Hiking in Maresme coast: Calella

Maresme coast is one of those magical places in the Catalonian coast, usually related to the most traditional summer tourism. However, this coast with small charming fishing villages and tourist centres specially designed visitors in search of peace and Mediterranean, offers other types of attractions which are gaining ground. One of those centres of attraction are the hiking and mountain routes in Maresme, its natural parks and viewpoints.

Among the most important points, today we choose Calella, a relevant tourist area in Maresme, where are situated some of the main holiday hotels and accommodations. It also offers some of the most interesting routes. If you stay in a hotel in Calella or if you have booked an apartment for holiday, make the most of your stay and plan a nature excursion. Below, we propose you 3 of the most famous hiking routes in Calella, with a low-medium level of difficulty, ideal for families.

Dalmau Park or Squirrel Route

It is an easy route, perfect for families with small children. Just 3 km and you can cover it in 1 hour, since the path is not demanding. It is a pleasant walk, under the Mediterranean pines, palms and banana trees. Its name comes from the large number of  squirrel living in the park.

Tamarindos or Corb Mari Route

Another of the famous routes in Calella coast is the called Corb Marí route. It is situated close to the sea, so we can contemplate its beautiful views and the lovely atmosphere of sea breeze. This area is full of many Mediterranean shrub, trees and plants, colourful tamarinds, brooms and pines. There is a viewpoint from where you can watch the Mediterranean and birds surrounding the area. The route has also 3 km, with a low-medium level of difficulty.

Sierra de Guilles or Fox Route

It is one of the best ways to know this area which is the continuation of Montnegre Park Forests. It goes towards the sea and its name comes from the foxes that live in this area, as well as the squirrels and several bird species. It is the only one among these 3 routes which is not totally recommended to be with family, since it is a bit demanding:  10 km, more or less 2 and a half hours walking at a good pace with a medium-high level of difficulty.

Additional information:

→ Calella tourism website

→ Maresme coast website

Accommodations in Maresme

→ Hotels in Calella

→ Hotels in Santa Susanna

→ Hotels in Malgrat de Mar

→ Hotels in Pineda de Mar

A weekend escapade to Santa Cruz de Tenerife

To escape from the cold of this time of year, one of the most desirable options is to take a weekend escapade to the Canary Islands. The temperature of the islands is approximately 21ºC all year round, making it a very desirable destination. Most especially, for people from northern European countries, that find in the Canary Islands a paradise destination in just a 2 or 3 hour flight. The Canary Islands also has the infrastructure and services that are most demanded by tourists looking to enjoy a beach and relax holiday.

In this post, we'll talk about the capital of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (capital of the autonomous community together with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). The city has a wide range of hotels, tourist services and the ability to practise all sorts of water sports. It is important to mention the number of beaches available to visitors, most especially the beach of Las Teresitas, built with sand from the Sahara dessert.

Cooking Courses in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

We will also enjoy one of the best-known celebrations in the world, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. From late January to mid-February, the island of Tenerife becomes a party destination for thousands of tourists, and hotels are fully booked just like the summer season.

If you also want to complete your holidays with other cultural activities, a good option is to book a gourmet hotel in Santa Cruz. The IBEROSTAR Mencey Grand Hotel is an reference on the island, and has an excellent gourmet restaurant that will delight the most passionate gastronomy lovers.

At the same time, the hotel has the Mencey’s Cookery Classroom, a unique gastronomic space on the island where cooking classes are organized with some of the best chefs in the country. You can find more information on the official website of Mencey’s Cookery Classroom or subscribe to their newsletter to keep updated.

Out-of-this-world landscapes

Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura... The Canary archipelago is one of the strange places that invite you to travel to other world. Its volcanic landscapes combined with vineyards, lakes, cliffs and extensive white sand beaches offer, at more than two hours flying from the peninsula, a getaway to a new world.

If you decide to escape to a beach resort in Lanzarote, you must visit the Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Rio, Cueva de los verdes, El Golfo volcano. Any of these sites will transport you to a place that seems to have been created by the craziest imagination. Splendour, energy and strength in every place, in every corner. Most of these beautiful spots have guided tours and excursions accessible by adults and children.

If you prefer a rest and relaxation plan, a good options is to book a hotel in Tenerife and enjoy a 5 star getaway. This big island offers facilities conceived of for all types of people and the advantage of having of the liveliest capitals of the archipelago.. Santa Cruz. Its hubbub, comfort and services contrast with some places of the island, where you can get away from it all and dream you are travelling to another world. El Teide, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Icod de los Vinos, Punta de Teno, Anaga mountains…

Finally, if you book a hotel in Fuerteventura, you can choose between the wonderful northern landscape, Corralejo Dunes at the top, and the southern beaches, in Jandia peninsula. If you decide to stay in a hotel in Corralejo, do not miss to try surfing at any of the beaches close to the town, in the northernmost point. But if, on the contrary, you look for an almost Caribbean postcard for your holiday, opt for a resort in Playa de Jandia for all the family. Close to both areas you can discover all types of amazing landscapes, such as the beautiful Cofete beach, in Jandia Natural Park, or Generosa beach, next to Corralejo.

