As tomorrow is the day of Spain (12/10) I thought now would be the perfect time to suggest more sights and attractions of Palma; that is if you have some energy left after the Oktoberfest, which is on until 14th at Santa Ponsa: http://www.seemallorca.com/events/calendar/oktoberfest-palma-de-mallorca.html
October is a splendid time to visit Mallorca, the streets won`t be crowded and the prices are lower. With this in mind this section of the blog will be about the relaxing things to in Mallorca. The temperature in October is usually between 24c and 13 c ; with today recording 22c.
Musuems
Here are a few details about two museums I think should not be missed on a visit to Mallorca. Both are centrally located and if you happen to catch one of the 11 days when it rains in Palma, Mallorca then dive right into one of these to have a blast:
Museo de muñecas
The museum of dolls is sweet and charming and well worth a visit for a unique experience, this unusual museum offers a fun and unforgettable array of dolls from the past up until the present.
For more information please visit: www.museo-de-la-muneca-onil.com/
Museo de Mallorca
Housed in the sixteenth century mansion of Counts Amayari the 3 storey building features gothic windows and baroque balconies. The spectacular mansion showcases the Arabic, Greco – Punic and Roman collections of artifacts. A jewel in the Mallorca crown this museum will happily occupy you for an afternoon with its delightful treasures.
For more information please visit the official website: http://www.museudemallorca.es/
Shopping
The infamous Corte de Ingles, which is Spain`s answer to House of Frasier, has two stores in Palma de Mallorca so you can while-a-way the hours browsing the goods on offer. The store on Avenida de Alexandre Rossello even offers a food court, for exact location please visit http://www.elcorteingles.es
For the more architecturally conscious there is the Rialto Living on Carrer de Sant Feliu , just off Passieg de born. The shop was originally the Theatre Rialto which was built in 1928 and was converted in 2007. With a range of fashion, books, art & design and gifts to choose from you may want to take full advantage of the cafes to relax and watch the world go by, while deciding on your next purchase or sight to be seen…
Beaches
For the ultimate relaxation take to the beautiful beaches of Mallorca, now the multitude of tourists have gone, you can delight in the golden sand, glistening waters and elbow room! The beaches and warm water are a major draw for all. You may wish to take a dip in the waters, partake in some fishing, or even have a snorkel to discover the unique marine life off the coast of Mallorca. The beaches are a charming in the day but should also be seen at evening time with the subtle light make for a sublime view. So stroll down the Avinguda d`Antoni Maura towards the Park de la Mar and enjoy the splendid view…..
Do Spain
11.10.12
8.11.11
Palma de Mallorca- Seeing the Sights
Last time on Do Spain we looked at Puerto de Pollença, a quiet seaside
town on the north west coast of the island, perfect for a relaxing holiday
soaking up the rays away from the crowds generally found in the South. But of
course there is more to Mallorca than beaches. Today I want to talk about Palma, the island´s capital and historical,
artistic and cultural centre.
The old quarter is an enchanting blend of tree-lined boulevards and
winding cobbled streets, Gothic churches and baroque palaces, and private courtyards
and stylish bars.
Central Palma is especially known for these elegant courtyards, called patios, belonging to the many noble
houses. Many are private but you can often peek in through a grill or gateway.
I´ve picked just the main sights to see if you´ve only got a day or so
to spend here:
Palma´s vast Cathedral
(La Seu; Carrer del Palau Reial 9; adult/child €4/3; h10am-5.15pm Mon-Fri,
10am-3pm Sat) is visible on approaching the city. The site originally housed
the main mosque but the construction of the cathedral began in 1300 and was
completed in 1601. Mainly Gothic except for the main façade (replaced after an
earthquake in 1851) and parts of the interior (renovated in Modernista style by
Antoni Gaudí at the beginning of the 20thcentury).
The interiors are stunning and along with Gaudi´s
eccentric front altar centerpiece Miquel Barceló´s reworking of the Capella del
Santíssim I Sant Pere, draws attention- a ceramic rendition of the miracle of
the loaves and fishes.
These modest remains of Arab baths - Banys Àrabs (Carrer
de Serra 7; adult/child €12/free; 9am-7.30pm) are one of the few reminders that
once the Muslims dominated the island. There are two small underground chambers
supported by dozens of columns.
One of the many art museums is the prestigious Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani or Museum
of Contemporary Spanish Art (Museu Fundació Juan March; www.march.es/ arte/palma; Carrer de Sant Miquel
11; h10am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 10.30am-2pm Sat) On display are approximately 70
permanent pieces held by the Fundación Juan March. All the famous 20th century
artists can be found here including Picasso, Miró, Dalí etc.
