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Visiting Santander city (Cantabria)

September 6, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Cantabria, Gastronomy, Streets and monuments, Tours and GuidesManu

Santander, which is certainly renowned for its beautiful bay and its magnificent beaches, is situated in the northern Spain, on the Cantabrian Sea coast. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery among its bay, the sea and green belts, Santander is an outstanding example of a natural landscape of great beauty, with a population of about 180,000 inhabitants it is the capital city of Cantabria region (Spain).

In the mid 19th century Santander became a perfect tourist destination for aristocracy, upper class and wealthy people who came to enjoy its lovely beaches, and its mild climate during the summer. Although in 1941 a disastrous fire destroyed a considerable part of its old town (Casco Antiguo), currently, Santander is also noteworthy for the quality of its architecture.

Nowadays, Santander not only has one of the most impressive bays in the world and magnificent beaches but also, gastronomy, sport, festivals, events, night-life, architecture, nature, culture, parks among other many more things. In fact, Santander is a holiday destination where tourists from all over the world choose to visit Santander in order to spend their holiday doing outdoor activities, enjoying its beaches, tasting its traditional cuisine or having a lot of fun at its parties, beaches and streets.

What to visit in Santander

Among the more imposing buildings is the Magdalena Palace that was built in the early 20th century on a hill in the Magdalena Peninsula surrounded by outstanding landscape. The king Alfonso XIII used to spend the summers in this palace until 1930. Currently, the palace hots events, exhibitions and summer courses at Menéndez Pelayo International University where more than seven thousand students attend the courses in Santander every year. This peninsula is itself a must-see place.

If visitors take a leisurely stroll along the elegant Sardinero Promenade, which is one of the most emblematic areas of the city, they will find the famous Sardinero Beaches, Gran Casino del Sardinero, the Auditorium, luxury hotels, restaurants, terraces, bares, cafés and, pubs, as well as the Piquio Gardens which are regarded as some of the most lovely places in Santander from where visitors can see wonderful views. The Sardinero Promenade is to the east of the city.

Paseo de Pereda is without a doubt the most remarkable area in Santander where people can enjoy the beautiful Pereda Gardens and historical buildings walking along the Paseo de Pereda and Castelar Street and bordering the impressive Bay of Santander, to the south of the city. Moreover, the seaport, the port of call, the marina, the pier, Palacete del Embarcadero, the Cathedral, the City Hall, the Plaza Porticada and Santander Bank are interesting places and building near the Pereda Gardens. This area is plenty of restaurants, cafés, terraces, glamorous shops and luxury hotels.

Santa Maria de la Asuncion Cathedral, which incorporates remains of a Roman structure that can be seen if you visit the Cathedral, was built on a hill between 14th and 17th centuries in Gothic style. It was severely damaged during the 1941 fire although it was rebuilt and widened. The cloister from 14th century in Gothic style. Besides, Cristo Church also known as Cripta is under the cathedral dating from 13th century was built on the site of a previous monastery in Gothic style too. By the way, the tomb of Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo ( 1856 -1912) is in this cathedral.

If tourists are interested in visiting museums theses are probably worth mentioning Modern Art, Menéndez Pelayo House, Fine Art, MMC Cantrabrian Maritime, Prehistory or Botin Art Center among others.

Sports and Beaches

Although there are a lot of facilities for football, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, horse riding and play golf, tennis and others in Santander, the natural surrounding with their beaches and sailing are really of main attractions. In fact, Santander hosted the Sailing World Championship 2014 (on 30th August to 21st September) where almost 1400 participants from 95 countries and more than 700 vessels took part in the competition.

Santander also has a lot of parks where people can do sport, walk or play such as Las Lamas Park, the largest Park in Santander with plenty of trees, a lake and the Palacio de Deportes (Sport Palace) at its main entrance, it is really more than a park is the green heart of Santander; Mataleña Golf Course is on a hill; Mataleña Park, with breathtaking views, borders the Cape Menor and arrives at Faro in Cape Mayor; El Faro (The lighthouse) is on a hill and measures 30 meters in height (90 meters over sea level), being erected in the mid 19th century, it is 2 km from city center. Mesones Park near Sardinero II beach is ideal for children; Water Park, Doctor Morales Park, La Alameda, the Jado Park among others without forgetting the Piquio Gardens.

