Catalonia has 580 kilometres (360 miles) of coastline which can be characterised as town and city or wild natural with very different types of beaches to cater for all preferences. City and town beaches are typically closely regulated beaches (no smoking on the beach, no nudity, no motorised watercraft, no dogs) but have services such as public toilets, showers, lifeguards and sometimes locker facilities. Behind the beach you will often see … [Read more...]
Nature and hiking adventure day trips and mini-breaks from Barcelona
Catalonia has incredibly green natural parks. Unlike the southern parts of Spain (which can be a savannah type landscape) the natural spaces in Catalonia have much greater bio-diversity with some beautiful forests, mountains, deltas and coastline ideal for hiking, nature and adventure escapes. Easy hiking for beginners and families with young children in Collserola park Behind Barcelona is the sierra de Collserola mountain range and the 84.65 … [Read more...]
Beyond Barcelona—Beautiful Towns & Villages in Catalonia
The first thing that comes to mind when you think about Catalonia is probably Barcelona. And it's true, Barcelona is its most well-known, and by far the most visited, destination. But Catalonia has much more to offer than just its capital and lots of towns and villages worth exploring. In fact, Catalonia is one of my favorite places in the world, and I could go on and on about the many beautiful places to visit there. From medieval towns to … [Read more...]
Best European Escapes To Get Closer To Nature
Europe is every traveller’s dream destination. It will always have something for every type of traveller there is. If you prefer the outdoors and love to commune with nature, here are a few of the best places you can include on your must-visit in Europe. The Catalonian Region, Spain Catalonia (or Catalunya as it is known in Catalan, the language in this region) is located at the northeastern side of Spain. Its most popular is probably the … [Read more...]
Sevilla Feeling
I spent last weekend in Tossa de Mar, a very beautiful little town on the Costa Brava a little more than 1h away from Barcelona. I went with a couple of friends. We stayed at the apartment of a friend that works there for the summer season. I arrived in Tossa Friday night and there were no specific plans for the evening yet. The friend that is working there at a restaurant for the summer is originally from Sevilla. We waited for her until … [Read more...]
The origin of Spanish stereotypes
When people hear the term "stereotype" it has somewhat of a bitter taste to it and one immediately assumes it is something negative and it slips into the meaning of "prejudice." However, if we are being accurate a stereotype is merely a popular belief about a specific group based on assumptions and conceptions. Curious about it, however, is that whether we condone them or not, we often use them as a point of orientation, when we don't know much … [Read more...]
Our Costa Brava Holiday
Last summer we went on holiday to Spain on the Costa Brava. We stayed at the Hotel Merce in Pineda de Mar (www.pinedademar.org). We loved this hotel. The food is very good, Spanish cuisine, with breakfast and abundant fruit and vegetables from the garden of the hotel owners. The rooms are good and with a cheap price. What distinguishes this hotel is its family and friendly atmosphere of the owners and staff of the Hotel. You feel in Spain. They … [Read more...]