Public transportation in Spain | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/20/2014 - 01:00
Public transportation in Spain In Spain, public transportation is well organized. Major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona even have an excellent subway metro network. transportation spain
  • Spain is the land of excellent public transportation. The extensive network of trains in, to and from Spain is one of the main modes of transportation.
  • The capital of Spain has a great subway network and many cabs that will take you anywhere for a good price.
  • The second largest city, Barcelona, has numerous transportation options. From metros to buses and streetcars to cabs.

Travel in Spain: Public transportation throughout the country

If you think things are well organized in the Netherlands, you haven't been to Spain yet. First, there are multiple ways to travel throughout the country and second, they are not nearly as expensive as in the Netherlands. It is well arranged, reliable and convenient. Train transportation consists not only of a simple rail network, Spain also has a good number of lines of high-speed trains that race throughout the country at over 300 km/h. The most famous company is 'AVE' (Alta Velocidad Española). In addition, 'Media Distancia' trains from 'RENFE' are the most obvious trains to travel on. The buses in Spain are, in a word, luxury. When you travel with the so-called 'autocars,' you find yourself in a bus with air conditioning, a TV screen and access to electricity. Then, of course, there are the scheduled buses as you find in every country.

Public transportation in Madrid

Madrid is a large city, it therefore has a large network with many options for getting around. Public transportation in Madrid is subsidized by the government and this makes it pleasantly cheap to travel on. The subways in Madrid go everywhere. It is an extensive network that is still expanding daily. Waiting is almost non-existent, as a metro leaves about every 3 minutes. Madrid has about 185 bus lines throughout the city. Buses struggle in Madrid as they have to compete with the extensive metro network. Nevertheless, they manage to distinguish themselves by offering night services (frequency: every 30 minutes) that get everyone back home safely after going out. White cars with a red diagonal stripe on the sides, you see them all over the city. They are the cabs of Madrid. You can pull them over, but there are also a huge number of cab stands and parking lots. Cabs are cheaper than in the Netherlands, which makes it attractive to travel by cab.

Public transport in Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, and it also offers numerous options for getting around by public transportation at a good price. The most obvious option for getting around is the metro. It is fast, safe and cheap and with 9 metro lines, all hot spots are easily accessible. Barcelona's metro network is operated by two companies: 'TMB' and 'FGC,' but the integrated ticketing system allows you to travel with both companies on one ticket. On Saturdays, the subways run all night.

The bus is not the fastest mode of transportation since the city is a big fan of one-way streets. As a result, buses often have to detour. That said, it is a good mode of transportation. Like a real city, Barcelona also has streetcars. These streetcars mainly take you to the neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. As in Madrid and countless other cities, there are more than a thousand cabs in Barcelona. They can be recognized by their black color with yellow doors.

Spain In Spain, public transportation is well organized. Major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona even have an excellent subway metro network. metro barcelona, metro madrid, public transport barcelona, travel spain,public transport spain Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Daphne Nossels

Wintering in Spain | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/23/2013 - 01:00
Wintering in Spain Wintering in Spain is best on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Canary Islands. winter in spain

Spanish winter

Spain is located on the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, further the country has several mountain ranges and is thirteen times larger than the Netherlands. Not surprisingly, the Spanish climate is very diverse by region. While the south of Spain is very pleasant in the winter, the northwest of Spain is "chilly" by Spanish standards.

Inland Spain has harsh winters versus dry warm summers. In winter there are pleasant temperatures and blue skies, a pleasant climate for getting out and about.

Due to the great diversity in the landscape, Spain has many different climates. In the northwest of Spain and on the Atlantic Ocean there is a maritime climate, which means that in winter it is around 6 degrees Celsius. With a maritime climate, there is a relatively high amount of precipitation throughout the year. The amount of precipitation in northwest Spain can be compared to that in the Netherlands.

In contrast, southern Spain, Andalusia has very mild winters and very warm summers with little precipitation. The average temperature in winter is around 15 degrees and in summer it is not exceptional if the temperature rises to 40 degrees.

Inland Spain has great differences in temperatures. For example, during the Spanish winter it can easily freeze in the higher elevations and in the summer the temperature can reach 30 degrees with little precipitation. In winter, one can ski in the Pyrenees and in southern Spain in the Sierra Nevada.

