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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Plaza Mayor Christmas Market

This is without doubt the most famous of the christmas markets in Madrid. It’s a market where you can find all sorts of christmasy products, especially decorations. In addition, you can take a ride on the lovely carousel for fun with the little ones of the family, or a romantic moment with your partner. To ensure you stay right amidst the christmas spirit of Madrid, you can even rent a wonderful apartment in Madrid close to Plaza Mayor.

Christmas market on Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain by niall62

Where: Plaza Mayor.
When: 1st – 31st December. Monday to Thursday from 10AM to 10PM, and Friday to Sunday from 10AM to 11PM.
How to get there: Metro Station Puetro del Sol.

Plaza de España Crafts fair

Here you can buy some great holiday gifts at very affordable prices. You will find all kinds of products from all kinds of crafts, like ceramics, pottery, jewelry, leather goods, and much more. The market has about 200 stalls, and this year will last 1 hour more than usual thanks to the huge success of the years before. Don’t hesitate to visit this one.

Where: Plaza España.
When: 17th December 2012 – 5th January 2013 from 11AM to 9:30PM. On the 24th December and 3rd January from 11AM – 3PM. Closed between 25th December – 1st January.
How to get there: Metro Station Plaza de España.

Plaza de Santa Cruz/Plaza de la Provincia Crafts fair

These two squares, which are very close to each other, offer two different festive environments in which to enjoy christmas. In the christmas market of Plaza Santa Cruz you will find all kinds of christmas objects, handmade products, christmas trees, and decorations for nativity scenes, amongst other things. If, on the other hand, you want to have a fun twist to the holiday, you can go to Plaza de la Provincia where you can find spicy candy, wigs, itching powered, and all kinds of fun things.

Where: Plaza Santa Cruz and Provincia.
When: 11st – 31st December. Monday to Thursday from 10AM to 10PM, and Friday to Sunday from 10AM to 11PM.
How to get there: Metro Station Puerta del Sol.

Christmas market on the Plaza de la Luna:

Actually called Plaza Soledad Torres Acosta, the christmas market here incorporates traditional christmas awnings, and activities to get everyone into the holiday spirit, like an ice rink and ice slide. Sounds fun, no? After having fun on the ice, you can eat and stay cosy and warm with some traditional Spanish churros in hot chocolate.

Where: Plaza de la Luna.
When: 26th November 2012 – 9th January 2013 from 10AM to 10PM.
How to get there: Metro Station Santo Domingo or Callao.

With this little guide, you can enjoy Christmas 2012 visiting the legendary plazas of Madrid, adorned in holiday spirit. Happy Holidays!

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Bus turistic Barcelona, Spain / Photo by bcn.travel

At these prices, the pass is a steal! That’s because the Bus Turistic – specially designed as a connector between Barcelona’s key sites and most popular attractions – covers a total span of over 30 kilometres, whose non-stop tour takes about five hours.

The hop on hop off buses runs on three routes: Blue Line in the north half of the city and Red Line in the south, both of which operate year round, and the Green Line – a coastal route – which operates between April and September. The three lines’ expansive range is bounded by F.C. Barcelona’s Camp Nou in the western corner, Montjuic down in the south, Parc del Forum in the eastern corner, and Park Guell to the north. All told, the routes connect about 50 locations! These include Barcelona’s major landmarks such as Placa de Catalunya and Sagrada Familia, cultural attractions such as the Museum Strip and Poble Espanyol, relaxing diversions such as the Miramar and the zoo, plus many other places you may like to visit – yet more reasons that the pass’s price is a steal.

When you buy a hop on hop off Bus Turistic pass, you get rather more than a pass for bus travel:– Included is a booklet with coupons for discounted admission to many of the attractions and diversions on the bus’s route. Every bus has a tour guide who will be happy to answer your questions. Finally, each bus is equipped with an audio-guide which you can listen to in your choice of ten languages.