Here you have some photos illustrating these striking landscapes in the Canary Islands. Although the best way of enjoying them is, undoubtedly, a getaway to the islands.

Barcelona food tour: La Boquería

Today, our series of autumn/winter trips is about a place in Barcelona which has become an unmistakable meeting point for residents, national and foreign tourists: Sant Josep market, mainly known as La Boquería market, an extraordinary gastronomic place in the city of Barcelona, where flavours, ambience and creativity converge with tradition and the spontaneity of regular and curious visitors. Just thinking about it makes me hungry... Where to eat in La Boquería?

One of the best places to eat in La Boquería is Quim bar, whose name come from its owner's name, is a must visit place if you want to taste the Spanish and Catalonian delicacies made with love and the best fresh product of the market. Quim and the waiters (almost 10 behind a small bar) move like a fish swimming in water with that unique charm which has turned it into gastronomic pilgrimage centre in Barcelona. We recommended, undoubtedly, the eggs with Foie Gras and its most traditional dishes.

The Pinotxo is the classic dish in La Boquería. Here, the main figures are the Catalonian recipes. Its bar is full of tradition and customs, an experience full of constrasts. Authentic gastronomy of Barcelona, impeccable ambience -sometimes a bit crowded- and quality products bought in the same market.  If possible, taste the bocata de butifarra, escalibada or some of its succulent vegetable and pulse stew.

The third stop in our gastronomic trip to La Boquería is Kiosko Universal, a charming place located at the left side of the main entrance to the market. It has bar and a few tables. Like in the previous ones, sometimes we must wait, but it is worth it. Here, the speciality are shellfishes, fish, meat and mushroom dishes The traditional Catalonian cuisine, the authentic tapeo spirit, as well as the lifelong dishes with an innovative proposal impossible to ignore. Our favourite dishes are those made with sepia and squids, the seasonal Padrón peppers and the broad beans with eggs and ham. A dish worth breaking your diet for.

Arriving to La Boquería market is really easy if you stay in a hotel next to Plaça de Catalunya, since you only need to go to Las Ramblas and go down towards the harbour at just some metres. You will find it at the left side. There are affordable hotels close to La Boquería and right in Las Ramblas, ideal for getaways in autumn and winter. From March, when new season begins, prices usually increase. But, generally, the accommodation in Barcelona is affordable if you book in advance.

Information of interest:

→ Access to the market is free. Closed on Sundays. From Mondays to Saturdays, from 8 to 20:30h

→ La Boquería Market website

→ It has cooking classroom with professional chefs and sommeliers..

→ Discovering Sant Josep Market

Accommodation in Barcelona close to La Boquería:

→ Ópera Garden Hotel

→ Barcelona Hotel

Visiting Madrid: Thyssen Museum

It is time of one of our autumn-winter specials. On this occasion we have planned to do a series of tours to different cities in Spain, in order to finish a mini book with tourist routes around this country: from the most urban to the most natural destinations, from the most wonderful Majorca beaches to the frantic Gran Vía in Madrid.

Madrid is precisely our first destination. Yes, the Spain capital opens this series, it couldn't be any other way . We go to Madrid with an art plan for everybody.  We have immersed in Madrid art triangle and have rescued this from its sea bottom. Read, take note and book your getaway to Madrid before new year. It’s worth it. It’s really worth it.

The first stop, outside our hotel next to El Retiro: Thyssen Bornemisza Museum. Located very close to Banco de España metro station, to Cibeles and to Madrid City Hall, this art centre is full of novelties for autumn.  Carmen en las colecciones españolas is about to close . This exhibition was installed in the first floor balcony, conceived of as a complement to the Carmen Opera by Bizet of La Zarzuela Theatre.  Altogether, twenty selected works about the iconography of Carmen myth signed by Picasso, Gonzalo Bilbao, Ramón Casas. This exhibition, opened until November 9th, includes a cinema series every Saturday.

Recently opened, we can also appreciate Hubert de Givenchy and an American Impressionism exhibition. The first one, with the designer as organizer, is a guide throughout the career of this important character in French fashion. The second one breaks the mould, bringing for the first time to Spain a complete exhibition with 60 works of North American artists, which have get an important position as far as impressionism is concerned. All of them made between 1880 and 1890.