The Spanish Costas

The Spanish Costa's have mild but wet winters (the further south the drier) and pleasant summers. Summer temperatures are lower than in inland Spain which makes it more pleasant. Spain's Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are pleasant winter destinations. This is because of the small amount of precipitation that falls and the pleasant temperatures of around 18 degrees. These temperatures make it pleasant to play golf, or to go out and explore the surroundings. For example, from the Southern Costas there are several cities to visit inland, the Alhambra in Granada and the Royal Palace in Seville are also well worth a visit. The Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, like the Canary Islands, which is also a winter destination, have about 6 hours of sunshine per day during the winter. The Canary Islands have a constant annual temperature that averages between 22 degrees in winter and 27 degrees in summer.

The Balearic Islands also have mild winters and pleasant summers, just like the Spanish Costas. However, more precipitation falls on the Balearic Islands than on the southern Costa's. Typical of this archipelago is the amount of precipitation that falls all at once. The amount of precipitation makes this archipelago less interesting as a destination in winter.

Spain Wintering in Spain is best on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Canary Islands. canary islands, balearic islands, winter in spain, winter vacations Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Samentha Geerts

Top 10 Museums in Spain | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/20/2013 - 01:00
Top Ten Museums in Spain Art and Culture in Spain: Our Top Ten Spanish Museums will give you a taster of Spain’s proud to celebrate its internationally-acclaimed artists. Top Ten Museums in Spain

Spanish Art: Broadening your cultural horizons

Although stereotypically associated with sun, sea and sand, Spain offers much more than just a summer glow. From Velázquez to Dalí, Ribera to Miró and El Greco to Picasso, Spain has produced some of history’s most influential, revolutionary and highly-esteemed artists. So why not mix things up this year during your holiday to Spain and replace a day of soaking up the rays with a day of cultural enrichment!? In alphabetical rather than preferential order, the featured Top Ten Spanish Museums below will simply give you a taster of a country proud to exhibit and celebrate the enduring talents of its internationally-acclaimed artists.


Fundación Joan Miró1. Fundación Joan Miró - Barcelona


Within the confines of an incredibly-striking, contemporary and almost Lego-like white building, visitors will find themselves in awe of the sheer number, quality and diversity of the artwork produced by Barcelona-born painter, sculptor and ceramicist, Miró. With more than 14,000 pieces of artwork to observe, tourists will certainly leave with a much greater insight into the life of this 20th Century artistic genius.



Sevilla2. Museo de Bellas Artes - Seville


Priding itself on the display of the colossal altarpiece paintings which characterized the artwork of the 17th Century Seville school, the city’s Museum of Fine Arts completely captivates its visitors with its beautifully-detailed, and primarily religious, collections as soon as they pass through the former convent’s cloistered doorways. Greeted by works from El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo and Cano amongst many others, Spanish Golden Age art enthusiasts will find themselves in Baroque heaven.



Valencia3. Museo de Bellas Artes - Valencia


Artwork aside for a momentito, Valencia’s Museum of Fine Arts with its two grand towers, sapphire-tiled dome and charming courtyard is truly a marvel to behold in all its architectural glory. And beyond the spectacular façade, the museum showcases, most notably, an abundance of 17th Century art including Goya’s striking portraits and El Greco’s monumental religious iconography.



Bilbao4. Museo Guggenheim - Bilbao


Reminiscent of a large, distorted and multiple-layered reflective mirror, Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum is impossible to miss. Although the building’s utterly unique exterior design is a work of art in itself, it is only once inside that visitors can fully appreciate the ingenuity of the world’s greatest contemporary and modern artists. From Serra’s steel sculptures to Warhol’s renowned pop art, every room celebrates the daring and innovative approaches taken by these artists who, even if unconsciously, made art history.



Reina Sofia Museum5. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (MNCARS) - Madrid


Home to what is arguably Picasso’s most famous, and extremely thought-provoking, painting, “Guernica”, in addition to a profuse number of Dalí’s cubist works, the MNCARS is a must-see when visiting the Spanish capital. Always changing thanks to the two floors solely devoted to temporary exhibitions, the museum strives to treat its visitors to a constant flow of the most internationally-celebrated modern and contemporary works of art history.



