Villa Spain: Getting Value for your Money

One of the first things you have to understand about renting a villa in Spain is that the term “villa” pretty much covers anything from a medieval cliff-top fortress to a beach-front shack, with everything in between! So before you sign rental contracts, it's wise to thoroughly scope-out the property, speak to the owner/agents and understand what exactly you're getting. This way you won't end up being disappointed with your Spanish villa after your arrive.

A big advantage with a villa rental is that you can share costs with family or friends. You can pick the right size of accommodation depending on the number of people but sometimes, you get very good off-season or holiday deals on enormous properties which were designed to house twenty or thirty people – in such a case, you're assured of both luxury and space.

The other thing to keep in mind is the kind of holiday you want. With a large group, you could have different interests, age groups, special needs, etc. so pick a villa located close to what a majority of people want. For instance if your group consists mainly of youngsters who love partying, something in Ibiza would be great, whereas if they want history/culture, then Andalusia is perfect. To relax on the beach with night-life thrown in, try the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca. Do your research before you finalize the location.






Many villas are located quite far from the major towns, so you could end up paying out a lot of cab hire. Firm up your itinerary before you go, so that you can make a guesstimate about how much you're going to be spending on transport. Another important thing is to decide what kind of holiday you want: luxury, DIY, a bit or both, a totally chilled-out one or a completely scheduled one etc. This allows you to check out the facilities available in the villa: whether you want to do your own cooking or need help, house-cleaning, laundry, etc. Get information on the appliances available and be specific about what you need.

Short-list a few likely choices and contact the owners. Ask for detailed floor plans, photos, testimonials, a map regarding exact location, facilities available nearby and a copy of the rental agreement. Go through these very carefully and match the photos to the description. Some of the villas may be very old, with peculiar floor-plans, unsuitable for seniors or children. Baths, bedrooms and living areas may be smaller than advertised. Check on the hygiene and cleanliness by contacting people who have stayed there before. If you're going with other couples, make sure that the number of bedrooms/beds is right.



Once you have made the final choice, ensure that all paperwork is in order. Get information about local contacts in case you need assistance. If your group includes seniors/children, access to medical facilities is important. Confirm that there are no extras or nasty surprises awaiting you.

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Rental in Spain: Long Lets

If you've fallen in love with Spain and want to spend a long time here, enjoying the wonderful climate, warm hospitality, sun and sand, great cuisine, culture and traditions and the festivals, traditions and arts, the best thing to do would be to opt for a long lease or long let rental in Spain. These properties are scattered all over Spain, from coast to coast, or located in the country-side, near bustling cities, quiet fishing villages, beach-fronts, apartment blocks, condos, mountain retreats or remote islands.

An advantage of the long rental is that if you're planning to make the country your permanent home it gives you the flexibility and time to make decisions about where to settle down and when. You can take your time to explore the options without the stress of a short-term rental, hotel or resort. It also allows you to experience the place in a more authentic way and not as a mere tourist or visitor. You can gauge for yourself the local conveniences and facilities and decide whether this is the place that you want to spend the rest of your retirement in. You can take your time and make your final decisions after thoroughly studying all aspects of living in Spain.

The long let is also a great option for artists, writers and people who may be convalescing, since the warm climate, year-round sunshine and relaxed atmosphere can be very healing. Generally, these lets are for six to eleven months or even five years at a time, with suitable extensions as required. One of the advantages of opting for this type of lease is that you can deal directly with landlords or property owners without having to go through agents or middle-men. Another plus point is that most  properties which are up for long let are completely furnished, with appliances, sheets, hard and soft furnishing, right down to a well-stocked kitchen. So you don't need to ship out your personal things at a huge expense and effort, till you're completely sure about your future plans.





Some tips: You will have to sign a standard contract form with the property owner. Ensure that you understand all the terms and conditions before signing. If it is in Spanish, get a translation and read through completely. If you're renting furnished, the contract contains an inventory of all the items on the property. All repairs are the owner's responsibility and the tenant cannot make any alterations without permission. While vacating, cost of any damage or breakage will be deducted from the deposit. All utilities and general upkeep should be borne by the tenant. It is important to view the property thoroughly before signing the contract and make a note of any previous damages.

Keeping these tips in mind, a long let is a great rental option in Spain.

