08
Jun
Barcelona is one of those cities you can visit again and again. Its fantastic location, within reach of some of Spain’s most beautiful coastline, together with its history, architecture and huge cultural programme is what makes it one of Europe’s most popular city destinations.
So, how can you max-out on culture when you visit Barcelona? Here are just a few suggestions:
1. The Picasso Museum
Barcelona is awash with museum, both public and private, and the Picasso Museum is a must-see on any tourist’s itinerary. Picasso trained in Barcelona, and so the museum displays a comprehensive selection of the work he created whilst studying in the city. It is an important collection that shows his technical skills and his growth as an artist. In addition, there is a collection of over 40 ceramic pieces, which were donated to the museum by Jacqueline Picasso in the 1980s. Housed in magnificent medieval palaces, and with classical music concerts as well as the art collection, the Picasso Museum is not to be missed.
2. The Architecture
Costing you nothing but tired feet at the end of the day, you can view the history of Barcelona through its buildings. From its Roman Walls, visit the Gothic quarter, where the Cathedral, public and private buildings all take you back in time to the city’s Medieval period. See Modernisme buildings that are also World Heritage Sites and modern buildings such as those built for the 1992 Olympic Games, and you’ll have walked through thousands of years of Barcelonian history in just one day.
3. Festivals
Like any major city, Barcelona hosts a number of festivals each year. One of the most popular and best-known is the Barcelona Grec Summer Festival, which encompasses a wide range of productions and performers. In addition, festivals such as the Ciutat Vella Flamenco Festival and the Barcelona Guitar Festival give visitors a true taste of Spanish art and culture.
There’s a whole lot of other cultural activities and events to keep you busy on your visit to this amazing city – and you’ll want to come back for more
08
Jun
It’s hard to spot Torrox on a map of Spain, even when you know roughly where you’re meant to be looking. This is because with a population of just a few thousand people, it’s never going to make a big impact on any map, but if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday on the Costa del Sol and a taste of some authentic Andalucia life, it may just be the destination of choice.
Torrox is found in the Spanish region of Andalucia located just 5km from the popular holiday resort of Nerja, and only 40km from the International airport at Malaga, making it ideally placed for travel around the region. The Sierra Nevada skiing resort near Granada can be reached within a 2-hour drive, as can the Rock of Gibraltar for those interested in visiting this wonderful corner of British history.
Torrox is split between Torrox Costa that lies on the Mediterranean coast and the inland village Torrox Pueblo located just 3km inland. Over the years both have been slowly migrating towards each other with the appearance of new properties and developments that follow the meandering road that connects the two. Both are quite different with the holiday attractions they offer, but together they provide the holiday visitor a good choice between beach activities and village life.
Torrox Pueblo is a whitewashed village that clings to the hillside like snow precariously hanging from a tree branch. It is how you would imagine a typical Andalucia village to be. Townhouses adorned with a dazzling array of flowering plants that follow narrow, winding streets with very few street names attached which if you’re not careful, will have you going round in circles trying to find your way back to where you started.
Much of the Pueblo has been carved with the influence of the Moorish occupation whose arrival in the 7th century brought with them new ways of agriculture, irrigation and land terracing which is still in existence today. Many of the Spanish still work the land producing many of the vegetables and exotic fruits you can find for sale outside the many small shops dotted throughout the village.
Around the village on various street corners can be found illustrated ceramic tiles depicting events of the Moorish occupation of the town. These are best found by taking the Almanzor Walk that begins from the Plaza de la Constitution and follows a route through the village taking in the main historical buildings. These include the baroque church of the Incarnacion, church of San Roque and chapel of Nuestra Senora de las Nieves, Mudejar in style and originating from the 16th century.
Details of the walk can be obtained from the small Tourist Information Office that can be found on Calle Baja, located just off the main square. Opening times are quite limited even during high season, but the best time to try is between 11am and 2pm midweek.
Life in Torrox Pueblo centres around the main Plaza de la Constitucion. The square is lined with vibrant orange trees and centred with an attractive water fountain. The sweet smell of Orange and relaxing sounds from the fountain add to the ambiance and tranquillity of the location. There is also a fine choice of bars and restaurants to choose from and some tasty local cuisine. By ordering a selection of tapas you have the opportunity to sample a wide range of local dishes at an excellent price. Life in the village is slow and relaxed and best appreciated here with good company.
