Archive for the 'spain' Category

The Night is White Until Daybreak in Madrid, Spain

Published September 13, 2008 Europe , spain , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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For the past two years, Madrid, observed the Uno Noche en Blanco (one night in white) and due its amazing success it looks it though it has become a yearly tradition.

This year’s occasion will be celebrated on September 13th and can be defined as “the greatest expression of public art that has ever been organised” according to city officials. The influence of this interactive, artistic and alternative event is based upon the last full moon prior to autumn. A similar version is celebrated in many other European cities. What makes this happening even more exciting in Madrid is its inhabitants spend more time outdoors naturally even without an event of this magnitude. The mellow evening temperatures do not hurt either to walk around the many exhibits.

The best way to know a city like Madrid; with your own place in the center of it all.

The best way to know a city like Madrid; with your own place in the center of it all.

The event of the year begins at 9PM until 7AM the following morning. That gives you hours to discover some of the 150 great cultural activities planned throughout the city. There can be an opera concert on one street, a modern art exhibit on the next and even an acrobatic performance in the park. It is all there for you to discover with many surprises throughout. Just remember to take a nap during the day of the 13th, so you can enjoy the 10 full hours of a once in a lifetime memory.

Obtain a vacation rental to hang your hat, get some sleep and place on your walking shoes for this wonderful night or any other time in Madrid. With a loft 2 bedroom apartment, you have all the comforts of home for less than the price of a hotel room.

Be thrilled to know and experience that this lively metropolis and capitol of Spain is anything but boring even without Uno Noche en Blanco. Between theatres offering touring Broadway shows, an Opera house, great monuments, a Royal Palace  and multitude of renowned museums consisting of art, archaeology and history, Madrid proposes something for all. While the museums contribute both worldwide permanent and visiting collections; a visit to the green oasis, Retiro Park, affords some quality time with nature adjacent to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Take some time to explore the stylish architectural fine points along the Grand Via. These details will convince you that Madrid is a grand city not to be missed.

Holiday home in Madrid.

More room than a hotel can offer for less in price.

There are plenty of fine cafes and restaurants in Madrid that cater to all kinds of tastes or head to the Mercado (market) and obtain the fresh goodies and whip up something in your holiday home like this 2 bedroom duplex loft.

When should you visit Madrid? This is a city that is contemporary and on the go with a vibrant feel that draws you to her; so the perfect time is anytime.

Barcelona’s Last Hoorah of Summer!

Published September 5, 2008 Europe , spain , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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 The city of Barcelona’s biggest party, The Festes de la Mercè, is getting ready to have a good time! Parades, street music, dancing, a swimming race across the harbor, and a correfoc (fire race) are just a few of the activities to anticipate. There is something for everyone on the 19th leading up to 24th (a public holiday) 2008, which celebrates the day of the city’s patron saint … the Virgin de la Merce. 

Events include the parade of the giants which is a procession through the streets is made up of enormous wooden figures operated by a group. There are fantastic firework displays and plenty of eating and drinking as is the case most festivals throughout the year in Barcelona.

Who is La Mercé? According to legend, Barcelona went through a tedious plague of locusts. La Mercè removed them and they never returned again. The festival is to honor her for her continuing protection against the locusts.

One highlight that you must look out for is the competition for which group of people can form the highest human pyramid. The best place to find the towers is in Placa de Sant Jaume where participants in traditional costume climb on top of one another until they can hold no more. This human tower often reaches around eight but who knows, the record may be broken!

What better way to enjoy the festival and Barcelona then in an apartment in the center of the city? Barcelona is so cosmopolitan whether there is a festival or not, and there’s no better way than with a vacation home. 

Gothic Apartment directly across from Port Vell

Gothic Apartment directly across from Port Vell

Walking along Las Ramblas in the morning before the tourists get there or watching the sunrise on the Med. You can, by renting at the base of the Port Vell, such as the apartment at the right for less than a hotel would cost.

As the capitol of Catalunya, Barcelona can be appreciated by all age groups and interests. Primarily a cultural city, it consists of art, music, theater and other forms of entertainment, which are readily available. As a city, it comfortably maintains its centuries old past with the demands of a modern day metropolis with touches of Dali and Miro thrown in throughout.

