Finca El quejigo, Santa Maria de Trassierra, Córdoba, Andalucía by Toprural

Andalucía

Andalucía is often praised as one of Spain’s most vibrant regions with its white washed hill towns, city carnivals and flamenco dancers. This is the destination for you if you want to soak up the Mediterranean attitude and have the choice between sandy beaches and mountains.

Andalucía is famed for its tapas. The Spanish national dish has originated in the provinces’ city of Seville. A trip to this region simply wouldn’t be complete without eating at a traditional local tapas bar. Just as eating a croissant in Paris it’s simply part of everyday life. Try a bar like La Giralda in Seville to get a real taste of the areas culture.

If you want to soak up some sun, head to the region of Costa De La Luz. Translating to the ‘coast of light’, there’s no better place to catch some rays. The area is home to an almost continual beach with white sands stretching for miles.

Alhambra and Sierra Nevada mountain by Adam Jones

Alternatively, you could head for the Sierra Nevada. Its towering snow-topped mountains couldn’t be in greater contrast to the regions’ coastal areas. In winter skiing is available and there are mini bus trips along Europe’s highest road. The city of Grenada also boasts one of Andalucía’s most impressive monuments the Moorish palace and gardens of the Alhambra.

Catalonia

Catalonia is home to one of Spain’s biggest tourist draws – Barcelona. Famed for its architecture and lively Mediterranean vibe, the city is well worth a visit. Park Guell is a beautiful spot not to be missed. Designed by the famous Gaudi it’s jam-packed with colourful modernist works, and has stunning panoramic views of the city.

Park Guell, Barcelona by Emma

Barcelona’s star attraction is another of Gaudi’s works, the Sagrada Familia. It’s difficult not to be impressed by this giant basilica that has been under construction since 1882. Covered in intricate details it is an ambitious project to say the least.

Make sure to head to one of the city’s famous flamenco shows during your stay. The traditional Spanish dance is particularly popular in Barcelona and makes for a great night out.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona by thecrypt

However, there is more to Catalonia than its most famous city. When you’ve had enough of the bright lights, head to the rural areas where you’ll find Catalan spoken and traditional Catalan food. The coastal areas north and south of Barcelona are well worth a trip, as are the regional towns such as Girona, Tarragona and Lleida.

If you’re more of the adventurous type, the Catalan Pyrenees offer a perfect isolated setting for skiing and hiking. The rivers in the areas’ Noguera Pallaresa valley also cater for adrenaline junkies and provide the ideal conditions for white water rafting.

Camarasa reservoir in the Noguera Pallaresa river by El monty

Galicia

Galicia offers an alternative experience for travellers to Spain. It is much less touristy than other regions, but still has plenty to offer. Characterised by rolling green hills, this is the area to head to, if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

Like many of the more popular regions of Spain, Galicia has no shortage of beaches. The beach of As Catedrais in the Rias Altas, near Ribadeo was recently voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It certainly lives up to its title with white sand, towering arches, and unusual rock formations.

As Catedrais Beach by Linda Hartley

Galicia is a foodies heaven, famed as having the best wine and sea food in Spain. The city of Vigo is the place to head if you’re looking for top quality, freshly caught produce. You’ll be spoilt for choice by the endless array of tapas bars and restaurants serving delicious mussels, oysters, and fish.

An internationally renowned wine-producer, a trip to Galicia has to include a tasting of one of the regions wines. The area is best known for its Rias Baixas which is a crisp, aromatic white.

Spain’s varied landscape of rolling hills, mountains, beaches, and arid plains has something for everyone. If you shop around you can find lots of Spanish hotels, at good prices, outside of the major resorts. For your next holiday try one of these hidden gems.

Gavin Harvey is a fitness instructor who loves travelling. He currently lives in Bristol with his partner.

The post From Andalucía to Catalonia – Which Spanish Region Should You Holiday In? appeared first on Europe Explored.

No, Magaluf is a hardcore party town aimed at the young 18-30 contingent. The make-up of the accommodation in the town also caters to this demographic on the most part. Here, we will explore more about the prices and type of villas you will find in Magaluf.