Obviously Santander also has some of the most famous beaches in Spain all of them of the highest quality, with fine golden sand, clear waters and excellent facilities. Besides, the beauty of the landscape around the beaches has the additional advantage of being within walking distance of the city center. In addition, there are cultural events on the beaches.

Los Peligros Beach with quiet waters, measures about 200 meters in length by 70 meters in width; Magdalena Beach measures more than 800 meters in length by 30 meters in width and the Bikinis Beach is more than 200 meters long and 30 meters wide with quiet waters and soft breeze is easily reached from Magdalena Peninsula. These three beaches are situated to the south of Santander by the Paseo Reina Victoria and Magdalena Peninsula.

Situated to the east of the city visitors can find the busiest beaches:

El Camello measures 200 meters by 50 meters; La Concha Beach is 250 meters long and 20 meters wide located between Camello and Sardinero I beaches; Sardinero I Beach measures more than 300 meters in length by 80 meters in width with fine sand is very popular among tourists, it is next to Sardinero II Beach which measures about 1000 meters in length by 80 meters in width is the largest beach in Santander. All of them border the Sardinero Promenade.

Molinucos Beach is a small beach with fine and golden sand and often empty, it is about 30 meters long and 5 meters wide not far of Sardinero II Beach and near Mataleñas park. Mataleñas Beach which is very popular among local people, is located between the Cape Mayor and the Cape Menor near the Mataleñas Park in an area of natural beauty, measures about 120 meters by 40 meters.

Other beaches nearby:

Punta Parayas Beach is a artificial beach in Camargo it measures 50 meters in length by about 30 meters in width. Punta Parayas beach offers good facilities with green areas to walk and play, bicycle path, parking and so on.

El Bocal Beach 200 meters by 10meters and Maruca Beach 400 meters long and 10 meters wide are situated on the north coast of Santander in Monte with low occupation; Virgen del Mar Beach in San Roman de la Llanilla with 400 meters by 40 meters is an isolated beach to the north of village, here is the Chapel of the Virgin of the Sea ( Virgen del Mar) It is 5 km from Santander.

Gastronomy

It is well known that local people are justly proud of its traditional cuisine, the excellent and healthy food which is attractive not only for its aroma and exquisite taste, but also the quality of its savory anchovies, the fresh seafood, fish and meat, its famous green pepper, its tasty Pasiego cheese, delicious desserts and its flavorful wine make Santander an ideal tourist destination of the highest quality.

To sum up, we suggest enjoying the beaches, the food, the nightlife and do water sports. Visitors can arrive in Santander, by train, by car, by sea, by air.

Santander is about 400 kms. from Madrid

Cabarceno Nature Park

Cabarceno Park (15 Km. from Santander) is a zoo with a surface area of more than 7,000,000 square meters that preserves the conservation of the environment. There are giraffes, jaguars, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, zebras, bears, lions, elephants, tigers, deers, horses, wallabies and many much animals from Asia, Africa, America, Australia and Europe that visitors can see them living in freedom in a suitable area surrounded by nature.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and wildlife in Cabarceno Park if they go on foot or by car through the paths and roads of park. Moreover, the park has excellent facilities to spend all day with children and old people. By the way, this park is one of most visited places in the northern Spain

The ticket costs between 7 to 25 euros.

Other places to visit in Cantabria region (Spain)

– Comillas: Comillas is an attractive town located on the Cantabrian Sea coast, in the north of Spain, indeed in an area of natural breathtaking beauty in Cantabria region.

– Potes: Visiting the beautiful villages in Cantabria region, in the north of Spain, tourists should not miss out on the medieval town of Potes whose traditional buildings, wooden balconies, steep streets and surrounding mountains make the Potes town an interesting tourist attraction place.

– Altamira Cave: Located in Santillana del Mar, was declared a World Heritage in 1985 by UNESCO.

Murcia Cathedral / Catedral de Santa María de Murcia

May 2, 2014Emblematic buildings, MurciaManu

The Murcia Cathedral (Catedral de Murcia), which has three naves, is really the most remarkable building in Murcia and the main attraction for tourists who do not miss out on the outstanding Cathedral if they have the opportunity to visit the Baroque Murcia city.

Located in the heart of Murcia near the Segura River, La Santa Iglesia Catedral de Santa María (Saint Church Cathedral of Saint Mary) popularly known as the Catedral de Murcia (Cathedral of Murcia) was built on the site of the demolished great Aljama Mosque of Murcia between 14th and 18th centuries in several architectural styles. In fact, the interior of the Cathedral is mainly Gothic, its beautiful main facade is Baroque, the bell Tower is Renaissance and Neoclassical, and the Junterones Chapel is Renaissance.

