Europe Archives - Page 3 of 3

L’Ametlla de Mar Spain Things To Do & See

18 Comments / Catalonia, Catalonia Seaside, Tarragona / By Jackie De Burca

Filled with lovely coves and blue flag beaches, L’Ametlla de Mar is an unspoilt fishing town on the Costa Dorada, Catalonia. I like the colours of many of these fishing towns and villages, and L’Ametlla de Mar is no exception. Of course it depends on the light and the weather, but the whitewashed buildings that watch over the sea, with its gorgeous shades of blue and green, lapping up against the light golden sand, does it for me. Touches of greenery here and there, with rock formations and of course the fishing boats, make up a very pretty scene.

L’Ametlla de Mar Spain Things To Do & See Read More »

Sitges Spain Things To Do & See

12 Comments / Catalonia, Buzzing Beach Towns, Garraf, Sitges, Spain / By Jackie De Burca

Sitges somehow sits just as comfortably with its title of the Saint Tropez of Spain, as it does with being fondly called the Gay Capital of Europe. Its natural landscape is truly captivating, the architecture elegant and stylish, and its atmosphere is one of bohemian luxury. Originally a fishing village, Sitges is a precious gem which has attracted its fair share of the rich and famous. It is definitely a good place for Barcelona football fans to come and try to spot some of their favourite players.

Sitges Spain Things To Do & See Read More »

Salou things to do Spain Views From Penya Tallada-2

Salou Travel Guide

17 Comments / Catalonia, Buzzing Beach Towns, Catalonia Seaside, Salou, Spain, Tarragona, Tarragonés / By Jackie De Burca

Salou was a surprise for me! I had very low expectations of Salou because of its reputation as a popular destination with young people who are off on their first boozy holiday, and for being the home of the massive theme park, Port Aventura. We entered from the south, which meant that we saw the beautiful Penya Tallada in Cape Salou, with its spectacular views, which changed my perspective of Salou. Of course it does have everything to suit family holidays for those who want loads of English orientated facilities, but it also has fine streets and so much greenery.

Salou Travel Guide Read More »

Tortosa Catalonia Spain things to do and see (2)

Tortosa Spain Travel Guide

12 Comments / Tortosa, Bajo Ebro, Catalonia, Catalonia Inland, Cities, Delta de l'Ebre Natural Park & Surroundings, Spain, Tarragona / By Jackie De Burca

Although I do like to be beside the seaside, and in nature, I also adore fine cities and Tortosa slots nicely into this category for me. It’s a Catalan city, that is dripping in history and culture, on the banks of the River Ebro. There are numerous interesting sights in Tortosa, which include the striking castle, cathedral, and some beautiful modernist buildings. In 2007 archaeologists found remains of the walls of the ancient city of Hibera, close to the now city of Tortosa. Hibera was the capital of Ilercavonia, which was the strategic point from where the Hannibalic War (208 to 201 BC) originated.

Tortosa Spain Travel Guide Read More »

Giants Festival La Llagosta-Trobada de Gegants i Capgrossos a La Llagosta

Leave a Comment / Barcelona, Catalonia, La Llagosta, May Festivals, Vallès Oriental / By Jackie De Burca

In Llagosta there is the Giants Festival, where the parade passes through the Onze de Setembre Ramblas and through many streets of the town. Giants are both local and from other towns in Catalonia, and it is joyful event. During celebrations in the Middle Ages giants were a part, and although down through the ages, they have sometimes been prohibited either for religious or political reasons, they really made a comeback after democracy was in place.

Giants Festival La Llagosta-Trobada de Gegants i Capgrossos a La Llagosta Read More »

Moving The Herd Matadepera – Fem la Transhumància

Leave a Comment / Barcelona, Catalonia, February Festivals, Matadepera, Vallès Occidental / By Jackie De Burca

In La Vall-Can Pèlacs (Can Pèlacs Valley) – The people of the area want to show you how they do their work, so in mid to late September, around the Feast of Saint Michael – they organise a day for visitors to be with them and the grazing herd. Often more than a hundred people or so come to see this event. In 2014 these days have currently been changed to February.

Moving The Herd Matadepera – Fem la Transhumància Read More »

Witch Festival Centelles – Cau de Bruixes a Centelles

Leave a Comment / Barcelona, Catalonia, Centelles, February Festivals, January Festivals, Osona / By Jackie De Burca

Be bewitched in Centelles – enjoy an entertaining cultural festival programme of activities which focus around the town’s witch and the esoteric traditions, along with street entertainment, esoteric lectures, a market, the streets are themed, and there is storytelling, drinks and festivities. For a long time, the women who are born in Centelles, as well as numerous other towns in Catalonia , have the reputation of being witches. Although it’s not possible to trace why their famed reputation of being witches, it has been passed down from generation to generation up to the present day. In some folklore stories, there is the mention of – Centella, witches all – or – the land that sparks witches.