6. Museo Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) - Barcelona


With breathtaking views over Barcelona’s world-famous, urbanized landscape, the neo-baroque Palau Nacional is the stately (and justifiably so given its prestigious and profuse art collection!) home to the Catalan capital’s National Art Museum. With more than 260,000 art pieces, the museum’s highlight has to be its Roman frescoes which were remarkably saved from destruction during the Spanish Civil War and are still beautifully-maintained to this day.



The Prado Museum in Madrid7. Museo Nacional del Prado - Madrid


No sightseeing tour around Madrid would be complete without a visit to Spain’s largest art museum. Simply known as El Prado, the museum not only boasts a multitude of the finest paintings of the Spanish Golden Age but also contains one of the largest sculpture collections in Europe. With the chance to see Velázquez’s “Las Meninas”, Bosch’s “The Garden of Delights” and Murillo’s “Immaculate Conceptions” along with an estimated further 4,800 exquisitely-detailed paintings all in just one building, what are you waiting for?



Picasso Museum8. Museo Picasso - Barcelona


Giving particular attention to his formative years but, equally taking its visitors on an artistic journey through the numerous and diverse periods which characterized his extensive career, Barcelona’s Picasso Museum successfully captures the essence of an artist whose work changed almost beyond recognition as he transformed from child prodigy to legendary Cubist.



Dali Museum 9. Teatro-Museo Dalí - Figueres


As eccentric as the artist and his surrealist work, the Dalí Theatre-Museum building with its almost fuchsia-colored and egg-covered design is certainly unique in appearance and, unsurprisingly, continues to entice the intrigued sightseer all year round. Within the dream-like walls, visitors are taken further into Dalí’s imagination and are welcomed by a profusion of paintings, sculptures, 3-dimensional collages and mechanical devices all created in the distinctive and fascinating Dalí style.



Thyssen Museum 10. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum - Madrid


Behind the magnificent terracotta walls of the neoclassic Villahermosa Palace hang almost 1000 incredibly-diverse paintings which enable the admiring observer to appreciate the versatility of art through the ages as a form of creative expression. Displaying works from the Renaissance to the Mannerism period, Baroque to Rococo and Romanticism to Pop Art, the museum justly deserve her place in the so-called Madrilenian Golden Triangle of Art.

 

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Palaces in Spain | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/21/2013 - 02:00
Palaces in Spain More on architecture in Spain with don Quijote: The Royal Palace of Madrid, the Alhambra in Granada, etc. Read on! palaces spain

The architecture in Spain is very diverse, and so are the palaces. The Spanish palaces were all built in a different century and thus have a different architectural style.

Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the many famous buildings in Spain. The palace is not used as a residential palace, it is the working palace of the king. The palace is also used for official ceremonies. The palace in Madrid is the largest royal palace in Europe and has 3,418 rooms, 16 of which are open to the public. In the 9th century, the Islamic kingdom built a fortress that was expanded in the 16th century with the Alcázar. In 1734 the Alcázar was lost in a fire and this prompted King Philip V to build a new palace in 1755, this is the palace as it is found today in Madrid. There are 16 rooms open to visitors and a tour lasts 2 hours. Surrounding the palace are beautiful gardens that are also well worth a visit.

Granada

One of the most beautiful palaces in Spain is the Alhambra in Granada. The Alhambra is an Arab palace and was built by the Moors. The name Alhambra is translated from Arabic and it means "the red castle." The Alhambra consists of 4 buildings located on a hill 200 meters above the city, providing a magnificent view of Granada. The four buildings were all built in different centuries, including the Alcazaba, which has a courtroom and rooms for the women. The Alcazaba was built in the 11th century. Then the Palacio de Generalife was built in the 13th century; this was the summer residence of the rulers. In the 14th century Casa Real was built which was the royal palace of the rulers. Last after the reconquest from the Moors, the Palace of Charles V was built in the 15th century. In addition to these magnificent buildings, the Alhambra also features beautiful Moorish gardens.

