PHOTO'S FROM SPAIN

Catalan Day in Lloret de Mar

2011-10-05T19:42:00.001+02:00

Every year the Catalan people celebrate their special day on 11th Sept. Just about every town and village in the region decorate their balconies and homes with the red and yellow Catalan flag. These photos show how the day was celebrated in Lloret de Mar, with stalls selling local hand crafted goods and local produce.

Figueres - Birthplace of Dali

2011-06-16T09:52:00.001+02:00

Figueres in Catalonia is the birthplace of Dali and it seems that as you walk around the whole town is a tribute to his work. This building is the Theatre and Museum of Dali.

Suited and Booted!

2011-02-08T19:30:00.001+01:00

All dressed up and no where to go!

We saw this comical sight just a few days ago walking along the prom in Torremolinos.

There's nothing wrong with the dog its a Chinese Crested and this type is completely bald apart from tuffs of hair on the tip of its tail and the top of its head. I should think the suit was to protect it from the sun...not sure about the boots though !

Ardales Lakes - Andalucia

2011-01-21T23:19:00.001+01:00

These stunning views of the Ardales Lakes are less than an hours drive from the beaches of the Costa del Sol. This area provides much of the water for the Malaga region and just now the lakes (of which there are 3) are almost fully stocked after the recent heavy downpours over the Christmas period. If you ever visit the Costa del Sol then a trip to this area is a must as you have such a vast contrast of scenery from the coastal resorts. You are very likely to see birds of prey such as eagles or vultures flying overhead....a very impressive sight with their 3 metre plus wingspan!

Benalmadena Marina

2011-01-17T19:04:00.002+01:00

A colourful shot of the Marina at Benalmadena...voted the best marina in the world on several occasions.

Torremolinos Beach

2011-01-10T19:55:00.001+01:00

This photo taken today on Torremolinos beach shows the life guards post, no one on guard at this time of year !

Blanes Views

2010-12-02T12:30:00.002+01:00

A stunning view of Blanes on the Costa Brava taken from high up above the town near the Sant Joan tower and12th century chapel and watchtower of Santa Barbara.

Lloret de Mar November

2010-11-29T23:03:00.000+01:00

A quiet deserted November beach in Lloret de Mar.

Lloret de Mar Watersports

2010-06-27T08:37:00.003+02:00

These colourful photos were taken on Fenals beach in Lloret de Mar.

The banana boat and the Flyfish are 2 of the attractions run by Fenals Watersports Centre.

Cocktails on the beach..

2010-04-18T19:01:00.002+02:00

Colourful giant cocktails pictured on the beach at Lloret de Mar.

Benalmadena - Tivoli World

2010-01-15T18:58:00.006+01:00

In the Costa del Sol resort of Benalmadena is Tivoli World where each Sunday is a large market and fair ground attractions for all the family. Throughout the year there are also many exhibitions and shows of various themes. Visit the Tivoli World site for more details. For those who are not afraid of heights is the chair lift to take you up to the mountain at the very back of the resort from where you can see stunning views of the coast.

Statues in Spain.

2009-12-19T09:22:00.003+01:00

Wherever you go in Spain you will always come across some quite strange and elaborate statues. The ones seen here were taken in various parts of Spain with the 1st one from Baiona in the province of Pontevedra.

The 2nd is taken in the tourist resort of Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol.

The 3rd photo stands in the port of Vigo, another town in the province of Pontevedra.

Seville Cathedral

2009-11-07T19:54:00.006+01:00

One of the greatest sights in Seville is the Cathedral. These photos of the interior show just how lavishly its decorated, in some places with large quantities of gold. Construction began in 1402 on the site of a former mosque and was not completed until more than 100 yrs later. It was declared a national monument in 1928 and granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1987.

The area of the Cathedral covers 11,520 square mtrs and the central nave rises to 42 mts high, making this the largest church in the world- even larger than St Pauls in London and St Peters in Rome.

Port Bou

2009-10-27T21:28:00.006+01:00

The small Catalan town of Port Bou is the last stop in Spain before reaching the nearby border with France. Because of the lower prices for certain goods in Spain, Port Bou is a very popular week-end destination for quite a few French. The local shops here cater for the visitors by selling the most sought after goods, mainly tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and clothing. Some foodstuffs can also be bought for much less than in France.

