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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