Barcelona in October: appointments and events featured

One of those destinations that seems to come to life with the arrival of October is Barcelona. A naturally vibrant city, Barcelona offers a thousand and one different things to do such as a visit to the temple of the Sagrada Familia, the Paseo de Las Ramblas, neighborhoods like the Gotico or the Borne and coastal areas such as Barceloneta.

To truly enjoy Barcelona we should go a little beyond the purely monumental and the guidebook highlights. How can we do this? We can invest a few hours of our trip to savor the outstanding leisure events listed in the city’s Autumn program. Do you plan to give yourself a quick break to the Catalan capital and want to enjoy the best concerts and theater? We list below the most important events of the coming weeks:

International Manga Fair in Barcelona (picture: frikisviajeros.com)

Manga de Barcelona

Lovers of this genre will find the best Manga movies, the most legendary books or even unique gods for Cosplay fans in the Salón del Manga de Barcelona. This event, which takes place between October 29 and November 1 in Fira Barcelona is the perfect excuse to visit the other most authentic and personal side of Barcelona.

"Father" by Ernesto Alterio

One of the most important theater works taking place this October is presented by Ernesto Alterio in the Romea Theater. Entitled "The Father", this play is directed by Florian Zeller and other top actors take part.

The Gastromic Fòrum of Barcelona

If you love fusion cuisine and the most avant-garde recipes you can’t miss a date with Barcelona’s gastronomic Forum, ​​an event that will take place in Fira Barcelona from the 23rd to the 26th October and which will include everything from competitions to themed workshops including tastings, live cooking shows and courses taught by expert chefs and winemakers.

Hotels in downtown Barcelona

• Petit Palace Barcelona: Petit Palace Barcelona  is a charming hotel located a few meters from Paseo de Gracia and perfectly connected to the main areas of Barcelona. Ideal accommodation for those traveling solo, as a couple or with friends.

• Petit Palace Boquería Garden: One of the most prominent urban hotels in central Barcelona is the Petit Palace Boqueria Garden and yes ... it’s just a few meters away from the legendary Boqueria market.

• Petit Palace Museum: La Casa Garriga Nogues is home to the Petit Palace Museum, a hotel which is part of the Petit Palace chain and which offers WiFi, free bicycles and iPads for guests in every room.

Ole Tropical Tenerife, a perfect choice to extend the summer in Tenerife

Whether or not we’ve had a holiday, the truth is that saying goodbye to Summer is always difficult for everyone. With almost endless days, temperatures good as could be, cocktails full of flavor and delicious fruits, this season is the best for unwinding and relaxing but it is not the only one. What is the alternative? Autumn ... yes, it’s the new Summer.

Although temperatures are cooler and the days somewhat shorter (not as much as in the height of winter), Autumn is the perfect choice for those who haven’t yet taken their holidays or for those wanting some days to relax in the form of a quick break.

Which is the ideal destination? Tenerife, the island of eternal Summer. A destination where you find wonderful beaches, local crafts, volcanoes (like the well-known Teide) and gastronomy so scrumptious you want to lick your fingers.

Costa Adeje, Tenerife

With the destination already selected, choose from some of the many sun and beach hotels on the island. What’s our recommendation? Trusting in top chains like Olé Hotels, brands in which comfort, service, quality and price always go hand in hand; a string that is characterized by offering hotels like Olé Tropical Tenerife famous for its excellent location.

Located within walking distance of the Playa de Troya (one of the most beautiful of the Costa Adeje) the hotel Olé Tropical Tenerife is perfect for those who want to pass their time relaxing with family or friends since it has a children’s playground and a wide range of leisure activities with no shortage of live performances, dance sessions, cocktail tasting and so on.

The essentials of the island

Beyond its obvious volcanic beaches and traditions (we all know that the ascent to Mount Teide is part of the experience), the island of Tenerife is a place that never sleeps; one of those destinations where we find almost everything and there is no shortage of ‘Must sees’. These are:

- A visit to the popular Loro Parque

- Go up to the viewpoints of Anaga

- Enjoy the Orotava Valley

- Visit the historic site of Garachico

Lengthen the summer in Fuerteventura, an ideal plan for September

Orange blossom scented nights, fresh meals, light clothing, full days, holidays and unchanging temperatures, never having to leave the beach ... With these examples, few (or very few) want the arrival of autumn. Yes, as the season before winter begins to peek over the horizon and make itself present next 22 September.