Visiting the Murcia Cathedral

Outside the Cathedral people can see:

The emblematic main facade of the Cathedral, which is considered to be a Baroque masterpiece, was constructed between 1735 and 1755 by the talented sculptor Jaime Bort in order to replace the first dilapidated Renaissance facade. Visitors should not leave the city without staring the main facade of the Cathedral of Murcia which is in the Cardenal Belluga Square.

If people walk leisurely around the Cathedral from Cardenal Belluga Square they will find on the right the Apóstoles Street where are the Apóstoles Gate and its facade, and the amazing Velez Chapel facade, then if they take the Oliver street they will get the Hernández Amores Square where they can enjoy the imposing Bell Tower and the Cruz Gate and its facade.

In the first years of the 16th century was begun the construction of the beautiful Bell Tower in renaissance style, and was finished its construction in the last years of the 18th century in Neoclassical style. It is about 96 meters in height and has 25 bells which date from 17th and 18th centuries.

If tourists have plenty of time they can go up to the Bell Tower from where visitors can see a wonderful view of the city and surroundings.

By the way, the previous medieval tower was demolished before building the current Renaissance tower and the Cruz Gate.

Inside the Cathedral visitors can enjoy its more than 22 chapels among other artworks.

The Vélez Chaple, which is itself a masterpiece, is richly decorated in Mudéjar, Gothic among other styles . Its construction was begun in the last years of the 15th century and was finished in the first years of the 16th century. Don’t forget to look at the impressive Dome of this chapel.

The wonderful Junterones Chaple was finished in the middle of the 16th century being regarded as one Renaissance masterpiece, and the main Chapel and its altarpiece in the central nave are must-see places too.

Also worthy of mention is the remarkable choir stalls in fine Plateresque style which was made in the middle of the 16th century. Moreover, the organ which is one of the largest and most important instruments in Spain dates from middle of the 19th century and was built by Merklin, it is in the Trascoro Chapel which dates from 17th century.

Other interesting chapel is the of Santo Cristo del Milagro which has a Neoclassical altarpiece, and all the other chapels are worth a visit.

People interested in sculptures and paintings between the 17th and 18th centuries might visit the Cathedral Museum which has an important collection of art. Moreover, the Museum has got back archaeological remains from Muslim (between 11th and 13th centuries) and other remains that were found while the Museum was being remodelled. The Museum is located in the cloister of the Cathedral.

If you decide to travel to Murcia coast to enjoy its beaches of white sand, you can plan a visit to Murcia city. You will not regret it.

Altamira Cave and museum / Cueva de Altamira (Cantabria)

March 19, 2014Cantabria, Emblematic buildingsManu

The Altamira Cave (la Cueva de Altamira), located in Santillana del Mar (Cantabria region), was declared a World Heritage in 1985 by UNESCO. It is known as the Sixtina Chapel of the Paleolithic art. The cave was discovered in 1863, although its paintings which are dated 13,500 years ago, were not discovered until 1879 by Marcelino Sainz de Sautuola (1831-1888).

The National Museum and Research Center of Altamira

Nowadays, the Altamira Cave has been closed to public in order to preserve its paintings. However, people can visit the fascinating Altamira Museum (Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigación de Altamira) which offers a reproduction of how the Altamira Cave was about 14,000 years ago (Neocave), with visit guided, collections and pieces about art and culture in times of Altamira, so as exhibits and activities for children among other things.

If visitors want to stare the recreation of Altamira Cave, they can visit the Neocave that is a reconstruction of the original cave where they can see the Herd of bison, one of most expressive paintings of Altamira and enjoy its spectacular way inside the cave.

It takes about 30 minutes on foot from Santillana del Mar to Altamira Museum. The ticket to visit the Museum costs 3 euros. Tourists should book the tickets in advance to avoid the wait.

More places to visit near Altamira Cave and Museum (Cantabria)

– Santillana del Mar: One of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

– Cantabria: Check here all our posts about Cantabria region (España).

Santillana del Mar: One of the most beautiful villages in Spain (Cantabria)

March 19, 2014Cantabria, Tours and GuidesManu

A must for people who visit the north of Spain is the historic-artistic Santillana del Mar (Santillana of the Sea), one of the most beautiful villages in Spain (Cantabria). In fact, the preservation of its medieval buildings and its stone streets is itself worth a visit. Moreover, Santillana del Mar also has a lot of to offer visitors in the way of architecture, culture, nature , history, museums, festivals , leisure activities, and above all its world renowned Altamira Cave, among other things.

