Spanish Holiday Destinations | Living in Spain | Spain Tourist Guide

Having a holiday is a fun thing, it’s great to work out where you want to go, and what you want to do while you’re there isn’t it. The one thing that for some of us can be a bit daunting is trying to keep it all within budget. First there’s flights to think of, then the hotel costs, not to mention meals, excursions out to places of interest, snacks, drinks, evening entertainment events for the kids and so on. It can all add up quickly and can be quite a pain trying to keep track of what you’re spending when all you really want to do is relax and enjoy the holiday.

One of the best options if you’ve ever felt like this, is an all inclusive holiday package. This way you know exactly what you’re paying and that everything is sorted before you go. You also know exactly what you’re getting for your money of course. In Alcudia there is a fantastic resort which provides just this sort of holiday to people. The facilities are wonderful and varied enough to cater for most tastes, and you can include flight, hotel, meals and use of some or all of the facilities that are available there.

The Hotel Bellevue is situated beside the Esperanza lake and consists of 17 separate buildings. It has almost the feel of a village with it’s self contained complex that offers amenities and activities within it’s own extensive grounds. The Beach is a mere 900m away, and Facilities include seven swimming pools, sun terraces, poolside bars, buffet restaurant, pizzeria, café, snack bar, pub, supermarket, tennis, squash and basketball courts, a five-aside football pitch, crazy golf, ten pin bowling, go-karts, funfair, and various day and evening entertainments. When you opt for the all Inclusive options, your meals, any snacks that you want, and drinks are all included within the price. If you are there when the are open you will also have use of the two kids world clubs that operate from May to October.

Obviously any excursions outside the complex will still need to be paid for separately but within the complex there is so much available that it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a holiday here without ever leaving the complex although to not visit the wonderful beaches nearby with their wonderful golden sands and blue sea, would be a shame.

Popularity: 24% [?]

British Airways online and direct sales manager, Keith Chuter, and Francisco De La Torre, the Mayor of Malaga Town Hall, put pen to paper this month, signing a letter of intent, making official their plans to further promote Malaga City in the British market. The letter lays the foundations of a two year agreement that will see British Airways use its online channels, to highlight the many flights available to Malaga from the UK, and further increase tourism to the city.

The agreement, set to begin in early 2010, will incorporate a two phase marketing, media and advertising campaign. Phase one will see British Airways expand its online channels, allowing it to strongly promote and sell Malaga. Two familiarisation trips will take place to highlight the city’s Picasso links, cultural and historic offerings, year-round events, fantastic gastronomy and prestigious hotels.

Phase two will involve the expansion of communication channels and development of advertising campaigns. The campaign will also see British Airways contract tours to the city, which will appear on the Malaga Turismo website, with a hyperlink to the British Airways website.

The agreement is scheduled to end in the Spring/Summer of 2011 however, if the campaign has been a great success it’s likely a further two year agreement will be signed.

British Airways currently operates 12 flights to Malaga from the UK every week and also offers a wide range of hotels, from the 3* value-for-money Atarazanas Malaga Boutique Hotel to the magnificent 4*+ Petit Palace Plaza ideally located in the historic centre.

It’s hoped this winning partnership with the Malaga Council of Tourism, will not only encourage more travellers to use the route but, will also encourage those visiting to explore the city and discover more about its rich heritage.

Popularity: 33% [?]

Spain is rapidly getting a reputation as one of the best places to take a skiing holiday, not everyone’s fIrst choice, but once people have been they do tend to back again and again. We are talking about real Spain here not the principality of Andorra, but Baqueira Beret, Formigal in Northern Spain and Prodaolanno in the Sierra Nevada in the far south of the country.

Baqueira-Beret offers some of the best above the treeline bowl skiing in the Pyrenees and is just a short transfer from Toulouse in the picturesque Aran valley. Named after the nearby villages of Baqueira and Beret, the ski holiday resort offers good skiing for all abilities though intermediate skiers will find themselves most at home here. There are 86 kilometres of marked pistes consisting of four greens, 25 blues, 20 reds and four blacks. If you’re only just off the nursery slopes you may find some of the blues more challenging than usual.