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Villas Holidays in Spain

Spain happens to be a great spot for a holiday and you will find tourists from all corners of the world flocked here to experience firsthand what this beautiful country has to offer. It is quite easy to choose a fulfilling holiday option in the country since it has everything that you could consider important while here hence you are bound to enjoy every minute that you spend here. Accommodation is one of the most important factors during a holiday and needs to be carefully considered.

Tourists have different kinds of expectations when it comes to holiday accommodation and this could be the reason why Spain has provided all options to make it easier for each individual to select something that is in line with the holiday experience he or she is looking for in the country. You will be exposed to everything from holiday resorts, hotels, holiday homes and villas and even apartments. The villas are particularly popular in Spain.

The villas offer some of the most interesting villa holidays since they provide you with maximum comfort and luxury that you could need during the holiday. The villas are designed to accommodate every need and you will find them in different sizes in that you are able to choose in relation to the number of people you are taking for the holidays in the country. Even though they will contain most of the amenities and facilities deemed to be essential during a holiday, they can be different and hence you will need to carefully consider all options before settling for something that you feel is ideal.

When settling for a villa holiday, it is important to remember that there are villas which share most of the facilities such as swimming pools and in case you are looking for a holiday experience that is most private, then you would need to consider this before choosing something that will meet with every need that you have for the holiday. It is very possible to find exclusive villas giving you the chance to enjoy every facility at a personal level without necessarily having to share.

Another important consideration to make when choosing a villa for your holiday is the location. This will determine the kind of experience that you have during the holiday such as the views that you are exposed to and the environment that you will enjoy throughout your holiday stay in Spain.

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Spain Shopping Tours

A holiday in Spain is never complete without a shopping tour and fortunately this is a country that has everything that you could be looking for whether it is for using during the holiday or to take home as a souvenir. You will basically find everything that will always relate with the country bringing in those sweet memories of the holiday that you spend here. The shopping centers are practically in any of the locations that you could have selected for the holiday hence you do not have to move far looking for particular things.

Since the seventeen regions making up Spain have very unique cultures, it is likely that you can find something that will relate to each of the region that you visit during the holiday thus making it easier for you to identify with the country long after the holidays are over. You will find everything from traditional artifacts, art collections and modern items including sculptures, pottery items and all kinds of handicrafts you can take home with you.

In actual sense, this country is a great producer of handicrafts which can be really unique and you can use the selected few to add a touch of beauty to your home after the holidays. It will be a constant reminder that you toured the beautiful country and will bring in those memories that you got from your holidays within the country. It is best that you ensure that you do not end up going over your budget limits with all the shopping which can be enticing.

When making the holiday budget, it is best that you make an allocation for some shopping indulgence so that you manage to get those items you find most attractive and amusing during your holiday in the country. There are shopping malls in most parts of the country, flea markets and art centers meaning that you can therefore get any kind of item that you are interested in. All kinds of clothing items and beauty items will also be readily available in these areas and all you have to do is select the most unique and those that are hard to find at home.

During your shopping spree, you can also get gifts for people that you left at home as a way of giving them a sense and feeling of what Spain is all about. The items are all offered at very friendly prices and you will definitely find something affordable and unique.

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Writing Holiday in Spain

To inspire the creative writer, there's nothing like the Spanish atmosphere! Full of history, romance, color and adventure, filled with myths of heroes and beautiful princesses living in medieval Gothic castles, legends of sea-faring pirates and adventurers, ships filled with gold and treasures from far-away lands, this is a country that is steeped in a wonderful literary tradition. Great writers like Cervantes and the mythical stories of El Cid have provided a wonderful base for the superb Spanish prose and poetry.

If you're a traveler who wants to combine a writing holiday with your rest and relaxation, Spain is the perfect choice. Many literary clubs and organizations offer workshops and writing tours across Spain. Usually held at four or five star resorts or hotels, country estates or historical mansions or paradores (castles and fortresses converted into hospitality services), these workshops are usually curated by a well-known writer who has good experience in teaching creative writing. You can pick the language of your choice and you will be assigned to an award-winning or best-selling author in that language. Additionally, you can also pick the genre that you wish to write in – romance, memoirs, suspense, crime, humor or non-fiction.