Santillana del Mar is situated in the north of Spain in the Cantabria region with a population of about 4,000 it is certainly the favorite destination for people who appreciate the extraordinary beauty of Santillana del Mar which is surrounded by nature.

What to see in Santillana del Mar: Saint Juliana church, Velarde Palace, The Main Square…

La Colegiata de Santa Juliana (Saint Juliana church) in Romanesque style is the most remarkable building in Santillana del Mar which was constructed in the 12th century and has a outstanding altarpiece dated between 15th and 16th centuries, its Romanesque cloister is dated from 12th century. Behind the church the imposing Velarde Palace dates from 14th century; The historic-artistic Main Square (Plaza Mayor), which is the main meeting point, is rounded by Gothic and Renaissance buildings; Merino and Borja Towers both of them in Gothic style; Gil Blas Palace from 18th century; The stunning Casa de los Hombrones (Hombrones house); The Regina Coeli Museum (religious art) dates from 16th century, among other buildings.

Taking a walk along its medieval streets visitors can enjoy its architecture in Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque style. Moreover, if they wander around its squares, streets and corners they will be able to come across other attractive constructions such as fountains of washing and watering areas dated from 16th and 17th centuries, and interesting landmarks.

Revolgo Field Park – La Robleda

The Revolgo Field park (la Robleda), the gardens , the surroundings, its natural beauty and its favorable location make Santillana del Mar a breathtaking scenery where people can enjoy its relaxed atmosphere doing sports or resting. By the way, local people are very fond of cycling, bowling and golf, although the bowling is the most traditional game in Santillana del Mar.

Santillana Zoo

The Santillana Zoo, which takes about 20 minutes on foot from Santillana del Mar, is considered to be one of the most interesting zoos in Spain with more than 50,000 square meters, visitors will be able to stroll around seeing tigers, lions, leopards, chimpanzees, monkeys a lot of birds, butterflies, and so on in a natural environment, It is a unique experience for children who can really enjoy observing them.

If people want to visit the whole zoo, it takes about two and a half hours. There are restaurants and bars inside the Zoo if tourists decided to spend the day enjoying the zoo. The ticket to visit the zoo costs between 10 and 18 euros.

In conclusion, Being the town that visitors will never want to leave, Santillana del Mar is the perfect town to live or spend a holiday for children, young, middle aged and old people.

Other interesting places nearby Santillana village

– Altamira Cave and Museum: The museum is located only 30min away from Santillana on foot (3km away).

– Santa Justa Beach: It is 7 km. far away from Santillana del Mar, one sandy beach with clear water for all family in the Cantabrian Sea.

– Cantabria: Check here all our posts about Cantabria region (España).

– Top buildings and monuments in Spain: The most visited monuments in the country.

León: What to see in Leon city (Spain)

February 24, 2014León, Tours and GuidesManu

The city of León (which means Lion) is situated in the north-west of Spain, in Castile and Leon region, in a strategic place between the Bernesga and the Torío rivers which flow through the city just before its confluence.

Being one city about 140,000 inhabitants, Leon city has a lot to offer in cultural attractions, architecture, and entertainments, such as its Cathedral the most remarkable building of Leon; Roman Walls, Basilica of San Isidoro, San Marcos monastery, museums, traditional cuisine, restaurants, cafés, leisure areas, a medieval casco (medieval neighborhood) among other things. Besides, we cannot forget that Leon is a destination of the pilgrims who do the Saint James way before arriving in Santiago de Compostela.

León was founded as a wall camp called Legion in the first century before Christ by the Romans. Ten centuries later the king of Asturias y León Ordoño II (8??-924) chosen León as capital of his kingdom. However, in 1230 Fernando III king of Castilla y León (1199-1252) known as the Santo ( Saint) united both kingdoms of León and Castilla and Burgos was the capital of his kingdom.

Visiting León city (Spain)

The best way to explore the city is on foot, therefore, a enjoyable walk might start at the Regla square popularly known as the Cathedral square strolling through its surroundings the Cubos avenue (The Cubes), San Lorenzo and Cardenal Landazuri streets walkers can enjoy all facades of the Cathedral and Roman Walls also known as The Cubos which was constructed about the 3th century by the Romans and the Medieval Walls built in the 14th century.

