Visit Some of the Famous Parks in Spain

Spain has many places which are of interest for a tourist. There are monuments like cathedrals, churches, castles, etc. which are of historical interest. There are stunningly beautiful beaches and tall mountains which make the tourist relaxed. There are great parks which have a collection of rare species of plants. Some of the renowned parks in Spain are briefly explained here:

Guell Park:
When we speak of parks, the first name which comes out is Guell Park. This park is the brain child of the genius architect of Spain Antanio Gaudi. There is an old adage 'where there is a will, there is a way' and Gaudi proved it. It was actually a place identified for a housing colony. The rocky area was converted to a park because the proposed housing colony failed to make a start. This beautiful park has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. There are critics who call this park an 'Outrageous modernism'. There are some who praise it because Gaudi has successfully redefined the concept of a 'park'. It has beautiful works of sculpture by some of the renowned artists.

De la Ciudadella Park:
This is again a brain child of Antano Gaudi in the Barri Gotic region of Spain. This park has a great history. Actually it was a fortress built by King Felipe V in the year 1715. The fortress was built in the shape of a Star. Later Napoleon used it as a prison. Later in the year 1878, it was General Prim who completely destroyed the Citadel and in its place a statue of Genera Prim was installed. Later it was converted into a park by the Spanish Government. This huge park is considered as one of the best parks of Spain. It also has some monuments which are of historic importance.

There is also a museum inside the park. The park has a big lake and one can hire a boat. The garden section of the park has varieties of plants which are of interest for every visitor to the park. Universal exhibition was held in the year 1888 in this park. For purpose of the exhibition, many buildings were constructed. The interesting feature of this park is that the government of Spain has preserved all the historic buildings that were constructed in this park. This park has been appreciated by all the people. Most of the buildings in this park are in typical Spanish architecture. The park has many works of sculpture.

Destinations For the Best Christmas Vacations

Are you thinking of spending Christmas somewhere special with your family this year? Are you hoping to take them to a vacation for the holidays, but have no idea where to go? If so, then here is a list of some of the best Christmas vacations from different parts of the world. These destinations will certainly make your family Christmas a more memorable one.

Fun in the Sun - Hawaii

This place is ideal for families who love the sun. Hawaii has many exciting places and features that you can explore. You can also enjoy the beach and soak in the sun. There are a lot of vacation packages that you can avail of for your family but be sure to book early.

Islands in the Sun - Canary Islands (Spain)

This is another ideal destination for those who enjoy the sun. The Canary Islands, an archipelago in Spain, are comprised of seven large islands and some smaller islands. They are known for beautiful unspoiled beaches with clean fine sand. Each island has a characteristic that sets it apart from the others, an interesting fact that is worth exploring.

The Canary Islands, with its warm inviting climate, are a favorite destination of tourists during the Christmas season. You and your family will certainly enjoy your stay here. You can also get to observe the locals' traditional way of celebrating Christmas.

Activities Galore - Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is between the months of October and March, during which you can enjoy not-so-hot temperatures. There are parks and beaches here that your family can visit. However, a lot of these parks and beaches have days that are set apart strictly for women and children, so make sure you check the schedules before you visit. You can also go to the desert safari.

There is no dearth of activities to do in Dubai, which is why it belongs to the best Christmas vacations. You can go sight seeing and visit picturesque waterfalls and canyons. You can also take trips to Bedouin villages. If you are up to the adventure, you can go sand skiing. And of course, one of the best things you can do here is do some shopping!

Heading Down South - Australia

During Christmas season in the US, Australia is enjoying its summer days, so this is the perfect time to visit the beautiful island continent. You will get to enjoy lots of sun on the beaches. You will also see the Australians' unique way to celebrate Christmas.

Australia is a place with lots of great places to go. It 's definitely one of the best Christmas parties, because it will make your trip worthwhile. You will never run out of things to do or to explore the destinations.

Christmas with a Twist - Mexico

Mexico is a Christmas party instead. Christmas in Mexico is a colorful and festive time. The festivities begin on December 16 and further toChristmas.

There are family vacation packages available during the Christmas season. You can stay in beach resorts and enjoy clear blue waters and a relaxing atmosphere. You can go scuba diving or enjoy parasailing. Mexico also has many historical sites you can visit.

