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.

Three-days tour in Barcelona: What to visit in Barcelona city (Catalonia)

March 14, 2014Barcelona, Beach, mountain and nature, Nightlife, Tours and GuidesJorge

Barcelona is considered as one of the most vanguard and touristic cities in Spain (more than Madrid). But… why? Firstly, its location in the Mediterranean coast provides to the city a warm weather and a lot of beaches in the city and its surroundings. Also, it has many remarkable monuments as The Güell Park, The Holy Family Church, The Gothic Neighborhood, The Catalonian Music Palace and many more. The city has also been the headquarters of many important events as The 1992 Olimpic Games. Finally, maybe the best aspect of the city is its people: By visiting Barcelona you will discover a young multicultural atmosphere with a lot of activities and nigthlife in its beaches and streets, as in La Rambla avenue.

The city is placed in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Catalonian region, Barcelona is a metropolis with around 1,500,000 habitants in the city and two million more in its surroundings. The official languages are the Catalonian and the Spanish, but most of people speak English pretty well.

Here we propose you a three-days tour to visit the most emblematic sites of Barcelona. Enjoy it!

Day 1: The Old City: La Ramblas, The Gothic Neighborhood, Colon Statue, La Barceloneta and the beaches

– Las Ramblas Avenue: This is the most famous and visited avenue of the city where. There, people go to visit monuments, go shopping, rest and see the seaport. Las Ramblas street goes from Catalonia Square to Columbus Monument. To arrive at Las Ramblas by metro you can use the Line 3 (Liceu) or Lines 3, 6 and 7 to Catalunya Square.

– The Gothic Neighborhood: The Gothic neighborhood is alongside La Rambla street. It is one of the essential places that every visitor should see. In there, you will enjoy the traditional streets, monuments, churches…

– The Barcelona Cathedral: The Barcelona main cathedral is located in la Seu Square (Gothic neighborhood). It was built between XIII and XV centuries.

– San Jaume Square: In this square you will find the City Council and San Jaime Church.

– La boqueria market: This food market is placed in one side of Las Ramblas avenue. It’s a very popular place to eat something.

– Waxworks: Also located close to Las Ramblas (Banca Street , 7), the wax museum (Museo de cera) is one of the most visited museums of this type in Spain.

– Maritime Museum: It is located in Drassanes Avenue. This museum has a lot of staff about boats, galleys, etc. It can be interesting if you want to know more of the history of the navigation.

– Columbus Monument: This famous Columbus statue (Estatua de Colón) is in the Plaza de la Paz (between Las Ramblas and he seaport). Columbus monument measures 60 metres in height, and it is made of iron and bronze.

– La Barceloneta Neighborhood: La Barceloneta is a marine neighborhood which occupies the area around the beach. This historic neighborhood was designed and built in the XVIII century, taking the ground from the sea. Also, la Barceloneta is one of the most visited beaches of the city.

– The beaches: The coast of Barcelona has the following beaches: Barceloneta, Somorrostro, Nova Icaria, Bagatell, Mar Bella, LLevant, Marina, Forum, Sant Miquel and Sant Sebastiá.

Nigthlife in Barcelona: During evening and night, Las Ramblas zone also has a lot of activity in its bars, restaurants and pubs. In summer, there is nightlife there almost everyday.

Day 2: The Holy Family, The Güell Park and other remarkable monuments

In the second day of our trip we are going to discover the main monuments of Barcelona. Here you have a list with them, please feel free to visit the sites in the order you prefer:

– The Church of the Holy Family: The Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia) is one of the most beautiful buildings the city. Its construction began in 1882 and it’s not finished yet. Antoni Gaudí Architect designed and directed the building from 1883 until his death in 1926. In fact, The Sagrada Familia is the masterwork of Antonio Gaudí, who was buried in the crypt of this church. The Holy Family was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.

– The Güell Park: The Güell Park (Parque Güell) was also designed by Antoni Gaudí, being constructed between 1900 and 1914. People who visit the park can enjoy strolling in its area, sitting down on its decorated benches or admiring its architecture. If visitors touch its sculptures, they will realize the experience of feeling the shapes and the colorful of its artwork, such as the dragon, the 86 columns, the benches, the stairway, so on. The park was included as World Heritage Site in 1984.

– Casa Milà: Popularly known as La Pedrera, Casa Mila is a unique modernist building located at Paseo de Gracia. The building was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912. In 1984, Casa Mila was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. To read the whole history of this bulging, check our article here.

