very recently, a historic place in the suburbs known for years as “Barrio Chino” and that now -specially its upper part- has become the in style neighbourhood of the city. It is a multiethnic area which keeps the charm of the old things and a meeting place for those who lead the cultural vanguardism in Barcelona.

The advantage of this place is that what used to be the suburbs of the city has now moved to the heart of it: El Raval delimits with the Gothic neighbourhood through La Rambla and with the area of Pelai street. The famous La Boquería Market is part of its network of streets and, in fact, a good example of the bustling and colourful character of the neighbourhood.

Accommodation in Barcelona

Accommodation in Barcelona

El Raval belongs to the old city district and here the traveller will find pleasant terraces, tapas bars with an atmosphere typical from Barcelona and restaurants with worldly cuisines. One of the essential elements in the neighbourhood’s renovation has been the construction of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona (MACBA) in the area.

Surrounding this institution, the University and many other firms that have invested in the area, we can find all type of businesses which have created an innovative and dynamic scheme, where traditional firms come hand-in-hand with modern firms from technological or design sectors.

Many hotel chains have also responded to the call of this revolution, inaugurating hotels of vanguardist design, accommodations specially designed for young clients, between 25 and 45, preferably for trips as a couple to Barcelona, trips with friends or business trips.

Hotel in Barcelona

Hotel in Barcelona

A good example of the adaptation of these hotels to the new reality of El Raval is the Barceló Raval, located in the Rambla of El Raval, with a 360º terrace on the roof which offers stunning views of this area of the centre of Barcelona.

The Abba Rambla, the Milenni Hotel, the Be Sound Hostel… And close to them, although outside the neighbourhood, we find some hotels of the Basque chain Petit Palace, such as the Petit Palace Boquería

Corralejo, one of the trending destinations in the world

Located in the north of the island of Fuerteventura and with less than 15.000 inhabitants, the village of Corralejo has been chosen by travellers around the world as one of the 10 emerging must-visit destinations for this 2014, together with exotic places such as Katmandu (Nepal), Fortaleza (Brasil) or Cayos de Belice.

Praised for its excellent beaches of white fine sand and its amazing volcanic landscapes, Corralejo is a classic destination for the European tourist and an authentic discovery for those who come from other continents: unconscious of the biodiversity of Fuerteventura, many people are surprised by the combination of the high volcanoes of black rocks with the turquoise water of the Atlantic ocean.

Accommodation in Playa de Jandia

Accommodation in Playa de Jandia

Unique waters which, caressed by the winds, offer an unbeatable setting for water sports lovers: windsurf, kite surf, sailing… Activities which, year after year, bring together in Fuerteventura thousands of amateurs who, season after season, come back to vibrate on the stunning waves.

But Corralejo is much more than beaches and surf, that is why it is one of the 10 top destinations this 2014: tradition, gastronomy, culture, craftsmanship, nature, geology, parties… Besides, its exceptional location, close at hand from Islote de Lobos and with perfect connections by boat with Lanzarote’s neighbouring island, makes this old fishing village an ideal place for getting away from it all and relaxing by the seashores.

Booking an accommodation in Lanzarote, taking the ferry and enjoying a complete day in this beautiful island of unique landscapes can be the perfect experience that crowns your trip to Corralejo.

Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace

Iberostar Fuerteventura Palace

Regarding tourism, the area features some of the best hotels in Fuerteventura, such as the Barceló Corralejo Bay, in the area of Grandes Playas, very close to the Natural Park of the Dunes of Corralejo. The complementary offer is also really varied and adapted to all type of travellers: families, couples with children, groups of friends, business…

A trip to Corralejo is also the perfect excuse to visit Fuerteventura. The island has really unique places, such as the peninsula of Jandia, one of the most beautiful beach areas of the Canary Islands: Jandia or Matorral beaches, Cofete beach, Morro Jable… Located on the south of the island, these beaches represent the naturist and family tourism par excellence, surrounded by the stunning Natural Park of Jandia, where we find the highest mountain in the island.

The area of Jandia is also one of the most recommended areas to find accommodation in Fuerteventura: hotels for children in Jandia, hotels with Adult Only areas close to Matorral beach or family hotels close at hand from Morro Jable are some of the most valued options due to their good quality price ratio and to the variety of services they offer to the traveller.

According to Tripadvisor’s users, Fuerteventura is a rising destination, an island to be visited at any time of the year and where to enjoy sport and relaxation at the same time, without giving up luxury plans such as savouring the excellent gastronomy of the Canary Islands, going through the 24 volcanoes of the island or visiting the main museums and art centres in Puerto del Rosario, the capital.