In next exhibitions of Thyssen Museum, we could enjoy in 2014/2015, Zurbarán and Munch in their rooms. The first exhibition will be dedicated to the painter Raoul Dufy, on February 2015, with its passion for daily hedonism. An exhibition full of colour and authenticity, representing a milestone in visualisation of this artist in Spain, almost 65 years after his death.

It will be followed, closer to Summer, at the beginning of June 2015, by Zurbarán exhibition: a new perspective, where we will find some of the unpublished canvas of this painter discovered in last years.

Munch exhibition will be on display in almost one year, until next October. It will be organised by Oslo Museum which is dedicated to this artist. It is the first time that we will enjoy more than 70 works of Munch in Madrid, offering a complete tour through the career of the author of the famous painting Skrik.

Practical information:

→ Museum entry is free on Mondays, from 12 to 16 hours. Just permanent collections.

→ Madrid Thyssen Museum Hours

→ Museum map

→ How to arrive to Madrid Thyssen Museum

Accommodation in the centre of Madrid:

→ Embassy Serrano Hotel

→ Art Gallery Hotel

→ Lealtad Plaza Hotel

Hotels for a romantic autumn

Adults Only Hotels are preparing a new season. The end-of-year holidays are just around the corner, rainy and cold months begin, and many are those who take the opportunity to organise short romantic getaways. Those who have children has the advantage of the school calendar, so the uncles, friends and grandparents can take care of them. Those who live as a couple prefer autumn to travel because prices are usually more affordable and hotels in the centre of Madrid, Barcelona and the rest of cities, offer special deals for weekends.

For those identify with some of these traveller profiles, we have prepared a short selections of boutique hotels in cities such as Seville or Valencia, Adults Only hotels in Majorca and the Canary Islands, charming accommodations in Costa Blanca and luxury villas in the Mediterranean. All types of accommodations for those who want to pamper themselves this autumn, at good price.

Getaways to Majorca

Spa hotel in Playa de Palma

IBEROSTAR Royal Cupido deserves to be the first in our list for this autumn, since it is one of the pioneers of this big Majorcan hotel group offering an accommodation that works all the year. The advantage of this beach hotel in Majorca is that, besides being one of the few hotels with Adults Only rooms in the heart of Playa de Palma, it has specific services targeted at tourist as well as residents. Chill out, beach club, parties and DJ sessions, wellness centre, gourmet gastronomy... All this creates an ideal atmosphere for a lively getaway as a couple, with different plans every night and the possibility of organising many excursions during the day.

Santa Ponsa Boutique Hotel

Located in ones of the most lively towns in Calvia coast and Majorca, FERGUS Boutique Bon Repós is a charming hotel for couple, perfect for those wanting to rest, enjoy the beach and the free time without needing to use a car. Booking an accommodation in Santa Ponsa Bay has the advantage of being close to everything and that, additionally, it is perfectly connected with the airport and the centre of Palma.

Adults Only Hotel in Cala Millor

With outdoor swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool, sport courts and solarium, Cala Millor Garden Hotel is one of the most appreciated Adults Only accommodations in Majorca. Located in of the quietest areas in the island, it offers peace, relax and beach. In the same way, it stands out for its gastronomic service, with a restaurant where you can enjoy a buffet with theme menus and exquisite tastes of its local products. Ideal for escaping next to the sea and forgetting the routine.

Golf Hotel in Llucmajor

The old Marriot Son Antem, in the surroundings of Palma, has turned into IBEROSTAR Son Antem and has become an accommodation of reference, for both tourists and residents. With a wonderful brunch plan on Sundays and theme parties (from products launches to charity celebrations) this 5 star hotel in Llucmajor is an unavoidable meeting point for the most distinguished Majorcan society, golf lovers, gourmets and all those looking for a couple of relaxing days, wellness and body and mind care.

Getaways to The Canary Islands.

Bungalows in Playa Blanca

Atlantic Gardens Bungalows are the new concept of Adults Only accommodations in Lanzarote, designed by Marconfort chain in Playa Blanca in order to offer a space made to the measure of those wanting relaxation and nature. Surrounded by the amazing landscape that characterises the volcanic Lanzarote, these bungalows stand out for their refurbished facilities, their impeccable environment and their services: restaurant, free wifi in common areas, parking, tennis court, gym...

Gran Canaria Hotel

The best passport to this magical island: the Adults Only Hotel IBEROSTAR Costa Canaria, the first Adults Only hotel opened by this group in Gran Canaria which, after years of work and renovations, has turned into one of the most appreciated accommodations for romantic getaways to San Agustin Beach. Located in front of the sea, with s wonderful view, this hotel boasts an excellent personalised attention, services targeted at adults, with made to measure entertainment and detailed spaces.