Some of the courses are held over a weekend and include all meals, a review and appraisal of your work, constructive criticism and tips on getting published. Longer courses can accommodate any writer from beginner to published authors who wish to take a writing holiday for inspiration or to bounce ideas off the group. Generally the courses or workshops accommodate up to twelve like-minded people and are a lot of fun and filled with creative energy as writers share their ideas and experiences with the assistance of a professional mentor. Often, the courses are held in small groups at the professional writer's own home, with plenty of peace and quiet. Farm-houses with magnificent views of the mountains in Comares village in Andalucia, medieval Moorish castles in the Sierra Nevada mountains or town-houses in the Balearic Islands are some wonderful options.




Guest writers may also be invited to give special readings and there are film and video shows about local culture, traditions and the arts. Trips to the local villages, seaside, countryside and famous or little-known monuments are also organized to provide the fillip to your imagination. Superb local cuisine, wines and desserts are included.

The great thing about a writing holiday is that it gives the creative writer an opportunity to get away from the hectic or humdrum life that is their normal routine. Often a new place and environment provide the much needed catalyst to get your creative juices flowing and what better place than Spain!

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Spain: Tenerife

With nearly 400 km of pristine coastline, year-round sunshine, mysterious volcanic landscapes and a great party atmosphere, Tenerife is the largest and probably the best-known of the Canary Islands. This spectacular archipelago consisting of seven major islands is situated on the north coast of Spain and is an autonomous region. The fascinating blend of African, Spanish and European cultures gives the Canary Islands their unique charm, a fact that's evident by the nearly 12 million visitors that the islands receive every year.

Tenerife's dramatic lunar landscape, formed from thousands of years of volcanic eruptions, is also known for the highest mountain in Spain, the Pico del Teide, and this area is ideal for adventure tourism, walking and trekking, hiking, biking, driving, climbing, rappelling and a host of other exciting outdoor activities for the entire family. Southern Tenerife is the tourist hub, where visitors from all over the world arrive specially during the winter months, often to get away from the bitterly cold winters of their own countries.

Some of the must-see attractions here are:

Pyramids of Guimar: Located in Chacona, these pyramids are now part of an ethnographic museum and park. Their exact origin and purpose is still being researched but presently, the museum offers some interesting videos and lectures. The park itself is very well laid-out in a picturesque garden full of indigenous flora. This is also a great location for organizing conferences and other business events.

Arona Auditorium: If you're a flamenco enthusiast, you can visit this venue for live shows and also take a tour of the historical section where the cultural and traditional roots of the dance-form are displayed. You can enjoy a dinner with flamenco or live opera here as well.








Bananera Jardines: This theme park and banana plantation offers an interesting glimpse into the traditional banana-growing agricultural industry of Tenerife. There are different types of cultivated plants, crops and farming implements displayed in the living museum here.

Jungle Park: The Parque las Aguilas is a botanical garden and zoo which the whole family can enjoy. The main attraction here is the spectacular birds of prey show and the train ride through the nearly 8000 acres of unspoiled forest and parklands.

Castillo San Miguel: Located close to Tenerife Airport, this entertainment center hosts a magnificent medieval live show that reproduces the legends of the Knights of the Round Table. A great evening's family entertainment of chivalry and knighthood, dueling and jousting followed by a magnificent medieval dinner.

Santa Cruz shopping: For local and international fashions, souvenirs, fine jewelry, handicrafts, boutiques, food-shops and arts and crafts shops, a trip to the capital, Santa Cruz is essential.

Tenerife also has great beaches and quiet coves and valleys for rest and relaxation when you want to get away from the crowds. It all depends on what you're looking for!


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Spain: Photography Holiday

Today travel and tourism are no longer just about reaching your destination and settling down on the beach, sightseeing and rushing through the local attractions. Niche tours and holiday ideas are becoming the trend and one of the biggest tourism trends today is the “Hobby Holiday.” This kind of vacation is for the person who has always wanted to devote a sizable chunk of time to a hobby and has never found the time or the right kind of environment for it.

Spain offers a plethora of hobby holidays, including culinary and wine tours, painting and creative writing tours, art and culture, literature and history tours etc. One of the most popular hobby tours available is the photography holiday.