The medieval casco (neighborhood) with most places within walking distance of center is the most popular area of León its pedestrian streets and squares such as the picturesque Santa María del Camino square also called Plaza del Grano is well worth a visit; The historic Plaza Mayor (the Main square) which impress visitors with its Edificio Mirador (Lookout Building) from 17th century, besides, the lively Plaza Mayor square is the best meeting point to make friends at the weekends and nightlife; Mariano Domingue de Berrueta, and the Ancha streets, the San Marcelo and the Conde Luna squares and surroundings plenty of restaurants, cafés, pubs, cafeterias and shops attract citizens and tourists. All of them take 5 minutes on foot from the Cathedral.

Basilica de San Isidoro (Saint Isidoro Basilica), which has 3 naves and was constructed in the 12th century, is regarded as one of the most important Romanesque churches in Spain . Its main and its south facades in Romanesque style, its altarpiece in the main chapel, its choir from 15th century. Tourists must not miss out on this Basilica which is located at 4 San Isidoro square to 5 minutes on foot from the Cathedral.

In the city center: the elegant Santo Domingo square is rounded by interesting buildings (the León Museum and the San Marcelo church); the Ordoño II avenue comes alive with shops, restaurants, cafés; in San Marcelo square visitors can see the amazing Casa Botines (Botines house) built about 1893 by the architect Antoni Gaudi i Cornet (1852 -1926). All of them take 5 minutes from the Cathedral.

Parador de San Marcos (Saint Marcos tourist hotel of 5 stars), which is located at 7 San Marcos square near Bernesga river, was built between 16th and 18th century in Gothic-Plateresque style and it is considered to be one of the longest Renaissance facade in Spain (it measures more than 87 meters in length), There are also a interesting archaeological museum and a beautiful Gothic church from 16th century. Visitors should not leave León without admiring this building. It takes 18 minutes on foot from the Cathedral. Moreover, there are also the MUSAC (the Art Leon y Castilla Museum), the Auditorio de Leon (Leon Concert Hall) and Building Europe in this modern neighborhood.

In addition, León has many parks with excellent facilities for sport and recreation, its riverside is the perfect place to spend the free time, By the way, other tourist attraction in León is that most people are used to going out eating its famous and delicious tapas, drinking some beer or wine and enjoying its friendly atmosphere every day. Tourists should not miss out Leon city when they visit Spain.

The Cathedral of Leon

Saint Mary Cathedral was built on the site of a previous church between the 13th and 15th centuries in Gothic style, being really one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain and Europe it is considered to be a Gothic masterpiece. In fact, its more than 125 colorful stained glass windows and its three large stained glass rose windows are viewed as some of the finest stained glass windows in the world.

Read more about the cathedral in this post: Santa Maria de la Regla Cathedral (Catedral de León).

More places to visit near Leon city

– Castile and Leon: Read the best places and cities to visit in this spanish region, as Salamanca or Segovia.

– The best cities to visit in Spain: Here you have a list with the most touristic cities of the country. 🙂

Catedral de León / Santa Maria de la Regla Cathedral (Leon city)

February 24, 2014Emblematic buildings, LeónManu

With around 140,000 inhabitants, León city (Castile and Leon region) has a lot to offer its visitors, such as its Cathedral the most remarkable building of Leon, The Roman Walls, Basilica of San Isidoro, San Marcos monastery, the Old Town, and many more.

Leon Cathedral: Saint Mary Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María)

Saint Mary Cathedral, called the Pulchra Leonina, in León, was built on the site of a previous church between the 13th and 15th centuries in Gothic style, being really one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain and Europe it is considered to be a Gothic masterpiece. In fact, its more than 125 colorful stained glass windows and its three large stained glass rose windows are viewed as some of the finest stained glass windows in the world ( dating between 13th and 15th centuries). Either way, visitors will enjoy the colorful stained glass windows more if they stare at them inside the Cathedral when the sunlight shines through them. It is a must-see place.

The Cathedral of León has three facades, west, north and south; the west one is the most imposing facade with its three wonderful portals, two bell towers and one clock tower with its large stained glass rose window on the front of the facade. Moreover, inside the Leon Cathedral, which has three naves, interesting chapels, a stunning choir stalls from 15th century; a cloister (13th-15th centuries); a beautiful altarpiece from 15th century in the main chapel; the fine mausoleum of the king Ordoño II (13th-15th centuries), beautiful paintings, sculptures and artworks among others. Therefore, a must for tourists who arrive in León is to visit it. By the way, the local people must feel very proud to have this outstanding Cathedral.