The ski resort of Formigal is located at the heart of the Spanish Pyrenean Mountains in the region of Aragon. It’s a lively purpose-built resort suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers and families. You don’t come here to rub shoulders with the rich and famous but it’s a friendly and relaxed resort with good facilities and some great ski deals are available at lower prices than some of the other skiing resorts of the Alps.

For sun and snow your choice for skiing holidays in Spain has to be the Sierra. The ski area is called Sol y Nieve, which translates as “sun and snow” and you really can get this in Europe’s most southerly ski resort, any further and you would fall into the Mediterranean, just 60 miles inland from the Costa Tropical, and a 20-mile day trip from historic Granada and its World Heritage Sites. It’s the best known and best equipped of all the Spanish ski resorts with 48 pistes covering 70 kilometres. You won’t find another resort where you can ski in the morning then play golf in the sunshine or relax on a Mediterranean beach in the afternoon.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Anyone who wants to make Christmas last a little bit longer may be interested in an unusual, seasonal event held every year in Spain’s Aragon region.

Saragossa plays host to the Three Kings parade on January 5th, with events running into the following day.

A colourful carnival accompanies the Three Kings, or Wise Men, as they ride through the city distributing sweets and presents to the crowds.

People who have booked Saragossa hotels for early January will no doubt be drawn on to the streets as the parade passes by.

Local celebrities play the three principle characters, while elaborately decorated floats and people in costume make up this long procession.

It begins in the Puerta del Carmen area of the city and continues down the Calle Alfonso I.

Another highlight of the event is the creation of an enormous cake, which is displayed in the morning before being cut into small pieces and handed out at lunchtime in the Plaza del Pilar.

For people travelling with children, there are shows across the city aimed at a younger audience, on offer both before and after the parade.

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Popularity: 9% [?]

The beautiful Balearic Island of Mallorca has long been a hot favourite with holidaymakers from around the world.  Boasting breathtaking pine clad mountains, fantastic beaches and historic towns and cities.  Along with a whole raft of fascinating visitor attractions.

Mallorca is the largest of the three Balearic Islands and is home to a number of resorts.  Each with its own unique character.  Whilst there are plenty of accommodation options available such as luxury hotels a growing number of visitors to the island now opt to book holiday villas in Mallorca direct online.  Thanks to the growth of the internet and the availability of some fantastic character properties, especially in locations such as Pollensa in the north of the island.

Pollensa
Pollensa – or Pollenca – is a former Roman settlement dating back to the 5th century.  And has become one of the most upmarket holiday locations on the island.  Providing plenty of high quality accommodation in old traditional stone built farmhouses and fincas.  All of which is located just some 8km from the coast.

The town is home to numerous pretty squares, streets and shops and is ideal for anyone seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main resorts.  Whilst also remaining in close proximity to the excellent beaches of the North coast.

Puerto Pollensa
Puerto Pollensa is the close coastal cousin to Pollensa and is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque and photogenic locations on the island.  Thanks to the breathtaking backdrop provided by the magnificent Tramantura Mountains.

The resort revolves around the main beach – which is around 3km long – and the luxury marina.  And also has a delightful seafront promenade where tourists will find a good selection of bars and restaurants.

Can Picafort
Can Picafort is located close to Puerto Pollensa and is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the island.  Boasting a huge sandy beach and a wide selection of bars, shops and restaurants.

The resort has evolved over the years from its original roots as a small fishing village and provides an excellent base for anyone seeking a holiday in the north of the island.  Providing loads for visitors to do and see.

Cala D’or
This attractive resort is located on Mallorca’s east coast and is home to a number of holiday hot spots such as Porto Colom and the breathtaking beach at Cala Murada.

Mallorca is just a couple of hour’s flight from all major UK airports and whilst being a popular holiday destination still offers plenty of unspoiled scenery for visitors to enjoy.

Popularity: 4% [?]

British and Irish home buyers who fear they may lose out due to the insolvency of another Spanish developer have been given until the 2 December to register their claim with the Spanish authorities, says law firm DWF.