Can Marquès (Carrer de Ca’n Angluda 2A; adult/child
€6/5;h10am-3pm Mon-Fri, 11am-2pm Sat) is an exquisitely furnished mansion, the only one of its kind in Mallorca. It
has elements of Gothic, Baroque and Modernista influences and gives a
fascinating insight into how the wealthy lived at the time of the turn of the
20th century.
There are various churches of course, two of the oldest
being
Basílica de Sant Francesc and Església de Santa Eulàlia
If you thought Mallorca was just sun, sea and sand then I hope I´ve convinced you otherwise and you consider a visit to the capital during your holiday on the island!
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27.10.11
Puerto Pollença, Mallorca
Nearly 50
million foreign tourists come to Spain every year, and an overwhelming proportion
of these (and a large percentage of Spain’s own population) come in the summer
to lie on a perfect stretch of Mediterranean sand. Most of Spain’s beaches are,
as a consequence, dreadfully overcrowded. But if you know where to look your much
longed-for holiday is still a
possibility…
Today I
want to highlight a lovely spot in Mallorca that is a little different from the
norm but has real charm, Puerto Pollença.
Puerto Pollença is situated on the northwest coast of the island, dominated by the
rugged Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. It is the perfect place for those
seeking the ´real´ Mallorca, with its sandy coves, hilltop villages and quiet olive groves, far removed
from the mega resorts of the south.
People enjoy a slower pace of life here, a
visit to the weekly market
or the old churches, or a leisurely
stroll through the charming cobbled streets to
set you up for a delicious meal or refreshing drink at one of the numerous restaurants, cafés and bars in
the town´s stylish marina.
Of course the beaches can´t be
forgotten and here you´ll find beautiful bays and coves, a large sandy stretch
as well as dramatic rocky coast. No
wonder it remains a favourite among families and couples who come back year
after year.
Has anyone been to Puerto Pollença? Do you have any thoughts or useful information to share with other readers? Comments are always welcome.
24.10.11
Deciding where to go
So you want
to go to Spain, the question is where?
It´s hard
to know where to start with Spain as there´s simply so much to see and do. But
of course we´re here to help. Today we´ve picked 10 of our top ´experiences´ in
Spain to kick-off and get you thinking about what you´re most interested in and
consequently where might be the best place for you.
1. Alhambra
The palace and
fortress which form Granada’s Alhambra are certainly a sight to behold and
perhaps the most exquisite example of Islamic art worldwide. The architecture
has been described as “close to perfection´” with its balanced arches and
repeated motifs mesmerizing. The soothing Generalife gardens lie in perfect harmony
with the Nazaríes palace and the red fortress towers dominate the city´s
skyline whose background is the Sierra Nevada´s snowy peaks, a powerful symbol
of 800 years of Moorish rule.
2. Semana Santa in Seville
Back to
Spain´s medieval Christian roots Seville´s Easter celebration of Semana Santa
is an unforgettable experience. Religious groups parade exquisite figures of
Christ and the Virgin Mary around the city to the cheers and admiration of the
excited crowds that fill the streets, the most prestigious procession taking
place early on Good Friday morning and known as the madrugada. Although celebrations go on all across Spain nothing can
rival those of Seville, combining spectacle with the seriousness of deep
religious faith.
3. La Rioja Wine Country
When we think of Spanish wines, we think of
Rioja. This is Spain's historic wine region and a must for wine-lovers. Rioja
is a stunningly beautiful area dating from the Neolithic era and dotted with
bodegas and vineyards offering wine-tastings and picturesque villages some with
their medieval walls still intact. The Hotel Marqués de Riscal has become the
elite centre for wine tourism in the region.
4. Sierra Nevada snow sports and hiking
Spain´s
highest peak, the Mulhacén at 3460m can be found amongst the striking mountains
of the Sierra Nevada. An ideal place for skiing and other snow sports in the
winter and for hiking in the summer combined with exploring the charming
villages of las Alpujarras characterized as the pueblos blancos (white towns), and which were the last Moorish
settlements in Spain. Each holds its own fiesta
during the summer usually celebrated with dance, fireworks and wine.
5. Live the good life in Cádiz
Cádiz has
a casual, live in the moment type atmosphere that makes it instantly appealing.
