11.10.12

October in Mallorca

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…..
                           

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….