Trampolin Hills Golf Resort SL, a company that sold hundreds of properties to British and Irish purchasers without having planning permission in place, has been forced into administration leaving 2,500 unfinished homes.

Antonio Guillen, a Spanish lawyer with DWF in Manchester who is advising British and Irish purchasers on the insolvency of several Spanish developers, says the company has been put into what is known in Spain as “compulsory administration”, which implies that the procedure has been started on the request of one of the creditors. It could also mean the company directors are personally liable. Two administrators have already been appointed to manage the company’s affairs.

He says: “Trampolin Hills has recently become known for the irregularities in its residential development in the area of Campos del Río, Murcia, especially since it appears that the company started to sell off-plan units without having all the necessary permits in place.”

It has also been alleged that most of the bank guarantees provided were issued by non-authorised insurance companies.

“Anyone who has purchased a property off-plan from Trampolin Hills or owns a property that has not been fully finished needs to inform the administrators and the court before 2 December to ensure they are included in the final list of creditors. They will need to supply any documents that can help to prove the payments made, such as purchase contracts, payment orders and bank statements.”

“They should also check whether they have been supplied with a bank guarantee. A guarantee is compulsory under Spanish law, although not all developers comply, and will ensure that if the property is not finished, a guarantor, usually a bank, will refund the money they have paid plus interest. It could mean the difference between them losing all their money and getting a refund.”

“Ideally purchasers should contact a lawyer versed in Spanish insolvency law who will ensure they have all the right paperwork and are properly represented in the administration procedure, as well as contemplating alternative solutions such as enforcing the bank guarantee where this has been provided.”

Popularity: 21% [?]

A variety of different things to do can be found around Fuengirola. These attractions include its many beaches, a popular zoo and the huge Feria (annual fair) celebration among others.

Because the city is right along the Mediterranean Sea there are all sorts of beaches found around the area. It is estimated that there are about eight kilometers of sand along this part of the coast. Many of these places offer rental services where visitors can take out jet skis, boats or even paddle boats.

The Fuengirola Zoo is also located in the city. This is a zoo that is open all year long and is open later in the evening during the summer months so that visitors can see some of the nocturnal animals that the zoo has to offer. It is popular for its tropical forest habitats that are very realistic and for its support of various endangered species.

Castillo Sohail is an ancient Moorish castle that can be found on the shoreline. This is a historic site that was built by the Moors in the eleventh century and has been occupied by Christian and French forces in the past. Today this castle is well maintained and available to tourists to visit throughout the year. It is home to events in July and August including music concerts.

The Feria celebration is another big attraction. This is a weeklong festival that occurs every October and features all sorts of parties and events centered around the huge market site in the city. Concerts are held throughout the area during this celebration and many hotels and other eateries will serve a variety of unique foods to visitors including Spanish, French, German and Chinese foods.

There are all sorts of great attractions to check out when in Fuengirola. These are attractions that are exciting to see and are ones that are very important to the city culturally and economically. Costa del Sol Towns is packed with unusual and helpful information about the area.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Some holidaymakers are loathe to hire a car when abroad.  Especially if it involves driving on the “wrong side of the road”.  But getting around on the small island of Lanzarote is easy.  As the roads are quiet and safe – especially outside of the three main resorts of Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen.  Whilst car hire in Lanzarote is also very affordable.

Unlike say the Balearics Lanzarote enjoys a year round holiday season.  So rental car rates aren’t hiked up during peak times as a result.  With prices starting at round €90 per week for a standard economy two door model.

Anyone planning to hire a car needs to provide their drivers licence and proof that they are over 23 years of age.  And before touring the island it is worth noting that there are a few key cultural differences.  Indicating for example is deemed largely superfluous in most situations.  Except when slowing down quickly or to signal that a car in front is about to make some sort of turning manoeuvre.  Giving way to the left and not the right is also the other most obvious difference in driving styles.

That aside however the rules of the road remain much as they are in the UK.  And as Lanzarote is so small is it is easy to explore.  With loads of attractions to tempt visitors away from their Lanzarote villas and hotels.  Most pertinently most of these can only be reached by organised tour or car.  As local bus services don’t extend to most of the key sites.