And, oh, who said double-decker buses are a London monopoly? All Bus Turistic buses are double-deckers – with the upper deck being open-top so that Barcelona’s refreshing cool breezes during our warm summers riffle your hair and keep you perked up.

Among the massive number of visitors a large proportion uses a hop on hop off bus in Barcelona, for which reason it has a fleet of 74 buses. This fact in and of itself demonstrates Barcelona’s ‘pull’ as a Continental destination. But don’t let that scare you off: if you don’t care for the hum and throb of crowds, simply come to Barcelona during the off-season – and you might get nearly a whole Bus Turistic to yourself!

La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain / Photo by bcn.travel

After a day’s exhausting excursion on the Bus Turistic, simply disembark at either Barcelona Walks (North end of La Rambla) or Museu Maritim (South end), take a short stroll, and enjoy a delicious dinner at any of the many fine restaurants on La Rambla. And though you will probably not hear Herb Alpert’s Tijuana music on this lively and ‘happening’ promenade, you will surely thrill to the sounds of Flamenco!

This post was brought to you by Kersie from www.bcn.travel – Barcelona’s local travel expert.

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Barcelona from above by Monika

The pampering on my holiday trip began with my sleeping quarters. If you’ve ever tried to plan a trip to Barcelona, you’ll know that there are a ton of tempting accommodations waiting to hook you in. From gorgeous mansion hotels with three-story pools and more native Barcelona foliage than a Spaniard forest itself to rustic-themed apartments housed in incredible ancient buildings overlooking Barcelona’s bustling streets, it can prove to be quite difficult to choose somewhere to sleep.

Personally, I was especially drawn in by a little bed and breakfast off Calle Pau Claris called Boutique Bed & Breakfast. From the neat, informative website, the place seemed to me like an amusing twist between a quaint parlor bed and breakfast from the late 1800s and a modern, “with-it” techno retreat. The site employed grand use of the term ‘cozy’ in their descriptions, yet also proudly featured an image of an Apple Macbook Air laying open on one of their beds. As someone who can’t stand to live without my iPad, Twitter, and morning cappuccino, the bed and breakfast description boasting free WiFi and advanced modern coffee facilities made me quickly find my way to the “Reserve Room” button. Thankfully, Boutique didn’t disappoint in the slightest. My little suite was, in fact, cozy with a distinct modern feel, and the staff was incredibly friendly. Despite the fact that Boutique Bed & Breakfast was not really a ‘luxury’ accommodation, I felt more refreshed and relaxed than I believe I ever would have with a three-story pool outside my window.

The real luxurious aspects of my trip, however, began with the first activity I partook in my first morning in the awe-striking capital city. Under a bright December sun, I spent the morning being pampered by Rosa at Barcelona Massage, an excellently priced deluxe massage studio which offers a relaxing variety of exotic massages derived from countries and cultures all over the world, from Mayan to Silk to Sea Shell massages and a wide range of body scrubs too.

Feeling giddy and a bit light-headed from my fantastic Silk massage, I was ready to party, so I opted for a night on the town at the Coppelia Club. I’d heard great things about Coppelia online before I arrived, and I was not disappointed. Coppelia manages to give patrons a first-hand Spanish club experience while still maintaining an elegant, classy feel that is nothing like the get-down-and-dirty, grimy filth nightclubs I’ve come to despise in America. Modern and chrome-finished, I enjoyed a delectable eucalyptus honey infused vodka premium while perched on a barstool feeling incredibly sophisticated and right at home.

The next afternoon, after sleeping until almost noon (which I blamed on jetlag but which also might have had something to do with my eucalyptus honey vodka) I felt compelled to conquer the bright blue waters I’d been admiring ever since my plane touched down on Barcelona soil. Through the kindness and luxurious accommodations of Barcelona Yacht Charter, I was able to enjoy a fantastic afternoon on a twelve passenger sailing yacht, slicing through that tantalizing blue water at god-speed, lying on the deck giggling to myself with a bottle of sparkling champagne.