The most prominent image of Barcelona is the Temple de la Sagrada Familia. Every art history and architectural major finds this incomplete church a vision come true. No where has design defeated what is written in text books. It is a canvas where the artist let his imagination run wild. The church was designed by Gaudi and has been under construction since 1882 and current estimates are that it will be completed by 2020. This gives you a chance to visit Barcelona more often and check out the progress.

Bake Your Bod in Miami Playa, Spain

Published June 1, 2008 Europe , spain , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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Yes, you don’t have to go to Florida to go to Miami Beach, there’s one near Tarragona in Spain on the Costa Dorada.

Miami Playa, Spain - Miami BeachFull disclosure: I’m not a beach person. Still, you might be. But here’s the thing: you can go out and discover some old and scenic monasteries along The Cistercian Route. You don’t have to bake your bod all day.

And for those who like Roman ruins in towns with fine restaurants and some night life, there’s nearby Tarragona.

There are also miles and miles of beaches in Miami Playa. The area backs up to some mountains, so there’s a breeze on those hot, summer days–and mountains to escape to if you tire of the flat monotony of the beach.

When you’re brown as toast and you’re ready for a longer trip, everybody’s fave city awaits: Barcelona isn’t far away.

Did you know you can rent a place cheap that’s 100 meters away from the beach? Even I can walk that far with my rubber ducky and towel.

Sleep Cheap in the Shadow of the Alhambra

Published April 13, 2008 Europe , spain , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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If you’re thinking of staying in Granada this summer, the two things you’ll want are air conditioning and a view of the famous Alhambra.

Granada Spain vacation apartmentWhy not stay in an historic, restored building while you’re there? Back in the old days, these buildings were designed for shade, but Mirador, its inner courtyard shown on the right, is also air conditioned, the best of both old and new worlds.

Get cozy in your Granada vacation rental, then visit the Alhambra and be amazed. No inner space is without decoration; water runs, flows, burbles; it is a feast for the senses.

Perhaps your troubles will dissolve. Perhaps we should send world leaders there for some peace.

Meet me in Moraira, Spain

Published February 2, 2008 Europe , spain , vacation rentals 1 Comment
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vacation rentals spain, rental homesFrom the spectacular rolling hills abreast of your holiday villa in Moraira, Spain, every vantage point of the landscape becomes a quest to enjoy the culture and history of Moraira, Spain.  With a variety of historical, religious, and cultural events throughout the year located around vacation holiday home in Moraira, Spain, anytime of the year is a wonderful escape from the regular tourist attractions.

Upon arrival, your perfect Moraira vacation rental home rises out of the hillside to welcome you with strains of majestic music flow through the restaurant beseeching visitors to take a siesta from exploring to indulge in a glass of sangria with authentic Spanish food of the region around your cottage accommodations local to Moraira, Spain. Vacation holiday homes Moraira are central to activities for those interested in leisurely strolls along quaint streets busting with old world charm for rarely found items to bring back to family.  However, if leaving your vacation rental home in Moraira requires a little more excitement in the agenda, then grab your tennis shoes and camera for a series of visits to local landmarks for breath taking views.

vacation rentals spain, rental homesAttractions near vacation homes Moraira, Spain:

  • Moraira Castle:  This rare example of architectural challenge is built in the shape of a horse shoe with sloped walls in the bend.  Built to protect the settlement during the late 18th century, the Moraira Castle boasts of a spectacular view of the coastline with access to the Platja de l`Ampolla beach for hours of swimming and sunbathing.
  • Church of Virgen de los Desamparados:  As 19th century church built from the remnants of the Moraira Castle, the Church of Virgen de los Despamparados is filled with amazing examples of stain glass murals.  This church, celebrating the patronage of La Virgen del Carmen, the Patron Saint of fishermen, is a unique flavor reflecting the culture of the region of Moraira, Spain.
  • Cap D`Or Lookout Tower:  This tower, over 35 feet in height and was only accessible through rope ladder, boasts the most phenomenal picturesque view of Moraira Spain and its surrounding area.  While there, don’t forget to visit the Iberian settlement from the 1st century AD.

vacation rentals spain, rental homesWhen you find your vacation rental home in Moraira, the activities are up to you.  No matter where you go around your vacation home Moraira, the best of the region opens up to welcome you into a timeless culture and history.

Find vacation rental homes Moraira Spain with Vacapedia today!