Seville


The Alhambra is not the only magnificent palace in southern Spain. Seville is home to the magnificent Real Alcázar. Alcázar is the Spanish word for castle, which is exactly what it used to be. In the 11th century the fortress was expanded into a palace, and in the 16th century the palace was further expanded. Because the palace was expanded by the Christians in the 16th century, there are features of Mudejar architecture, which is a building style of the Christians with many influences from the Moors. The royal family stays at the Real Alcázar when they visit Seville. Besides the beautiful palace with its many patios, the Alcázar also has beautiful gardens built in different styles. You can find beautiful fountains and pavilions that make these gardens the ideal place to unwind when the temperature rises in the afternoon hours.

Spain More on architecture in Spain with don Quijote: The Royal Palace of Madrid, the Alhambra in Granada, etc. Read on! palaces in Spain, spain,, madrid, sevilla, granada, alhambra Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Samentha Geerts

The Coast in Spain | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/30/2013 - 02:00
The Coast in Spain Spain has and total coastline of 4964 kilometers. The Spanish coast is very diverse and therefore very popular with almost every vacationer.  coast spain

The Spanish costas have been one of the most popular vacation destinations for years. The Spanish coast is very diverse and therefore has much to offer. Where in the North of Spain the coast is rugged and has a very green hinterland, the costas in the Southeast of Spain consist mostly of white sandy beaches and clear blue seawater.

The Spanish word for coast is Costa. For years, the Spanish costas have been one of the most popular beach destinations in Europe. The coast of the Spanish peninsula is a whopping 4964 kilometers long. Portugal's location on the Iberian Peninsula has caused the Spanish coastline to be divided into two parts. One is the southeast coast of Spain, most of which faces the Mediterranean Sea. The southeast coast is also divided into 12 costas. The second part of the Spanish coastline is located on the north side of Spain on the Atlantic Ocean, this part is divided into 6 costas.

Costa Brava

In the far north of Spain lies the Costa Brava. Costa Brava also means the "rugged, wild coast. This costa is about 200 km long and is a popular vacation destination especially with young vacationers. South of the Costa Brava in Catalonia is the Costa Dorada and consists mostly of well-known seaside resorts and small fishing villages. The Costa del Azahar is located on what means the 'Orange Blossom Coast', is 120 km long and owes its name to the many orange fields in the area

Further south is the Costa de Valencia and the Costa Blanca. The main city on the Costa de Valencia is Valencia, this along with Barcelona is one of the few cities that have a city beach. The Costa Blanca is a 250 km coastline located south of Valencia and is best known for its beautiful bays with white sandy beaches. This costa gets its name from the many almond trees that grow in this region. Even further south we encounter the Costa Calida, "the warm coast." This region is also home to the largest natural pool in the world, "Mar Menor.

One of the costas not yet overrun with mass tourism is the Costa Tropical. This costa owes its name to the many tropical fruits that grow here. The Costa Tropical is located in southern Andalusia and is a paradise for peace seekers, nature lovers and because of the clear water also for diving enthusiasts.

Costa del Sol

South of this tropical paradise is the Costa del Sol. This costa is very popular with tourists and here you will find many busy places often used by winter visitors. The Costa del Sol characterizes itself by its beautiful beaches, warm weather and wide boulevards. Besides the busy places, there are also fishing villages.

Thus, on the southern coast of Spain one finds many winter destinations. In contrast, for those who like active beach vacations, the Costa Verde is an ideal destination. Located in northern Spain on the Atlantic Ocean, Costa Verde has extensive beaches interspersed with rocks and cliffs that extend into the sea. Because this region also experiences occasional showers in summer, there is plenty of greenery. In the immediate vicinity of the Costa Verde are some beautiful cities and also the mountain peaks of the Picos de Europa. Therefore, the Costa Verde is the ideal destination for hikers, climbers or cyclists who want a great diversity of nature at their fingertips.

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Cheap Ideas for Your Summer in Spain

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 02:00
Cheap Ideas for Your Summer in Spain Summer in Spain doesn't have to be expensive. Find out more about some great destinations in Spain – ideal to learn Spanish! Cheap Ideas for Your Summer in Spain

Holidays in Spain

One thing you always have to keep in mind when planning a vacation is your budget. Many people save up all year to be able to splurge during their summer vacation. Summer doesn't have to be expensive though. Read on for a few ideas on saving this summer, all you'll have to pay is a little attention.