On the other hand, if people are quite interested in religious art and culture, we suggest visiting the Diocesan Cathedral Museum, which is in itself worth a visit, has 17 rooms full of artworks, above all paintings and sculptures from the prehistory to the 20th century. Moreover, if tourists have plenty of time we recommend going upstairs to get the clerestory platform in order to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Cathedral, they will probability stay there for 30 minutes before going down the 64 stairs.

The ticket to visit the Cathedral costs between 2 and 5 euros and the Diocesan – Cathedral Museum costs about 5 euros. The Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum both of them are located in the Regla square.

More places to visit in Leon city

– What to visit in Leon city: A brief guide with the more visited places in the city.

– Castile and Leon: Read here the best places and cities to visit in this region, as Salamanca, Burgos, or Segovia.

Palau de la Música Catalana / The Catalonian Music Palace (Barcelona)

February 12, 2014Barcelona, Emblematic buildingsManu

The Palau de la Música Catalana (The Catalonian Music Palace, or The Palace of Catalan Music), known as the Palau, is a hall concert, located in Barcelona city. This building is one of the most visited places in Barcelona by people who want to enjoy its Modernism architecture or listen to the choir of the Orfeó Catalá (Catalonian Choral Society) or concerts.

Located in the heart of Barcelona city near the Gothic Cathedral, and to 10 minutes on foot from the popular Catalonia square (plaza de Cataluña), this modernist building was declared a World Heritage site in 1997 by UNESCO.

History of the The Catalonian Music Palace

The Palau de la Música Catalana was constructed between 1905 and 1909 by the Catalonian Modernist architect Lluís Domenech i Montaner (1850-1923), who made an agreement with the best artists, sculptors and painters such as the architect Jeroni Granell i Manresa (1867-1931) who made many of the colorful stained glass windows and dome of the palace; the world renowned Aragonese sculptor Pablo Gargallo (Maella -Zaragoza 1881- 1934) who sculpted the colossal figures of the proscenium; Lluís Bru i Salelles ( 1868-1952) and Mario Maragliano who worked in the fine mosaics, among other artists, so that all of them worked on the project of a building for the Catalonian Orfeó Headquarter (sede del Orfeó Catalá).

Having a seating capacity of more than 2.000, the Palau has a main outstanding Concert Hall (Sala de Conciertos) with a large organ over its stage; the Rehearsal Hall of the Orfeó Catalá which is below the main Concert Hall; the stunning Hall Lluís Millet among other things.

Nowadays, the Palau de la Música Catalá has a lot of performances during the year, so that all people can see the impressive Palau which is considered to be a Catalan Modernism masterpiece. However, if people do not have free time to attend any concert, they can take a guided visit in the morning, or perhaps take a stroll around its streets and seeing its wonderful facades (at number 7 San Pere Mes Alt street and 4 Amadeu Vives street). Moreover, there are a restaurant and cafés inside the Palau building.

Visiting the building

The Palau builging is placed at 4 Palau de la Música street. You can go there by bus, lines 17, 19 and 45.

The ticket to visit the Palau can cost from 9 to 18 euros. The guided tour lasts one hour. There is a guided tour every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Being Barcelona the second largest city in Spain (the first is Madrid) has a lot of interesting places, buildings, activities, entertainments to offer visitors in the way of spending an unforgettable holiday. However, if people attend some of the concerts at the Palau, they will have an enjoyable experience. Do not leave Barcelona without visiting the Palau.

More places to visit in Barcelona city

– Las Ramblas Avenue: La Rambla Avenue goes from Catalonia Square to the seaport, and it has a lot of cafes, terraces, pubs and discotheques. In the end of the street, there is the Cristobal Colon monument.

– Columbus Monument: One of the most famous statues of Barcelona city. It was built in 1888 for a Universal Exposition and it represents a statue of Christopher Columbus above a pillar, pointing with his right hand to the sea.

– The Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia): It is a must for tourists that arrive in Barcelona see its outstanding architecture, design and sculptures.

– La Barceloneta: In summer, you can sunbathe or swim in the beach of La Barceloneta, which is 5 minutes walking from Columbus Monument.

Read also our post with the most famous monuments in Spain.