Summer in Salamanca, Spain

Published December 13, 2007 Europe , spain , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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Salamanca, Spain is one of my favorite places to go in the summer. Yes, it’s rather hot. But what I like is that after your (late) siesta you can wait for the searing, Spanish sun to set, then stroll over to the Plaza Major, sit down at a cafe and order something, anything–a drink, a plate of Jamon Iberico, some squid on a stick. Then you slowly sip and nibble as you watch the polished paving stones of the plaza start filling with people. Soon a band will come, and there will be glorious noise, then students will sit on the stones and play chess amidst the masses. It’s a togetherness thing.

For the best results (this is, after all, a university town with lots of night life) be sure you’ve rested well. This wild raucous togetherizing goes on all night. Food, music, conversation, noise.

salamanca vacation rentalYou won’t be able to handle it well if you’ve just come from France. You need to spend some time to get acclimated. Why not rent Casa de la Luz ? It’s an apartment 10 minutes away.

With a vacation rental apartment, you can sleep any time. You don’t have to worry about the maid barging in. You can make something to eat from the kitchen if Spain’s legendary late dinner time bothers you.

And go to the Salamanca public library. It’s decorated with conch shells, and is very, very cool inside and out–architecturally speaking I mean.

Friends of abstinence might wish to go during lent and leave before the Monday after Easter, the day Salmantinos call Lunes de Agua, when folks chow down on hornazo–a pie stuffed with local jamón and pork loin and chorizo–while awaiting the return of the prostitutes that have been led out of Salamanca in the charge of a priest given the title “El Padre Putas.” All this was started in the 16th century by Filippe II to ensure the villagers’ abstinence during lent. It worked…for a short time.

Fly Away to the Canary Islands, Spain

Published December 12, 2007 spain , vacation rentals 1 Comment
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canary islands vacation rentalsThe incredible promise of Canary Islands, Spain vacation homes is the unique charm of the mixture of tourist attractions, great places to eat, quaint charm of fishing villages, and beach front rentals surrounding your cottage.  With the spicy flavor of the unbelievable ingrained with lovely beach house rentals and Canary Islands holiday homes, the eclectic atmosphere of many cultures and activities are perfect for the traveler wanting to be amused and entertained.  If you are seeking to kick your feet up and watch the sun melt into the ocean from the deck of beach houses, then you are in the right spot.  The hardest thing about visiting your Canary Islands vacation rental is the vast possibilities to do many things or do nothing as your heart desires.

As a beach vacation attraction, the pristine sand is a marvel considering the long forgotten volcanic activity of the area.  The warm, sunny climate is a natural friend to sunbathers and swimmers as each day the sun rises with a magnificence almost heralding a choir and sets with reluctance to leave another day of fun at your beach rentals.  For the explorers in your group, the Canary Islands, Spain are a smorgasbord of things to see and experience while away from your vacation homes in Canary Islands, Spain.  spain vacation rentals

Fun attractions around your vacation rental home in Canary Islands, Spain:

  • Timanfaya National Park:  This place marking the raw power of Mother Nature speaks to the long past eruptions of the volcanoes of the Canary Islands, Spain.  With the enormous sense of desolation and destruction of these volcanic eruptions, the beautiful and engaging sense of the Timanfaya National Park is startling to every visitor.
  • Parque Nacional Las Canadas del Teide:  As the home of Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain and an active volcano, Parque Nacional Las Canadas del Teide has spectacular views and wonderful history.
  • Piramides de Guimar:  For history and archeology buffs, Piramides de Guimar is the location of the 1991 archeological find of step pyramids in Spain.  Similar to the step pyramids in Peru and ancient Mesopotamia, Piramides de Guimar stands as an important turn in history.
  • Jameos del Agua:  Truly a site to behold just for the structure, the Jameos del Agua is amazing in the location…deep inside of a huge rock formation!  As the American equivalent of a small set of strip malls packed with great eateries and fabulous places to buy souvenirs, it is easy to loose track of the reality that you are really deep within the sheet of volcanic rock where the artist César Manrique first built his home and then a thriving mini-city.

spain vacation rental homesVacation holiday homes in Canary Islands, Spain is centrally located for easy access to the best attractions and fun of the area.  No matter what your interest or activities level, a beach cottage or a holiday villa nearer to the cities of the Canary Islands is waiting for your visit.  Steeped in history and the natural design of a creative hand, your Canary Islands holiday home will leave you looking for ways to extend your stay! 

Find vacation rental homes in Canary Islands, Spain with Vacapedia.

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