Tag: travel

Bike routes, family activities, Tourism

Ibiza in summer

Little by little, tourism is reactivated in Spain and Ibiza could not be missing in your bucket list of destinations to visit from Barcelona. A city declared a World Heritage Site, idyllic coves, charming towns, places with a lot of history and unique natural spaces are some of the things to see in Ibiza. In this new post we leave you the best beaches and coves on the island, where to eat and what to do or visit if you decide to enjoy this Balearic wonder on vacation or at any other time of the year.

CALAS

BENIRRÀS

Cala Benirràs is one of the must-sees in Ibiza, whether with family, friends or as a couple. Surrounded by mountains full of green pine trees, on Sundays it becomes a meeting point for hundreds of people who participate or simply contemplate its famous drum festival. At dusk, just before sunset, the left end of the beach becomes an improvised stage where the show is assured. While some play the timpani, others dance, take photographs or drink while they contemplate the sarao, which lasts until the sun goes down. There are many who assure that this exhibition is one of the few that maintains the hippie essence that surrounded Ibiza in the 70s.

CALA D´HORT

Cala d’Hort is a small and charming beach at the same time, from which you can enjoy the views over the mysterious islet of Es Vedrà, which rises only a few hundred meters from the shore. The beach has fine sand at one end and is rockier at the other, and is very popular in summer. Protected by a cliff, it is located at the end of a steep slope where the main access road ends.

CALA SALADA

Surrounded by hills of pine forest, the small sandy cove of Cala Salada is a preferred destination for island people and private boat owners. The water is beautiful and clear, shallow and perfect for swimming. The seabed is mostly soft sand. On the rock ledge to the right of the cove there is a very picturesque stone tower with paths that take you to the top of the neighboring sandy beach of Cala Saladeta. The first has a more family atmosphere, while the second is somewhat younger. The latter is due to its complicated access and the fact that it does not have any service.

CALA COMTE

It has spectacular views of islets such as s’Illa d’es Bosc, s’Espartar or ses Bledes, but the most impressive is undoubtedly sa Conillera. This, together with the reflection that the sun brings to the water of this cove full of areas of white sand and rocks will make you get one of the most special photographs of your vacation. There is no one who does not remain speechless when contemplating an image of the beach, hence its name in Ibiza is ‘Platges de Comte’ (fairytale beaches). The two main beaches are separated by the most bohemian temples of Ibiza’s sunsets. Sunset Ashram Restaurant enjoys fabulous panoramic views from its commanding position, and features a creatively designed structure that blends in with the rock it sits on.

SES SALINES

Ses Salines is the quintessential beach of Ibiza, not only because it is located in the Natural Park (declared as such in 2001) protected by a crown of dunes, but because in this area the purity and transparency of the waters, thanks to the Posidonia Oceánica, included in the declaration of World Heritage Site.

The territory of the reserve covers almost 3,000 land and 13,000 marine hectares, and extends through the south of Ibiza and the north of Formentera, also occupying the arm of the sea that separates them. From here comes the famous “Sal de Ibiza”.

Nearby is Es Cavallet, noted for being the island’s first nudist beach with an extensive sandy area topped by a defensive earthen tower.

CALCALA XARRACA

Attractive cove at the foot of a small cliff of red earth, with small islets in front. It has a group of houses on the right bank, among which a chalet with a stone tower stands out. The landscape is very attractive and the surrounding coastline offers many secluded nooks and crannies.

SA CALETA

Sa Caleta is a quiet and different beach, away from the large expanses of white sands where hammocks and umbrellas crowd. The beach is protected by reddish earth cliffs, creating a feeling of complete isolation due to its horseshoe shape. It is of fine sand, with clean and shallow waters, ideal for families with children, and it is also great for snorkeling.

BEACHES

ES CANAR

The tourist area of Es Canar is one of the most important in the municipality of Santa Eulària and concentrates numerous hotels and multiple services. It stretches from Cala Nova beach to Punta Arabí, where a popular hippy market is held every Wednesday. Es Canar beach occupies its central area. It is of fine sand, with a small port for boats and llaüts on the right side, next to the more urbanized area.

CALA BOIX

The dark sand beaches are atypical in Ibiza and Cala Boix is characterized by being the only one on the entire island. It is located on the edge of a cliff, on which several restaurants are located and access is through steep steps. Downstairs there is also a small beach bar, as well as deck chairs and umbrellas.

CALA LLONGA

This is the beach of the small and popular resort of Cala Llonga, accessible by zigzagging roads with spectacular views. Wide and sandy ground, it borders the picturesque bay with hills of lush pine forests on either side

ES VEDRÀ

At almost 400 meters high, this rocky, uninhabited limestone island is located 2 km off the west coast of Ibiza, right in front of the Cala d’Hort beach. It is a mandatory visit and luckily it has many viewpoints to enjoy its wonderful majesty. It is said to be the third most magnetic point on earth (after the North Pole and the Bermuda Triangle). The best location to see a magical sunset in the Es Vedrá area is from Cala d’Hort or one of the bars right on the beach. Another perfect option, and not so crowded, is from the Torre des Savinar, also known as the Torre del Pirata.