The one week trip can either be combined with a more conventional holiday or one or two members of a family can take the photography holiday while others relax at a resort or beach. A typical photography holiday is curated or guided by a well-known professional photographer and he or she will advise the participants about the kind of equipment that they should get. The course can be either for beginners or for more advanced photographers.

One such holiday is in the Sierra de las Nieves in the Costa del Sol region of Andalucia. Located close to Marbella the playground of the rich and famous, these mountain ranges offer some spectacular landscapes and wonderful terrain, ideal for the craft of photography. The snow-covered peaks looming in the distance, over pine-clad valleys, mysterious caves and deep pot-holes reaching into the earth's unfathomed depths all provide a wonderful canvas for the creative eye. The area is also a protected bio-reserve and home to thousands of species of flora and fauna.

The photography tour includes all meals, with desserts, wine and cheeses. Accommodation is in one of the big hotels in either Malaga or Marbella or in a country estate close to the Sierras. Marbella and Malaga provide fabulous opportunities to click pictures of the quaint white-washed villages, medieval cathedrals and pretty flower-decked balconies. After a detailed orientation, the visitors are treated to a daily photography lesson, trips to surrounding villages and a nightly review of all the learning experiences during the day. Individual attention is given to each participant and they are given professional tips on shutter-speed, lighting, composition, camera angles, creative concepts of a good image etc. Other information like camera control, use of flash, filters, black and white photos, print-making, portraits, landscapes and video are also part of the course.

The final outcome of the tour is your own personal portfolio of pictures which include professionally taken photographs of architecture, flora and fauna, portraits and of course the stunning scenery of the Sierras.

If you're an amateur photographer and have always wanted to hone your professional skills, this would be the perfect holiday for you!


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Painting and Art Holidays in Spain

For the creative minded person, a painting or art holiday in Spain is the perfect choice. With its wonderful climate, stunning landscapes, year-round sunshine and picturesque fishing villages, white-washed houses perched on pretty hillsides, medieval architecture and rural folk still dressed in their traditional costumes, churches and fiestas all of which combine to provide that unique flavor and ambiance, the chance to capture it all on canvas is not to be missed.

Generally, members of a painting club, sketching group or like-minded people who would love to take the time out to pursue their dream of painting or sculpture uninterrupted by the chores of daily living are the participants in one of these holidays. This is also a great idea to meet fellow artists and get new ideas and exchange creative notes. However, if you're traveling with a larger group or family, you can avail of a shorter weekend painting holiday while the others relax at a beach or resort.

Andalucia is one such region which is very popular among artists. These holidays can be arranged according to your experience and competence as an artist, ranging from beginner to advanced. A professional artist is your guide and he or she will offer the right type of supervision and tutoring. Most tours also offer a history of Spanish art course along with the practical experience.

The holiday usually begins with participants being received at Malaga airport and transported to their accommodation. This may be a countryside estate or a rural hotel. You are usually given an introduction and orientation, with information about the history of the surrounding areas. An initial session includes assessing each person's expectations and requirements and also their competency. Their painting or sculpting experience, the tutoring they require and also the assistance they want will be discussed. The holiday organizers usually offer basic equipment like easels, paint-jars, drawing boards and camp-stools. You may have to bring your own paints, brushes, mallets and chisels or canvas, sketch-books and other materials. It's a good idea to check whether supplies can also be availed of locally.

Experienced artists can begin working immediately and are free to explore the surroundings while the beginners are given their first lessons. Advanced artists can also explore new mediums and techniques suggested by the tutors. The guides also provide information about the best locations in the area from which to start your painting and also the ideal time to take advantage of the beautiful light. The great sea and mountain views provide the perfect inspiration for your own collection of great artworks.

Apart from creative pursuits, this holiday also gives you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine. Shell-fish soups, cured meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, tortillas and omelettes are all included along with local desserts, wines and cheeses.

For that dream holiday roaming the villages and mountains of Andalucia, armed with your canvas and paints, take an artistic holiday in Spain!

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The Beautiful City Of Alicante

Spain has its share of beautiful towns and cities. Some of these are from the medieval era while others are very modern. Some are a mix of the two. Alicante is one of the most popular cities in Spain. There is so much to see and experience here that you will definitely have a great holiday here.



The city sits on a hill and is directly near the sea. The beaches boast white sands as well as many parks all over. The climate is quite pleasant and the living standards of the inhabitants are also quite unique and friendly. They are laid back, hospitable and welcoming.

