Category: Spain

Benidorm And The Costa Blanca Travel Tips

BenidormBenidorm Spain is located about forty five kilometres northeast of Alicante. It is one of the main attractions on the Costa Blanca. This city was built for tourism. The beach front and other areas are lined with hotels offering many choices in accommodations. Benidorm is surrounded by mountains. This protects the city against cold winter winds. The climate is mild in the winter months. The city is most popular among tourists in the summer. There is plenty to see in the daytime and a bustling nightlife after hours.

Spain: Tips for Travel
Most people getting cheap Benidorm flights into Alicante airport when visiting this city. Once you arrive, there are plenty of choices for travel throughout the area. The Benidorm bus has frequent routes from the airport to the city. The railway runs a similar route. There are about twenty car hire companies that operate in Benidorm. All will pick you up at the airport; just let them know when you make a reservation.

The choice you make in travel will depend on how much you plan to travel throughout the region on your vacation. If you plan to travel to surrounding cities, a car is the best bet. This will allow you the freedom to move around the region. If you plan to stay within the city for most of your trip, public transportation will serve your needs well.

Benidorm_desde_el_marBenidorm Attractions
Benidorm offers something for everyone in terms of attractions. There are holiday and theme parks, as well as other attractions that are great for families. Single people will enjoy the beaches and vibrant nightlife of the city. Golfers will enjoy the great golf courses in and around the city.

The city has three beaches. The Playa de Levante is also known as the rising beach. This beach is more secluded, but tends to draw a younger, single crowd. The Levante is a topless beach. The Playa de Poniente is in a busier area. This beach tends to attract families and older people. The small beach in between these two larger beaches is called the Playa Mai Pas.

The main street on the beach and the city square are car free zones. No traffic is allowed in this area, which makes it nice for walking. The area is home to a variety of restaurants, dance clubs and bars. This is a busy area both day and night during the summer travel season.

There is also plenty to do with the family in this city. Families will enjoy the Terra Mitica, a theme park in Benidorm. The name in English is the Mythical Land. This theme park features ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman civilizations. There are plenty of rides here for kids of all ages. In addition, the park offers play areas for younger children.

BenidormThe Terra Natura Park is a wildlife park. This park is home to over five hundred animals of about two hundred different species. You will get to see animals in their natural habitats. The park is set up in four theme areas. There is also a park with a playground for the kids to run and play.
Spend some time researching the variety of attractions and accommodations in the Benidorm area when planning your vacation. You will find there is something for every member of the family. Good planning will ensure that everyone has a great time on your vacation.

Share This Article With Your Friends

A Country Within A Country: Travel To Barcelona

BarcelonaThe distinctive regional culture of Barcelona is largely due to geography and a plentitude of national pride and elitism. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of Spain’s 17 semi-autonomous states. The regional language is Catalan, along with the national language of Castilian Spanish. There has long been pressure from the Catalonian government and nationalists to earn complete autonomy from Spain. Consequently, the exclusive culture can be difficult to adjust to and there is significant animosity towards foreigners around the main tourist street of Las Ramblas. To thoroughly enjoy the sweet life and gentle hospitality of Barcelona, leave this busy area and explore the many diverse districts, endless with possibility.

Café Life and Nightlife for the Night Owl
Barcelona is truly a city that never sleeps, particularly during the warm Mediterranean summers. Avoid standing out like a sore thumb by eating dinner when the locals do: after 10 p.m. It is common to see children, grandparents and the family dog gathering at the outdoor cafes at these hours when the day’s work is finished and time for friends and family has commenced. Since Barcelona hosted the Olympics in 1992, the city has been revamped with visitor friendly attractions such as the massive Olympic Village, a string of swanky restaurants, state-of-the-art nightclubs and boutiques along the beach. Most nightclubs do not get going until after 1 a.m. and club-goers typically wander out onto the beach around 5:30 to watch the sunrise over the Mediterranean.