GASTRONOMY

Like most places in Spain, Ibiza has an exquisite gastronomy. When you visit it, you should not return without trying its most typical dishes: guisat de peix, bullit de peix, arroz de matanzas, peix en salmorra, borrida de ratjada, sofrit pagès and fried octopus. Also, if you prefer sweet, you should try these tasty desserts: flaó, greixonera and orelletes.

DALT VILA

The old walled citadel of Dalt Vila (literally, “upper town“) rests on a small hill next to the sea and overlooking the city. Founded and baptized by the Phoenicians as Ibosim, it was one of the most important coastal cities in the Mediterranean, which is why it has had several settlers throughout history. The wall that surrounds the citadel dates from the Renaissance, and was built by Kings Carlos I and Felipe II to defend the city from French and Ottoman invasions.

In Dalt Vila you will find countless magical corners where you can take spectacular photos. There are three routes that go up and the Tourist Office offers free guides so you can get lost in this labyrinth of alleys. You will find several information plates that will guide you on the way up, so that you can learn all the details and curiosities about the citadel at your own pace.

There is a wide range of restaurants in Dalt Vila. The terrace of the La Plaza restaurant, in the Plaza de Vila is a perfect option for a romantic dinner. If you keep going up to the Plaza del Sol, you will find the small bar-restaurant S’Escalinata, with fabulous panoramic views, where you can relax on its poufs distributed along the cobbled steps.

MARKETS

LAS DALIAS

With more than 30 years of history, Las Dalias is one of the island’s classics. It is located in Sant Carles, in the north of the island.

In the afternoon and evening the atmosphere is lively with live music, concerts and DJ sessions. The night version is held in summer: they are on Mondays and Tuesdays from June to September, and on Sundays in July and August. At Easter and at Christmas special markets are also organized.

PUNTA ARABÍ

Created in 1973, the Punta Arabí market is the largest on the island. Among the more than 500 stalls that are set up on Wednesdays, you can find original articles from different parts of the world, as well as crafts, fashion, natural cosmetics, musical instruments, costume jewelery, etc.

It has a children’s area, the “Hippie Kids” beach bar, where children can participate in recycling workshops, learn to design their own t-shirt or make a flower crown. In the multicultural tent there is music and live performances from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

SANT JORDI

This second-hand market takes place on Saturday mornings at the old racecourse in the town of Sant Jordi, in the south of the island, and is preferred by the island’s residents.To get local crafts, there are two particularly recommended markets: San Rafael (in the interior) and Sant Joan de Labritja (to the north). They also sell agricultural products from the area and organic food. Another place where it is possible to buy local and naturally produced products is the Forada market (Buscastell, Sant Antoni de Portmany, in the west).

ESCAPE TO FORMENTERA

If you have enough time during your stay in Ibiza, we recommend spending a day visiting Formentera. Despite being one of the smallest islands in the Balearic Islands, there you can enjoy a large number of attractions that will make the visit worthwhile. These are some of the places you should not miss: Saona cove, Ses Illetes, the Barbaria lighthouse, Els Arenals, the Mola lighthouse and the Ses Salines Natural Park. To get to Formentera you can take one of the ferries that leave from the port of Ibiza. To explore this virgin island you have multiple options, among them we recommend renting a car, motorcycle or bicycle, since the island has a bike lane and trails that are fully suitable for traveling on two wheels.

Activities, Around Us, Family

Barcelona Parks

With the arrival of spring and with the longer days, you want to enjoy the outdoors, take long walks, have picnics or simply see nature in its greatest splendor. And what better way than visiting the parks that we have in Barcelona? Today, we present you 6 options that you will love.

PARQUE GÜELL

If you haven’t visited Park Güell yet, what are you waiting for? This famous park is one of the symbols of Barcelona; a jewel of Gaudí, the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism, which fuses monumental architecture and nature in a single and indivisible element.

The central point of the park is a large plaza in which there is a huge 110-meter-long bench, with the appearance of a snake covered by small pieces of ceramic. In the park grounds there is the Gaudí House Museum, with a collection of works by the architect and the Casa del Guarda, which houses audiovisual exhibitions on the park’s past.

Location: Carrer d’Olot, 3

Admission: € 10, except residents of the adjacent neighborhoods (El Coll, Vallcarca-Penitents, La Salut, El Carmel, Can Baró and Baix Guinardó).