Witch Festival Centelles – Cau de Bruixes a Centelles Read More »

Delta de l’Ebre Natural Park

20 Comments / Delta de l'Ebre Natural Park & Surroundings, Alcanar, Aldover, Amposta, Baix Ebre, Bajo Ebro, Bajo Maestrazgo, Barxeta, Bèlgida, Benicarló, Benifallet, Càlig, Camarles, Castellon, Catalonia, Deltebre, El Morell, El Perelló, Freginals, Godall, La Galera, La Morera de Montsant, La Sénia, Mas de Barberans, Masdenverge, Miravet, Montsiá, Natural Parks, Paüls, Peñíscola, Roquetes, Rossell, San Rafael del Río, Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Santa Bàrbara, Spain, Tarragona, Tivenys, Tortosa, Traiguera, Ulldecona, Vinaros, Xerta / By Jackie De Burca

The Delta de l’Ebre Natural Park has a unique, magical landscape. As it’s flat, it is perfect for those who enjoy cycling, which in my humble opinion is a wonderful way to absorb its immense personality. The European Commission has designated it as an EDEN (European Destination of Excellence), because of its commitment to sustainable tourism. The part of the overall space of 320 km2 which was designated as the protected reserve of the Delta de l’Ebre Natural Park takes up an area of 80 km2, which is located in the province of Tarragona.

It was in 1983 that it became a protected area, thanks to the peaceful occupation and mobilisation of people from the area of Deltebre, which given our level of ecological awareness of that time, is quite impressive.

Delta de l’Ebre Natural Park Read More »

Restaurant Les Palmeres Les Cases d’Alcanar

8 Comments / Catalonia, Alcanar, Montsiá, Restaurants / By Jackie De Burca

Wandering around Les Cases d’Alcanar by the port and nearby, it can be a bit of a challenge to choose the right restaurant. Lots of restaurants and their menus look inviting, and this fishing town has a particularly good reputation for its seafood. Before leaving home I had been tempted to look at TripAdvisor, but I kind of thought that it would take the fun out of using our own instinct, and making our own mistakes….

Restaurant Les Palmeres Les Cases d’Alcanar Read More »

Els Ports Natural Park Catalonia Spain with Mountain sunset and fog

Els Ports National Park Catalonia

1 Comment / Delta de l'Ebre Natural Park & Surroundings, Baix Maestrat, Bajo Maestrazgo, Benicarló, Càlig, Castell de Cabres, Catalonia, Cervera del Maestre, Chert, La Jana, La Pobla de Benifassà, La Salzadella, Montsiá, Natural Parks, Peñíscola, Rossell, San Rafael del Río, Sant Mateu, Spain, Traiguera, Vinaros / By Jackie De Burca

The dramatic, rugged landscape of Els Ports National Park stretches between the communities of Catalonia, Valencia and Aragon, taking up a total space of around 60,000 hectares. The majestic limestone massif is filled with abrupt cliff faces, natural resources, forests, valleys and abundant wildlife. You can spot Hispannic goats (Ibex), wild boar, badgers, foxes, wild cats, squirrels, otters, Griffon vultures, eagles and many other bird species.

Els Ports National Park Catalonia Read More »

La Senia Spain Travel Guide

2 Comments / Catalonia, Catalonia Inland, Inland Villages, La Sénia, Montsiá, Spain, Tarragona / By Jackie De Burca

Surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside, the first impression of La Senia is of a typical Catalan town in a lovely rural location, with the only exception being that you’ll notice that there are a number of furniture shops as you enter La Senia. Weaving your way further into the town, there is the pleasant surprise of the old quarter and the Plaza Mayor, set against a stunning backdrop.

La Senia Spain Travel Guide Read More »

Ulldecona Spain Things To Do & See

8 Comments / Catalonia, Catalonia Inland, Montsiá, Nouvelle Aquitaine, Spain, Ulldecona / By Jackie De Burca

Located in southern Catalonia about 11 km from the border with the Valencian Community, Ulldecona is a typical Catalan town, only 10 to 15 minutes drive to the sea. Ulldecona is a good choice for visitors who want to sense the real Catalonia, enjoy nature, visit other towns and interesting sites, yet only be a 10 to 15 minute drive to the beach. The closest beach is at Les Cases del Alcanar, but other beaches that are very accessible are Sant Carlos de la Rapita and Vinaros.

Ulldecona Spain Things To Do & See Read More »