Granada


Granada

In Granada, besides going to traditional monuments, you also won't want to miss Bañuelo, historic Arab baths located on Carrera del Darro that you can see for free.

About 150 meters farther up the road, the Archeological Museum is free for European Union residents and only costs 1.50 € for non EU residents.

After taking in all that rich cultural history, going out for tapas around the Plaza Nueva, Bibrambla and calle Elvira areas is an economic option for taking a relaxing break.


Valencia


IVAM Valencia

It's important to remember that museums in Spain usually close on Mondays, so plan on checking out other types of attractions on those days like parks, monuments, churches...

In Valencia, you've got to go to the Fallas Museum (Museo Fallero) which is free from 10:00 a.m. until the afternoon.

The Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno (IVAM) is free on Sundays and every other day it's just 2 € to visit. Right outside of Valencia, the Lladró Museum - if you like porcelain - has free guided tours after 9:30 a.m. It closes on Sundays.


Salamanca


Tapas

If you're in Salamanca, there are plenty of free places like the Gatsby night club or the Catedral Vieja (the old cathedral), where you can delve into the city's historic past. The Cueva de Salamanca is supposedly where Satan himself gave lessons on demonology to a group of 7 students over 7 years... you can visit the cave any day until 10:00 at night.

Going out for tapas in Salamanca is also an attractive option: it's a great way to enjoy an authentic Spanish dining experience and get to know the people of Salamanca.

 


Barcelona


Barcelona

In Barcelona, Runner Bean Tours offers free guided tours of the city's old town and Gaudí's architectural attractions. To contact the company, just send an email to info@runnerbeanstours.com.

Sundays, after 3:00 p.m., you can go into the Picasso Museum for free, and the first Sunday of every month the museum is free all day.

Parc Güell is also free to visit and remains open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.


Exploring by bicycle


Bicycle tours in Spain

In flat cities like Barcelona, Seville and Valencia, there are public bicycle programs that let you explore the city by bike for an economical price.

In Granada and Tenerife you may need a form of transportation with a bit more physical power to manage the hilly geography you'll come across in those cities.


Madrid


Madrid

Downtown Madrid offers you the chance to experience the fantastic Retiro Park, which is right next to the Prado Museum.

The museum is free every day after 6:00 p.m., and if you're more into modern art, the Reina Sofía Museum is just 200 meters away and is free on Sundays.

Exploring Madrid's old central quarter, known as El Madrid de los Austrias, is always a great free way to spend a morning in Madrid.


Tenerife


Tenerife

Tenerife's stunning natural landscapes give you the chance to immerse yourself in diverse ecosystems: you can walk from a subtropical environment to a mountain one in just an hour.

You can also hop on the guagua (how Canary islanders call the bus) for just a few euros to enter the island's lush laurel forest.

On the north side of the island, and especially in Orotava Valley, you must try some local wine and traditional cooking in one of the island's famous guachinches (typical Canary taverns).


Finally, if you'd like an affordable place to stay, where you can meet new people, Spain's youth hostels offer travelers a comfortable bed, kitchen services, washing facilities and bathrooms for a price that ranges from 15 to 30 euros per night depending on which type of accommodation you choose. For more information, you'll find all you need to know about Spain's network of youth hostels on their website.

We hope these tips help you have a fun (and cheap) summer!

Photo credits by: El Jubilado (Los Bañuelos), Antonio Marín Segovia (Ivam), Santiago Sánchez (Orotava)

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Museums in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 02:00
Museums in Barcelona and Madrid Learn Spanish with Spanish art: More on museums in Barcelona and the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Museums in Barcelona and Madrid

Besides beautiful beaches, great culture and magnificent nature, Spain has much more to offer. For example, how about the many museums with a variety of works from different periods of Spanish history. Many Spanish museums have found a good balance between combining ancient art with modern art and often beautiful architecture. The range of Spanish museums is enormous, so below is a very small sample of the Spanish museum guide.