Discovering the city of Medellin

Unknown to many, Medellin is a Colombian city of friendly and warm people where to find numerous events, rich cuisine and a pleasant weather all year round.  Hotels in Medellin are waiting for you!

Located in a mountain valley, this quiet town has a growing interest especially in the historic centre, where you can visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, Bolivar Park, the Berrio Park, the Cathedral… Medellin is a perfect plan for an escapade.

Panoramic view of Medellin

Panoramic view of Medellin

But, besides the historical centre, the diversity of environments is one of the highlights of Medellin. In North Carobobo you can enjoy the nature, art and the knowledge of its university, while in the Barrio Prado neighbourhood you can admire an outstanding example of local architecture with houses of different styles and streets and gardens with a noble style, such as the Casa del Teatro or Tres patios.

On the other hand, the Managing and Business Area hosts the headquarters of the municipal and departmental governments, public companies, the Plaza Mayor… it is an essential location for all business travellers.

El Poblado is the equivalent of the Golden Mile of Medellin, with luxury shops, restaurants, nightlife and the long Avenue of El Poblado, ideal for a walk. It is a unique neighbourhood for leisure activities. The Lleras Park is ideal for tourists and young people, the La 10 for shopping; Via Primavera and Provenza for exclusive shops, the main park of El Poblado to relax from the hustle and the street of La Buena Mesa to experience the diversity of cuisines and restaurants in Medellin.

Staying at a hotel like The Charlee in Medellin you will discover all this and much more.

A destination guide: What to see in Ibiza?

What to see in Ibiza? What are the places you must visit in this Mediterranean island, those places that one should not miss? As with many places, choosing a top 5 of the most beautiful places in Ibiza is very complicated, as every traveller is different and each trip also: you will not find the same Ibiza if you travel with friends at age 20, with children at 30 or with your couple at 50… But, it is true that if one stops to think and analyse it, there are a number of places that should not be missed on a holiday in Ibiza.

Hotel in Cala Portinatx

Hotel in Cala Portinatx

1.Dalt Vila

The old town of the city of Ibiza, also called Vila. Its walls and cathedral stand out, both part of a historical set with a renaissance style (XVI century), which has been declared, since 1999, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Another of its most striking landmarks, is the castle that overlooks the city and the port of Ibiza. Strolling through the streets, admiring the view from this area is always a good plan.

2. Calle Barcelona

The liveliest area of Ibiza after sunset. Very close to the port of Ibiza and full of bars, terraces, restaurants, Chill Outs, pubs and the best atmosphere on the island, to enjoy your first drink before heading back to the hotel or to start off the evening. Here, it is easy to buy discount tickets for evening shows to the most important night clubs in Ibiza and be surprised by the parades of professional go-go dancers on the street.

3. Café del Mar

Although there are many Chill Out bars in Ibiza, Cafe del Mar has become a true symbol of the most modern and eclectic island in the Mediterranean. Located on Lepanto Street, in the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany, close to the Hawaii Ibiza hotel.  Worth visiting it for its sunsets with music, that have become famous worldwide. The atmosphere is very lively, with people of all kinds and from all over the world. Another similar place, less crowded, is the Kumharas, on Lugo Street of Cala de Bou, in the municipality of San Jose, very close to the Fiesta Milord hotel.

Adults Only hotel in Ibiza

Adults Only hotel in Ibiza

4. Santa Eulalia des Riu

One of the most charming villages on the island. It is a village that best preserves the hippie spirit that reigned the “white island”, and has a large number of interesting hotels where to stay on the beach of Es Canar, the most famous of the municipality. Close, on the 12th km of the road between Santa Eularia with Sant Carles, close to the Paraiso Beach hotel nest to Cala Marina, you find one of the busiest markets in Ibiza, the market of Las Dalias.

5. Cala Portinatx

One of the most famous and valued coves in Ibiza, is the beautiful Cala Portinatx. Open to the Mediterranean, as a sea inlet, surrounded by vegetation and beautiful landscapes, transparent turquoise waters and fine white sand, this cove is a natural paradise that surely deserves to be among the five essential key points to visit in Ibiza. At the cove, there is a hotel right facing the sea, the El Greco hotel, designed specifically for holidays with your partner or with children.

Green hotels that environmentally involved

The concept of green hotels has begun to penetrate deeply in Europe. Although there are still very few examples in Spain, there is a growing concern favouring a national tourism project that has its foundation on a sustainable industry. Hotels and services that are energy efficient, detailed and involved in the natural area that surrounds it, committed with the sustainability of the destination and its society in different dimensions.