– The Catalonian Music Palace: Palau de la Música Catalana, known as Palau, is an impressive hall concert, located in the center city. This building is one of the most visited places in Barcelona by people who want to enjoy its Modernism architecture or listen to its concerts. It is located near the Gothic Cathedral, and to 10 minutes on foot from Catalonia Square. The Catalonian Musica Palace was was declared World Heritage Site in 1997.

– Other monuments declared World Heritage by UNESCO : You also can visit in Barcelona city the following places: Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, Santa Cruz and San Pablo Hospital.

Day 3: Montjuic, Tibidabo, Agbar Tower, Camp Nou…

In the third day we will see other touristic places of the city not as famous as the previous ones, but with have a difference among citizens and visitors:

– Montjuic and Tibidabo zones: From these view points people can enjoy the view of Barcelona.

– The Magic Montjuic Fountain: One of the most beautiful fountains in the world is the Magic Montjuic Fountain (Fuente mágina de Montjuic) which offers an outstanding performance of colorful light, music and water. It was built in 1929 for Universal Exhibition of Barcelona, and was designed by the Catalonian engineer Carlos Buigas (1898- 1979). The Magic Fountain is located at the Queen Maria Cristina Avenue in front of the Montjuict Palace. It is worth a visit.

– Agbar Tower: Torre Agbar measures 145 metres in height, the third higher building of Barcelona. It is located at Diagonal Avenue. Although it was built recently, its colorful surface , its shape and its visibility from many points of the city have favored its fame among the people as a new icon of the city.

– Camp Nou: This is a must for all the FC Barcelona football team supporters. This football stadium has a museum inside it and it’s located near Zona Universitaria (Metro Line 3) and Pedralbes Park (Palau Real Metro station).

Please, if you notice any other important place of Barcelona missing, add it in the comments section of this post or send us and email!

More places to visit near Barcelona

– Salou: Salou is one of the summer-touristic-towns places in the Mediterranean coast.

– Sitges: Sitges is also known for its Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, the Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rallys and its Carnival Celebration.

– Castelldefels: Castelldefels is located on the Mediterranean Sea coast of Catalonia, just to 18 km away from Barcelona city.

– La Pineda: With only 3,000 inhabitants, La Pineda (Vila-Seca) is a small town located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, at Tarragona Province.

– Valencia: Bordering the meditterranean coast from Barcelona to the south of the country, you will find this city. In Valencia you can visit places as La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias or La Lonja.

– Zaragoza: Zaragoza is a big city located among Barcelona and Madrid. The perfect place to rest one or two days while visiting the city.

– Madrid: The capital city of Spain. Don’t miss it!

Read here more cities to visit in Spain.

San Sebastián / Donostia: What to visit in San Sebastian city

March 10, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Gastronomy, San Sebastián, Tours and Guidesjulia

Situated in the north of Spain on the Bay of Biscay coast, washed by the Cantabrian Sea, San Sebastian (or Donostia) also known as Perla del Cantábrico (the Cantabrian Sea Pearl) is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty. Being one of the most elegant cities of Spain with about 200,000 inhabitants, Donostia – San Sebatian and the Polish city of Wroclaw will have the honor of being the Cultural Capitals of Europe in 2016.

Being one of the main tourist destination of quality in Spain, Donostia (in Basque or Euskera language), or San Sebastian (in Spanish Language) is the capital of Gipuzkoa province (in The Basque Country region) and both the capital and the region really have a lot of to offer citizens and visitors in the way of the gastronomy, culture, architecture, water sports, comfortable lifestyle, entertainment, beaches, leisure activities, festivals, among other things.

The Concha, Ondarreta and Zurriola beaches

Taking a stroll along its coastal promenade, the starting point might be at the Peine del Viento (the Wind Comb) the famous sculpture by the architect Luis Peña and the world renowned sculptor Eduardo Chillida. At Igeldo Mountain by the sea, visitors can feast their eyes on the beautiful Bahía de la Concha (the Shell Bay) (so called because the Bahía de la Concha is shaped like a shell) where are the Ondarreta Beach and La Concha Beach, which are some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. In front of both beaches in the heart of the bay is Santa Clara island the symbol of the city with a small beach.

Following the enjoyable stroll walkers will find a large garden, the impressive Miramar Palace and its park and interesting buildings on the right, and the Ondarreta Beach and the Concha Beach on the left. After 30 minutes on foot they will arrive at the Hall City an imposing building on the right and at the end the Concha Beach on the left. By the way, both beaches have the best facilities people can go windsurfing, kayaking, canoing and others. Visitors must not leave the city without walking along this romantic and elegant area.