The Prado museum in Madrid

The Prado museum in Madrid is one of the most famous and also one of the largest museums in the world. Among other works of Bosch, Albrecht Dürer, Botticelli, Velazquez, Gaudi, Michelangelo and Van Dyck are exhibited in this museum. In addition to paintings, the museum also contains and large array of fine art, coins and other works of art. In total, the museum owns more than 8,500 works of art. These artworks are not only exhibited in the same building, no these artworks are distributed in 2 buildings, "The Villanueva" and "Cason del Buen Retiro. During a trip to Madrid, a visit to this museum is definitely worthwhile. Every year millions of people visit the museum. In 2011, the museam had a visitor count of 2.9 million.

The MNAC in Barcelona

Besides Madrid, Barcelona also has a wonderful museum. The Museum Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, also known as MNAC. The museum is located in the Palou Nacional on Montjuïc hill. But from Plaza España, you can enjoy a great view of the museum. Many people find the Palau Nacional somewhat akin to the Vatican City. The museum's main collection is its collection of Romanesque art. Most of the works in this collection are representative of Romanesque art in Catalonia. In addition to this collection, the museum also has a large collection, Gothic art as well as works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The museum also has several works by Rubens and Picasso, among others. In total, the museum owns more than 150,000 works. If you buy a ticket to this museum, you will have 2 days to see the museum. If you are not much interested in the art, just stop by to admire the beautiful architecture.

Dalí Museum in Figueras

North of Barclona is the town of Figueras. This place is the birthplace of artist Salvador Dalí. This is why the Dalí Museum is located in this place. The collection consists of thousands of objects from different periods of Dalí's life. More than 4,000 works of art result from Dalí's use of different techniques, materials and media. Coastal works include jewelry, paintings, drawings and sculptures. Most of the collection is on display year-round at the Dalí Theater museum. Two special aspects of the museum are its architecture, and the fact that Salvador Dalí is buried in the museum! However, a visit to Dalí's grave is not possible.

Spain Learn Spanish with Spanish art: More on museums in Barcelona and the Museo del Prado in Madrid. museum barcelona, prado museum madrid, museum madrid Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Samentha Geerts

Travelling around Spain as a Vegetarian

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 02:00
Travelling around Spain as a Vegetarian Spanish Cities such as Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Barcelona must be your top spots to visit. Find out where you can find good vegetarian restaurants. Travelling around Spain as a Vegetarian

Beautiful culture and lovely people

So, you are travelling to Spain, the land of beautiful culture and lovely people. While your trip might give you butterflies in the stomach, the very idea of eating in Spain might not appeal to your vegetarian tastes. Of course, it isn’t impossible to find something to eat in a land known for its ham and meat. Nothing spoils a trip more than food that is below par. Worry not, because, contrary to popular belief, Spain is also the land of hidden delights for vegetarians.

Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Barcelona must be your top spots to visit. Fortunately, these are also the places where you can find good vegetarian restaurants to make your trip even more enjoyable. 

Madrid

The city of Madrid is breath-taking with its adrenaline charged bullfighting and the picturesque Manzanares River. The food isn’t far behind either. Here are some restaurants vegetarians should watch out for: 

Madrid1. La Isla Del Tesoro, Bilbao – Walking into this restaurant is like walking into your dream garden and having lunch in it. There is a lot of variety for vegetarians to choose from. One of the favourites is the “Jungle Burger” but that isn’t quite the most surprising item in the great menu. They take a national cuisine as their theme every day and centre their menu around it, which makes every day a surprise.

2. Restaurante Vega Viana, Chueca – Gorge on zucchini burritos that come with Manchengo cheese and carrot croquettes that are served with yoghurt cream and sultanas. The menu is in English, and it has options for your carnivore eating friends as well.

3. El Estragón, La Latina - Every vegetarian tourist swears by this restaurant and it is, undoubtedly, one of the best vegetarian places in Madrid to eat. Another great thing is the affordability of the restaurant that makes matters even better. They do use butter in their dishes, though, so vegans might need to ask if they can cook them in oil.