BarcelonaA Modernista Mecca
The architectural wonders of Barcelona will keep even the most novice eye bewildered and intrigued. Antoni Gaudi decorated Barcelona with his treasures of modernism as a painter on a canvas. The grand boulevard of Passeig de Gracia is lined with elaborately adorned Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, both with the most intricate rooftops known to modern architecture. Arguably the most stunning of Gaudi’s work is the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Each of the church’s facades are meticulously designed with different themes and styles combining nature with religion and the soaring towers topped with mosaic grapes are built around a conch-like coiled staircase that visitors may choose to take instead of the elevator. Another tribute to Barcelona’s artistic heritage is the Palau da la Musica Catalana. A view of the glass and mosaic inverted chandelier on the ceiling of the theater is alone worth the visit. Daily tours are offered in addition to the regularly held musical performances. Afterward, get lost in the tiny twisting passages of the surrounding historic Gothic Quarter.

Traveling Barcelona Right Not Your Weekend Visit
It is best to avoid traveling to Spain in August, when most of the locals (and most of Mediterranean Europe) take their vacations. Chances are that the restaurant you wanted to visit will be closed and museums will have extremely curtailed hours. August can also be uncomfortably hot.

Barcelona should be traveled with care and patience. The only disappointment visitors have is the inability to see all of the city’s landmarks and hidden corners in a realistic amount of time.

Share This Article With Your Friends

3 European Events Everyone Should Experience

shopnflyEuropean adventures have always been a subject of fascination. Hollywood has embodied European travel as promiscuous and exciting through popular films such as “Euro trip.” To be honest, we do not disagree. Through adventures nearly all over the continent we can safely say Europeans know how to have a good time. A vast number of cultures interconnected by trains and scenic roads guarantee an exotic exploit for any type of traveler. However, due to budget restrictions there’s no way to experience it all. For this reason we have compiled three European events every traveler should experience before they kick the bucket. So crack open the piggy bank and prepare to contact your travel agent because these three events are adventures you’ll never forget.

 
1.Kings Day (Queens Day) – Holland

Holland has established its reputation of having one of the most unrestrained, liberal capitalsKings Day of the world. Citizens from all over make Amsterdam a travel destination for the beautiful architecture, welcoming coffee shops, and swanky boutique shopping. However not many travelers circle Kings Day on their calendar. For shame! Kings Day, formerly known as Queens Day, or as the Dutch call it Koninginnedag is a carnival-like celebration that consumes the capital from morning until late into the night. Party boats on the canals, concerts on the iconic Van Gogh Park, and special proceedings in the famous Amsterdam markets make this an occasion deserving of international acclaim. Locals and foreigners occupy virtually every inch of the city as loud music rumbles into the distance. As of 2013 Queens Day has been retitled Kings Day in accordance with Queen Beatrix resignation from the throne after 33 years of reign. Willem-Alexander has succeeded her as monarch of the Netherlands. Whether its Queens Day, or Kings Day, it’s a day everyone should look forward to, and experience at least once in their lives.

Oktoberfest2. Oktoberfest – Germany

Germany is known for many things, and while festivals are probably not one of them, beer definitely is. So the Germans played to their strength and established the largest beer festival in the world, attracting over six million people a year from every corner of the world to Munich, Germany. Pictures for this event don’t do it justice. Aside from the fun-filled drunken atmosphere, the exotic array of languages bustling from tent to tent should be enough of a reason to drop by Munich around late September. Scandalous waitresses roam the festival with delicious Bavarian brewed beer as authentic German music echoes throughout the city. The festival has a reputation of getting out of hand, even providing a lost and found for kids at different corners of the city. Cities all over the world offer imitation Oktoberfest’s but nothing beats the original, so if you were traveling through Europe around late September – Early October, you’d be smart to pass through Munich.