These are five of the best Christmas vacations in various locations around the globe. They are perfect for you and your family. If you want to try something new this Christmas, then these destinations are definitely worth a try.

Try the Costa Del Sol For a Villa Holiday in Spain

People who think that the Costa del Sol is all about parties and crowded beaches should think again as there is much more to see and do in this part of Spain than many people would believe. The diversity of the landscapes and activities on offer in the province of Malaga, which is located within Andalusia, has earned it the description of "a small continent".

If you're thinking about booking villa holidays on the Costa del Sol there will be no shortage of things to do, whether it's relaxing on the beach or something a little more energetic.

People who don't want to spend all day lounging on the sand should not be put off by the Costa del Sol's reputation. There are a whole host of other landscapes to explore in the region. Small coves are dotted along the coastline, offering an escape from the crowds on the main beaches but for people with an adventurous streak, the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Reserve could be just the place to go.

Located close to many of the villa rentals available in Malaga, it's a great place to try some exciting new activities.

Foremost among them is potholing, which is particularly popular in the area due to the vast number of caves and chasms carved out by the Guadiaro River. The waterway runs underground over a distance of four kilometres and there are lots of opportunities for those keen to explore some of the caves to get underground with guides and the proper supervision.

People who have booked villas in Spain for a cultural experience will not be disappointed by the Costa del Sol, despite the area being known for its bar and club scene.

There are a whole host of cultural sights to visit in the area and renting a car to explore some of the villages and towns found inland towards the mountains could be a great option for anyone wanting to escape the beach for a day.

A mountainous landscape has made some of the architecture in Andalusia truly unique, with picturesque villages featuring white-washed houses with red-tiled roofs dotted around the area.

If you would simply prefer to find out what Malaga City has to offer, then there are still lots of things to see for anyone interested in Spain's history and culture.

Among the most notable sights are the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle - Moorish ruins which date back to the 12th and 13th century.

All About Spain

Most famously known for its endless beaches and year-round sunshine as well as the sultry Flamenco and the gory bullfights, Spain has oodles more to offer than that. For thousands of years, Spain has been one of the prime cultural centres of Europe. What distinguishes Spain from the other European countries is its distinctly Arab characteristic which is a result of almost eight centuries of Arab influence.

Spain's diversity is overwhelming. Its various regions are all conspicuously different from each other; from their geography and climate to their cuisine and culture. Every city and town is an eclectic mix of ancient monuments and futuristic architecture standing testimony to Spain's centuries old history and its changing times. Cities and towns are littered with Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces, medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals.

Geography

Located in the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain's bordering countries include France, Andorra, Portugal, Gibraltar and Morocco. The waters surrounding Spain include the North Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrenees Mountains southwest of France. Spain has a total area of 504,782 km, with a coastline that stretches 4,964 km. It comprises 19 autonomous communities including the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean; the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca) in the Mediterranean Sea and Melilla and Ceuta, situated in northern Africa. Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas are three tiny Spanish possessions that lie off the coast of Morocco.

Five immense mountain ranges span the country adding to the extremely varied landscape; green and fertile in some areas and arid, almost desert-like in others. Along with all this are the never-ending coast lines that run from the Pyrenees to Gibraltar along the Mediterranean Sea in the east and along the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the west.

Climate

Spain's climate is predominantly temperate with clear, hot summers and colder winters in the interiors and cloudier with moderate temperatures along the coast.

Language

While Spanish is the official language of the country, there are several other languages that co-exist with Spanish and are spoken in certain regions of Spain. These include Catalan in Catalonia, Valencian in the Valencia Region, , Galician in Galicia and a distinct variety of Catalan that is spoken on the Balearic Islands.

Culture

Fiestas and bullfights are indispensable parts of Spain. The seasons in Spain are defined not only by the changes in temperatures but also by the different fiestas; there is a fiesta for every season. Every fiesta is distinct from the other in the way it is celebrated, why it is celebrated, when it is celebrated as well as which region it is celebrated in. Fiestas are such an integral part of Spain that you would have to spend a year in Spain to experience the real culture of Spain. While the Feria de Abril in Sevilla includes an entire week of dancing and singing while indulging in tapas and sherry; the Semana Santa is a more somber week of prayer and penance.