Magaluf resort Fiesta Jungla, Mallorca, Spain by David Locke

Prices, Villas Mallorca – Magaluf

In general, villas on the island can be quite expensive but in Magaluf prices of as little as £60 per night for 3 bedroom accommodation, which sleeps up to 7 is common. This allows for lots of university students and school-leavers to afford staying in apartments with friends.

Better quality villas are on offer for those with slightly deeper pockets. A beachfront apartment with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom can set you back a reasonable £385 per week. The suite is still quite humble in decor but you do have your privacy and there is nice swimming pool to share with just a handful of other villas.

Villas Mallorca – Luxury High-End, Magaluf

Magaluf villas and accommodation for the real high-end market are quite difficult to find online as the destination really does cater for the sub-set looking for a cheap booze-fuelled sunshine break. However, some digging and enquiring with your tour operator with unearth some gems!

Magaluf sunrise, Mallorca, Spain by Neil Sweeney

Villas Mallorca – Magaluf Bar Scene

Magaluf is about the nightlife and the beach – not the villa! Night revellers certainly won’t be disappointed with Magaluf’s main bar street, known as Punta Ballena. It is home to absolute feast of bars and the mega-club BCM – you won’t escape without a hangover at some point!

Punta Ballena bars have crazy drinks offers on cocktails, spirits and beers of all kinds. Your money will go a long way here – but it WILL go!

Villas Mallorca – Magaluf Daytime Fun

Depending upon your villa accommodation you may decide to spend your days nursing a hangover beside the pool or down at the beach.

For the adrenalin junkie you will find plenty of action in terms of water-sports. Banana boat rides, jet-skis, parasailing and more are all on offer down at the beach.

For the shopaholics? Well, yes Magaluf itself does fall a little short in this regard if you are looking to do some serious designer spending. However, never fear – the island’s capital is only a 20 minute bus ride away and there you will find all the top fashion houses from Milan, New York, Paris and London.

Again, Magaluf is really catered for the 18-30 crowd. Please don’t expect villas with designer interiors and, beautiful swimming pools and a quiet night’s sleep. For that, there are plenty of other resorts on the island of Mallorca so make sure you do your research before you travel!

Kristian is a writer that has worked alongside Holiday Home Nation for a long time. He regularly frequents Mallorca. Therefore, he understands a lot about the country.

The post Villas In Magaluf | Mallorca, Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Villa accommodation varies depending upon your requirements. Villas range in size; from those adequate for a couple, up to large complex villas that can sleep as many as 20 there is something for everybody. Villa holidays in Mallorca which cater for such large groups are normally set in their own garden/grounds and have their own swimming pool.

Areas in Mallorca

You can rent villas in the middle of the bustling city of Palma de Mallorca. Such apartments are often rooftop villas and they offer stunning views across the city and down into the port of Palma and into the turquoise beyond. Such villas are ideal for some city break living that you might not normally associate with an Mallorca holiday.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain by SBA73

Port-side and coastal villas at Palma city can include a pool and grounds complex. Here you can enjoy all the benefits of city living whilst also having access to the beach and beautiful Mediterranean waters.

Other areas on the island that are popular for villas are; Alcudia, Cala Dor, Magaluf, Puerto Pollensa, and below we will explore Alcudia and Magaluf in more detail:

Villa holidays in Mallorca – Alcudia

Alcudia offers an array of stunning holiday apartments ranging from budget accommodation to top-of-the-range luxury. Terraces, swimming pools, coastline views are all available in this beautiful region. This is one of the many reasons why it is one of the most popular destinations for villa holidays.

The streets of Alcudia town, Mallorca, Spain by Karl Baron

Villa holidays in Mallorca – Magaluf

Perhaps the most famous holiday destination on Mallorca among the Brits is Magaluf. Probably not a place for those with a young family or for retirees – Magaluf delivers the ultimate party experience on a budget. Villas here are available in large 20 birth complexes, centred around swimming pools. There is easy access to both the beach and the main town where the famous strip of bars and clubs can be found. Again, Magaluf is not for the faint-hearted and if you are looking for a cultured holiday then another region of the island is probably best for you!