3. Bull Run – Pamplona, Spain

PamplonaSpain has a lot to offer, great food, incredible history, and of course host to two of the best football clubs in world (depends on your preference). However, travelers that are in search of an adrenaline rush might forgo the customary Madrid, Barcelona excursion. Pamplona, Spain is home to one of the most exciting events in the world. Thousands of traveler’s trek to Pamplona to participate in the annual “Bull Run.” The highlight of the San Fermin festival is enjoyed so much by Spaniards that the event has been televised for over 30 years. A double wooden fence is all that stands between eager spectators and ferocious bulls. Participants gather in the early hours of the morning and are alerted by a rocket set off at around 8 A.M. to notify them the corral gates have opened. Runners then sprint for their lives (literally) through an 820-meter course throughout parts of the old city. This event is not for the faint of heart, for unfortunately some participants are more in shape than others, but for those looking for a once in a lifetime experience, you have to run with the bulls.

Traveling Europe has something for everyone. Architecture, history, culture, art, and of course glamorous events. Regardless of your travel agenda and the type of traveler you think you are, the events mentioned are once in a lifetime experiences. So plan ahead, be adventurous and make sure you check these events off your bucket list before you kick the bucket.

About The Authour

Shopnfly is the first shopping marketplace for travelers across duty frees around the the world. A revolutionary online platform that allows you to search through a wide range of duty free products and find the best deals across all the destinations in your travel itinerary. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure we can help optimize your travel experience by comparing prices and giving you promotions across duty free markets all over the world.

https://www.shopnfly.com/

Share This Article With Your Friends

A Quick Guide To Seville

SevilleSeville is one of the jewels of Spain, with architecture, museums, food and shopping that make it a must-see holiday destination.

Where is it?

Seville is in the Spanish region of Andalucia, which also includes the coastal resorts of Costa del Sol and Costa Almeria. Seville itself is set inland, although the coastal areas are within easy reach. It has its own airport, which is a 45 minute drive from the city.

Where can I stay?

You don’t get a true feeling for Seville by staying in a large chain hotel. You need to choose a small, friendly but stylish boutique hotel that reflects the nature of the city and its people. Try a boutique hotel like Casa No 7, which only has 6 bedrooms and is decorated with style and taste around a small courtyard, typical of Seville. Alternatively, the Casa Romana boutique hotel is right in the middle of Seville, which means that you can use the hotel as a cool and refined base while you check out everything that Seville has to offer.

Seville-HotelsWhat can I see?

Seville is famous for its Cathedral, which is the largest in the world. Built on the site of a twelfth century mosque, it is simple, but awe-inspiring and a sight not to be missed. Also make sure you see the Casa de Pilatos, built by the first Marquis de Tarifa in the early sixteenth century. It is one of the finest palaces in Seville and now also houses a courtyard and park, at the end of which are mansions that have been turned into museums. For a real taste of Seville, spend some time in the Barrio Santa Cruz, one of the most picturesque parts of the city, full of narrow lanes and surprising squares; whitewashed houses and excellent tapas bars. Tapas is thought to have been invented in Seville, and it’s certainly the way that most locals choose to eat. The range is incredible and the prices good, so take advantage of the more than one thousand places in the city where tapas is available.

Seville-What-To-SeeHow do I get around?

Seville is a busy city with lots of narrow roads, and it is a brave person who attempts to drive – or park – in the main areas. Parking in particular is very limited and often restricted to residents of businesses; so avoid parking fines and unnecessary stress by only hiring a car if you’re planning to drive outside the city. Instead, use the very regular and reliable bus service which costs little and offers multiple journey tickets, or get one of Seville’s white taxis. Tourists often take a horse and carriage to see Seville’s main sites – this is a particularly popular option with couples and families. As with most cities, one of your best options is to walk. There are maps available from the tourist offices and you can explore Seville at your leisure.

Share This Article With Your Friends

Barcelona El Prat Airport Guide

Barcelona Arport El PratBarcelona Airport is 12 kilometers southwest of the Catalan capital. It is the second busiest airport in Spain, only Madrid is busier. Barcelona processes more than 24 million passengers per year. In popular speech it is called ‘L’Aeroport del Prat’.

