As a result of its wonderful Mediterranean climate and its vast and vivid history, Barcelona is a big tourist destination, bringing in visitors from all over the globe. The city hosts a large array of ancient reminders from the famous Barcelona Expo of 1888, alongside the government of Catalonia, the parliament, and the Supreme Court of Catalonia.

The exact origins of Barcelona are a topic of controversy, even with native Spaniards. There are many myths and legends related to its history. One legend says that Hercules was actually the founder of the city, and the same legend goes on to say Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca was responsible for rebuilding the city in the 3rd century BC. Other legends are completely opposed to this theory, so no-one really knows.

One thing that everyone is in agreement with is the wonderfully impressive basilica La Seu. This was built in 343 AD, incorporating the remnants of what was left of the original Roman walls. Barcelona has many reminders of Ancient Rome throughout its borough. The grid planning method that the Romans devised to build cities is very apparent in Barcelona, especially in the older areas of the city center.

Barcelona is the home to the Font Magica – otherwise known as the Magic Fountain. This is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the city. The Font Magica involves giant towers of water which spray from an oversized fountain. With cleverly placed colored lights that shine through the spray, the fountain appears to dance, which is where its name of Magic Fountain comes from. It was first constructed in 1888, only to be later torn down. It was improved and rebuilt to be opened at the 1929 World Expo.

Another hugely famous landmark of Barcelona is the Arc de Triomf. This is another creation that dates back to 1888. It was built with a purpose – this purpose was to represent unity, fame and pride. The Arc, constructed out of stone, has many detailed and beautiful decorations hand carved into the main body. There is a coat of arms carved into the Arc, which represents each of the Spanish provinces and the unity of them together.

Barcelona was the host of the 1992 Olympic games. To commemorate this event, there was a 1000 feet high building, known as the Torre de Collserola built atop the Collserola hill. This is a major tourist attraction, mainly because of its location within the city and the fact that being so high means that from the Torre, panoramic views across the entirety of Barcelona can be enjoyed.

Benidom is so diverse that it caters for everyone’s tastes and preferences. No matter what type of person you are, Benidorm will have something for you. The town centre itself is packed full to the brim of restaurants and bars – there are literally enough to visit a different one every day of the year. No matter what your preference in food, Benidorm will have a restaurant to suit you. There is an immense array of international cuisine, having in particular a good selection of Chinese restaurants, and these always prove to be a particular favourite of the holiday makers.

Much like New York, Benidorm is a high rise city and could be called “the city that never sleeps”. There is always something happening, no matter what time of the day. One of the most popular tourist traps of Benidorm is the lavish Benidorm Palace. It is situated a little outside the main area of the town, but is within close proximity, and regular buses travel between Benidorm Palace and the city. Benidorm Palace hosts nightly shows, usually cabaret and dancing, with very spectacular outfits and choreography. The shows are on a rotation so on a visit to Benidorm, you can usually see a few different shows – and many people choose to visit again, after enjoying their first visit to the Palace so much.

If you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the main centre of Benidorm, there is plenty to see in the local area. Just a little outside of Benidorm is a vast landscape of mountains and hillsides. Nestled in these hills are many beautiful small towns and villages. One of them is Altea, a picturesque white wash village on a hilltop. It is only a fifteen minute journey from Benidorm, but is a million miles away in terms of lifestyle. This quiet and slow paced village is beautiful if you want somewhere to come and appreciate the landscape, as its optimum position nestled in the hills offers beautiful panoramic views out across the ocean and the bay of Benidorm.

No matter whom you are or what you like to do, Benidorm has something for every one. Year after year, the city is a favourite with every age of people – young and old, families and couples – whoever you are, Benidorm is somewhere you should visit.

The city of Granada has been colonized since early history. It was initially populated by the Celtics who gave the colonization to Romans later. The city eventually became the centre of three different administrations including military, civil, and ecclesiastical. Byzantines and Zirid dynasty colonized the city of Granada for numerous years. Soon after, the Nasrid dynasty ruled for several centuries. The attack by Ferdinand eventually led to the diminishing of the Muslim influence and this is how Christianity became.

The architecture in Granada is remarkable. There are numerous Moorish and Catholic constructions in the entire city. One of the most admirable Renacentist pieces of architecture is the palace of Charles V. A piece of construction from the Renaissance in Spain is Granada cathedral. Early 16th century architectures located within the Albayzin district holds a large tourist location. A gorgeous Carthusian monastery is located in the city and is the charterhouse. It is made up of baroque elements.