The two week Carnaval is renowned across the country as a fun and lively time
of music, shows and lots of dressing up! The city itself has its own charm with
winding streets, an exquisite cathedral square and plenty of interesting
historical monuments. There are even pristine beaches to enjoy.
6. Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art
Although
it may have been remarked that Spain´s capital is strangely lacking in
architectural monuments it more than makes up for this with its fantastic
collection of art galleries. The famed “Golden Triangle of Art” comprises of
the Prado museum where there are pieces by top Spanish artists such as Goya,
Velázquex and El Greco as well as the best from across Europe, the Centro de
Arte Reina Sofía where you´ll find Picasso´s impressive Guernica and works by
Dalí and Miró, and finally the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum showcasing big names
from the past to the present.
7. Flamenco in
Andalucía
Soulful and uplifting at the same time, the powerful
music and dance of the Flamenco has its origins in Andalucía, its evolution
particularly influenced by the Andalusian gypsies. It is still in southern
Spain where you will watch the best displays. Seville, Cádiz and Jerez de la
Frontera features live flamenco performances at night with Seville especially
offering venues open to the general public. There´s no doubt the stunning show
will remain imprinted in your memory for years to come.
8. Beaches of
the Baleares
In this day and age where mass tourism is the norm in
the Spanish Mediterranean, the Balearic Island, Menorca offers something a
little different. Smaller and quieter than its neighbour, Mallorca. It follows that a lot of family-friendly resorts are situated on the
island, most of them at the southern shoreline. Two of the most spectacular coves are Cala
Macarelleta and Cala en Turqueta.
9. Camino de
Santiago
For more than 1000 years pilgrims
and walkers with all manner of motivations have been walking along the Camino
de Santiago ending up in Santiago de Compostela. This place is one of
indescribable significance for Christians but the appeal of this extensive walk
is much more than only religious. With a number of routes across Northern Spain
there is no better way to explore the natural world and really get to know this
country. Even covering a short stretch of the “camino” will be a moving
experience.
10. Costa Brava
This region of northeastern Catalonia is one
of our favourite corners of the Mediterranean. Not just due to its easy
accessibility from most parts of Europe. “Costa Brava” literally meaning rugged
or wild coast and the wide range of natural habitats
and microclimates
are protected by charter. While there are large tourist developments, other
parts have retained a more traditional look and have
become "hidden gems" for visitors who want a little more than sun,
sand and sangria.
Small towns like Cadaqués, which is close to the French border and close to the
foothills of the Pyrenees, have attracted artists, such as Salvador Dalí,
Joan Miró
and Pablo Picasso.
The Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres
is one of the most important and visited museums in Catalonia.
I hope these ideas have inspired you and made you think a bit more about what you want from your holiday in Spain.
Please leave any questions or share your thoughts in the comments.
21.10.11
Welcome to Do-Spain!
Exciting, stylish and devoted to living the good life, Spain might fit your stereotypes but is certainly also a country more diverse than you could imagine.
Land
Spain´s varied landscapes will challenge your preconceptions- ranging from the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees and the snow-topped Sierra Nevada, a striking landmark on the flat plains of Andalucia, to the beautiful cliffs in the Northwest, and of course the typical Mediterranean beaches, the summer destination of choice. Despite Spain´s popularity amongst tourists having grown dramatically in recent years, charming undiscovered villages and hidden corners remain waiting for you to discover them.
Feast
Paella, tapas, jamón and olive oil are perhaps the best-known elements of Spanish cuisine and indeed Spanish cooking is deceptively simple with strong traditions passed down from generation to generation although an innovative twist and creativity shine through. A causal meal in a tapas bar or equally an elegant meal in a Michelin-star restaurant are both perhaps as enjoyable in their own way, and, in any case, reveal the wealth of gastronomic experiences offered in the country.
Art
Delve into Spain´s history through its art and architecture. Roman ruins, cathedrals and Islamic cultural gems tell of a powerful country in terms of wealth and knowledge. More recently the works of Dalí, Picasso and Gaudí reject norms and show that Spain´s future may yet be as original as its past.
But leaving aside history and future, this is a country that lives very much in the present, visible in the crowded nighttime streets buzzing with life or in the bold movements of a Flamenco performance, whatever it is, there´s no denying, this is Spain.
Here at Do-Spain we will be exploring all aspects of the country in order to give you the most complete, up-to-date information, especially invaluable when planning a trip to this magical land. Regional and town specific guides covering history, sites to see, food and drink, accommodation and travel advice, events and much more….
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