While crossing the big pond and heading to the Caribbean is a valid option for those searching to enjoy a real summer vacation (like those of July and August) in September, we must not forget that in our country we have destinations that are the envy of those on the other side of the Atlantic. Unique and charming places like Fuerteventura, where summer lasts almost all year. How about opting for a holiday in this jewel of the Canary Islands?

The Atlantic, natural and perfect, as is Fuerteventura, an island that is a Biosphere Reserve, presents the visitor with endless beaches, crystal clear water and mountainous landscapes formed by the Canary Islands volcanic history. For all this and much more, Fuerteventura is a perfect place to enjoy the summer, limitless calm and direct contact with nature.

Living the Atlantic throughout its entirety

One recommended idea for those who want to make the most of the island, is to get to know the underwater side of Fuerteventura. That other side where you can enjoy native marine species and flora unique to the Atlantic waters of the Canaries.

Although you can practice on all the island’s beaches, the beaches of Cofete or Cotillo are ideal for snorkelling. Why is this? The quality of their water, always crystal clear, always clean and perfect.

Walking among volcanoes

When the day on the beach comes to an end is when you can experience excursions to natural beauty spots that give shape and identity to Fuerteventura. And the island has trails that reach three hundred kilometers in length and are perfect to cover (in sections) on foot. The best? Many of these hikes (such as Isla de Lobos) are volcanic, hence the expedition is unique.

Where to stay in Fuerteventura?

Whether in the more populated or in the most natural areas, it’s certain that Fuerteventura is a place to enjoy relaxing without limits, with all kinds of luxuries and comforts. Our choice is to opt for some of the resorts that make up Playa Jandía.

IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace

On the beach and full of extras for those traveling with friends or family, the IBEROSTAR Fuerteventura Palace hotel is ideal for those who want to make the most of the island without sacrificing luxury and comfort option. Its quality and price make it stand out amongst the hotels in this destination.

IBEROSTAR Gaviotas Park

It is enough to refer to the Spa Sensations to know that we are talking about IBEROSTAR Gaviotas Park. A four-star hotel located in Playa Jandía with a gym, house entertainment for kids and with direct access to the beach.

IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas

With its all-inclusive offer Iberostar Playa Gaviotas is another option for those looking for a hotel with Spa in Fuerteventura. With a beachfront location and with lots of extras, this hotel has a Bowling bar, regular shows and a schedule of family sports.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

In our goal to talk about Dubai’s sightseeing, at the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa we would like to dedicate some words to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape of the Creek is the translation.

It is a wetland reserve known for attracting many species of migratory birds, although it is also the house of several crustaceans, small mammals and fishes. This area is halfway in between forest and city. It is just metres from the city.

The area covers about 6 kilometres and holds salt flats, mudflats, mangroves and salt ponds. it supports more than 20.000 waterbirds and 67 species. And it houses more than 500 species of flora and fauna.

Arabian Courtyard Hotel photos

Some regular visitor species are: the greater flamingo, the osprey, the mallard, the grey plover, the western reef heron or the common ringed plover.

The Dubai Municipality and the National Bank are making efforts to preserve the wetland. Although it has been fenced off from the public, there are three bird hides located on the perimeter which are the first stage to develop a program for visitors. The three areas opened to visitors operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday to Thursday, and it is free.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1985 and was officially declared as a protected area in 1998, it is among few protected urban areas in the world. It is considered one of the best-managed arid zones in the region.

The protected area is close to the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa since it is located at the end of Dubai creek, so guests who need further information about the reserve can ask for it at the reception desk, our professional team will be pleased to help you at any time as we have 24 hours service and tour assistance.

Seville, the perfect setting for a unique romantic trip

There are few national destinations as romantic as Seville. Seville, located in the south of our country and with a unique and unmistakable character, is the perfect place for a romantic trip full of stolen kisses, walks hand in hand and charming candlelight dinners inundated with the aroma of the orange blossom.

This city, setting of important films and some of the most famous series, has endless places where you can celebrate your love. Do you want to find the most romantic side of the Andalusian capital? We give you some hints: 

Triana Bridge

Triana's innate romanticism

The neighbourhood of Triana, as Santa Cruz, is romanticism in its purest state. A place where you will enjoy flamenco and the essence of Guadalquivir like never before. The same essence that characterises the city and its residents.  The best moment to visit Triana is from 11 am onwards, when the tapa bars of the area open their doors.