Barcelona

This colourful city and the gentle Mediterranean are slowly embracing vegetarian food. The little vegetarian places cropping up everywhere are an indication. There are a lot of fun options for you to explore here: 

Juices1. La Bascula – This eco restaurant uses everything organic, from its juices to its food. The eating utensils and plates are bio degradable. The food is to die for as the desserts are homemade and the meals are immensely satisfying. 

2. Teresa Carles – It’s like walking into New York with its wooden tables and neat interiors. The restaurant has a huge variety for vegetarians as well as the meat eaters if you are in a group and the food is traditional and tasty. 

3. Vegetalia – This place is calm and when you’re in it, you want to do nothing but quietly sip your smoothie while standing on the terrace. However, if you do have time, the food is great and exotic. The vegetable paella has many fans and the tofu tempura is delicious as well. 

Granada

The weather is lovely here, and the mood is forever hippie. Just lay back and enjoy the small and lazy city with its gorgeous food. Most restaurants have options for both vegetarians and Vegans, and here are a few places to look out for: 

Granada1. HICURI – A fully Vegetarian restaurant. There are also options for vegans on the menu. You can choose from the prix fixe and a-la-carte options. It is prudent for tourists working on a tight budget to choose prix fixe and their lasagne is a speciality. Beer and Tapa dishes combined are €1.80.  The cream soup and chocolate cake are a favourite for everyone and you should definitely try them. 

2. Muglia II – Are you missing Indian food in Spain? This restaurant serves authentic Naan and Indian curry for Indian food lovers who appreciate the spice palate. Even foodies who know Indian food appreciate this place for its great meals.

3. Hannigan & Sons – This is a nice Irish pub and you can hang out here with your friends and sip on an ice cold beer, or try their Veggie burger with fries, which is filling and delicious. For a list of vegetarian beers in Spain visit here.

Seville

You’ll find quite a few nice places here: 

Orange Trees1. Almanara Restaurant – The décor at this place is minimalistic and the food is anything but that. Treat your taste buds with gorgeous and fresh dishes and have generous helpings of goat cheese. 

2. Gaia Restaurant – The food used is organic and there are options for vegans. You must try the hummus and the cream tomato soup if you visit this place.

Knowing a few good vegetarian places to eat might make your trip better, if you would like to find more restaurants across Spain you can also use Happy Cow; they have a huge database of Vegetarian and vegan eateries.  Enjoy in Spain, the place that taught the world how to have fun and if you are a Vegetarian in Spain and want to venture out to a new country see these Vegetarian options around the world.

 

Preeti Vadgama is a lifelong Vegetarian who likes to write about the best Vegetarian places to eat around the world. She works for HostelBookers.com in London.

Spain Spanish Cities such as Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Barcelona must be your top spots to visit. Find out where you can find good vegetarian restaurants. vegetarian food,vegetarian restaurants,restaurants in spain,spanish cities,vegetarian travel Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> HostelBookers.com

Spain now the country with second most UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/06/2013 - 02:00
Spain now the country with second most UNESCO Biosphere Reserves The Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program announced that it was adding three more sites to Spain’s impressive list of biosphere reserves. Spain now the country with second most UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

The international Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program (MaB) met in Paris last week and announced that it was adding three more sites to Spain’s impressive list of biosphere reserves. Spain now has a total of 45 reserves, edging out Russia as the country with the second most reserves, just behind the U.S. which has 47.

Protecting biodiversity

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization created the world network of biospheres program in the 1970’s to reduce the loss of Earth’s biodiversity. The program focuses on selecting places where local communities interact closely with the environment to adopt sustainable development practices. Sites designated as biosphere reserves serve as models for other communities in implementing innovative approaches to conserving biological and cultural diversity. There are currently 621 reserves located around the world.

Spain is unique in that its physical space is relatively small compared to the other countries listed as having the most biosphere reserves. Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of area and the US is the fourth largest while Spain ranks 52nd. The high density of areas in Spain recognized by UNESCO’s MaB program as “sites of excellence” for managing natural and human activity attests to the rich diversity of carefully conserved biological landscapes there. Its vast lands of protected wildlife make Spain an ideal destination for ecotourism, where visitors can experience life in peaceful rural destinations and gain personal insight into these communities’ successful partnerships with nature.