Alicante has many attractions. One of these is Explanada de Espana. It is a boulevard that is fringed with palm trees. It is near the harbor area and is beautifully decorated. It has more than six million parts and is a wonder to behold as it is truly outstanding.

There is a port area too where you can see some nice cruise ships. From the port, it is quite easy to connect to Ibiza Island. The marina is also very impressive. The dominant feature at the port is a mountain that is some 169 meters in height. It is called Monte Bernacantil. There is also a fortress on this particular mountain called Castillo de Santa Barbara. It dates to the 14th century and was not completed until the 18th century. It is a castle belonging to the Moorish people. It is one of the largest of its kind in all Europe. One can get to the area by road or can opt to take the elevator that is fully functional. A tunnel has also been carved onto the rock. The top is a great place to take in the sights that are all around. You can see islands as well as the harbor.

A great attraction here is the Basilica. It is an old church found within the city. The style used in its construction is gothic. It lies near where the mosque that belonged to the Moors lay. Another church is Concatedral de san Nicolas de Bari. It is constructed in the renaissance style but used to be a mosque once.

There is also a monastery some kilometers off called Monasterio de la santa Faz. It has quite impressive ornaments and is a place that one should definitely visit while in Alicante. Casa de La Asegurada is a civil building that has had its share of years. It is now a museum hosting art works that are contemporary in nature.

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Silver Cup Cadiz

The city of Cadiz is one of the most important in Spain owing to the fact that it is the oldest around. Its location is on a peninsula in a bay area. It has a very unusual shape at the coastline. It touches the Atlantic Ocean and is a great place to enjoy the great waters as well as the climate the city and the area at large has to offer. The beautiful views that are on offer here are actually what led the area to be called a silver cup.




In general, the city is very friendly and welcoming. It is a place where you will be thrilled by the cheerfulness of the locals. It is always a good idea to take walks on the beach areas as it is quite rewarding to get a chance to see the various sites here. It is a very unique kind of set up. The reason for this is the fact that there are so many old and ancient buildings in Cadiz and then on the other side lies the unbelievable beauty of the Atlantic. This makes the area so exceptional and charming that you will indeed enjoy times spent here.

Cadiz is also a place where you will be able to meet some of the friendliest inhabitants with a sense of humor. It is something that all Spain knows about, thus a holiday in the area will provide new grounds to meet with the nicest people on earth. Their carnivals and celebrations are very important and are also very popular all over the Spanish region. It will be a privilege to be a part of any of these.

The location of Cadiz is very strategic and that is what makes it so amazing. It lies in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. It has a lot of history up its sleeve and this will actually charm your holiday to a very great extent. The founders of this great city were Phoenicians. The name used formerly was Gadir meaning a city that is fortified.

The city was later taken over by Carthaginians, thus there are some remains of that era still intact in Cadiz. The Carthaginians brought a new beginning to the area. The leader at the time was Hannibal and his success was short lived. The Romans took over Cadiz. The Romans again made the area quite successful. There are monuments that were set up at this time that still hold great importance. These are the aqueducts as well as amphitheaters among others.

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Spain: Costa del Sol

The Sun Coast or the Costa del Sol in Andalucia in the south of Spain is one of the most happening tourist spots in the world, with millions of visitors every year. The main airport at Malaga caters to domestic and international tourists who travel to the thousands of resorts, hotels, B&B's and home-stays along the coast.

The entire region is famous for its quaint fishing villages, sophisticated seaside towns like Marbella or Peruta Banus and wonderful beaches. The coast is protected by the mountain range that runs a short distance away from it and this makes it excellent for exploring the many caves, coves, small lagoons and natural harbors that lie along its length. The distinctly Mediterranean culture shows its influence in the cuisine, traditions and culture of the people here. The salubrious Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and year-round sunshine is a great attraction to tourists from all over the world.

Some of the biggest international celebrities have made the Costa del Sol their playground and this is reflected in the hundreds of stylish resorts and clubs along the coast, where they enjoy all kinds of water-sports, adventure-sports, exciting night-life, bars, restaurants, golf and return to their hectic life-styles completely refreshed and rejuvenated. However, the sunny coast also offers plenty of options for the budget-traveler or those who are here with family groups and friends.