Magaluf beach, Mallorca, Spain by Hullernuc

The island of Mallorca really does offer a perfect holiday experience, whatever your preference. For 22 million visitors a year, the island needs accommodate to meet a variety of interests and tastes. Even for the history enthusiast there is more than a holiday’s worth of experiences, which is why many people return time and time again. The island has been conquered and re-conquered constantly for the last two thousand years by nearly all the civilizations in the Mediterranean – causing for an eclectic mix of history – making the city of Palma de Mallorca such an interesting experience, alongside its modern designer labels of Gucci, Prada and the successful La Liga team – Real Mallorca!a

After working as a content writer in the travel industry for many years, Kristian regularly frequents Mallorca and therefore, understands a lot about villas to rent in Mallorca.

The post What You Need To Know About Villa Holidays In Mallorca appeared first on Europe Explored.

Alicante, Spain by Claire for Europe Explored

The Climate

The climate in this touristic destination is the main characteristic that attracts thousands of tourists. To be honest, there are places that are only worth visiting during certain seasons of the year, but Alicante can be visited anytime in the year. One of the factors that contribute to that is its appealing climate. During the winter average temperatures range from 13ºC to 16ºC; during the summer you can expect to find average temperatures from 25ºC to 32ºC. During the rest of the year, the temperatures are quite comfortable, usually around 17ºC. Note that during the night the temperatures drop a little bit, but you won’t even notice the difference. By the way, rain it’s something that will not disturb you, Alicante is not a rainy city. Anyway if you want to avoid rain, perhaps October will be the month that you’d like to avoid.

The Transportation System

There are so many beautiful things to visit and do in Alicante, as a matter of fact you will need to move around to explore this magnificent destination, that’s why it is essential to get to know the transportation system. First of all, if you hate crowded buses or metros, avoid using them from July to August since it is the touristic peak. Alicante possesses a very efficient transportation system; you can get around by calling a taxi, using a bus, a metro, a tram, a train. However if you don’t like to wait, if you want comfort and if you’d like to save some money – taxis can be very expensive – then perhaps the best option for you would be renting a car and drive to the places you want and explore the city by yourself, without having to deal with tickets or crowded buses.

Alicante, Spain (a view from the castle hill) by Claire for Europe Explored

The Activities

Let’s have a look at some of the things you may do in Alicante:

1) Get to Know the Locals:

When you are visiting a new city, you will have the opportunity to get to know new people and a different culture. All cultures are different, the locals in Alicante are quite friendly and they will make you feel at ease, they really love tourists and like to share experiences and life stories.

2) Taste the Alicante’s Cuisine:

Let’s face it; Alicante’s cuisine is absolutely delicious. There are extremely good restaurants that are ready to allow you to taste the Alicante’s cuisine. Just pay a visit to the most famous restaurants and let yourself be impressed by the amazing food they will prepare. If you are wondering about the price, most restaurants in Alicante are not expensive, so all you need to do is to sit, eat, and be amazed.

Alicante restaurants, Spain by Claire for Europe Explored

3) Explore the City:

Just rent a car and start exploring Alicante by your own, there are amazing places to visit, there are beaches, there will be monuments, there will be museums, in other words there’s plenty of variety. You can go anywhere; you’ll always find something worth visiting.

4) It’s Time to Have Fun:

If you love to have fun, Alicante is definitely a good choice for you, your family, and your friends. You can participate in festivals; you can enjoy the amazing Alicante’s nightlife and get to know different places, new people, explore fantastic bars, coffee shops, and so forth.

This article was written by Nathan, a writer and an innate tourist. If you are interested in visiting Alicante and want to rent a car to pick you up at the Alicante Airport, all you need to do is to access www.AlicanteAirport.net and you will be a few clicks away from all the information you need.

The post It’s Time To Visit Alicante! appeared first on Europe Explored.

