Travel tips, news and luxury accommodation-Barcelona and Madrid, Spain

Picasso Museum Barcelona

Posted by Craig on November 26, 2012 None comments

There are over 3500 works by the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso in this popular Barcelona museum.. The museum itself is housed within five medieval palaces that are located on Calle Montcada (Montcada Street) in the Raval district. It has the largest collection of his work found anywhere in the world.

Picasso Museum Barcelona

Picasso Museum Barcelona

Two of his earliest works can be found at the museum – The First Communion created in 1896 and Science and Charity from 1897. The city of Barcelona itself had a big impact on the young painter and in fact shaped a great deal of his life. This relationship between painter and city is revealed within the museum.

The museum is arranged by age so as you continue through the maze of rooms and displays you get to see how the painter developed and changed over the years. There is no doubt that if you are an art lover this museum is a must see on any trip to Barcelona. As well as a large permanent collection there are also various temporary collections on display at the museum so even if you have been before it is always worth going again.

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona offers a fantastic day out and should be included on any itinerary when visiting this incredible city.

Hiking in San Sebastian

Posted by Craig on November 20, 2012 None comments

If you enjoy hiking then you are gong to love what San Sebastian has to offer.

Hiking in San Sebastian

Christ looks over the old town and La Concha beach of San Sebastian

For those who aren’t looking for anything too difficult, a hike up to visit the statue of Christ is a great activity. The hike takes about an hour going at quite a leisurely pace so even the novice walker won’t find it particularly strenuous. There is even a bar located half way up too if you want to stop for a bit and cool off with a drink.

The statue of Christ sits on top of the mountain between the main beaches of San Sebastian. Having made it up there you will be rewarded with glorious views over the coastline and San Sebastian itself.

For anyone looking for a longer hike you can hike to Pasaia, approximately 8 miles away from San Sebastian. It is one of the most popular routes because it starts within the city of San Sebastian itself but also because the route follows the cliff tops so provides stunning views of the sea. The trail starts at the city hall and is marked with red and white GR signs. The hike is relatively easy and if you don’t want to hike back you can get the bus or even a taxi.

Hiking in San Sebastian is a great activity and a very popular past time for locals and tourists alike.

Christmas in Madrid

Posted by Craig on November 19, 2012 None comments

If you are going to be visiting Madrid before Christmas then you are in for a a treat!

Christmas in Madrid

The Christmas lights are spectacular

The first thing you will notice are the stunning displays of Christmas lights that adorn the streets throughout the city. Every year one of Spain’s best designers is allocated the task of creating a magical, twinkling display. With the lights in place you will most certainly want to take a leisurely stroll around the city.

A great place to stop by is the market held in Plaza Mayor. During the Christmas period the stalls sell Christmas decorations, gifts and food and is definitely a wonderful place to get into the Christmas spirit. Additionally other craft markets spring up around the city such as those in Jacinot Benavente, Santa Cruz and Plaza de Espana. You will find fancy dress costumes here as well as all the usual Christmas fare.

Both adults and kids will love the temporary ice rinks that are set up in Plaza de Santa Maria Soledad Torres and Acosta. The former even has a section where you can go sledging. The latter is free to children under twelve and is set up beneath an enormous tree with a huge glass star perched on top.

There is a lot to enjoy in Madrid over the Christmas period so make sure you have fun!