My yachting, spa, and nightclub adventures were probably the three most interesting parts of my holiday in Barcelona. The rest of the week I spent eating delicious Spanish cuisine, drinking rich wine straight from the Spanish vineyards, and lying out on the beach, longing to sail those clear blue waters again. In conclusion, well, let’s just say I’ll be getting back on that Barcelona-bound plane next December, and I might just end up extending my stay beyond a meagre seven days.

Catherine Zotto is an experienced travel writer for MyPremiumEurope.com a luxury European holiday provider. My Premium Europe offer fantastic 5 star luxury hotels, villas and spa accommodation throughout Spain and hundreds of other destinations in Europe.

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Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain by Ramon Llorensi

City Highlights

This excursion gives you the chance to see the areas and landmarks of Barcelona that have made the city famous and characterise it to this day. Seeing the city on foot is also a great way to really immerse yourself in the local culture and engage with local residents as well as other travellers. Some of the highlights of this trip are the Gothic Quarter and the Spanish Village and two unforgettable places are the religious sites. The 600-year-old, quintessentially Gothic Cathedral of St Eulalia is built on the site of a former Roman temple to Hercules. The world-famous Sagrada Familia, designed by Gaudi, is spectacular despite still not being completed to this day.

For Football Fans

One of Barcelona’s greatest highlights is its football team. It’s renowned worldwide for its success, both nationally and internationally and usually fields a team of some of the footballing world’s best players. Their home is at the Nou Camp stadium, known locally as simply the Barca and a guided tour is a great way to soak up a real feel of the team and the ground. This tour allows you to pass through the visiting team’s changing room, down the tunnel and on to the pitch, as well as seeing other areas such as the press and interview rooms. There is also a great chance to wander round the Barca Museum, which houses memorabilia from the club’s immensely successful past.

Nou Camp stadium, Barcelona, Spain by Börkur Sigurbjörnsson

Sun and Sea

A chance to make the most of Barcelona’s coastal location is offered by the nearby town of Sitges, accessible by a 45-minute coach journey. This quaint town with its whitewashed houses has plenty on offer, from winding lanes with little shops to explore to seventeen beaches where you can relax, catch some sunshine and enjoy a cool drink. There is something for everyone in Sitges, whether you’re looking for sedate sunbathing or a frolic in the waves. If playing in the water is what appeals to you and your family, then a visit to Isla Fantasia is a must. It’s a giant water park with countless slides, splashdowns and a children’s area. A day at Isla Fantasia will be one that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Into the Mountains

For those who want to see the surroundings of Barcelona, a trip to Montserrat is a great starting point. Literally meaning ‘jagged mountain’ in Catalan, Montserrat is a striking feature of the local landscape and lies only a short distance from the city. One of the most interesting features is the 1000-year-old monastery nestled at the foot of the mountain which hosts the sanctuary of the Black Virgin of Montserrat a site of pilgrimage in the region. From the monastery, it is possible to take the rack railway to the summit of the peak, which is over 4000-feet high and offers spectacular views across the local area.

Any trip to Barcelona will allow you to experience cultural attractions, many great landmarks and hopefully some glorious weather too.

Post by Tony, a UK based travel blogger on behalf of cruise.co.uk.

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Málaga, Andalucía, Spain by untipografico

When you land at Malaga airport (the largest in Andalucía) you might be tempted to pick up your car hire and set off on the open road, out of the city or even province. But wait, don’t miss out on Malaga; take in the city first then head out to discover the rest of the province. Malaga province known largely for the Costa del Sol (one of the first places to attract tourism in Spain) should be well reviewed and documented. However, the city itself and the small villages in the area were relatively undiscovered. If you want an initial guide on Malaga province then look no further than this plethora of perfect places to peruse:

The City Itself – Historic Cultural Malaga

If you like Spain, you’ll love Malaga. Rich in culture from art galleries to incredible eateries, you can take in a bull fight or become engrossed with Picasso. Malaga as the birth home of the modern artist offers a multitude of modern art galleries – the Thyssen, the CAC and the Picasso Museum to name just three. When you want to relax, soak up the atmosphere and people watch then there is no better place than one of the coffee shops or restaurants. Top insider tips include: Le Panto on Calle Larios for incredible cakes, Café con Libros on Plaza Merced for thirst quenching juices and milkshakes, Taberna el Quitapenas on Calle de Marin Garcia for fresh fish and Bodega El Pimpi for Sherry and Serrano Ham.