Break of dawn, Majorca, Spain by David Petty

Here are some of the best ways you can save money on a trip to Majorca.

Flights

Comparison websites are the best way to check out your flights. They do the legwork for you, finding the cheapest deals on your selected dates. Travel Supermarket, Expedia and Cheap Flights all offer a useful service.

Contrary to popular belief it can pay off to book flights early. Particularly during the popular months there may be a late rush to buy tickets. Avoiding peak times, such as the school holidays and weekends may also help to cut costs.

A good tactic is to sign up to email alerts from your favourite travel sites. Then you don’t miss out on any ticket sales. This article by the Guardian offers expert advice on bagging cheap flights.

Food

The key to eating on the cheap is to avoid the major tourist spots. You will often pay a premium to dine where the masses want to go. Instead find out where the locals recommend. Not only will you save money, but you will get a real feel for native life and cuisine.

The best tactic is to dust off your Spanish, and talk to shop owners or the proprietors of your hotel. If you want to establish what’s out there before you depart, you can find useful lists of expert recommended restaurants online.

Playa de Muro, Majorca, Spain by PRINSOTEL HOTELS

Activities

Majorca’s warm climate means that there are plenty of activities you can do that won’t break the bank. The island is strewn with beautiful beaches like Playa de Muro, a never-ending stretch of golden sand and turquoise sea.

Adrenaline junkies can get their fix with Experience Mallorca and their range of instructed activities, such as scuba diving for around sixty pounds.

Accommodation

Just as with flights the key to getting a deal on your accommodation is to do your research and compare. Sites like Hotelopia offer hotels in Majorca for as little as 15 pounds a night.

You can get deals if you book last minute or out of peak season. The best thing is to subscribe to emails from travel sites to get alerts about sales.

Palma de Majorca, Spain by Cristian Bortes

Extra Tips

If you fly with a budget airline you are likely to pay extra to store luggage in the hold. Instead try to minimise how much you take and pack it as hand luggage.

Many travellers also overlook the fact that most credit cards add a 3% cost to the exchange rates banks themselves get. The Halifax Clarity credit card has no foreign exchange rate fee anywhere in the world. Using one just for spending overseas can save you money, as long as you make sure to pay it back in full to avoid interest.

A holiday in Majorca doesn’t have to break the bank. In comparison to many destinations you can find very reasonable deals. A little extra legwork could mean that you can enjoy a great family holiday for a great price. Do you have any money saving tips to share?

The post How To Do Majorca On A Budget: All The Fun Less Of The Cash appeared first on Europe Explored.

Parade of Nations, Spain by Joel Kramer

Vejer de la Frontera

A perfect mix of unmatchable charm, deeply embedded history and breathtaking views, Vejer offers you undisturbed vacation on a platter. The village is dotted with some amazing restaurants, pretty boutiques and quaint bars. All of these set in a foreground of the postcard-like beaches of El Palmar, Cadiz and Jerez. No McDonald’s, no high-end restaurants, you’ll rarely find a place that’s so beautifully disconnected from the otherwise highly-commercialized world. And you’ll almost never find a place that lets you have absolutely delectable lunch in one continent, while staring at another!

Vejer de la Frontera, Spain by Thibaut Brix

Guadalupe

Guadalupe is an interesting blend of simple and elegant, and quiet and sprightly. It’s not very rural, nor is it a Podunk town, neither is it a bustling urban city. It sits somewhere perfectly in between. You know you’re entering a very special place, the moment the first sights of the monastery crop up from the streets. Guadalupe is surrounded by lush fields on one side, tall mountains on the other. You’ll find most homes with balconies adorned with meticulously arranged flowers. Fountains, colorful storefronts, intricately designed stonework are a common sight here. And then there’s the typical Spanish chapel, complete with fancy artworks, terracotta roofs, medieval arches and the like. The whole scene is so unreal; the feeling is pretty much equal to walking into an idyllic painting.

Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, Spain by PILAR J

Calatanazor

If you want to witness a scene set entirely in elegantly carved stone, and preserving every essence of the long forgotten medieval era, Calatanazor is the place you should already be on your way to. At one point in history, this village was ruled by Muslims, so you’ll also find interesting influences of Muslim architecture in the otherwise catholic setting. In addition, there’s the Valley of Blood, where you can still hear the distant ring of battles fought in the ancient past. Here’s a village with its worn out ruins and facades, away from the burst of excitement that Spain is, basking in that golden Spanish sun like nothing’s wrong with the world at all.

Calatañazor, Spain by a_marga

Capileira

Capileira is a village that is as well stocked with fascinating stories of the Moorish colonists, as it is with charm and intrigue. The village sits snugly on a hilltop, and can be peered and craned at from the foothills. Ominous mountains and lush forests protect Capileira and its charming churches, tiny alleyways and quaint little white houses with their wrought iron balconies. The view, from every possible angle, at any possible time is just plain breathtaking.

Capileira, Spain by Joscelyn Upendran

Aiguablava

Aiguablava sits on a small rocky outcrop, facing a turquoise blue bay that’s dotted with tiny boats and kayaks. On one side you have a dense green hill that gently slopes into the sea, and on the other there’s the rocky area heavily loaded with abundant vegetation. Add to that the charming little beach tucked neatly in between. Aiguablava’s cuisine reflects every bit of abundance and variety nature has bestowed upon it. You’ll find exotic cheeses, heavenly red wines, unforgettably awesome sea cuisine blended perfectly with olives, vegetables and garlic. Not only is this a fireworks of flavors in your mouth, conveniently for you, the cuisine here also happens to be delightfully healthy!

Aiguablava, Spain by Xavier Badosa

This article was contributed by Thomas Staw; he is a keen blogger and a reader. He works for White Beach Holidays Ltd which offers great holiday villas in Lanzarote for rent. You can book Casa Femes direct online through their website.

The post Spain’s Best Kept Secrets: 5 Unheard Villages You Cannot Afford To Miss Out On appeared first on Europe Explored.

Plaza España, Barcelona, Spain by Canaan

Travel & Accommodation

As with most trips, the lion’s share of your budget will probably go on flights, airport transfers and accommodation, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Whenever I am planning a trip, my first task is to check out what I have in terms of air miles and rewards cards. If I can get  flight for free, or at least for a discounted price, then that frees up money to spend once I reach my destination!

When it comes to hotel accommodation in Barcelona prices are based on style rather than location, so if you are happy to choose more basic accommodation then it is possible to find something fairly central for a reasonable price. One great tip is to select a hotel which usually caters to business travellers, if you stay here over the weekend or during a holiday than you will get a cheaper rate.

If you are looking for absolute rock bottom pricing then Barcelona also has its fair share of hostels if you are happy to sleep dormitory style and share a bathroom with several strangers.

Finding Low Cost Activities

One of the main things that people always connect with Barcelona is the arts, and culture in general. When we hear ‘culture’ we often think it is going to be expensive, but that is not always the case! One of the most famous sights in Barcelona is Las Ramblas. Perhaps the most famous street in all of Spain, this 1.2km long boulevard runs directly through the heart of the city.

Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain by Oh-Barcelona.com

Not only is Las Ramblas a bustling shopping area, but you will be able to see the famous ‘living statues’ and other forms of street entertainment. The living statues are often painted from head to toe in silver, gold, bronze or stone effects. You will be astounded at how still they are, with the best barely breathing or moving their eyes – until that is a tourist drops a coin in their hat or bucket, then they will come to life and offer performances ranging from mime and dance to music and singing. This is fantastic entertainment for just a few euros!

In addition to the lively entertainment offered on Las Ramblas, you will find that many of the museums and galleries are free to visit, or hold regular open days. Some of the places to check out include Museu Picasso which is free on the first Sunday of each month, Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum) which offers free admission on the first Monday of the month and the Centre de Cultura Contemprania de Barcelona which is free on the first Wednesday of the month. As you can see, it is certainly better to visit Barcelona early in the month!