A famous Moorish citadel, Alhambra, is a well known and important piece of the city of Granada. Christian, Jewish, and Muslim believe this citadel to be a very sacred place for worship. Remarkably enough, there is a university situated in Granada. This university and educational centre is considered to have the highest level of learning within the country of Spain. Another special part of the city would be the churches. These churches are among the most beautiful pieces of architecture within the city. The four churches are Santa Ana Church, San Jose Church, San Salvador Church, and last but not least Domingo Church. You can’t forget the Towers of Bermejas that date back to the 8th and 9th centuries! In the area, you can find Muslim constructions as well. You can find house of Chapiz, house of Aben Humeya, Horno de Oro house, Dar al-Hora along with numerous other houses that are of popular range. As you can imagine, the public bathrooms in Europe are unlike any other such as the El BaÐuelo.

There are many means of transportation within the city of Granada including cars, buses, and trains. So there will be no fear of not being able to commute anywhere. There is also a sufficient amount of accommodations within Granada. There are also some of the most unique and wonderful restaurants for the visitors. Never had cuisine from Spain? ItÕs remarkable! Something that is booming within the city is nightlife. There are numerous nightclubs and pubs available for visitors and residents in the city. Granada is a wonderful place for tourism because of the high degree of first-rate amenities it offers.

At the time of the festival, fireworks are set off mercilessly, and the noise of merry making echoes throughout the Valencian valleys for these four days in March. Valencia, which is usually a quiet and relaxed province is suddenly jolted to life once a year when this festival takes place, as many tourists and people from across the nation come to join in the festivities.

The Las Fallas festival can be traced in its roots right back to the 19th century, although the event has changed throughout the years in many ways since it first began. During the festival, ‘nintos’ are placed throughout the Valencian streets. These ‘nintos’ are decorative ornaments, also satirical in their purpose of representing a social or political message. Although the main events of the festival do not begin until the 15th March, the first day of March marks the opening of the festival, and fireworks are released to celebrate the event. During these first two weeks of March, the city of Valencia is decorated with around seven hundred ‘nintos’, or Fallas.

“Fallas” is a Spanish word which is given to caricatures that represent local and international celebrities and personalities. Spanish artists spend the year working on these caricatures to get them ready and perfected for the opening of the Las Fallas festival. When the festival commences, the works of art are displayed all around the city. They are on display for five days, and after these five days are up, the Fallas are burned and destroyed in a huge public event.

The Las Fallas festival has many smaller events nestled with it. One of the most spectacular of these is known as the ‘Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgin de los Desamparados’. On the 17th and 18th of March, a parade is held, which starts at 4pm and carries on long into the night. This parade sees many people dressed in flamboyant and intricate costumes, and everyone involved in the parade carries an offering of flowers which are representative of a gift for the patron saint. When midnight strikes on March 19th, this means the festival is coming to a close, and the closing ceremony begins. The closing ceremony is the huge bonfire where all the nintos are burned – that is, all except one. A vote is carried out, where the public vote for their favourite ninto that has been on display through the city. The winning piece of artwork is saved from the flames, and is placed in the Fallerno museum for all to see.

The festival is the scene of a riot of noise, colour and fun. A castle is erected in the town square to represent the battle. The festival’s duration is spanned across three days. The first day sees processions taking place. The second day a re-enactment of the battle is acted out. The third and final day is when the greatest celebrations take place. The parade which takes place on the opening of the festival sees people dressed up in period costumes that represent the Christians and the Moors at the time of the battle. The Moros y Cristianos festival aims to reconstruct particular areas of Spanish history; in particular the wars that have taken place between the Arabs and the Christians.

In Alicante, the festival’s events take place between April 22nd and April the 24th. Thousands of people from other regions of Spain along with many tourists from all over the world flock to the city to be part of the festivities. There are around 28 armies, both Christian and Moorish, who take part in the parade section of the festival. The armies come dressed in a complete military ensemble, which makes for a rather spectacular sight to see. Many of the towns people often also join in the parade and march alongside the armies and the bands.

At various stages during the festival, there are fake battles held, to commemorate those that happened throughout history. The festival culminates to a final battle held on the last day that takes place near Alcoy’s castle, which is erected in the town square. The magnificent displays of fireworks which are held around the city are another of the main features of the festival. All across the city, people hang Saint George’s flag – a red cross – from their windows and balconies.

The last day of the Moros y Cristianos festival sees the Christians losing a battle first thing in the morning, but then Saint George makes an appearance, which leads to the Christians defeat the Moors later in the afternoon. At this point in the festival, relics or statuettes of the patron saint are taken out from the church and paraded in front of all the crowds.