Owing to the location of Port Bou in a valley it will always keep its small town status, and with an excellent train service to get you there its a very worthwhile place to visit for a few days break.

Barcelona

2009-10-15T21:50:00.002+02:00

One of the picturesque narrow streets just off the Ramblas in Barceona. Walking through these is almost like going back in time!

Barcelona Market

2009-10-06T22:08:00.005+02:00

While walking round the Spanish markets you can always be sure of seeing a wide variety of fresh exotic fruits and vegetables. These colourful photos are from the indoor market just off La Rambla in Barcelona.

There's far more choice for your '5 a day' here!

Lloret de Mar - Gardens

2009-10-02T20:53:00.005+02:00

Views of the Italian styled gardens in Lloret de Mar, Santa Clotilde is perched on the cliff tops overlooking the Mediterranean on the Cost Brava. Sadly this is a part of Lloret which many visitors seem to miss out on, and its only 10 mins from Lloret centre on the bus.

Thanks To All Readers!

2009-09-30T19:44:00.001+02:00

Many thanks to all readers of this blog for making it reach into the top best 100 blogs in Spain. I was notified this morning, so I have placed the award in the side column. The same award has also be given to 2 of my other blogs...Makes it all worthwhile !

Free Sunday Lunch

2009-09-28T22:46:00.002+02:00

While we were out walking yesterday, we came across someone who had just been out fishing and he was showing off his catch....for Sunday lunch I expect!

Costa Brava - Tossa de Mar

2009-08-14T23:12:00.004+02:00

Tossa de Mar is one of the prettiest resorts on Spains Costa Brava. Here you can have quite a relaxing holiday as its not exactly known for its nightlife, although there are many very good bars and restaurants.It has a very nice shopping area which winds down to the busy sea front from the town centre near the bus station.

To see the best views you must go up to the castle and view the town from the castle walls and pathways. To reach the castle there's a small train which will take you up to the top as it could be quite a difficult walk for the elderly.

Girona - The old town

2009-07-17T22:17:00.005+02:00

The narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter of Girona date back to the 12th century, but then the Jewish community ended shortly before the end of the 15th century when they were ousted by the Catholics! Known as the Call, this area is one of the best preserved in Spain and one of the most visited in Cataloñia.
On the river Onyar are these homes from Medieval times that are still lived in today.

Weather conditions in Girona are quite variable throughout the year. With hot summers and temperatures that can be well below freezing during the winter.

Lloret de Mar - Tour de France

2009-07-09T23:26:00.004+02:00

Lloret de Mar had a huge honour today as being one of the towns to host part of the Tour de France race for the first time. The bikes had set off from Girona to Lloret which was a 64km stretch of the race and they were then making their way down the coast to Barcelona.

The roads were closed from 12 noon and the crowds started gathering well before in order to find the best viewing point.

The weather in Lloret was the best along the route as some roads became very dangerous owing to heavy rain in parts.

Seville - Plaza de Espana

2009-07-02T20:03:00.001+02:00

The Plaza de Espana in Seville is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The horse drawn carriages will take you on a tour of the plaza if the walk is a little too much in the hot Seville summer!

The last photo shows the famous Seville oranges which make the very best marmalade to spread on your breakfast toast!

Lloret de Mar Sights

2009-06-17T19:50:00.002+02:00

Just two streets back from the beach front in Lloret de Mar is this very colourful church.

Sant Roma's parish church is one of the most famous landmarks in Lloret, and one of the most photographed. No matter what time of day you pass there are always several people competing for the best place from which to take their shots!

Before the construction of the church began back in the 16th century, the building which originally stood on the site was used to store coal, owing to it been so close to the sea for loading the ships.

Bet it looked quite different to the grand building which is standing here today!!

Seville - Spanish Ceramics

2009-06-02T21:58:00.005+02:00

While walking around the streets of Spain you will come across some very 'tacky' souvenir shops, most of which will have come in from China! but this photo is the indoor display of one of the better class ceramic shops in Seville. Something like this would always make a nice present to take back for your family or friends!

Click on the picture to enlarge it and see the work that has gone into the detail of the different designs of each piece.