The luxury Alva Park Resort is situated in the beautiful area of Girona, Spain. Often described as an oasis, it offers an ideal base from which to explore Barcelona. All of the luxurious rooms feature the highest technology including a Bang & Olufsen 40’ LCD widescreen TV, Jacuzzi hydro-massage, Wi Fi internet connection and private terrace.

For those seeking a relaxation the hotel also offers variety of wellness and beauty centre such as Indian Princess Bath and the Molton Brown Spa. Guests also can relax and enjoy the steam bath, sauna, and spa or go for simulator indoor golf club specially design for left and right handed. The Alva Park Resort and Spa hotel is the perfect choice for those seeking in the ultimate luxury break.

All rooms are non-smoking environment. Official site – http://www.alvapark.com/

The Church of Our Lady of the Pillar is near the River Ebro in the province of Zaragoza, west of Barcelona on the coast of Spain. It is reputed to be the first Church dedicated to Mary in history. The location is considered the birthplace of Christianity in Spain and has been the destination of pilgrims for hundreds of years.

The architecture is of baroque style, and the present building was predominantly built between 1681 and 1872. Zaragoza is some Islamic architectural influence which means there are more mosaics and more colors.

The statue and pillar have been preserved however for almost 2000 years. Numerous healings throughout the ages have been attributed to the Virgin by those visiting the site seeking her help.

According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared miraculously to Saint James the Great in the 1st century, standing on a pillar.This legend is commemorated by a famous Catholic basilica called Nuestra Señora del Pilar (”Our Lady of the Pillar”). Her feast day is also celebrated every 12th of October.
For centuries, rivers of pilgrims have continued to visit the Shrine of Saragossa.

One of eight provinces in Andalucia, Malaga is home to the prestige holiday resorts of the Costa del Sol. It includes about 300km of the Mediterranean Coast and is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. Due to averaging 300 days of sun shine each year, the Costa del Sol is the Mecca for those seeking sea side funs. The most popular resorts in Costa del Sol is like Benalmadena and Marbella.

This beautiful coast consists of a series of coves half-hidden among cliffs and sports harbors. The Costa del Sol offers an exciting selection of entertainment and relaxation options. The best sports and activities in Malaga are: golf courses, marinas and football. The nightlife is lively offers a huge variety of bars and restaurants. Other attractions include zoos and water parks, casinos, bullfights and amusement parks.

The mild climate is a major factor in enjoying the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor and water activities year round. Evidence of the area’s popularity is the fact that there are more jet skis per capita than anywhere else in Europe.

One  mountain landscape, which spans the contemporary national borders of France and Spain, centered around the peak of Mount Perdu, a calcareous massif that rises to 3 352 metres. Mont Perdu(meaning lost mountain) is the third highest mountain in the Pyrenees. The mountain is approached by two of Europe’s deepest canyons on the Spanish side. The landscape is a stunning mix of bleak mountains, pastoral countryside, lakes and forests. Mont Perdu site is registered on the Worldwide Heritage list since 1997.

The site is also a pastoral landscape reflecting an agricultural way of life that was once widespread in the upland regions of Europe.But the site is also a pastoral landscape, reflecting an agricultural way of life that was once widespread in the upland regions of Europe. The heritage value of the natural domain of Mont-Perdu cirques and canyons stems from a favorable conjunction of exceptional elements that fall within the province of geology, climatology and biology.

There are more than 1500 species of flowers, 171 birds, 32 different mammals and 8 types of reptile in the Ordesa.

In summertime, it’s impossible to get bored: you can canoe and kayak, parasail, raft, ride bikes, and go for trail rides.

The Hotel Diagonal Barcelona is a modern architecture with stylish interior design. The architect Juli Capella, was responsible for the hotel’s design.The location of the hotel is another attraction, next to the impressive Agbar Tower. The newest skyscraper in this dynamic, cultural, Mediterranean city, it is the work of Jean Nouvel, one of today’s greatest architects.

Inside, the hotel’s fresh and striking features will please guests seeking accommodation that is both exclusive, tasteful and in line with current design trends. The hotel’s location makes it convenient for the Conference Centre, main access roads, the port and the airport, and means you can reach the city centre in just a few minutes.

The Tecla Cafe is an ideal place to make a date, relax after the stress of a working day, or stock up your energy after a visit to the city.

The hotel has 240 rooms, including smoker’s and disabled-friendly rooms. All rooms feature the latest design trends, wood furniture, contrasted tones and refined lines that, all combined, provide an elegant and peaceful atmosphere. The hotel provides four distinct room categories: Comfort Room, Silken Club Room, Diagonal Corner Room and Suites 08. Each room includes comprehensive and modern services, including digital satellite TV, manually controlled air conditioning and heating units, telephone in room and bathroom, hair dryer and a safe with enough room for a laptop.

As well as the Piano Restaurant offers impeccable attention to detail in its decor, and has access to a terrace. You have the choice of two of the best cuisines in Spain: the Basque and the Catalan, as well as designer cuisine.

This guest post has been written by Nick Ball, editor of Lanzarote Guidebook, the free tourist guide to Lanzarote.

Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands.  The seven specks of Spain which are located off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean.  The archipelago has long had something of a reputation as a package tourist destination.  Not unjustifiably so –  as this is the second most visited region in Spain after Catalonia.

Yet the Canaries are not all birds of a feather.  As whilst the bigger islands such as Tenerife have long since been buried beneath a sea of hotels and apartment complexes little Lanzarote has managed to remain relatively unspoiled.

High rise buildings were banned during the 1970´s – along with advertising hoardings.  Whilst the three main tourist resorts of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise are all well contained.  Leaving the bulk of the island much as nature intended.

This is just as well – as Lanzarote boasts some of the most surreal scenery in the world.  The island was rocked by a series of huge volcanic eruptions during the 1730´s and again in 1824.  Which remodelled the south of Lanzarote, wiping out villages, destroying farmland and carpeting hundreds of kilometres of land in lava.  Creating a twisted new terrain in its wake that is often likened to the surface of the moon – and which is now Lanzarote´s most popular tourist attraction.

Elsewhere on the island these arid, volcanic vistas give way to more verdant scenery.  Especially in the north of the island in and around the aptly named Valley of 1000 Palms.  Here locals used to follow a tradition of planting a Canarian palm tree for every new born child.  Creating a breathtaking sight reminiscent of an African oasis – as the crowns of countless giant palms sway gently in the breeze.

Moraira is a small town located between Alicante and Valencia (Spain), in the beautiful area of Marina Alta. It enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, with over 300 days of sunshine each year. It was once a fishing village and has grown into a popular coastal holiday resort.

This resort has retained a lot of its original character and atmosphere. Thanks to its tourism, Moraira has known how to mix all the necessary and modern services into its typical fishing port ambience. The narrow streets are lined with shops, bars and restaurants there is plenty to choose from. The Friday market is held every week close to the beach and attracts many people. Clothing, shoes, leather goods, crafts and locally grown produce are on sale here.

There are two sandy both carry “blue flag” status and were in fact amongst the first to achieve this distinction of being the cleanest in Europe. Here you can have a great beach holiday. There are a huge range of watersports facilities including jet-skiing, diving, sailing and water skiing. You can choose other beaches part rock or a boulder beach which is ideal for snorkeling plus there are coves along the coast you may want to explore.

San Sebastian is situated on the Cantabrican coast 20 km from the border with France. Set between the mountains and the sea it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It has been a popular tourist destination for many years. Famous for its contrast – crystal-blue sea’ waters and green mountains, San Sebastian is the undisputed queen of Basque resorts. There are almost 90 km of coast consisting of steep cliffs, beautiful beaches and fishing ports.

The city spreads around three beaches – La Concha, Playa de Ondarreta and Playa de la Zurriola. La Concha and Ondarretta are the best for swimming and spending a day at the seaside while the Zurriola beach attract a lot of surfers looking to ride the Atlantic waves who can be seen there throughout the year.

The main tourist attractions: “Palacio del Mar” – a major aquarium complex, featuring many tanks of colorful fish and an underwater tunnel; “Monte Igeldo Amusement Park” – with a number of roller coasters and fast rides; “Plaza de la Constitucion” – an important public square, surrounded by historical buildings; “Funicular Railway” – a short and inexpensive ride up a particularly steep cliff, offering superb views La Concha Bay; “El Puerto”- a bustling port with many waterfront tourist attractions and restaurants, etc.

The biggest annual event is Aste Nagusia which is a full week of partying in mid-August which includes traditional Basque music and dance as well as gastronomic and sporting events. September is another popular time for tourists when the San Sebastian International Film Festival takes place and the second half of July is the annual International Jazz Festival.

Space is a nightclub on Ibiza, Spain. Space is located in Playa d’en Bossa on the outskirts of the town, close by the airport. It’s got an unbelievable atmosphere!

In this landmark 20th anniversary year for the club, Space has chosen highly respected UK independent label Cr2 Records as their partner.

Acts playing include Deadmau5, Bookashade, Tiefschwarz Youself, 2Many DJs, Guetta, many more.

Featured 28 tracks superbly mixed by the mighty MYNC guys the compilation brings together artists such as Wally Lopez, Steve Lawler, Harry Choo Choo Romero, Pryda, Nic Fanciulli.

There are 22 hours of dancing possible. You can dance on the terrace in the sun to Balearic beats all day long. Outside is mostly house, garage, and funk, then inside tends to be trance, and techno.

This ribbon-like construction is an unique hotel in Spain. The hotel is designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry – the architect of the epoch Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Wine hotel “Marques de Riscal” is nestled in the “City of Wine” – in the heart of the Rioja.

The hotel has 43 guest rooms that feature a comfortable atmosphere and unique design. You can enjoy the views of the vineyards from any of the eight terraces located in the two wing building.

The hotel’s Spa – “Caudalie Vinotherapie” offers a steam room, invigorating shower and 14 therapy rooms with huge variety of “wine therapy” massages and treatments. All products are made of grape’s extract! Also there are indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre and a wine tasting room.

El Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a 16th-century citadel which lies on the northwestern-most point of the islet of San Juan, Puerto Rico. El Morro is one of the highlights of any tour of the old city, a rocky web of tunnels and barracks, towers and prisons.

Puerto Rico El Morro rises almost 150 in the air and features a number of garitas – dome covered sentry outposts. 

Much construction took place between the 1760s and 1780s, when many of the present walls were added. Puerto Rico’s first lighthouse was erected atop this fort in 1843.

The new tower featured an octagonal brick base that supported an octagonal cast-iron tower, painted gray and white. It’s relatively inexpensive to stroll throughout the old ramparts, costing less than $5 and providing an afternoon worth of entertainment.

The forts are connected by ancient underground tunnels, but today two modern trolleys ferry visitors back and forth.
Over two million visitors a year explore theme windswept ramparts and pageways, where the history of 400 years of Spain in Puerto Rico comes alive!

National Register of Buildings; UNESCO World Heritage.

In the southern coast of Croatia, rising out of the Adriatic is the island of Korcula. The island has beautiful low mountains, pine forests, olive groves and scent of wild herbs. At 47 km long and 6 to 7 km wide, it is one of the larger Croatian island. The main draw on this charming island is the town of Korcula, a medieval walled town on a promontory of land protruding out into the Paljesac Channel. Photo by: kamakaks

Built in the 15th century, Revelin Tower forms the present day Land Gate which is the main entrance into the Old Town. There was once a drawbridge, but it was replaced by stairs when the threat of invasion was reduced. The symbol of Venice, the winged lion of St Mark, can be seen above the arch. The view from the top of the tower is lovely and offers 360 panorama of the town and its attractive rooftops. Photo by: MacArtist

Probably the most important building in the Old Town, the Sveti Marko Cathedral was built in the 15thcentury in the Gothic-Renaissance style. The main portal built by Bonino of Milan in 1412 features Adam and Eve on either side, and St Mark above. There is a beautiful fluted rose window in the centre of the facade. The Renaissance interior was carved by a famous local stone mason, Marko Andijic and contains treasures such as an early Tintoretto. Photo by: Monica_T

The Venetian architecture is most obvious in the streets around the Cathedral of St Mark, where there are various Gothic Renaissance and Baroque places built for Korcula aristocrats. Opposite the cathedral is Arneri Palace, with its lovely Cothic facade and Renaissance-Baroque cloister. The town of Korcula is also popular with Moreska, a traditional sword dance which was common throughout the Mediterranean in the 12th and 13th centuries and become popular in Korcula in 16th century. The dance probably originated in Spain, inspired by the conflict between Moors and Christians. Photo by: dai oni

When to go: April to July, or September to October. Population: 16,182. How to get there: Fly to Dubrovnik or Split, then take a ferry to the island. You should know: There is only a handful of hotels on the island, so make sure you book before you go. Photo by: rokster

Setenil is probably unique among the white villages of Andalucia, Spain. With its tiny houses in typical Andalucian design, this astonishing village is covered by a large cliff. The houses seem to emerge from the rocks, and some have even olive groves on their roofs. The town has a ruined fortress that stands on top of a hill, alongside the church. Other attractions of the town are the cave houses, the Arab tower and cistern.

Aqueducts are impressive structures of housing pipelines. It’s from the word “aqua” meaning water and “ducere” which means to lead. The Romans made them out of large blocks, and this one still stands relatively straight after 2000 years. One of the best conserved Roman aqueducts in the world is located in Segovia, Spain. Just half an hour’s drive from Madrid, the Aqueduct is Segovia’s best known historical monument.

It was built in the end of 1 A.D, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan. It measures 800 m and at its highest point it reaches 28 m, in the la Plaza del Azoguejo. 20.400 granite blocks of granite have been used. The aqueduct was made without concrete or mortar and stands due to the equal balance of forces. It consists of 166 arches, each over 9m high and 120 columns on two levels. This impressive construction forms the gateway to the magnificent old city of Segovia. It is possible to climb a staircase next to the aqueduct to get views over the structure itself as well as the city.
 

  
With huge collection of historical monuments, it is an excellent starting-point to your tour of the Spain’s provinces. Segovia Old City was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Other important monuments include the Alcazar, begun around the 11th century, and the 16th-century Gothic cathedral.

Las Medulas is a fascinating landscape that was created by the Romans some 2,000 years ago. Las Medulas used to be the most important gold mine in the Roman Empire. It’s located in the province of Leon at some 20 km from Ponferrada, Spain.

This is the result of Roman occupation of a land and of course, its evolution through the years. The Romans removed 500 millions of m³ of land to get 3 grams of gold per tone of land. The exploitation was involving 60,000 free workers in 250 years. They bring the water from the Sierra de La Cabrera with a system of channels more than hundred kilometers long.

Today Las Medulas is a cultural park which has an Information Centre that explains the site in detail to visitors. There is any number of hiking trails which allows visitors to go back in time. Also you can visit the channels with a guide and a helmet. Las Medulas Cultural Landscape is was declared by the UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites in 1997.