This discussion has already reached some of the most important hotel brands in our country and there are many that have taken measures to achieve the distinction of a “green hotel” that is consolidating as an added value.

Hotels in San Miguel de Abona

Hotels in San Miguel de Abona

In fact, in the latest edition of Fitur, there was a specific part, Fitur Green, designated to analyse sustainable tourism in our country, which was attended by some of the most prominent representatives of this particular sector, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the Institute for Responsible Tourism, among others.

A good example of the work being done in this regard by the Spanish tourism industry is found in Tenerife, in one of the hotels of the hotel chain Sandos Hotels, the Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf, a resort in San Miguel de Abona, next to the nature reserve of San Blas, which includes a complete environmental program for guests, including routes and tours on rafts through the nature reserve, to a special ecological club, the Sandos Eco Club. This club organizes activities to preserve the ecological values of this volcanic territory in Tenerife and collaborates with other local institutions.

Sustainable hotels in Spain

Sustainable hotels in Spain

It is an interesting model and worth praising, while it is still far from resembling what the European Union has considered the ecological hotel in Europe: Hotel Garden Court in the Holland, an energy efficient accommodation, in which no artificial climate control is used, but the construction materials themselves create optimal protection to ensure adequate room temperature at all times.

But, the Garden Court has been able to go a step further and claims to be the only hotel in Europe offering its guests a 100% bio cuisine, a characteristic that has become one of the main attractions of this accommodation that attracts visitors from all around the world.

Accommodation that never go out of style

It is very common that we review those more innovative hotels, the most avant-garde tourist proposals or the most interesting formulas that will allow our readers to discover new design hotels. In this occasion, wrapped in autumn’s melancoly and with a little post-vacational syndrome, we have written a short but honest summary of destinations and accommodations that, in our opinion, will never go out of fashion.

Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach

Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach

The rebirth of Costa Blanca

Benidorm is a classic destination. A destination that has been gradually associated with national and foreign tourists of a certain age, and its eccentric skyscrapers that shape it as one of the European cities with the largest skyline in the continent. Something that surprises everyone that visits it for the first time. Many are those that think that this urban development is an aberration, bearing in mind the Mediterranean environment that surrounds it. As time passes, Benidorm has revitalised and changed into a vintage destination, to which many visit it as a new experience, different and fun, away from the connotations attributed in the past.

In Benidorm there is a beach… and hotels. Choosing one among all the ones available can be stressful, as the decision can be a success or a total mistake. Our recommendation in this sense, and after covering several hotels in the area, are Benidorm’s aparthotel of the hotel chain Marconfort, the Flamingo Playa and the Flamingo Benidorm, two accommodations with All Inclusive next to the beach of Levante. Ideal for those travelling with friends or family. Its services and facilities are complete, and the personalised attention of their staff is unbeatable.

Marconfort Beach Club Hotel Torremolinos

The magic of the Costa del Sol

The hotels in Málaga never go out of style. The city where Pablo Picasso was born, offers beaches that are a haven for families and surfers, and that year after year, the Costa del Sol sees how the magic of its natural beauty continues to have effect an effect on tourists. In addition, the province has many faces. On the one hand, the classic family destination of Torremolinos keeps its pull despite the changes in national tourism trends, recovering from the current economic crisis. On the other hand, Marbella and its luxury resorts near Puerto Banus, that maintains its pulse and retains its status and glamour.

Among the hotels in Torremolinos that we reviewed to include in this list, we have chosen two  belonging to the hotel chain Marconfort. The Griego hotel and the Beach Club hotel, two of the classics in this holiday destination, chosen mainly by spanish families of the interior. In Marbella, we are sticking to the Marbella Coral beach, and in the area of Fuengirola, one of the most comfortable hotels located in the beach of Los Boliches, the Confortel Fuengirola hotel.

Hotel in Fuengirola

Hotel in Fuengirola

Natural beauty on the coast of Barcelona

Another classic and family orientated destination in Spain, one of the most protected agains’t foreign mass tourism, is the coast of Barcelona. Away from the bustle of the capital and along the Mediterranean coast you find towns like Pineda del Mar, Calella, Malgrat de Mar and endless towns that have been kept almost intact, retaining its traditional essence of fishing villages. The most appreciated in this area, is its atmosphere, an to a generation it reminds them of a time when summers were blue and they could run around freely along the towns streets.