JARDINES DE PEDRALBES 

It is one of the most stately and extensive gardens in Barcelona, both French and English style, the truth is that entering them transports us to a time when serenity and majesty were determining elements of the landscape.

When we walk through the magnificent wrought iron entrance gate, we are greeted by a large 7.28 hectare area (equivalent to 8 football fields). Once inside, the protagonists are the trees, paths and the large areas of grass and shade. Inside we can enjoy the majestic Royal Palace of Pedralbes, and also the sculptures and historical architecture. The Fountain of Hercules, by Gaudí, stands out.

It is a perfect place to go as a couple or spend a relaxed afternoon with friends, this quiet park will transport you to another era, being a perfect place to disconnect from the outside noise outside its walls.

Location: Av Diagonal, 686

PARQUE DEL LABERINTO DE HORTA

The Horta Labyrinth Park includes the oldest preserved garden in the city and is a romantic space, a harmonious walk full of architecture and nature.

Its name comes from the labyrinth of cut cypress trees that we can visit and explore in the lower part of the garden, as well as ponds, fountains, pavilions and sculptures. But the Horta Labyrinth park is much more than a huge labyrinth. Along the tour of the enclosure, you will find all kinds of flora, such as the Himalayan cedar, a linden, a Jupiter tree or a huge plantation of camellias.

It is a place that could well be considered a garden-museum, since you will find a route between neoclassical and romantic buildings, and gardens of all kinds. It is especially interesting to see how architecture and nature integrate and achieve perfect harmony with each other.

We recommend that you visit it on Sundays since admission is free on those days.

Location: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1

JARDÍN BOTÁNICO

Located in the Montjuïc Park, the Barcelona Botanical Garden offers visitors an enchanted walk through the vegetation of the five regions of the world with a Mediterranean climate. The function of the Garden is to preserve and make known collections of Mediterranean plants from around the world.

You will be able to enter the whimsical network of paths and discover the most characteristic plants of the main Mediterranean plant landscapes. Starting with the vegetation of the Canary Islands located at the entrance and going up to the western Mediterranean. In the Northern Hemisphere, the area with the greatest representation is the Mediterranean Basin, following the visit route you can access the Mediterranean-climate coasts of California. Then there are the Mediterranean areas of the southern hemisphere where you visit the Mediterranean region of Chile, southern Africa, and the two Mediterranean regions of southern Australia.

In addition, you will see most of the flowering Mediterranean plants. The Garden then becomes a spectacle of colors that also invites the animals to get closer to the plants and pollinate them.

Location: Carrer Doctor Font I Quer, 2

PARQUE DE CERVANTES

We can say that the Cervantes park is one of the largest as it has an area of 87 665 m². You will find it located in the Pedralbes neighborhood, inaugurated in 1965.

It should be noted that every year a contest for new roses is held in this park, which are baptized with different names by their creators. In addition to the rose bushes, in the park there are several grassy areas and small groves, ideal for jogging, cycling, gymnastics or the simple art of contemplating in the heart of the Pedralbes neighborhood. There is also a children’s play area, table tennis tables and a picnic area.

Location: Avenida Diagonal, 706

PARQUE DE DIAGONAL MAR 

Diagonal Mar park is the third largest park in Barcelona and the most modern, in which its metallic structures stand out. It is an immense and sunny space with exuberant vegetation.

The park is divided into three areas, two smaller ones next to the littoral zone, both with a small pond, and a larger one that houses a larger lake, populated by ducks, geese and aquatic birds. A wooden bridge connects the two shores of the lake.

Diagonal Mar Park is home to a children’s play area, a petanque court, ping-pong tables, basketball and soccer courts, a sports area, an amphitheater and the star attraction: “The Magic Mountain” that welcomes different giant slides where the kids will have a lot of fun.

Location: Carrer de Llull, 350

Around Us, Family, family activities, News, Tourism, Weekend escapes

What to visit in easter in Catalunya

With the arrival of Easter, we want to recommend you some of the most beautiful towns in Catalonia, which, to this day, are still frozen in medieval times, still preserving their cobbled streets, their arches, the stone balconies or towers . All of them are towns full of charming corners that take us back several centuries

MONTBLANC

Montblanc is a town located in the province of Tarragona, whose origins date back to the year 1080 and which, today, preserves the largest walled enclosure in Catalonia and a walk through its streets will take you back to the Middle Ages.

You can visit its stately towers, gates, sharp walls and a Romanesque bridge that make Montblanc an epic town with a 100% medieval atmosphere, as well as visit the monasteries of Poblet, Vallbona de les Monges and Santes Creus.

The Tourist Office conducts guided tours to discover the medieval history of this town. We highlight the Montblanc Medieval Week (coinciding with Sant Jordi, at the end of April). There is a cavalry school, exhibitions of medieval trades and a fabulous representation of the legend of Sant Jordi, among other activities. In addition, there are curious museums, such as the Nativity Scene Museum, the Wine Museum or the Rock Art Interpretation Center.