Torrox Costa on the other hand offers a fine promenade lined with a good selection of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops that overlook a golden sandy beach. The only time it gets excessively busy here is during the month of August when it feels like all of Andalucia has come to the Costa to escape the fierce heat experienced further inland.
There are water activities available during the high season for those interested, and during the warm Summer evenings many stalls appear along the promenade selling a variety of goods including leather, textiles and ceramics.
Temperatures in Torrox soar during July, August and September to a very sticky 40C and more. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather with fantastic temperatures in the high 20s, remarkably consistent sunny days and a cool breeze that refreshes the air. Winter brings mostly sunny days which are fantastic for relaxing in a café bar looking over the Mediterranean Sea, but it does get remarkably chilly when the sun sets around 6pm. Snow never falls on the Costa del Sol. The closest you’ll get are the snow-tipped mountains of the Alpujara mountain range that provides a breathtaking backdrop to Torrox Pueblo as viewed from the Costa del Sol. It is no surprise Torrox has been voted as having the best climate in Europe.
Like all along the Costa del Sol, Torrox is a town constantly changing with the arrival of more and more tourists each year and a constant flow of English people wanting to find a better life outside of England. For such a small town so difficult to find on a map, it is certainly attracting a lot of attention.
08
Jun
California. The name conjures up images of sun, surf, and beautiful people everywhere. Southern California fits this image almost perfectly. While they do have a colder period in the winter months, the weather is typically wonderful year-round, and they do not have a hurricane season like many of the warmer States on the east coast. Southern California has something for the entire family.
One of the main attractions of Southern California is Disneyland. This popular theme park attracts kids of all ages. Located in Anaheim, Disneyland is the number one tourist attraction when visiting this area. You literally can spend several days in the park. There are hotels within the park and also in the surrounding areas which cater to tourists visiting Disneyland – spend the morning at the park, and the afternoon at the hotel lounging by the pool Disneyland has a steady stream of visitors, but also has peak seasons where the number of tourists increase substantially. While there will be lines during these peak times, the park is designed for groups to move quickly through lines. Even with the occasional wait, the rides are so fantastic and fun, it’s well worth the wait. Most children find Disneyland truly a magical experience. Remember to take lots of pictures of your children as they interact with the Disney characters throughout the park.
If wilder rides beckon you, then visit Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles. They have a number of rides that will get your adrenaline flowing, but they are most known for their roller coasters. These coasters are among the highest, fastest, and most unique in the world. As with Disneyland, be prepared to stand in lines at Six Flags Magic Mountain. It’s a popular destination for thrill seekers.
No trip to Southern California would be complete without a visit to the beach. Even in hot weather, there is a cool breeze floating in off the oceans. Sometimes this balmy breeze can be a little deceptive – the sun is still very intense and it’s not uncommon for tourists to suffer from terrible sun burns. Always wear sun block for protection. The most beautiful beaches are in Malibu and Santa Monica. Santa Monica is an incredible place to pass some time. Pacific Palisades Park offers visitors a beautiful view of trees and cliffs overlooking the ocean. If you’d prefer to shop, head up to the Promenade for some high-end and funky shopping. California beaches are usually clean and well- kept. Parking is hard to come by, so sure to head there early.
When you plan your visit to Southern California allow enough time to sun worship, site-see, and generally have a great time with your family.
07
Jun
For many people Andalucia is all that they imagine Spain to be. Great climate, sun, sea and beaches, bullfighting, sherry and flamenco. Covering over 33,000 square miles and running the length of mainland Spain’s southern coast it is the largest and most populous of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain. Andalusia is crossed by the Sierra Morena mountain range in the north and in the south by the snowcapped Sierra Nevada. The fertile basin of the Guadalquivir River lies between these mountain ranges. Huelva, Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Jean, Granada and Almeria, all named for their principal cities, are the eight provinces that make up the region
History – Phoenicians first settled here in the 11th century BC founding several coastal colonies among them Gadir which is now Cadiz. Greeks and Carthaginians came in the 6th century BC. The Romans expelled the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC and they in turn had their rule ended by the Visigoths in the 5th century AD. 711 saw the Moors cross the Strait of Gibraltar and establish the centre of their western emirate here in Cordoba. The Moorish period was the golden age of Andalusia. Agriculture, leather working, mining, pottery, textiles and trade were all fostered and brought great prosperity. Cordoba, Granada and Seville, embellished by the greatest Moorish monuments in Spain, the Mezquita, the Alcazar and the Alhambra Palace respectively were celebrated as centres of arts, culture and science. It remained under Moorish rule until the 13th century when, with the exception of the Moorish kingdom of Granada, most of it was conquered in by the kings of Castile, who in turn fell to the Catholic kings in 1492. Andalucia declined along with the rest of the country from the 16th century onwards. Although trade with the New World enabled the ports of Seville and Cadiz to continue to flourish. In 1713 Gibraltar was ceded to Britain and in 1833 Andalucia was divided into the present eight provinces. The region was a stronghold of anarchism during the Spanish republic. It, however, fell early to the insurgents in the Spanish civil war. Recurrent demonstrations against Franco were seen across Andalucia during his dictatorship. It became an autonomous region in 1981and elected its first parliament the following year.