If visitors go on walking they will arrive at the Zurriola Beach the largest Beach of San Sebastian where people go surfing, swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, so on. It takes about 20 minutes on foot from Hall City to the Zurriola Beach, walking through the pedestrian Zumardia Boulevard, crossing the Kursaal Bridge over the Urumea River, in the Gros Neighborhood. It is a pleasant and unbelievable stroll.

Tasting the gastronomy of Donostia San Sebastián

It is said that one of the main tourist attractions in Donostia- San Sebastian is its gourmet food because Gipuzkoa is known all over the world for its excellent restaurants, a famous chefs and traditional cuisine. Local people, who are easy going and friendly, are used to enjoying good food and fine wine at home and out with friends and visitors.

Wandering through the lively Old Neighborhood (La Parte Vieja) from Zurmardia Boulevard to Urgull mountain, tourists can find traditional bars, cafés, restaurants full of people eating pintxos (tapas) and drinking txakoli (a special white wine) or sidra (cider) creating a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere while enjoying the delicious and tasty pintxos.

There are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafés in the Gros and the Center neighborhood which also serve great variety of excellent pintxos and traditional wine. Moreover, visitors will come across stylish restaurants, bars and cafés which offer a rich variety of local specialty.

The three neighborhoods come alive at night when people are attracted by music, dance, food and drink. Donostia – San Sebastian is probability the best city to enjoy a pleasurable lifestyle and a lively nightlife. In fact, most tourists come back again in order to have a lot of fun at its parties.

Monuments, buildings and other interesting places

Probablyyou should visit The Mota Castle on the hill of Urgull mountain dates from 12th century, with a breathtaking view of the Concha Bay. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from Hall City. It is worth a visit.

The Gothic San Vicente Church dates from 16th century, the Baroque Santa Maria Basilica from 18 th century, and the historic Constitución Square, which is the main meeting point of the city, are located in the Old Neighborhood.

Nearby the luxury Maria Cristina Hotel, the outstanding Victoria Eugenia Theater by the Urumea River, and other interesting buildings can be seen walking around the center neighborhood. Moreover, walkers will come across amazing sculptures and buildings as they stroll along the streets such as the neogothic Buen Pastor Cathedral which was built in 19th century, one of the most emblematic buildings of the city it is located in the center neighborhood where visitors can stare other magnificent buildings. Do not miss out on this spellbinding church.

Parks, gardens and fun

San Sebastian has many large parks and lovely gardens where people can do sport, play football or tennis, spend the free time. Moreover, the city has plenty of green areas, and a theme park for children and multiples activities for all family. Besides, the Palacio del Mar (the Sea Palace) is one of the most modern aquarium in Europe with more than 5,000 living species.

In conclusion, San Sebastian can offer people luxury hotels, fine restaurants; a good theater; clean and sandy beaches with clear and blue water; unique festivals, Cinema, Gastronomy, Fashion, Music, Regattas, Surfing, fascinating museums, high class shops and so on. In fact, San Sebastian is a very glamorous holiday destination.

San Sebastian is situated to 30 km. from France, 80 Km. from Pamplona; 100 km. from Bilbao, and 450 km. from Madrid.

Other cities and regions to visit near San Sebastián / Donostia

– Bilbao: In Bilbao you can visit The Guggenheim Art Center, Gexto town and beaches and many more interesting places.

– The Basque Country: Check here all our posts about the Basque Country.

– Asturias: Asturias region is placed close to the Basque country. In there you will discover Gijón and Oviedo cities and a lot nature.

Lonja de la Seda / The Silk Market (Valencia)

March 1, 2014Emblematic buildings, Valenciabestplaces

The Lonja de la seda (Silk Market) in Valencia, also known as Lonja de los Mercaderes or Casa de Contratacion is one of the most emblematic Gothic buildings in Spain. In fact, the Lonja is the masterpiece of the renowned architect Pere Compte who began its construction in the last quarter of the 15th century in order to cover the necessities of the silk business in the region . Moreover, the Lonja of the Silk was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Evidently, it is a must-see place.

Visiting La Lonja de Valencia

The Architectural ensemble in the finest late Gothic style has an outstanding main large Sala de Contratacion (contract hall) of three naves with 24 spiral columns of 18 meters in height every one; The Tower with its impressive winding stone staircase of 110 steps, on the first floor of this tower there was a prison and under this prison there was a Chapel; The Consulado where is the Sala Dorada (The Golden Room / Cambra Daurada) or the main hall with its beautiful techumbre (ceiling) of golden paintings from 14th century and the orange garden among others. The main facade of this Gothic building with its exceptional decoration, its stunning doorway and some of the finest windows can be seen at the Market square.