A Coruña: What to visit in La Coruña city (Galicia)

February 9, 2014A coruña, Beach, mountain and nature, Tours and GuidesManu

Situated on the north-west coast of Spain (Galicia) between the sheltered inlet of the Cantabrian Sea (Ría da Coruña, Rías Altas ) and the Atlantic Ocean, its history goes back to the prehistoric Celtic times (Celtas), A Coruña (La Coruña) city covers the Coruña Peninsula and its isthmus. Moreover, the city has also been expanded and widened toward the mainland for years. In fact, with a population of about 250,000 it is one of the largest and most important cities in Galicia region.

A Coruña is not only popular with the tourists because its lighthouse, its new Outer Port (Puerto Exterior), its Inner Port (Puerto Interior), its tasty seafood, its great beaches but also its architecture, its museums, its parks, and above all, its promenade (Paseo Marítimo) which is 10 km. in length. Evidently, A Coruña has a lot of to offer visitors in the way of entertainment.

What to visit in A Coruña

Taking a walk along the promenade (Paseo Maritimo) from east to north, on the right, people can see several cruise ships, many boats on the historic Inner Port of A Coruña on the Cantabrian Sea Ría da Coruña) and Sant Antón castle dates from 17th century to east of the isthmus. This important port welcomes tourists who arrive in A Coruña by sea. On the left some interesting buildings, parks and the renowned solana ( galleries or balconies of the buildings are closed with glasses or their facades cover in glasses ) from 19th century. In this area, the tourists can enjoy the old city strolling through its streets, they will find the landmark María Pita square, where is the City Hall a beautiful building from 18th century, in this area are some of the main restaurants and bares of the city; Saint George (San Jorge) church nearby; the San Agustin market; Romanesque Santa María del Campo church about 14th century; Santiago church the oldest Romanesque bulding in A Coruña dates from 12th century. Following the walk visitors will come across some interesting buildings and several of the most lively and traditional places to have a drink and tapas.

Crossing the isthmus people will arrive at the west of A Coruña peninsula where are the sandy beaches of Riazor and Orzan which are washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Being a popular tourist destination, A Coruña has a wide range of sport activities from diving, surf, sailing, windsurf, fishing to multiple activities for all the family. The large and clean beaches and seafood are the main attraction for tourists in A Coruña. By the way, it is said that in A Coruña often rains, However the rain does not last long. It is only a shower

Going on holiday to A Coruña is a unique experience of enjoying its fresh seafood and the famous tapas. Do not miss out tasting its traditional seafood. However, people should not leave A Coruña without spending some hours wandering about its city center, meeting people, having a drink, at the cafés or pubs, the city really comes alive during the night.

Tower of Hércules

The lighthouse called the Tower of Hércules, which was built in the 2nd century when Trajan was Roman Emperor (53-117) and restored and covered in Neoclassical style in the 18th century, is the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world that is still working. Being the most remarkable building of A Coruña, the Hércules Tower is sited on a hill to 57 meters over sea level and about 49 meters in height, in a strategic point to the north of the A Coruña Peninsula by Artabro Gulf. Therefore, this lighthouse was declared a World Heritage site on the 27th June 2009 by UNESCO.

Nowadays, the Roman remains of the tower can be seen inside the lighthouse which were not covered during its restoration. Besides, if visitors have plenty of time, they will enjoy climbing the 232 steps to get the overlook from where they can see a breathtaking view of the city and surroundings. Before leaving this area visitors should take a look around, the Sculpture Park, an open air museum at the Tower of Hércules, the Wind Rose and the Aquarium Finisterrae are nearby.

The ticket to visit the Tower costs between 1,50 and 3 euros although on Mondays are free.

Outer Port

Today, its new Outer Port (Puerto Exterior) of A Coruña, which is a way of opportunities for the future of A Coruña, is being constructed on a strategic location in Punta Langosteira, Atlantic Ocean. It will give A Coruña opportunities for business and industrial investment. It is to 10 km. away from Coruña City to the west of A Coruña..

More places to visit near A Coruña (Galicia)

– Santiago de Compostela: Read here our favorite places to visit in Santiago de Compostela.

– Asturias and The Basque Country: Two of the greenest regions of the country. Besides, in there you will find some of the best gastronomy of the Iberian Peninsula.

– The best cities to visit in Spain: Looking for traveling to another city? Check here the most visited destinations of Spain.

The best places in Spain

A guide to visit Spain, written by Spaniards