There are some very famous national parks here like the Sierra de Tedeja and Almijara or the Alhama National Park through the pine-scented mountain trails and also Monte de Malaga, which is criss-crossed by fresh mountain springs. The Antequera Park is famous for its spectacular limestone landscape while the Fuente de Piedra is known for its salt-lake, home to thousands of flamingoes.

The area is also famous for bird-watching, as it lies in the migratory path of many species flying between Africa and Europe. Salt-water fishing is another popular sport here as well as all kinds of adventure-sports like horse-riding, hunting, shooting, biking and walking. There are also some very popular painting holidays throughout Andalucia with rural home-stays and classes by famous local artists in art and sculpture.

Special walks along old abandoned railway lines are very popular, with a leisurely pace and stops at wayside country estates or inns. Along the way, the walkers get a glimpse of old ruined historical mansions, vineyards, abandoned farms and the rich and colorful Andalucian countryside. Eco-tourism is fast emerging as one of the most popular options here.

Regarding Andalucia's Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, there's a choice of mouth-watering dishes, ranging from the delicious tapas (served free in Granada with your drink) to the range of meats, sea-foods, vegetables and delicious fruit and desserts all over the Costa del Sol, all cooking in one of the most healthy cooking mediums in the world – olive oil. 

The Costa del Sol is the perfect choice for your dream holiday in Spain!

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Spain: Costa del Azahar

One of the lesser known tourist hubs in Spain is the Costa del Azahar, in Valencia on the Mediterranean coast-line. The English meaning of this region is the Orange Tree Coast as this area is famous for its wonderful orange groves. With the towns of Valencia and Castellon nearby, this area has some of the most peaceful, unspoiled and naturally beautiful country-side in Spain, although it is quite close to the more famous Costa Blanca.

One of the most important towns here is Peniscola, with its magnificent fortress and castle dating back to the 13th century, on the ruins of an ancient Moorish castle. The fortress is built on a rocky island connected to the rest of the country by means of a thin strip of land. The castle was built by the Knights Templar who were enormously wealthy and so the interiors of the castle are richly carved. It is famous for hosting the medieval Anti-Pope of Avignon during the Papal Wars of the Catholic Church. The castle also has an important papal archive and library, and a very mysterious and strange cavern where the sea-waves emerge through it in a fine spray of rainbow colored mists. The castle has several very attractive beaches around it which are great for family entertainment and relaxation. Peniscola town also hosts a famous international comedy-film festival. The town itself is quiet but there is easy access to nearby places like Benicarlo and Varos.

Morella is one of the best-kept secrets in Spain! This magnificent Gothic city has been designated a Property of Cultural Interest. The 14th century city walls, fabulous medieval churches and convents, cloistered monasteries and chapels with amazingly well-preserved interiors are indeed a memorable sight. The castle and aristocratic mansions are all reminders of Morella's rich past, while the quaint and steep streets winding round the city and the Alameda mountain transport the tourist back to another era. The aqueduct and the cave-paintings here are also of great historical interest.

Other notable towns are Benicassim which is currently famous for hosting the FIB Music Festival.

Set in the midst of fragrant lemon and orange orchards, the Costa al Azahar has many protected parks and sanctuaries for viewing the native flora and fauna. Walking and hiking are very popular here, as well as biking, river-rafting and mountain-climbing etc. Plenty of quiet, white-sand beaches make this the ideal location for rest and relaxation.

There are several notable fiestas and carnivals here especially in Benicassim, Peniscola and Vinaros throughout the year, each with its own unique cultural and social traditions. The cuisine includes fresh sea-food, rice dishes including paella and lots of soups made from fresh vegetables and herbs.

With its gentle temperate climate and unspoiled rural ambiance, the Costa del Azahar is indeed a perfect holiday choice!

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Spain: Costa Calida

One of the longest stretches of unbroken coastline in Spain is the Costa Calida in the Murcia autonomous region. The geography is unique, with the mountain ranges almost coming down to the sea, strange vegetation consisting of dwarf palms and prickly pears and oleander shrubs, and this coastline has a history steeped in daring legends of treasure and pirates, battles and adventures all connected with the enormous Spanish galleons that returned brimming with gold and riches from far-off lands.