Málaga Cathedral, Andalucía, Spain by Thomas Münter

Beyond the City and into the Mountains

Malaga province is famed for White Mountain villages where they are as picturesque as they’re traditional. Each village has its own nuances from eating a special variety of lemon sprinkled with paprika as tapas in Iznate, to slow oven cooked kid with garlic in Canillas de Aceituno. This is the real Spain, jump in a car hire in Malaga and set off around the province. On your drive from the coast it becomes mountainous very quickly and the winding roads offer some fantastic views out to sea over to Morocco. Visit Gaucin with its art shops and wonderful sunsets or the area around Grazalema which is a hiker’s paradise. Each white village offers something new, if not a culinary delight then an incredible view.

Summer Dining

Spain as a whole is rich in gastronomic delights and Malaga province is no exception. If you are beside the sea during the summer months look out for Chiringuitos (rustic BBQ’s on the beach) where the catch of the day is seasoned and grilled to perfection. During August it’s harvest time for Muscatel grapes. Try Vino de Malaga a sweet sherry which is made around most towns and villages. There are different variants, from semi sweet to syrupy sweet but all are made from the local muscatel grapes which are collected by hand.

While on holiday in Malaga, adapt to the pace of life, stop, relax and enjoy the surroundings. Plan your day around food times – breakfast anytime up to midday, lunch between 14.00hrs and 17.00hrs (make it long and leisurely), then dinner anytime from 20.30hrs onwards (the later the better in summer).

Paul Collins lives in Southern Spain and works for https://www.marbenjo.com/ a family run car hire firm based in Malaga.

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Pyrenees Mountains, Spain by Alex Alishevskikh

Many would want to prepare for this important event in their lives, and they would often look up information on the Internet to help them organize everything they’ll need for this trip.  One of the most reliable sources of information you can look up on the Internet is a Camino de Santiago forum.  There are loads of them to be found online, and they would certainly provide you with all the information you need.  Below are some facts which you may come across upon visiting the place:

• While the path of going from the French area of the Pyrenees Mountains to the town of Santiago is quite a long one, people don’t have to worry about the possibility of encountering bandits or gangs.  In these modern times, the path has been made safer, considering that it has become a modest tourist attraction among devout Catholics all over the world.  Of course, there will still be some challenges to be hurdled, such as traveling with heavy backpacks or even sleeping amidst the presence of bedbugs.  However, one who is truly dedicated to following the path of spiritual enlightenment will not be fazed by these things.

• There is a slow pace when traveling along the Camino.  In fact, many people who go in pilgrimages would often find themselves meditating in areas they encounter.  These areas include the vineyards, cornfields and lush forests in the area.  Hilltops are abundant with such majestic scenery; the path leading to the destination is one that many people will find relaxing and highly breath-taking.

• The trail is one that can bring together many devout Catholics from all over the world, including cyclists, backpackers and hikers.  These pilgrims are not only on their way to attaining spiritual  contentment, but area also blessed with a wonderful trekking experience that makes for a highly welcome change from the busy living of urban society.  Apart from that, the pilgrimage itself will bring them altogether a lot closer to being one with God.

These are just some of the facts that any aspiring pilgrim will come across on a Camino de Santiago forum on the Internet.  With these facts, one can be prepared of what lies ahead in the journey for spiritual satisfaction.

Leslie loves hill walking and writing his routes on the web.  He has been running the main Camino de Santiago and Walking in Scotland site since 2006. Check out Camino de Santiago forum for more details.

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