Travel Tips

Posts Tagged ‘Spain’

The recent Icelandic ash cloud hasn’t deterred many travellers from jetting off to other volcanic locations this year. With islands such as Lanzarote in the Canaries still proving very popular. Despite the fact that it was hit by massive eruptions in the 1730’s which transformed much of the interior from fertile farmland into a volcanic wasteland.

Lanzarote was effectively transformed by these eruptions. Which first hit the island during the 1730´s for six years. And then again during 1824. Leaving a large chunk of the interior denuded of vegetation and carpeted in lava. A sight that is so strange and surreal that it has been used by many movie makers over the years – most recently the production team of Clash of the Titans 3.

Even though Lanzarote has a volcanic history, property investment on the island is still very viable with countless tourists actually investing in their own holiday apartments.

Lanzarote Villas – Hotels And Apartments. There are plenty of decent accommodation options too. Whilst many tourists from Spain and Germany tend to prefer to book hotels guests from the UK and Ireland usually plump for self catering properties such as Lanzarote villas and apartments. With lots of these scattered around the islands main resorts and across the countryside too.

Most people will want something a little different from their annual holiday or break, for some it will simply be lazing on one of Lanzarote’s sun kissed beaches followed by relaxing evenings spent in a restaurant or bar, Whilst for others they will want to be hitting the watersports scene either surfing, paragliding or even diving. More active visitors will almost certainly want an equally bouyant nightlife scene with plenty of action. Of course for the cultural types staying in one of the main resorts of Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen may be far from their mind, and instead they may prefer Costa Teguise or even to stay in one of the increasingly popular rural villas that are guranteed to give a true taste of island living.

Visitors looking to explore the island in greater detail will appreciate the work of Manrique Cesar who sought to create a collection of unique tourist attractions that would provide a worthy alternative to the many golf courses and water theme parks that are so prevalent elsewhere in Spain.For example sites such as the Jameos del Agua, which embodied his desire to fuse art with nature.

Go here for additional information about Lanzarote

The surprising Spanish coastal city of Barcelona is famous as a lively, dynamic, stunning and thrilling location, which makes it a favorite with holidaymakers as well as those looking to live abroad.

If you have never experienced Spain or you have yet to experience the best EU city break destinations, Barcelona comes strongly recommended.
Because of the city’s location you may use Barcelona as a base to explore the Spanish Mediterranean shore, towns such as Madrid, Valencia and Seville, and you can also simply travel from Barcelona to the ski resorts of the Pyrenees and the Andorran or French country.

Barcelona benefits from having some of the finest city transport links in Europe – it is a busy port city, it has got a complicated global airport, state and continental rail links and a good road network as well .

These are all points in the city’s favor as a kick off point for further exploration of the wonders around Barcelona – but what about the attractions of the city itself which you can explore with Barcelona Reisen.

Well, architecturally talking Barcelona has it all – it is world famous for its modernistic Gaudi structures and yet it is also famous for its Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture too. Within the town there are museums, studios, art centres, cinemas, theatres, concert venues and shopping centers – and within a stone’s throw of the city centre you have got the beach and entertainment parks for all the family to enjoy.

As you can no doubt tell already, there is more to Barcelona than can be experienced and enjoyed in a weekend break! Actually it’s right to say that Barcelona is a town to be savoured which is maybe why it’s getting a favored destination for those who wish to live and work abroad and experience a new life, new languages and new cultural horizons like the Festa Major Gracia.

Hence if you have an interest in seeing more of Spain and Europe, you would like to live and work abroad, learn all about the Spanish culture and luxuriate in the wonderful standard of living and way of life in Barcelona, why don’t you consider basing yourself in the city, getting a short term employment contract, finding a rental loft and having a long working vacation in Barcelona?
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Said to be one of the first examples of modern urban planning, Barcelonas Eixample was developed in the second 1/2 the 19th century.
Ildefons Cerda, who designed the plans for Eixample, hoped that it would become a neighborhood outside of the town center accommodating people of all sorts ; Eixample would contain all they needed for their daily lives, including markets, colleges, hospitals, and lots more.
Cerdas plans for the Eixample were considered to be quite visionary. When designing the neighborhood, he took many things into consideration including traffic, daylight, and ventilation. The streets were to broaden at each intersection and the corners were cut off to allow horse-drawn vans to make turns easier.
However , all of Cerdas plans didnt turn out quite the way in which he had hoped. Architects did follow his grid plan, but ignored lots of the specifics. The intersections werent designed as his drawings indicated ( though they’re spacious ), garden areas were eliminated, and the neighborhood became a nirvana for the wealthy instead of a place that would attract all classes. When you will go to Barcelona, you will arrive at Aeroport Barcelone.

Today, lots of Gauds masterpieces remain. Some of the architect’s most vital buildings are found in Eixample.
One of the most remarkable is the impressive Casa Batll, a structure thats on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The building is almost indescribable to those that havent laid eyes on it, but is actually one of the most superb examples of Modernista architecture anywhere, covered with glittery ceramic tiles and boasting engaging shapes throughout . You want to visit this amazing city? you cant book your Voyage Barcelone.
Youll also need to visit the Casa Mil, with its wavy walls which remind some of honeycombs and others of African cave dwellings. Strange-looking chimney stacks sit on top of the building.
lots of other engaging Modernista buildings can be found in a neighborhood in Eixample known as Quadrat d’Or ( the golden square ), named as such for the various architectural gems. Besides the already mentioned Casa Batll and Casa Mil you can find the Casa Terrades – a brick building with tiny colourful turrets, the Casa Llo Morera – a building with a sumptuously decorated crown, the Fundaci Tpies and a lot more interesting Modernista buildings.
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There are countless thousands of brilliant shops to browse in Barcelona. However , the task of searching thru them all can be pretty alarming. To lead you in the right way, and to make your trip a bit more manageable, we have chosen the five top locations to shop so you can make the maximum of your time and find that perfect item that you’re looking for.