The Flamenco is Spain itself. This musical tradition is absolutely inseparable from Spain and so are teg bullfights, which are part and parcel of almost all Fiestas and are a sight to behold. Not to be missed is the "Running of the Bulls" during the Sanfermines in Pamplona.

Renowned Beaches of Spain

Blessed with a long coastline of about 220 kms, Spain has effectively harnessed the beach along this long coastline to offer more comforts to the tourist. At many places this long coast is dotted with tall mountains. Uniqueness of the beaches in Spain is that they are perfectly maintained. The sea water is crystal clear. In fact many beaches have been awarded the Blue flag denoting how neat the beaches are. The beaches have all the facilities like villas and apartments for those who want to spend the night near the beach, restaurants, long walking track, water sports, etc. Beach guards are always available for the safety of the tourist.

Some of the famous beaches in Spain are briefly discussed here:

Beach Calafell:

This beach is very close to Costa Dorada in the province of Catalonia. Known for its most imposing natural beauty, the Beach Calafell offers maximum recreation to the tourist. The golden sand of this beach perfectly matches with the beautiful environment around. There is an ancient castle and a hermitage and Liberian citadel which are dedicated to St. Michael. The castle has been built on a small hill which is very near to the sea. Historians are of the opinion that the castle was built to guard the city from pirates and other enemies crossing into the country through the sea route. There is also a theme park. During night time the fountains around this theme park are luxuriously lit and this presents a wonderful experience. There are separate playing areas for children. Adults can enjoy water sports like skiing, boating, diving, etc. Shopping complex has many things to offer those who are fond of shopping. The cafes and hotels serve many local mouth watering specialties. Many of the villas and apartments are located at a distance of just about 50 meters from the sea.

Port Aventura:

This is yet another beautiful beach which is located near Barcelona. In fact this is one of the most preferred beaches amongst those who visit Barcelona. The beach is surrounded by beautiful nature. There are abundant water sports facilities. One of the most interesting features of this beach is the theme park where China, Polynesia, Mexico and Far West are the four themed regions. The 'Fiestaventura' which marks the conclusion of the performance in the regional theaters is followed by a spectacular firework and laser display which makes the audience spellbound. Of course, if you want to spend your night on the beach, there are many villas and apartments.

Travelling in Andalucia - Top Ten Places to Visit

Andalucia is probably one of the most archetypal or stereotypical of all of the semi autonomous regions that make up Spain.

Once described as where bull fighters meet beaches, flamenco, white villages meet cave houses and all intermingled within a whole plethora of gaudy festivals!

From religious processions to tapas and sherry, all forms of culture and life can be found in Andalucia.

Andalucia comprises of eight provinces which stretch across southern Spain from the deserts of Almeria to the Portuguese border in the west. Bisected roughly down the middle by Spain's longest river, the Guadalquivir, Andalucia is connected to the rest of Spain via a pass called the "Desfiladero de Despenaperros". Contrary to popular belief the highest mountains and peaks on the Spanish mainland are in Andalucia's Sierra Nevada.

Andalucia more than possibly the rest of Spain has had its fair share of invaders though out history and the majority have left their mark on one shape or other. The Romans build cities in this most southern of Spain's provinces which they called "Baetica" amongst which Cordoba, the regions provincial capital and Seville are perhaps the best known.

After the Romans, the Moors lingered longest in Andalucia and left examples of some of their finest architecture in "the Mezquita" in Cordoba and of course the amazing and elegant palace of "the Alhambra" in Granada. Arguably, Spain's busiest beaches are to be found in Andalucia within the Costa del Sol and one of Europe's greatest and most controversial oddities, Gibraltar is found at the western end of Andalucia.

At the top of the list of places to visit in Andalucia has got to be the Moorish Palace of Alhambra in Granada. 1,300 years worth of heritage and elegance encompassed in stone! Next up has possibly got to be the Cathedral and La Giralda in Seville. Where Christendom meets the Moors, where triumphalism and heroism meets mysticism, it is all here. Next on the list has to be the palace of Real Alcazar in Seville also.