A walk around Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España square

Although both Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España square (setting of the most important scenes of Star Wars - Episode II) are some of the most visited places by tourists who choose the Andalusian capital as their destination, they are perfect places for a romantic promenade under the shade.

An afternoon in the Guadalquivir

The fact that Seville does not have sea is not a hindrance for lovers who visit the city and want to enjoy a romantic, intimate and charming afternoon.  Although you can contemplate the Guadalquivir from high above (going up to the popular parasol in Encarnacion square), the best option is to enjoy the sunset on the eastern shore of the river, with Triana neighbourhood as a backdrop.

A dinner in Santa Cruz neighbourhood

Back to Seville's main shore, it is time to choose a place for dinner and for a cold chamomile. Although you can choose some of the restaurants on the river shore, the best option is to have dinner in Santa Cruz neighbourhood (what about the famous Italian restaurant San Marcos or some of the tapas taverns?), in order to enjoy an after-dinner walk around beautiful areas like Santa Cruz, Callejón del Agua or Doña Elvira square.

Charming and romantic hotels

There are many areas in Seville where you can find hotels offering endless quality services, but the best option is to choose the offers for romantic trips of Petit Palace Hotels.

In the ranking of the best hotels in Seville, the hotel chain has a high position, with hotels at competitive prices and of high quality. But the hallmark of these hotel is their unbeatable location (in fact, two of the chain's main hotels are located in the heart of Santa Cruz neighbourhood and less than 100 metres away from the main entrance to the popular Giralda).

Keys for a five-star holiday in Tenerife

Enjoying a conventional holiday is different to designing a personalised holiday for you and your couple with a common denominator: the word "luxury" as a common theme.

We are not talking about the luxury related to relax, rest and escape from routine proper of a holiday, but of the authentic luxury: of exclusive excursions for couples, personalised experiences and high level shopping.

Although there are many destinations that offer these types of holidays (destinations like the Balearic Islands or Riviera Maya), this month we are going to focus on Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. A place where to enjoy the rest we are looking for our holidays and where to live the true luxury like never before. Everything with a single aim: to get a memorable and unforgettable holiday. 

Benijo Beach, Tenerife

A romantic trip along the Atlantic waters

With the vastness of the great blue as a setting and the Canary skies as a witness, we recommend you a private trip along Tenerife's waters: a charming, romantic and luxury experience. Although those knowledgeable of marine matters may choose a charter sailing boat, the best option is to opt for the "no worries" with a charter boat with captain and service aboard included.

Choosing the destination is simple: everything in Tenerife is beautiful. But if you are looking for an intimate and hidden cove, the best option is Playa del Benijo (which offers stunning views of the sunset) or the natural coves of the area of Granadilla, in the south of the island.

A dinner for two by candlelight

After a romantic trip along the islands' waters, what could be better than a luxury dinner for two. Tenerife offers a high level gastronomy, but we recommend you stop by the Los Menceys Restaurant of the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey. One of the best hotels of the island, renowned at an international level.

The best option? Booking a table in advance, enjoying the magic of the night by candlelight and receiving the best personal attention of the staff in order to choose the best tastes of the menu. A totally recommendable experience.

5-star hotels in quality and service

Apart from an agenda of activities based on luxury and exclusivity, a five-star holiday must include a high quality hotel, an accommodation that goes beyond a good service and based on "experiences". Although there are many options in the island, we recommend you three luxury hotels for your 5-star holidays:

1.       IBERSOTAR Mencey Grand Hotel: The Adults Only IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey is a paradise hotel. A five-star hotel where your most romantic dreams will come true and where you will enjoy luxury and relax like never before. Its exclusive Sensations Spa, its luxury facilities and its personalised attention make if one of the best hotels of our country.

2.  IBEROSTAR El Mirador Grand Hotel: For those looking for a hotel on the seaside, the best option is the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel El Mirador. An Adults Only Grand Luxury Hotel. With thousand square metres of spa and with a unique gastronomic offer in the area, the hotel offers one of the best views of the island. 

3. IBERSOTAR Salome Grand Hotel: The exclusive beaches of Fañabe and El Duque (in the heart of Costa Adeje) shelter the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Salome, our last stop during our route along the best Grand Luxury hotels of the island. This five-star hotel, one of the best All Inclusive hotels of the island, is located on the beachfront and offers endless facilities where to discover luxury.