The region has some interesting contrasts. The deserts of Almeria in the east are the driest part of the whole country, while Sierra de Grazalema in the southwest, because it exposed to winds of the Atlantic, is the rainiest part of Spain. Both the cities of Cordoba and Seville are notorious for their stifleing heat during the summer months but the peaks of the Sierra Nevada remain snow capped all year round. And contrast the rugged coastline of the Cabo de Gata or the Atlantic coast of Cadiz, both with their comparatively deserted beaches, with the intensely developed area in the province of Malaga. Yes the beaches are still there – you just can’t see them for the tourists.
There is still a strong Moorish influence in the character, customs and language of the people. With its tradition of bull fights, flamenco music and dance it is one of Europe’s most strikingly colourful regions. With the abundance of Moorish architecture and it’s pleasant climate it is easy to see why the growth of tourism has been so strong in recent decades. Agriculturally, barren lands contrast with richly fertile regions where cereals, citrus fruit, grapes, olives and sugar cane are produced. Industries, based generally on local agricultural produce, include flour milling, olive-oil extracting and wine making. Cattle, bulls for the ring, and fine horses are bred. The rich mineral resources, exploited since Phoenician times, include copper, iron, lead and zinc. But despite all this poverty is widespread. Farm labourers are among the poorest in Europe and many unemployed people have migrated to the industrial centres further to the north.
Semana Santa – Easter is Andalucia’s major festival and is celebrated for a full week. It features processions of hooded penitents alongside floats decorated with scenes from the passion travelling through the streets of most cities and large towns. Accommodation can be difficult to find during the week and booking ahead is advised.
Flamenco is believed to have been introduced to Andalucia, it’s home today, in the 15th century by gypsies arriving in the region. It is a combination of music, predominantly the guitar, song and dance and is played at fiestas, in bars and at private parties. Audience participate is very much encouraged.
Almeria – Probably founded by Phoenicians, Almeria flourished from the 13th to the 15th centuries as the outlet of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. In 1489 it fell to the Christians. Today the sunny, mild climate attracts many northern Europeans both as tourists and permanent settlers. The capital, also Almeria, is a busy Mediterranean port. It exports significant amounts of agricultural produce, as well as iron and other minerals mined nearby. The city has refineries, chemical and cement plants, and light industries.
Cadiz – In 1100 BC the Phoenicians founded the port of Gadir, known today as Cadiz, which became a market for silver and tin. Some 600 years later it was taken by the Carthaginians and passed in the 3rd century BC to the Romans. It flourished until the fall of Rome, but suffered from the Visigoths and unlike much of Andalucia declined further under the Moors. Its fortifications were rebuilt following it’s reconquest in 1262 by Alfonso X of Castile. Following the discovery of the New World, Cadiz revived its prosperity, as many ships from America unloaded their cargoes there. Columbus sailed from Cádiz in 1495, his second voyage. Inthe late 16th century both Sir Francis Drake and the earl of Essex led attacks on the fleet anchored there and the city respectivly. When in 1718 a sandbar blocked Seville’s port Cádiz became the centre for New World trade. The city declined after Spain lost its American colonies .Cádiz resisted a two year siege by the French from 1810 to 181212 unti lthe Duke of Wellington’s forces relieved it. Cadiz fell to the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War. Today the city, which lies at the southern end of the bay of Cadiz, has an abundance of parks promanades and squares. It is chiefly a port exporting wines, notably the local sherry which has a worldwide reputation and other agricultural items and importing coal, foodstuffs and iron. There is a large fishing fleet based here and some shipbuilding on a limited scale takes place. At the northern end of the bay is the US naval base at Rota.