The typical Mediterranean climate and semi-arid conditions in the region make it ideal for year-round tourism and it is especially popular during the mild winter months. This region is also well-known for its diversity and contrasts: there are extensive dry and wet lands, plains and mountains, all within a few kilometers of each other. The coastline is wild and craggy, with small coves, plenty of mysterious caves and islets and tiny lagoons, habitat of many varieties of rare flora, fauna and marine life.

There are several good beaches here on Costa Calida (Warm Coast). The Cavanna Beach is a typical city-based beach with lots of entertainment facilities for the entire family, including amusement parks and beach sports for kids. The sand is not very fine but good for sun-bathing and there are lots of cafes and bars. Boats can be hired for expeditions on the calm waters. In contrast, the Puerto de Mazarron is more exciting for the adventure-loving tourist, with an ancient light-house and facilities for scuba-diving and water-sports. The golden sands are great for sun-bathing and playing as the waters here are relatively safe. Other beaches like the La Puntica and Las Delicias have their own unique character, with pretty promenades, bars, restaurants and water-sports.

Inland, the region is famous for its golfing facilities. The world-famous La Manga Club is located here, as well as the Hacienda del Alamo Club which hosts some of the most prestigious golf-tournaments in the world. This has also led to the region becoming a popular retirement spot for people from all over the world.

Cartagena is for history-buffs. The Roman Museum provides glimpses of the region's historical links. Additionally, Easter Week is one of the most important festivals here and is a spectacular event full of color, traditions and good-natured rivalry between villages. Tourists can purchase wonderful souvenirs, traditional arts and crafts from the many fairs and exhibitions held at this time.

This region is the market-garden of the country and fresh fruits and vegetables are part of the daily cuisine. Famous dishes like the lamb-chops with garlic, wheat stews, turkey and sausages, rice and pine nuts casseroles, apart from the wonderful range of tapas and local wines make this region a gastronomic delight. With nearly 100,000 hectares of vineyards, it's only natural that Murcia and the Costa Calida region are famous for their local wines.

For that authentic Spanish experience, head for the Costa Calida!

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Spain Costa Brava

The Wild Coast or Costa Brava is a region in northeastern Spain, famous for its rugged coast-line and tourist hot-spots. Originally a quiet fishing coast, this region was specially demarcated for tourism by the government in the early 1950s to cater to European tourists who arrived there in droves to escape the harsh winters of their home countries.

With important cities like Barcelona being included in this region, it is indeed a tourist's delight. There are plenty of things to do here and though it's heavily crowded during the peak tourist seasons, there are enough quiet and secluded places to enjoy the beautiful and dramatic coastline. Dotted by series of picturesque and colorful villages, fishing communities and fabulous beaches, this coastline offers stunning visuals for your photographs.

With four big rivers criss-crossing this region, it is rich in farm produce, stock-breeding and vegetation. Being on the sea-coast, sea-food is of course the main component of the cuisine here, but apart from that, a variety of vegetables, rice, cured meats and fruits are blended into this region where mountains and seacoast meet in wonderful harmony. Traditional wines and cheeses accompany most meals and the region also has some of the most famous restaurants in Europe, especially in Girona.

The Costa Brava has a very glamorous image thanks to the hundreds of celebrities who have holidayed or lived here down the decades. Famous Hollywood film-stars, writers, artists, musicians, intellectuals and socialites have gathered here and given the region a wonderful ambiance of glamour and sophistication. There are classy clubs, bars, restaurants and cafes where you can spot the rich and famous, but there are also enough wallet-friendly places to cater to the average tourist as well! Costa Brava has also featured in hundreds of films from all over the world. Apart from the traditional religious and cultural festivals in the region, there are also many notable international events that take place here. All genres of music ranging from classical to folk, rock and pop have their own special place at different music events.

The Wild Coast boasts of more than 100 museums and art collections which showcase regional, local and international art, culture and history. This coast-line has played host to artists like Picasso, Miro and Dali and they have left behind some of their most notable works here. Dali's house has been converted into a museum, while the region closest to the French Pyrenees has been a cultural hub for centuries.

Some of the interesting historical places here are Peratallada, an old Gothic city near Girona where time seems to have stood still after the 12th century!

For a richly diverse Spanish holiday, there's no better place than Costa Brava!

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