Charming hotel in Corralejo

One of the most exclusive hotels of Barceló chain, focused on Adults Only, it is located in Corralejo town, just some metres away from the dunes park and from the wonderful beaches of this town in the north of Fuerteventura. Modern, with an innovative design but full of touches of placidness and calm typical of this beautiful coast, Barceló Corralejo Bay is a hotel specially designed for travellers looking for excellent service and good taste in its getaways. On the hotel's website, you can find very interesting offers, saving intermediation costs.

Playa de Jandia Hotel

Another hotel of IBEROSTAR group, in this case a hotel in Playa de Jandia for all type of public but with spaces specially designed for adults: IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace. We include it here because it is an ideal accommodations for those who want to enjoy their romantic getaway but cannot travel without children. This hotel offers activities for everyone and, the most interesting thing is that it offers special services for taking care and entertaining kids while adults enjoy their free time.

Getaways to Madrid

Hotel in front of El Retiro

Waking up in front of the most important park of Madrid is a plan we do not easily reject, especially if you are planning to surprise your partner with a getaway to the capital. Getting it is easier than it seems to be, you just need to book one of these rooms in front of El Retiro offered by Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII Hotel.

Hotel close to Barajas

If you have to stop in Madrid during a stopover towards other country, one of the best accommodations next to the airport is Confortel Atrium, a 4 star hotel in Ciudad Lineal, very close to IFEMA and ideal for business trips. Nevertheless, its modern design, its avant-garde spaces and its comfortable services make it a perfect place for resting during a weekend as a couple in the capital. Just one step away from the centre, perfectly connected to the metro and bus, but at a more affordable price.

Hotel in Plaza Mayor

Sleeping in the most historic hotel in Madrid could be an interesting plan for visiting again the capital and enjoying a romantic getaway. Posada del Peine Hotel is an authentic trip to the essence of Madrid, but with the most avant-garde services and design, always focused on resting. This accommodation has been completely refurbished, with very good taste, preserving all its charm. Its location, in a porch in Plaza Mayor, Madrid, is just exceptional.

Getaways to Barcelona

Hotel in Las Ramblas

A must visit classic. Finding accommodation in Las Ramblas in Barcelona and enjoying a romantic getaway in the city of design and modernism is a real luxury. Prices are not low, but it is possible to get interesting hotel offers that will allow you to enjoy the city from its centre. Opera Garden is one of those, with rooms for couples, families and groups, it is a very functional accommodation, with good rates during the entire year and with a privileged location. The reason of including it in this list is its small courtyard with indoor garden, unique in Barcelona, where you can have a breakfast every day in your holiday.

Hotel in Las Glorias Square

In the middle of Poble Nou, one of the most modern and important neighbourhoods in Barcelona, we find a hotel with free wifi close to the Forum, right in the borders of Forum, Port Olimpic and Las Glorias Square.  Comfortable, with a modern and relaxing design, and services conceived of to guarantee a complete stay to all types of guests, Confortel Barcelona is one of the best appreciated hotels in this area, especially for business traveller and couples.

Hotel in Barcelona coast

One of the advantages of choosing a holiday destination like Barcelona i that, besides enjoying the dynamism of one of the most interesting cities in the world, you can take the opportunity to spend a couple of days in the beach. A good option is booking a hotel in Calella, in Santa Susanna, Pineda or in Malgrat de Mar. Fergus Hotel chain has several ideal hotel for romantic getaways, but if we must choose one, we undoubtedly prefer Fergus Style Mar Mediterránea, a 4 star superior  hotel, completely refurbished in 2013, with spa and an incredible seaview from all its rooms and suites.

Getaway to the NORTH

Boutique Hotel in Bilbao

The liveliest  city in Basque Country. Gastronomy, art, business, music... Bilbao has everything and is one of the most amusing options for a romantic getaway in autumn. It is easy to walk around and keeps that special characteristic of industrial cities with beach. We propose you to choose a hotel in Bilbao next to the old quarter, in order to enjoy all its charm and ambience. 

Hotel in Ereaga Beach

However, if you want beach, we have another alternative in Bilbao that will allow you to know of the most characteristic neighbourhoods in this unique city: Petit Palace Tamarises, a hotel in Ereaga beach designed as a holiday accommodation for gourmets, with an excellent restaurant known in all Guetxo. Very complete rooms, modern design and good attention, just one step away from the Bay of Biscay.

Hotel in Salamanca

Even though it is not exactly the north of Spain, we have decided to include it here because it offers an atmosphere that has nothing to do with southern destinations. With a deeply university and Castilian atmosphere, Salamanca is perfect for those who want to enjoy the best night ambience and the most authentic cuisine of this historic region.  In relation to the accommodation, we propose you a hotel right in Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, between Toro and Zamora streets, the most emblematic meeting point in the city. Good price, good facilities and excellent service for travellers.