Preserving the tradition from father to son, those who visit this coast of Barcelona during the summer holidays are usually Spanish, many with a second home in the area, others accommodated in small hotels with character and staff that feels more like family. Along this line, we choose several hotels from the hotel chain Fergus Hotels, available in the coast of Barcelona:

Fergus Style Mar Mediterrania

Fergus Style Mar Mediterrania

The Fergus Style Mar Mediterrania, off the coast of Santa Susanna and completely refurbished in 2013. We like it for its exterior designer spaces, with areas of a solarium terrace and an amazing swimming pool in which to spend hours reading a book. The town of Santa Susanna, is also one of the most beautiful of all this coast.

The Fergus Montemar, an All Inclusive hotel in Pineda de Mar with the advantage of having the beach very close and all the services that can be found in the centre of the town. Good atmosphere, personal attention and surprising facilities for an All Inclusive: Jacuzzi, gardens, relax area, cocktail service, children’s playground and kid’s club…

The Fergus Espanya, a historic hotel in Calella that could not be forgotten in a list that mentions traditional holiday accommodations in Spain that, even after so many years have not gone out of style. With a large group of loyal tourists, this hotel in Calella, is a symbol fro tourism on the coast of Barcelona. Informal and with a spirit that makes all its guests feel at home, it has managed to earn the affection of all those that visit it at some point.

About Spanish gastronomy

Spanish gastronomy has experienced, in the last decade, a huge increase in popularity at international levels. Today, spanish chefs and restaurants are among the most recognised and respected in the world and the influence of Spanish cuisine is present in all the corners of the globe.

One of the characteristics of the spanish gastronomy is its variety of dishes, influenced by the different cultures that have populated the Iberian peninsula, as well as the mixture between dishes with rural and seaside origin.

Spanish gastronomy in Budapest

Spanish gastronomy in Budapest

The base of the cuisine is focused on high quality products and raw materials, and a special care in the preparation, where there is an emphasis on obtaining the maximum from the products. Products like olive oil, fish and seafood, vegetables like peppers, garlic and asparagus, and the Iberian pork are part of the traditional dishes and the base of this rich and varied gastronomy.

Nowadays, Mediterranean gastronomy is considered the most healthy and balanced diet. Olive oil stands out among the main ingredients and many considered it as “liquid gold”. Spain is among the top 3 olive oil producers in the world and they are awarded important prices every year and are considered as a reference regarding quality.

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

Restaurant La Plaza in Budapest

With well known chefs like Ferran Adria, the Roca brothers, Jose Mari Arzak, Martin Berasategui, Andoni Aduritz and others, spanish cuisine has earned its place in the international gastronomic scene and at the same time, they are main exponents of products made in Spain.

In the city of Budapest, the spanish restaurant of La Plaza was recently inaugurated the, a part of the Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest. Leading the restaurant is the spanish chef Sergio Montaño, with a long career in restaurants around the world. His extensive career and passion for spanish cuisine make this restaurant one of the best restaurants in Budapest.

Beach of Amadores, a destination for the family

The beach of Amdores, in Gran Canaria, is one of those destinations that seem to be tailor made for those travelling with family. Known as one of the quietest areas and with the best atmosphere on the island, it also offers a perfect beach for children, protected from the strong currents of the Atlantic ocean by two large breakwaters.

The beach of Amadores, viewed from the hill under which it runs, looks like a large family swimming pool where children can spend the day playing in the water and parents can rest   sunbathing peacefully, completely unconcerned.

Views of Playa de Amadores

Views of Playa de Amadores

Located between the towns of Puerto Rico and Mogan we find this famous beach, known by many as the “peaceful beach” and in recent years transformed into one of the most important tourist resorts in Gran Canaria, where you find different accommodation options, from the classic all inclusive hotel or apartments with views to Playa Amadores.

A magnet for many foreign tourists, due to the natural charm of the area, it still retains that simple aesthetics, typical in many towns in the south of Gran Canaria, Amadores and its beautiful beach offer all kinds of comforts, that have led it into the top of user reviews, even over the iconic beach of Playa del Ingles.

Apartments in Playa de Amadores

Apartments in Playa de Amadores

In the surrounding area, you find the coastal town of Puerto Rico, belonging to the municipality of Mogan (like Amadores), and surrounded by beautiful valleys and a remarkable abundance of European tourists, especially Norwegians. It is an area with a strong link to fishing and coastal activity, and it is an ideal place to enjoy a boat trip and see dolphins travelling along the coast. A perfect experience to enjoy with children.