Top 10 Free Things to do in Madrid

So many things to see, so little time!  The majority of people visiting Madrid, the capital of Spain, come here for a short break, and can often be overwhelmed by the number of places, and sights to see around the city.  Here are our top 10 free things to see whilst you are on your city break in Madrid.

1. Palacio Real
Madrid's famous Royal Palace.  More than half the state apartments are open to the public where you will be able to see silk wall hangings, frescoes and wonderful antiques and art treasures.   On the first Wednesday of each month from October to June you can see the changing of the guard ceremony. Entrance is normally approximately 8 euros per person, but free to EU citizens on Wednesdays [don't forget your passport as proof].

Galicia's Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is tucked away in the most north-westerly part of mainland Spain and is considered the centre of the area of Galicia, and was declared a World Heritage Site back in 1985.   This fascinating city has [to list just a few]:

• 1 cathedral
• 12 convents and monasteries
• 18 monumental fountains
• 19 stately houses and city palaces
• 25 modernist buildings
• 27 historic churches
• 110 stone gargoyles
• 9 baroque squares
• 15 cloisters

Lloret de Mar Gets Tough on Alcotourism

If you about to go on your holiday in Lloret de Mar in the Costa Brava, then you may be benefitting from 2 new laws just passed by the town council. 

One relates to behaviour in public places and the other relates to civic order and respecting fellow citizens which are both in an attempt to curb alcotourism in the resort and the banning of the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the streets.

Amongst other activities being banned are pub and disco crawls, "balconing" [jumping from balconies into swimming pools], sleeping in cars at night and going shirtless when not on the beach.

So, if you think a holiday in Lloret de Mar is for you, then just give us a call.

Peseta Makes Comeback in Spanish Village

A village south-east of Madrid - Villamayor de Santiago - has taken steps to reintroduce Spain's old currency, the peseta, in an effort to boost the local economy.

Since re-introducing the peseta in January,  locals have spent nearly 6000 euros worth of pesetas. When the scheme end in February, the old currency will be taken to the Bank of Spain and exchanged for euros and then distributed to the business which have taken part.

Pesetas can still be exchanged at the Bank of Spain for euros.

Shake off the Winter in Costa del Sol

We have a really great value week in Torremolinos on Spain's Costa del Sol.  There is much to commend it for a spring holiday which includes an April average high 19°C.  Flying from London Gatwick on 4 April on half board for 7 nights in the 4 star Las Palomas Hotel from only £285 per person.

If you're not looking for a cultural break, this is the perfect place for shaking off the cares and chills of the past winter.  For a good time week of eating, drinking and dancing the night away, the resort of Torremolinos has the widest of choices and every will be a little less frantic than in the height of the season.  If you want a more authentic taste of Spain, this can easily found in nearby Mijas and in Malaga, within half an hour away by local public transport.

The 4 star Las Palomas Hotel is in the centre of the resort with plenty of excellent facilities including an a la carte restaurant.  Among the sports activities on offer are diving and archery.  A golf course is just 1km away.

If you could like more details, just give us a call on 0800 5 677688 or send an enquiry.

They think it's all over - It is now ...

Spain have deservedly become "Los Campeones del Mundo" the Champions of the World,  after 5 weeks of the World Cup competition and an extra-time goal from Andres Iniesta.   Alan Shearer - former England striker - has said "Not only were Spain easily the best team on the night, but they were also without question the best team in the entire World Cup".

Did you know ... 2 of the Spanish team are from the Canary Islands. David Jimenez Silva was born in Arguineguin on the island of Gran Canaria in 1986. Although he has been living off the island since the age of 14, he never misses an opportunity to return to Gran Canaria to see family and friends and helps promote the municipality of Mogan and Gran Canaria as a holiday destination.


The second player is Pedro Rodriguez who currently plays for Barcelona.  Pedro was born in Tenerife - Santa Cruz de Tenerife - in 1987 and played for a third division team until he signed for Barcelona in 2005. 

New 5 Star Hotel for Malaga

The Vincci Hotel chain is due to open the first 5 star hotel in Malaga - the Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio - in March 2010.

Situated right in the heart of the historic city centre, there is quick and easy access to all places of interest throughout the city.  The hotel has 101 guestrooms, including 76 double rooms, 11 gran junior suites and 6 luxurious suites.  

If you would like to receive a quotation when prices become available, and be one of the first to stay at this new 5 star hotel, just send us an email.

Balearic Islands features top European beaches

It was recently reported that the Balearic Islands featured highly in the top 5 beaches in Europe and Spain.   Coming out top in Europe and Spain was the Playa S'Amarador located in Cala Mondrago, Mallorca.  Here the sand is very fine and white and the beach is very clean.  The crystal clear water is also very clean.   Not a long beach, but reasonably wide and flat. 

Second in Europe and Spain is Cala Salada on the island of Ibiza, located in Santa Agnes de Corona.  This natural beach comprises rocks and cliff faces, fine white sand, and crystal clear water.  The beach itself is not very long and is quite narrow.

Cala de San Vicent in Ibiza was the 4th best beach in Spain, and is located close to the village with fine white sand and crystal clear water.

Playa sa Caleta in Cala Blanca, Menorca was the 5th best beach in Spain - again with fine white sand and crystal clear water although is again quite short and narrow. 

Each of the beaches benefit from several places available to eat and drink and all easily accessible on foot apart from Playa sa Caleta which has to be reached by climbing a trail or walking downhill. However, all the beaches have parking facilities nearby.

The reviewers of onbeach.com judged 3,000 beaches on over 100 criteria including cleanliness, facilities and suitability for swimming.

"Benidorm" at the Sol Pelicanos Ocas Hotel

Ever wondered where the series "Benidorm" is based ... look no further than the Sol Pelicanos Ocas Hotel. 

The Sol Pelicanos Ocas Hotel is a 3 star hotel situated in the lively, popular resort of Benidorm, just 300 metres away from Levante Beach and very close to a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops. The old town and tourist centre are around 25 minutes walking distance.

If you would like to stay at this popular beach hotel, just give us a call or send an enquiry.   We currently have an offer for 11 May 2010 for 7 nights on half board including flights for only £295 per person per week - other dates are available.