The best known attraction on the island is the Timanfaya Volcano Park which was created by massive eruptions in the 18th century.  This attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists in their cars every year.  And is well worth exploring as the scenery here really is out of this world.

Possibly the best and most picturesque route on the island takes visitors through the former island capital of Teguise on the LZ10.  Which is home to hundreds of historic buildings.  Before winding down into the Valley of 1000 Palms and the village of Haria.  A stunning sight when viewed from above as thousands of Canarian palm crowns sway gently in the breeze.

From here drivers can then complete their tour of the north at the Mirador del Rio.  Which offers incredible views down to the small neighbouring island of La Graciosa.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Whilst other Spanish sunspots are packing away the loungers the Canaries are gearing up for their busiest time of the year.  As these seven islands are the closest winter sun destination to the UK and Northern Europe.  Enjoying temperatures in the 20´s Celsius even in the midst of December and January.

As a result the seven Canary Islands are the second most popular holiday destination in Spain after Catalonia.  With little Lanzarote – the eastern most link in this chain – welcoming over 1.5 million foreign visitors during 2008.

Much of Lanzarote´s appeal can be attributed to the island’s marvellous beaches.  Over ninety in total – and nearly all comprised of golden grains rather than the black sands prevalent on some of the larger Canary Islands such as Tenerife.

Anyone planning to book their holidays in Lanzarote during the winter months would be well advised to focus their search on Playa Blanca, the newest resort in the south of the island.  Which boasts not only the best beaches on Lanzarote but also the most favourable weather and microclimate.

Playa Blanca is located around 40 minutes from the sole international airport at Arrecife and really emerged from its shell as a quiet fishing village during the 1990´s.  Blossoming into the second most popular destination on the island today. 

As well as the breathtaking beaches at nearby Papagayo the resort boasts some excellent stretches of sand – such as Playa Flamingo, Playa Dorada and Playa Blanca.  Which are all united by a beachfront promenade that stretches from one end of the resort to the other.

Accommodation in Playa Blanca is also of a high standard – as most of the hotels and villas here have been constructed in the last five to ten years.  Ensuring that facilities and amenities are still relatively new. 

Some of the most luxurious villas in Playa Blanca can be found in and around areas such as the new Rubicon Marina and Moñtana Roja.  Whilst numerous four star hotels line the shoreline – all offering great views across to the island of Fuerteventura.

Puerto del Carmen – the island’s largest resort – is also a reliable source of winter sun.  Boasting excellent beaches and a large concentration of Lanzarote apartments for holidaymakers to choose from.

The resort has recently undergone a real facelift – as island authorities have pumped in millions of Euros to spruce up the tourist offering.  With a new marina in the Old Town harbour area and a new pedestrianised beachfront promenade.

Popularity: 3% [?]

For many people, living in Spain is a pleasant fantasy. They imagine the easy lifestyle, the coastal views, the beautiful palaces, the delicious regional cuisine, the afternoon siestas, and the long nights of clubbing with fashionable Spaniards. But living in Spain is quite different than visiting while on a cruise and stay holiday.

For those interested in living in Spain, the first obstacle may be finding a job. Those from the EU can work in Spain without a permit, but people from outside the EU will need to get a work permit. To find out what documents are needed, check with the Spanish embassy or consulate. The Instituto de Empleo, with regional offices around the country, is a good place to begin your job search. Many English speakers find work teaching English or working as an au pair. Work may also be found in tourist areas.

Spain has seen a huge rise in immigration in the last few years, absorbing more immigrants in the recent past than any other European country. In fact, many EU residents choose to retire in Spain, often along the coast. Governmental reports state that of the 4.5 million foreign residents in Spain in 2007, about 8% each are from France and Britain. High rates of unemployment face immigrants, however.

While many Spaniards speak English, if you want to integrate into society, you will find it easier if you speak Spanish. Language schools are located in all the larger towns and cities.

Popularity: 4% [?]