1. Paseo de Gracia :
This famous street is also known locally as Passeig de Gracia, and offers some of the costliest shops in Barcelona. Noted for its famous modernist architecture, this street runs from piazza Catalunya to the metro Diagonal. You will find many famous names here, including Gucci, Desigual, DG, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, and also a number of top restaurants and bars to refresh you when you’re tired of shopping. Those hunting for world famous brands and pure luxury will be delighted here, but be in a position to use your Visa card and spend freely since this area is for upscale shopping, and the costs reflect it.

2. Portal de LAngel :
If you’re right in the center of Barcelona, then this is a pedestrian road in the Ciutat Vella ( downtown ) district beginning at piazza Catalunya and running to the cathedral. You’ll find the department store El Cortes Ingls at its start and the street also boasts names such as Benetton, Massimo Dutti, Camper, HM and Zara. This street offers more economical brands and its target market is a younger crowd, so if you’re looking for the newest fashion trends at an affordable price you need to come straight here.

3. La Rocca town :
La Roca town outlet is situated in the town of the same name that is off Junction twelve of the A7 highway. You can also get a bus from Fabra I Puig metro in the Sant Andreu district or a train from Sants Station. It’s really worth the time taken to get here because you will find top designer outlets at almost 60% off and some of the finest shopping care in the world. Being an outlet, it has also got a Rebaixes period ( seasonal sales ) held in July and January when widely recognized luxury brands are sold at a deal costs.

4. Diagonal Mar :
This area offers a significant number of Barcelona shopping stores, theatres, cafes and other facilities, as would be expected of one of Barcelona’s newest shopping centers. Open from ten am to ten pm, you can shop here day and night. Good for family shopping.

5. L’Illa :
Situated by the corner of Avinguda Diagonal 555-559 and Carrer de Constana, L’Illa is a mall that offers more than 170 shops and cafes, including Benetton, Diesel and Zara. It is quickest to get the Tombus, or circuit bus, starting at piazza Catalunya and goes on to stop at 28 locations. This particular blue bus will drop you off at Diagonal and Paseo de Gracia allowing you hop off and on for your shopping. When it turns left on Diagonal, wait until it reaches L’Illa and then get off. The advantage of this big shopping mall is you can find mid-priced and well-known brands like Zara, Mango, etc, as well as little, unique shops with more exclusive models all in the same place.

These top shopping locations in Barcelona should help you to find everything from your favorite, top-designers to unique bargains. There are, naturally, lots of other places to buy in Barcelona, but to make the most of your time here these are certainly the top places to head towards with your credit card. Need Barcelona travel info for getting to the shops? Find out about Barcelona airport transportation . Ecstatic shopping!
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Girona Airport, officially Girona Costa-Brava airport, is also identified as Barcelona Girona Airport (GRO) and Gerona Airport depending on whether you choose to spell it in Spanish or Catalan. Girona airport is located twelve km from the centre of Girona and approximately 100km away from Barcelona. With the growing number of cheap flights that come into and out of this airport, it is becoming an increasing popular destination for people taking their holidays in Barcelona as well as all along the Costa Brava. In the last few years the Airport has added lots more flights and now flies to areas all across Europe. There is a total of eleven airlines that are now based at Girona Airport although the most important airline is Ryanair.

There are additional air companies running in this airport. Air Italy Polska, Air Malta, Blue Air, BMI British Midland Airways, Braathens Malmo Aviation, Iberia and others. If you arrive to El Prat Airport, you can check the following article about Aeroport Barcelone
If you are flying to Girona Airport but holidaying in Barcelona after that the easiest method to travel between the 2 is by bus. There is a direct bus between Girona airport and Barcelona Estacio del Nord that leaves from outside the arrivals hall at airport. This is the cheapest way to go to The Catalonian capital, and usually there are no problems with queues and delays. The journey takes around 1 hr and fifteen minutes, and very conveniently the time table is adjusted to coincide with flight arrivals. There is also a standard bus that runs between Girona Airport and Girona city centre that at the time of writing costs 2.05 € for a single and 3.90 € for a return ticket.

In regards what to do there whilst waiting for your flight, there are some cafes and shops although admittedly the services are somewhat limited. Girona airport has 3 shops located in the terminal building, including a multi shop and 2 snack bars. If you plans to stay in Barcelona, you can go on Voyage Barcelone for a lot of useful tips.
Girona airport has facilities to assist handicapped travelers, including ramps; adapted toilets; and adapted telephones. There are also reserved parking areas in the car park. You can find ever facility which can be extended to special people.This airport is not just used by the people traveling to Girona but it is the major route to Barcelona too. The main reasons are itst position ( 1 hr drive away from Barcelona),cheap fares, availability of tickets(Ryanair has mad it a hub for Europe) and efficient transportation from Girona airport to Barcelona.