BESALÚ

If you want to discover the architectural heritage of Girona (just 30km from Girona), we recommend visiting the famous town of Besalú. The monumental importance of this is fundamentally given by its great value as a whole, by its unity, which determines it as one of the most important and unique samples of the medieval ensembles of Catalonia.

The historical origin of Besalú is a fortress that already existed in the 10th century, and today you will find corners that will remind you of the typical medieval town in which, in addition, there was a Jewish quarter.

Without any doubt, you should visit the medieval bridge of Besalú, as it is the most emblematic monument of the site with almost 150 meters in length. It was built in the 12th century. In addition, we recommend visiting the Jewish baths, the church of the monastery of San Pedro de Besalú and San Julián, a former pilgrim hospital, the Cornellá house, the church of San Vicente and the Gothic room of the Royal Curia Palace.

The beauty of its streets have turned Besalú into a film set. It hosted the filming of the third season of the HBO series Westworld, in addition to being chosen as a location for Game of Thrones or the movie Perfume.

PERATALLADA

Peratallada is one of the towns on the Girona coast that has a special charm, since all its corners are beautiful and authentic. It was declared a Historic-Artistic Site for being one of the most important and best-preserved medieval architecture center in Catalonia.

Among the most important elements, the fortress castle stands out, formed by the fortified nucleus and the keep, as well as the palace and the walls. The castle dates from the 11th and 12th centuries, although it has undergone subsequent reforms. The walls are from the 12th and 13th centuries. The great moat that surrounds the town, dug into the living rock, is surprising, since Peratallada sits on stoneware rock.

The two main squares of the town are Les Voltes, a beautiful arcaded square, and Castell, in front of the castle and the palace. Both are surrounded by narrow streets and stone houses that are very well preserved and decorated with flowers.

Outside the walled enclosure, we recommend a visit to the Romanesque-style parish church of San Esteban, which contains a Gothic tomb from 1348 inside.

As an interesting fact, there is a curious ice cream shop, Gelat Artesà de Peratallada, where they make totally artisan ice cream and it is famous for its quality and for the originality of its flavors, such as Roquefort or L’Escala anchovies.

CAMPODRON

Camprodon is located in Girona and the Pyrenean landscape of this town has great appeal for hikers and is ideal for skiing in winter. The town still preserves old castles and fortifications as part of its heritage.

It has its origin in the monastery of San Pere and in an old market granted in 1118 by Ramón Berenguer III known as the Great, and who was a nobleman of the time.

One of the greatest charms in Camprodon is its old town and its streets, many of them still with traces of the old stones, present both in the houses and on the ground. Even so, it is also interesting to visit El Puente Nuevo de Camprodon, which is undoubtedly the best-known architectural element in the entire town. Built in the 12th century, it is 66 meters long. Another very interesting place to visit is the Monastery of San Pedro (10th century) and the Church of Santa María.

The town of Camprodon stands out for its specialties in pork sausages, such as bull, sausage, ham, etc. Likewise, their cookies and marzipans are known. The biscuits manufactured by the Birba company are the best known outside the municipality.

TALAMANCA

Talamanca is a charming and very beautiful town to visit from Barcelona (60km away).

Although remains of Iberian deposits have been found, the first news of their existence dates from the year 960 when Salla, the founder of the monastery of San Benito de Bages, made a donation of land at the end of the Castle of Talamanca. Between 878 and 897, peasants from the north settled near castles and churches and repopulated the area. At that time the Castle of Talamanca and the Church of Santa María de Talamanca were founded, which gave rise to the current town of Talamanca.

This town is characterized above all by being a destination for tourism on weekends and holidays. It is a small town, but you can visit the ruins of the castle and the church of Santa María, as well as the vineyards and the natural park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac.

TAVERTET

Tavertet is a small town of just over 150 inhabitants but with a notable prehistoric activity, since vestiges of the Neolithic era, the megalithic tomb, the field of funeral urns and the Iberian wall were found. The Tavertet cliff offers a breathtaking panorama, which can be seen from the town’s viewpoint and represents one of the most emblematic and beautiful images of the territory.

The main architectural attraction to see in Tavertet is the Church of Sant Cristófol de Tavertet, which is part of the Romanesque routes of Osona. The original building dates from the 11th century and the current bell tower was built during the first renovations in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Another great attraction of this town are its 50 houses and the stone walkways built between the 17th and 19th centuries, which have made the urban nucleus declared an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Generalitat of Catalonia.

Tavaret has El Mirador del Pla del Castell, which is a mandatory stop, since it offers us spectacular views of Las Guilleries, Montseny and the Sau reservoir.

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