Next on our whistle-stop tour of Andalucia has to be the provincial capital of Cordoba and "La Mezquita". Once arguably the most important city in Europe, this fact is emphasised by the architectural splendour of "La Mezquita", the Grand Mosque. Along the coast we find the historic port of Cadiz, said to be Europe's oldest port and Cadiz still manages to retain some of its aura of mystery.

If we then take a look at some of the more regionally based attractions there is Ronda, one of the largest of the so called white villages of Andalucia scattered throughout the region. Ronda is built on a huge tablet of rock spectacularly split in two by the Tajo Gorge. It is alleged that Ronda is the birthplace of the modern approach and style of bull fighting. The coastal region is more commonly known as the Costa del Sol and here you will see everything from some of Spain's most exclusive resorts where multi million pound yachts can be found in abundance and a short way up the coats you will find some of the more fun packed and lively of Spain's more family orientated resorts. For the more culturally inquisitive amongst us, in Andalucia you find Baeza and Ubeda and some of the finest Renaissance architecture to be found in historic settings anywhere.

To the west of the province you find the vast wetlands and the delta of the Guadalquivir where one of the world's most important wetland reserves for Wildlife and birds especially is to be found - the Parque Nacional del Cote Donana.

Finally, as has been mentioned earlier on in Andalucia is to be found Spain's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada. Europe's second highest mountain range after the Alps, the Sierra Nevada has the distinction of providing the continents southern most skiing resorts!

Funnily enough, unless you haven't managed to get the drift there is an enormous amount to do and places to see in Andalucia and it is well worth a visit!

Spain - The North Costa Blanca

Mention Spain's 'Costa Blanca', and most people will think of big, bold and beautiful Benidorm, with it high-rises, all-year round sun and some of the most stunning beaches in Spain. And it's true, Europe's most popular tourist resort is the still the place where people of all ages and inclinations go for a wonderful holiday - everything from tea-dancing in the cafs on the prom to scuba diving in the Med, bright with kaleidoscopic sea life.

For decades whole of the Costa Blanca was tarred with the same brush - and a brash brush at that; everything was supposedly high-rise and low class, and the beaches covered with pinkly grilled bodies. Nothing could be further from the truth; if it was why would Javea have been the retreat of choice of the rich, looking for a bit of a hideaway; why would the iconic Spanish songster, Julio Iglesias, have sunk an awful lot of his hard-earned cash into a luxury development just outside Altea; and why would Starwood Hotels, owners of the Westin and Sheraton chains, have sunk vast amounts of money building what's virtually a Mediterranean village just outside Benidorm, which was chosen as the location for Mercedes world-wide launch of their new models in 2008?

Dnia, with its stretches of beautiful coastline filled with rocky coves and long sandy beaches is almost at the northern tip of the Costa Blanca. It nestles at the foot of the impressive "el Montg" and is a town with an historic past, such as its Roman Castle, which still stands proudly overlooking the Mediterranean. It is also a busy ferry port, with daily crossings to the nearby Balearic Islands as well as hosting a very stylish Yacht Marina with many fantastic bars and restaurants. It is also the only resort in Spain that has guided way marked routes - underwater!

Moving south to Javea, once the resort of choice for those who retired with a few bob in the bank, but which has become much more cosmopolitan, emphasized by a recent census that showed fifty-two percent of the population as being non-Spanish. Nonetheless, it feels distinctly Spanish and these days appeals to a wide ranging visitor and resident population.

In effect, there are three faces to Javea; the old town, still very Spanish with its narrow streets and historic buildings; the port area, which has the fishing and leisure ports and most of the day-to-day commercial enterprises; and the Arenal, the beach area almost entirely given over to tourism.

From whichever direction you approach Calpe, the dominating view seawards is of the Peon de Ifach, a 332 metre rock that is now a nature reserve but has been used since Phoenician times as a defensive standpoint against pirates and Barbary raiders. Latter-day colonisers have firmly ensconced themselves in the town, creating a spot by the sea where German bakeries rub shoulders with Scandinavian design stores and British bars, where you can enjoy a pint of bitter and a full fry-up for breakfast. A major benefit of this internationalism is that there are some excellent restaurants, where you can dine on dishes from around the world.