Another famous tourist attraction is the Magic Fountain at Montjuic, which offers a breathtaking display of colour, lights, music and movement. The Magic Fountain has shows scheduled Thursday through Sunday all year round and is a must see when visiting Barcelona.

Magic Fountain at Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain by Iván Melenchón Serrano

In conclusion, I think that it is clear that a budget trip to Barcelona is certainly possible. Once you have secured flights and accommodation, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy. I have listed enough free activities to keep you busy for 5 days in this article alone, which will free up your cash for more expensive activities such as Barcelona Zoo or Camp Nou Stadium. Barcelona is beautiful and now you can enjoy it without breaking the bank.

Tim Baker is a writer who loves travelling around the world spending as little as possible by taking advantage of Avios shopping rewards and other programs.

The post Barcelona On A Budget appeared first on Europe Explored.

Many northern Europeans, attracted by Javea’s mild climate, have bought retirement homes there, and the town boasts a lively expatriate community. It is a popular tourist destination as well, combining the charm of a traditional fishing village with an abundance of facilities and activities for tourists. Here are 10 things to see and do when you visit.

Javea beach, Spain by Adrian Scottow

1. Playa la Granadella

This rocky beach is situated in a secluded cove about 20 minutes drive from Javea. The beach is popular with divers and snorkelers. Dramatic pathways wind around tall forested cliffs surrounding the beach area.

2. Arenal Beach

This beach is clean, sandy, and dotted with palm trees. There are several play areas and a wide selection of beachfront shops and restaurants.

3. Arenal Promenade

The newly refurbished Arenal promenade offers a wide selection of shops and market stalls, plus outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants. It is a great place to linger over coffee and people watch. A night market is open along the beachfront every night in the summer until midnight.

Playa de la Granadella, Spain by Carlosu7

4. Montgo Natural Park

This park features winding paths up the Montgo mountain. The paths zigzag most of the way, with a steep rock scramble near the peak. At nearly 2,500 feet above sea level, the climb is well worth it for the fantastic views over the town. There is a variety of trails, both easy and challenging, for hiking or cycling. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park.

5. Churches

Two very different churches dominate the landscape of the town. The Church of Nuestra Senora de Loreto, near the fishing port, was built in 1967 of reinforced concrete in a modern style. Its roof depicts a ship’s hull, and twelve anchors supporting the church are meant to represent the 12 apostles. The Church of San Bartomeu dates back to the 14th century, and is the centerpiece of Javea’s historic district.

6. Javea Golf Club

This is an inexpensive, pleasant 9-hole golf course with a terrace restaurant.

7. Old Town

The Old Town offers winding streets to explore, the town hall, museums, art galleries as well as a wide variety of restaurants and nightclubs.

Sunset over Javea, Spain by Adrian Scottow

8. The Town Market

Every Thursday morning, Javea hosts a market in the center of town, with dozens of stalls selling fresh, locally grown produce. It is an ideal place to pick up your picnic lunch for your hike up Montgo Mountain.

9. The Marina

Visit Javea’s picturesque marina and fishing port for a flavor of old Spainish maritime life.

10. Cap de la Nau and Cap de San Antoni

Both of these spots have scenic lighthouses and spectacular views of Javea and the coastline.

This article was sent in to us by British expat Bob Green. Bob is retired and moved to Javea in 2010 when he purchased his villa in Javea from expert property finders Spanish Property Sales. Bob enjoys writing about his expat life in Spain and plans to start a blog.

The post 10 Things To Do And See In Javea, Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

The Main Attractions of Girona, Spain

Girona is a major tourist destination for travellers from all over Europe and a lovely day trip from Barcelona. Take the train from Barcelona and enjoy the lovely Catalan scenery on your way. Old town Girona sits atop a steep hill of the Capuchins and is beside the river, while the modern city is located in the plains. The architecture influenced by various cultural influences over hundreds of years will astonish and amaze.

