Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain by Francisco Seoane Perez

Pilgrimage Sites

Cross-country walking is a fun and leisurely pastime. Christians have long treks to shrines and reliquaries and this is more of a spiritual venture more than a physical activity. Long trails that lead to pilgrimage sites are now developed for both the pilgrims and recreational hikers. There are many tourist destinations that have these pilgrimage routes that can serve you well in your spiritual venture as well as your purpose of spending a holiday with your family.

Pilgrim Destinations

After every pilgrimage trail awaits a site that has a religious significance. British pilgrimage trails are known internationally such as St. Cuthbert’s way. This pilgrimage route can make you trace the journey of the said saint from the Abbey in Melrose to Lindisfarne.

Also, you can follow the path of St. James’ which ends in a place where he rested during his journey.  A cathedral stands on where the apostle’s venture ended known as “Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela”. You may want to try a longer trek and there are more pilgrimage sites where you can bring your family.

You want to take a 480 mile path and Camino Frances is your destination of choice. This pilgrimage site starts from Southern France. There are also routes starting from Portugal and Southern Spain that lead to the same destination- “Camino Frances”.

Pilgrimages Today

Pilgrimage still exists up to this era. Religious people like you go for a spiritual venture which is an opportunity to reflect and achieve inner peace. The setting of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s apparition in 1917 is now a well-known pilgrimage site. Pilgrim paths start from Lisbon leading to Fatima. Also there are other routes from Spain and Portugal leading to the shrine of the Blessed Virgin.

Tourism in Pilgrim Destinations

Europe has a vast rural terrain that serves as a venue for Pilgrims. Pilgrimage sites usually have historic significance. Pilgrimage routes offered jobs to many locals who serve as tourist guides as well as companies that offer pilgrimage tours. These tours may be self-guided or traditional guided walking tour. Various packages await you and this has become a boom in the tourism industry.

Pilgrimage Tours

Pilgrimage started as a traditional practice centuries ago and remains as a religious activity which is a practice to many people like you. Today, it is easier to choose a pilgrimage site and book for a travel to your destination. Travel agencies can provide you with trail maps, handbooks and almost everything you need in your journey.

It is easier to plan out for a holiday pilgrimage or a recreational hiking trip to pilgrim destinations in Europe. Walking cross-country can be a worthwhile activity for you and your family.

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. Click on WHW walking route to know more about pilgrimage sites and routes.

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The Party Pad – Grand Flamingo, Los Flamingos Golf, Benahavis, Marbella

This modern villa features in the top five to rent in Marbella because of its contemporary design, party perfect layout; it sleeps 20 people and has a few little surprises.

Grand Flamingo, Los Flamingos Golf, Benahavis, Marbella / Photo by lamarproperties.com

It’s situated in Los Flamingos in Benahavis which is a very short drive to Puerto Banus and Marbella centres. This villa is situated on a gated community within 5000m2 of private beautifully landscaped grounds and therefore is very self-contained. It is perfect for the golf enthusiast as it has a putting green as well as a professional golf course (Los Flamingos) practically on the door step. It boasts outdoor and indoor heated pools, three Jacuzzis, a tennis court and a pool/snooker table.

Locational Perk – Palazzo delle Lucce, La Zagaleta, Benahavis, Marbella

La Zagaleta is thought to be the most expensive urbanisation in the world and set just above San Pedro just in the mountains. This villa is a palatial residence which lives up to the neighbourhood.

Palazzo delle Lucce has probably the most fantastic bedrooms in Spain, with a terrace overlooking the lawns and domed ceiling which lets light in through coloured glass in the ceiling. There are six more generous double bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms. As for facilities there is an extensive pool area and home cinema which seats 10 comfortably. Being in La Zagaleta also has its advantages as use of the private equestrian centre and golf course is permitted for those who reside in this exclusive development.

Beachside Chill-house – Villa Casablanca, Golden Mile, Marbella

This villa is five bedroomed and only 300 metres from the beach on the Golden Mile. It’s effortlessly stylish with modern furnishing and four designer bathrooms. The situation is the major selling point to this villa, as it’s less than five minutes’ drive away from both Puerto Banus and Marbella or a very enjoyable walk. Although it’s right on the seafront it also has a swimming pool and garden to relax in and enjoy with friends.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Roser Goula

Northern Costa Brava

Starting in the north Figueres and Cadaques are the main towns of the area stretching up to France. Figueres is a beautiful Catalan town with an interesting architecture and plenty of warmth. The town is most famous for its Dali museum which is the world’s best collection of Dali’s and absolutely un-missable. Dali was born in Figueres and the museum is the most popular in the whole of Spain. Beyond the museum the ramblas are a great place to stroll and while away your afternoons while enjoying the fantastic cafes and street culture of this great town. Cadaques is also tied intimately to Dali and is a beautiful fishing village with a much more sedate and peaceful way of life for you to enjoy.

Outside of the towns the north of the Costa Brava has beautiful countryside with the area around Cap de Creus being fantastically beautiful. Inland the medieval capital of the region Girona is spectacular and a beautiful town with exceptional architecture.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Roser Goula

Central Costa Brava

The central areas of the Costa Brava are the most popular with beach tourists. The main areas between Palamos and Pals are the favourite haunt of locals from Barcelona and tourists. The central coastline is really just a tourist attractions with Costa Brava villas, hotels and luxury resorts lining most of the coastline and somewhat ruining the local atmosphere. That said there are still some places to escape the tourist crowd and some beautiful beaches. If you head a little further inland though you can enjoy the stunning scenery of this fantastic region and a much more local atmosphere.

Southern Costa Brava

The southern Costa Brava takes us further into the concrete jungle and the traditional hotel and beach villa holidays Spain has to offer. It’s much more lively this end of the Costa Brava strip with the area around Lloret de Mar being the most vibrant and boisterous. The sun, sea and sands are undoubtedly the biggest draws and there are some stunning beaches and beautiful resorts to enjoy. However, if you want local culture you will again have to head inland for the main part as the southern coast is one of the most popular tourist regions. Nevertheless this shouldn’t put you off as the area is still beautiful and it’s a lot less crowded and more beautiful than the neighbouring Costa del Sol.

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