The airport has three terminals: A (international flights), B (domestic flights) and C (primarily for private and shuttle flights). The terminals are connected by walkways.

Local transport
Train
The airport has excellent rail connections with Barcelona via the RENFE train line. Cercanís Train Station is accessible via the walkway between Terminals A and B. Trains leave every half hour and stop by the stations Sants-Estaçio, travel time is 17 minutes, Plaça de Catalunya, 23 minutes, Arc de Triomf, 26 minutes and Clot-Arago, 30 minutes. A ticket for these destinations cost €2.30, and there is a connection to the subway at each station.

Currently there is work being done on a new fast train connection with Barcelona.

Car and bus
The airport is accessible from the ring road around Barcelona, exit Pata Sur, the airport is on the way to Castelldefels (C-31), exit on the highway Barcelona-Sitges (C-32).

The Aerobús A1 leaves every 15 minutes from each terminal to the center of Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya), a ticket costs €3.60 and this service is managed by Transports Ciutat Comtal-TCC (tel: +34(0)934 156 020). You can find further information on the website for Aerobús (in the options menu scroll all the way down and click on Aerobús).

In Terminals B and C there are also two bus lines that leave Barcelona to other destinations, one bus goes to Figueres, Girona, Lleida, Reus and Tarragona, the other bus goes to Castelldefels, Ribes, Sitges, Rocamar, Roquetes, Vilanova, Cubelles, Cunit, Segur, Calafell and El Vendrell.

Between 22:55 and 4:11 there is a night bus, number 106, to Barcelona.

Car rental – Barcelona Airport
In Terminals B and C on the ground floor you can find counters for car rental companies such as: Avis, Atesa, Alamo, Europcar and Hertz.

Taxi
There are taxi stands at every terminal, the cost for a ride to Plaça d’España in Barcelona is approximately €15.00, and the cost to Sagrada Familia is €21.00. Prices during nights and weekends are a little bit higher, the trip time is about half an hour.

Airport Parking
There is a covered parking garage in Terminal C, this is connected to the terminal by a walkway, this is also the case for open-air parking for terminal A. Other open air parking places are by Terminal B. Barcelona has a total of 13,000 parking spaces, and 2,500 are covered.

Services

Shops and restaurants

Barcelona Airport provides a vast amount of shops and restaurants. There are Duty Free shops in Terminals A and B, as well as a large number of other shops.

Baggage

You can leave baggage in the Arrivals Hall in terminal B. Found items can be picked up in the Bloque Técnico building (tel: +34(0)932 983 349).

Information

There are six general information counters in Terminals A and B and two counters especially for tourists. The tourist counters are also accessible by telephone (tel: +34(0)934 784 704) or (tel: +34(0)934 780 565). You can reserve hotel rooms at the counter in Terminal B.

Business

In Terminal B, there are meeting facilities with a total space of 200 m², which can be split into two rooms of 100 m². The rooms have telephone, fax, internet connection, and audiovisual equipment. For reservations (tel: +34(0)932 983 815).

VIP lounges are present in all terminals after Customs control.

There is also a special VIP parking place, you can leave your car behind at the entrance of one of the terminals and a driver will pick up the car and park it.

Disabled facilities

Barcelona Airport has excellent accessibility for the disabled. There are elevators, moving walkways, wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms. Parking spaces are available close to the terminals where there are special large parking places reserved for the disabled.

Other services

In Terminals A and B there are banks, money exchange offices, and ATM’s. There is a 24 hour medical service, and there are play areas for children. You can find the police in Terminal A (tel: +34(0)932 971 219). The airport has 26 Wi-Fi points for wireless internet, which are clearly indicated by red signs. There is an exposition space in Terminal C where various exhibitions are held.

Address

Barcelona Airport
08820 El Prat de Llobregat
Spain

Telephone: +34(0)932 983 838
Fax: +34(0)932 983 737
Email: bcninformacion@aena.es

Airport codes

IATA airport code: BCN
ICAO airport code: LEBL

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Share This Article With Your Friends

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestCheck Our Feed