The Cathedral

Girona’s Cathedral was used by the Moors in ancient times as a mosque. The Girona Cathedral is located in the heart of the city and you must walk up a large staircase to reach the entrance. The original cathedral was originally built on the same site as the present Girona Cathedral. It has a magnificent approach of 86 steps and contains beautiful chapels and gorgeous interior decorations designed by renowned Valencian Pere Bernec. The sheer size of the structure will leave you in awe. Be sure to take the audio tour to learn about the history of the cathedral and its collection of treasures.

Girona Cathedral, Spain by Craig Wyzik

The Old Fortifications

The Old Fortifications are located in the Old City of Girona and can be reached by foot once you are in Girona. Wear some hiking shoes, because you will have to walk up a steep hill to reach them. These fortifications are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Girona. They were originally built for the protection of the city from invaders hundreds of years ago. The city walls were originally built by the Romans around 1^st century BC. The walls were rebuilt around 14^th century with the original Roman walls used for foundations. From the start of the 16^th century, the wall was eventually absorbed into the city of Girona. You can walk the entire expanse of the walls and climb the lookout towers to see the 360 degree views of Girona and the beautiful countryside. Wander the alleyways to see the monks wander around the historic old town and the exquisite wrought ironworks, archways, and brightly coloured antique doors.

Tossa de Mar near Girona, Spain by Freebird

Visit the Beaches

Take a trip from Girona to the beaches which are known for their lush beauty and gorgeous turquoise waters. The village of Tossa de Mar is another medieval marvel with amazing turreted towers and protective walls. It is a stone’s throw from Girona and is located on the coast. You can reach this destination by car or from the airport located northwest of the village. You can see the village fisherman out on their fishing boats bringing in the day’s fresh catch. The main beach in this area is Platja Gran featuring an otherworldly blend of golden pebbles and sand which sparkle in the sunlight. For a quiet beach picnic, visit the Platja del Reig and the Platja Mar Menuda which have a much more secluded and quiet atmosphere.

About the Author: Alyssa is the author of this article, she is the chief writer of the Discount Attractions website, visit this site for getting discounts on Los Angeles attractions.

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Santiago de Compostela, Spain by Mário José Martins

Here are just some of the benefits to going the guided tour route:

Safety

As with many situations, there is safety in numbers when walking the Way of St. James. If you should become ill or injured or come across any unsavory people, there will be plenty of others, as well as your guide, to make sure you’re taken care of.

Accommodations

Accommodations are plentiful on the way to Santiago, especially on the more travelled routes, but there will be thousands of people right alongside you looking for somewhere to spend the night and you don’t want to chance all the inns being full. As part of a tour you’ll be guaranteed a comfortable place to lay your head after an excruciatingly long day of walking or cycling, and most accommodations booked through tours are much nicer than you would find on your own.

Getting Lost

Many of the different routes that will lead you to Santiago de Compostela are very well-marked due to the high volume of visitors each year. Getting lost may not be a huge concern, but for those traveling on their own and who tend to wander off, it can definitely happen. As part of a tour group you will always be accounted for and the chances of getting lost or left behind are minimal.

Streets of Santiago de Compostela, Spain by Naír la jefa

Knowledge

Most of the companies that you can book guided tours in Spain through provide tour guides that call the country home and have been immersed in the culture for a significant amount of time, if not their whole lives, as well as have years of experience navigating the Way of St. James’ many routes. Some will offer extra knowledge on the art and monuments you will see along the way and can accommodate access to must-see sites that you can only gain entry into if you are part of a guided tour.

Encouragement

The Way of St. James isn’t for the faint of heart, and there can be many challenges that a pilgrim will face during their expedition. Meeting people on the same tour and spending such a lengthy amount of time with them can forge lifelong friendships and encouragement when you think you can go no further.

You may be a seasoned traveler and used to going at it alone, but the Way of St. James trek isn’t your typical vacation, and a guided tour might be something to really consider. Happy travels!

Author’s Bio

Tiffany Olson is a blogger who lives in beautiful Northern California and loves all things travel and adventure related. She writes on many topics including guided tours in Spain and The Way of St. James (aka El Camino de Santiago).

The post Don’t Overlook the Advantages of a Guided Tour in Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.