Nowadays, the Lonja is still been used for commercial activities in agricultural products. Besides, the cultural activities and exhibitions takes place in this remarkable building which is the seat of Cultural Academy of Valencia. Do not miss out on the Lonja de la Seda.

Situated in the heart of the casco historico (historic neighborhood) of Valencia, at the Market square the Lonja has its impressive main facade. The ticket to visit La Lonja costs between 1 and 2 euros, although on Sunday, on Saturday and bank-holidays are free. The best way of visiting the historic neighborhood of Valencia is on foot.

Other interesting buildings in the historic neighborhood of Valencia

The Cathedral , which was began in 1268 and finished in the 18 th century is another emblematic place, is a must see place and visitors should not miss out.

The imposing Mercado Central (The Main Large Market / Mercat Central), which was built between 1914 and 1928, in modernism style, is one of the largest market in Europe measuring more than 8000 square meters and with more than 900 market stalls. It is located at the Market square . It is worth visiting.

More places to visit in Valencia

– The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias): The City of Arts and Sciences consists in a wide zone in the center of Valencia, near the sea and the Port of Valencia, in where are located a lot of cultural and leisure buildings.

– The Turia garden (Jardín del Turia): The Turia Garden is a green park of more than 7,000 metres long being covered its more than 1,000,000 square metres with great variety of trees, plants ,flowers and fountains.

– The best monuments in Spain: Read here our post with the most visited monuments, museums and buildings in Spain.

Monuments and nature in Gran Canaria: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Roque Nublo and other inland towns (Canary Islands)

February 28, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Canary Islands / Islas Canarias, Streets and monuments, Tours and GuidesJorge

As we have already talked about the best beaches of Gran Canaria, its coast and its seaside towns, today we are going to focus on the rest of the island: Gran Canaria has not only beaches, but also a lot of nature and interesting cities, towns and remarkable sites to visit.

In this article we are going to talk about the following places:

– Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: In the north of the island is located this city, than with almost 400,000 inhabitants is currently the capital of the Canary Islands.

– Other touristic cities and towns inside the island: If during your stay at Gran Canaria you have car and you want to visit the whole island, here you will find some interesting suggestions about what to visit.

– Mountains and routes through the nature: Almost all of these routes are in the center of Gran Canaria, where are located many touristic places as Roque Nublo or Cruz de Tejeda.

Gran Canaria, the second biggest island in the Canary Islands

As we have already said in our last article, The Canary Islands are a group of Spanish islands located in the west coast of Africa. They are mainly composed by these seven islands: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Lanzarote, El Hierro and La Gomera.

The geography of Gran Canaria island and its proximity to Africa creates a strange climate where, while in the north of the island the climate varies between 30 ºC in summer and 15 ºC in winter, in the south the climate is always around 20º and 30º, the perfect temperature to enjoy the beach all the year.

Finally, the center of the island has a mountain area whose peaks almost reach 2000 metres in height (Roque Nublo 1813m., Pozo de las Nieves 1949m.).

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city

With 380,000 inhabitants, this is the biggest city of Canary Islands (Islas Canarias), and therefore the capital city of them.

The main touristic places of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are its center (Vegueta neighborhood) where is Las Palmas Cathedral (in the photo) built between the 15^th and 18^th centuries, the Literary Cabinet and many more historic buildings.

The city has a lot of activity, nightlife and during the Carnivals this is one of the main touristic destinations of Spain. You also can visit its Comertial Centers (remember that the taxes in the Canary Islands are lower than in the rest of the country, so the prices are lower).

Don’t miss to visit its main beach and its promenade in Playa de las Canteras.

Touristic towns in the north of Gran Canaria: Arucas, Terol and other

In the north of the island, not far away from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria you can visit some towns as Arucas, Terol, Firgas, Valleseco, Santa Brígida, Moya, Santa María de Guía, Agaete or Galdar. Among all of them, the most touristic ones are Arucas and Teror.

– The Arucas cathedral: In Arucas can be seen its “cathedral” San Juan Bautista Curch (which is not officially a cathedral yet). This church was built between 1909 and 1979 over the ruins of and old temple. The architecture of the current building and its neogothic style makes it one of the most emblematic buildings of the island.