Cordoba lies beside a loop in the river Guadalequiver upstream from Seville. During the time when the Romans ruled Cordoba was the largest city in Spain and enjoyed great prominence during the time of the Moors. They built the Mezquita, the most beuatiful mosque in Spain.
Granada – Originally a Moorish fortress, it became the seat of the kingdom of Granada in 1238. At the hieght of Moorish rule this kingdom encompassed both the nieghbouring province of Malaga and Almeria as well as parts of Cadiz and Jean. During this time the city was recognized as a centre of art, commerce, industry and science. As the christians drove south the city was the stronghold of the Moors in Spain, surrending eventually in 1492. In the 17th century Granada owed it’s exi prominance to the fact that it was a major silk centre. It stands at the confluence of the rivers Darro and Genil. The local surrounding area is given over to agriculture and mineral extraction with Granada acting as the commercial hub for these. The city is a major tourist centre with attractions such as the Alhambra Palace and other notable Moorish buildings. Facing the Alhambra across the Darro river, the Sacromonte hill is honeycombed with gypsy caves. The nearby ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada also bring visitors to the locality. South of Granada lie the valleys of the Alpajarras bounded to the north by the Sierra Nevada and to the south the sierras of Lujar, La Contraviesa and Gador. The area is very picturesque dotted with the traditional whitewashed villages. Fertile soil provides good farming with citrus fruit, bananas and avacadoes amongst the food grown.
The city of Huelva which is the capital of the province of the same name lies on the Odiel river. It is a busy port exporting copper, cork and sulphur. Like most Spanish ports it has it’s fishing fleeet and in addition some oil refining and ship building. It has a limited tourist trade during the summer months. The city is supplied with water via a Roman aquaduct. Columbus planned his voyages at the nearby La Rabida monastery. The Coto de Donana National Park, Europes most important and largest wildlife sanctuary, lies in the delta of the river Guadalquiver. 60,000 acres have been fenced of to provide the perfect habitat for varied speices of wildlife, birds in particular.
Jaen was once the seat of a small Moorish kingdom and played an important role in the conquest of Granada from the Moors by Christian forces during the 15th century. During the Peninsular war of the early 1800′s the French won a major victory here. Today it is the commercial hub for a fertile agricutural area producing olive oil and wine. Europes richest lead mines are nearby and copper and iron are also extracted. The town Alcalá la Real is known it’s mineral springs. The Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, over 2,000 square kilometres, is the biggest protected are in Spain. Here you might see ibex, red or fallow deer and wild boar.
The city of Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians and passed through the hands of the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Visigoths and the Moors when it prospered as a major seaport for the kingdom. It finally fell to the Christian forces in 1487 Málaga is situated on the bay of Malaga and is a major port. Exports include the local wine, almonds, dried fruits, olives and iron ore. It’s beaches, luxurious vegitation and mild climate make it one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. Picasso was born in here and you will find a museum of his works.
Seville was important in Phoenician times and favoured by the Romans. It continued as the major city of southern Spain under the Visigoths. It fell to the Moors in 712 and became a prominent centre for culture and commerce. After a drawn out siege it was captured by the Christians in 1248. Some 300,000 Moors are reputed to have fled the city following it’s capture. Seville entered its greatest period of prosperity with the discovery of the Americas and was the main trading port with the new colonies. In 1718 a sandbar closed the port to shipping and Seville went into a steady decline. The French sacked the city in 1810. Throughout the civil war Seville was held by the Nationalists. Today Seville is both capital to the province and the region of Andalucia. Standing on the river Guadalquiver, which connects it to the Atlantic, it has returned to be a port of note accessible to ocean going vessels. Exports include minerals, cork, fruit, olives and wines. Armanents, chemicals, explosives, machinary, perfume, pharmaceuticals, porcelain, textiles and tobacco are all manufactured locally. It is a major cultural and tourist centre. Seville has kept much of its Moorish aspect and one of the world’s largest cathedrals occupies the site of a former mosque. The Giralda tower and the court of oranges remain from the original Moorish structure. You will also find the tomb of Christopher Columbus within the cathedral. The 14th century Alcazar, built by Moorish artisans stands next to the cathedral and is superseded only by Granada’s Alhambra Palace. It is recognized as Spain’s leading centre for bullfighting.