Spain’s 3 new UNESCO biosphere reserves

Terres de l’Ebre in Tarragona is on the northeast coast of Spain. About 190,000 people live in this area, which features numerous coastal and inland ecosystems. Energy technology from wind, water and solar sources has also been developed here in a special effort to protect the stunning local landscape.

La granja y el espinar (Segovia) is located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, a central Spain mountain range that extends nearly 80 km north to south and ends close to Madrid. This wooded region is home to about 14,000 people, various centers for forest research, and small scale agricultural activity.

Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo is on Galicia’s northeastern Atlantic coast, an area that includes 18 towns and where rural communities pay special attention to sustainable development.

Other reserves in Spain: Reserves in Spain are scattered throughout the country and include island landscapes such as La Gomera on the Canary Islands to woodland areas like Las Ubiñas - La Mesa Reserve in Asturias, which provides a natural habitat for the Eurasion brown bear. The Sierra Nevada near the city of Granada is the highest mountain chain on the Iberian Peninsula and was added to the world network of biosphere reserves given its ancient monuments of Roman and Arab origin, unique architecture, and popular festivals that attract over one million visitors every year.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain

Spain also has a long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the entire old town of certain cities such as Salamanca, with its historical and scenic architectural landscapes. Some Spanish traditions have also been listed on UNESCO’s list of intangible world heritage, including flamenco, the Mediterranean diet, and Catalonia’s curious castells performances, in which teams of traditionally dressed castelleres stand on top of one another’s shoulders to create incredible human towers.

Spain The Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program announced that it was adding three more sites to Spain’s impressive list of biosphere reserves. ecotourism,news from spain,unesco world heritage sites,destinations in spain,biosphere reserves,protecting biodiversity Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Tyson

Information about Spain | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/20/2013 - 02:00
Information about Spain What you probably didn't know is that there are also two enclaves in Morocco that belong to Spain, Ceuta and Melilla. Information about Spain

As you know, Spain consists of the Spanish peninsula, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. But what you probably didn't know is that there are also two enclaves in Morocco that belong to Spain, Ceuta and Melilla. So there are many more Spanish facts you probably don't know yet. Like that besides the official national Spanish language, there are also four official regional languages in Spain.

Melilla and Ceuta

Melilla and Ceuta are two Spanish enclaves located off the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. The neighboring country of these enclaves is Morocco. Melilla is about 20 kilometers from Nador and Ceuta is a little closer to the Spanish mainland, near the Strait of Gibraltar. The enclaves are easy to visit from Spain. For example, there are daily ferry crossings from several cities in Spain. What makes it attractive to visit these cities is that although Ceuta and Melilla belong to the European Union, they are exempt from European tax legislation. So tax-free shopping! These enclaves belong to Spain because until 1950 Morocco was part of Spain. In 1950, Morocco gained independence, but Spain kept the two enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla. Spanish is therefore spoken in Ceuta and Melilla, although a passport is required when visiting these cities, as these cities are not within Europe.

The Spanish language

In addition to the Spanish language spoken throughout Spain, there are several dialects found in Spain, just like in the Netherlands. However, in Spain, four of these dialects have been named official reginonal languages. Galician, Basque, Catalan and Valencian. In Catalonia and the Basque Country, their regional language is often considered the main language. In many public places, such as on road signs, you will find Catalan or Basque first, with the Spanish meaning given underneath.

The Spanish climate

By now you already know a lot of information about Spain. You will also know that Spain is a very suitable winter destination. However, not all areas of Spain are suitable for wintering. Spain has three climate regions. The south and east coasts of Spain have a Mediterranean climate, as do the islands and enclaves. The north and northwest of mainland Spain has a maritime climate, and finally the central interior has a continental climate. The inland and northwest side of Spain can be compared to the Dutch climate, which has mild winters and cool summers. Of course, in Spain, as in the Netherlands, there can be outliers that make it either warmer or cooler. So the islands, Ceuta, Melilla, the south and east coasts are the best winter destinations.
 

 Photo by i-Dave

Spain What you probably didn't know is that there are also two enclaves in Morocco that belong to Spain, Ceuta and Melilla. spain, spanish weather, spanish language, melilla, ceuta, information about spain Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Samentha Geerts
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