– Teror: The main touristic places in Teror are The basilica of Teror (Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino), The main square and the Museum (Museo de los Patronos de la Virgen).

Touristic towns in the centre and east of Gran Canaria: Santa Lucia, Tejeda, Ingenio…

In the centre of the island can be found the best nature routes of the island and some nice mountain villages as Tejeda, San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Santa Lucia.

In the east, you can find Ingenio, among others less touristic towns (Argüimes, Telde, Vecindario or the airport).

Nature and mountains: Roque Nublo, Cruz de Tejeda, Pozo de las nieves…

Finally, Gran Canaria has some interesting routes through the mountains. The two most famous places to visit are Cruz de Tejeda (close to Tejeda Town) and Roque Nublo.

Roque nublo (in the photo) is an 1813 meters peak at where excursionists can arrive on foot. From its top, it can be seen an impressive landscape of the peaks nearby and the rest of the island.

You also can visit Pico de las Nieves, the highest peak of the island (1900m.) which has a route that connects it with Roque Nublo on foot (it can take 30 minutes walking aprox).

More touristic places to visit in the Canary Islands

– The best beaches of Gran Canaria: A list with the best beaches to enjoy in this island.

– The Canary islands (Islas Canarias): Check here all our posts about the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Lanzarote…).

The Canary Islands Gastronomy: What to eat and typical food of the islands

February 25, 2014Canary Islands / Islas Canarias, GastronomyJorge

Today we are going to talk about the typical food of the Canary Islands (Islas Canarias). Its location in the Atlantic ocean, at the west of Africa near the Sahara and Morocco coast makes a difference in the typical food of the islands in comparison to the food that can be grown or fished in the rest of Spain, in the Iberian Peninsula.

Eating in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a holiday paradise for many tourists who travel there to enjoy its beaches and its tropical climate. And of course, as in any other touristic places, the Canary Islands are used to receiving a huge number of tourists who who go to shops and restaurants to eat.

Surely you will find a lot of shops, bars and restaurants in any part of the islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Lanzarote…). Usually, these restaurants are cheaper than the restaurants in the rest of the country, what means that a person can eat dinner for less than 10€. However, everything depends on what are you looking for: In the Canary Islands you can find some of the cheapest places of Spain, and also some luxury ones.

Typical food and drinks from the Canary Islands

When eating in a restaurant in the Canary Islands, you will be able to ask for a normal dish from Spain or Europe… but our recommendation is to try the typical food from the islands. It’s very tasty and our experience there was very satisfying!

Here you have a list with some of the traditional dishes of the Canary Islands:

– Baked potatoes with mojo sauce (Patatas arrugadas): This variety of small potatoes (popularly known as Papas arrugás) are baked in an oven and served unpeeled with Mojo Sauce.

The Mojo sauce can be red or green depending on the ingredients which have been used to prepare it, and it gives a soft taste to the potatoes that everyone will love. Commonly, this typical sauce is prepared from: oil, salt, tomato, pepper and a little bit of garlic and parsley.

– Fish (Pescado): The seaports of the Canary Islands provide all kind of fish to its shops and restaurants.

Also, you will probably see in the restaurant menus some other fish as squid or sepia (calamares, chocos, chopitos, puntillitas) which are not typical from the islands, but which are very popular in other regions as in Andalusia or in the Mediterranean coast.

– Gofio: Long time ago, it was the basic food for the original residents of the islands (The “guanches” tribes). The gofio is mainly composed by cereals (wheat and barley). Nowadays it’s eaten with the main dishes as fish or meat.

– Meatloaf (Carne mechada / Ropa Vieja): The meatloaf is highly popular among the citizens of the islands. You can try it alone, with salad and chips or in a sandwich.

– Cactus Jam (Mermelada de cactus) and Prickly pears (Higos chumbos): The weather of the islands makes very easy to grow upland plants as cactus or palms. With its fruits, people make a wide variety of dishes, as marmalade and other similar products.

– Fruits and juices (Fruta y zumos): Don’t leave the islands without trying its natural juices and smoothies. Also, the Canary bananas (Platanos de Canarias) are very popular, besides they are exported all over the world because of its good taste and its hight quality.

– Alcoholic Drinks: There are two very popular brands of alcohol in the islands: The Tropical Beer and The Areucas Rum, which factory is located in Aruca Town (Gran Canaria).

More about the Canary Islands

– The Canary Islands: Read here all our post about the islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Lanzarote, El Hierro and La Gomera.

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. 🙂

The best places in Spain

A guide to visit Spain, written by Spaniards