The festival is an important part of Spanish tradition, and is greatly looked forward to all year long.

Spain. What is to be said about Spain? In many ways, it is as wonderful as other countries. Spain has the most peculiar and out of the ordinary celebrations. Running of the Bulls is one of the most popular and known festivals that is held within Spain. Do you go there in order to create memories while on vacation? Can anyone possibly enjoy it as much as the Spaniards do?

How does a mother protect their children from the outlandish things that are explored in Spain? Does she turn to supernatural powers for the protection of her children? The answer seems to be, yes. This type of supernatural protection goes as far back as the seventeenth century. Many mothers believed that this kept the evils away from their children. What happens it that the child is laid on the ground while a man jumps over the baby who is supposed to keep evil spirits away. They are so keen to battles because they had this supernatural protection done to them when they were children. Therefore, because of this, they feel protected and they can win.

If you do not wish to embark in this type of supernatural protection, fear not, there are others ways to protect the children. This is also for adults as well. Are you willing to jump through blazing fire to secure yourself from illness? If so, come to the December festival of GranadaÕs Hogueras. Why not try the Battle of the Dead Rat as well for illness protection.

Why is it that Spaniards do not wish to turn these supernatural powers of protection toward their animals? Would you not want to protect your animals from illness as well? Were you aware that a law was set for goats to not be thrown from the bell tower in Manganeses de la Polverosa? Of course, we are not sure if the law is actually abided by accurately. In Spain, rats are considered something to protect and not harm. Along with the rat comes the bull, which has been undecided. Quail are also catapulted into the air. Spaniards do not care for the quail and do not wish to protect them. Once the quail is catapulted into the air, the Spaniards embark on their shooting skills.

All of the events that have been discussed are feverishly admired by the Spanish. They think that these events are events of a good nature and to promote a good time. Of course, if you live in the rest of the world other than Spain, you may not feel the same way. These events may upset you or make you sick or you may just think it is all strange. However, Spaniards will keep creating these types of events and keep attending them each year.

No official records exist that state when the festival first began. There is evidence that the festival has roots as early as the 13th century, and that during that time it was held at a different time of the year – in October. It can be guessed that the modern day version of the festival has developed from this early festival along with the other commercial and bullfighting fiestas that also date back hundreds of years.

Over the years, the Pamplona festival has moved to the month of July, because at this time the weather is fine and will not interfere with the festivities. The first time the festival was held in July was in 1591.

Starting in the 17th and the 18th centuries, people from afar, and even people of other nationalities, started taking part in the festival alongside the Spanish nationals. Over time, the religious scent of the festival was lessened to give way to simple merry making. There are reports from this era that the clergy was worried about the permissiveness of the youths who took part in the festival.

As the festival advanced to the 19th century, fair ground and carnival attractions were added to the festival. There were also circus animals and canon ball acts that were part of the festivities. It wasn’t until the 20th century that knowledge of the festival spread to countries all over the globe and tourists flocked to the Pamplona bull running festival to participate in the fun. Ernest Hemmingway wrote a novel that was published in 1926 that was entitled “The sun also rises”. This mentioned the Pamplona bull running festival and helped to publicize the event across the globe.

At 8am in the morning, the Bull Run begins. Until the 14th July, this takes place every day. The bulls are made to run a distance of 825 meters, which usually takes about three minutes to complete. The tickets for the festival are always sold out well in advance, which is rather impressive considering the arena where this takes place can hold as many as 12,500 people.

Pamplona Bull Running festival is the most popular festival in Spain today. To the Spaniards, however, the festival is better known as the festival of San Fermin. Many visitors wait until July 6th to visit Spain when the festival takes place. The festival continues from midday of July 6th. The mayor makes an announcement on the square of Spain and then the festival begins. A rocket is catapulted into the air while signifies that the festival has officially begun.

13th Century is when we think the bulling running festival came into effect. However, dating back so far, we cannot be sure. When the festival first began, it was held in the month of October. It was finally integrated over the years to be held at a warmer time of year due to the dancing, music, and bullfighting. It was then to be held in July. It is a more common and crowded month for visitors, therefore, being a better time of year to hold the festival. At the beginning of the festival, there is a bull run on July 7th at 8am and the last bull run is to run, which is the end of the festival, on July 14th at 8am.

The year of 1591 is when the first celebration was held for this festival. This festival only lasted 2 days and now has been expanded to 7 days. There was plenty of celebration at that time, however, the celebration is much more fun today in Spain.

Will the bulls escape? Many visitors tend to worry about this happening while in Spain. The streets are arranged with walls around them so that the bulls are unable to escape and run through the other streets of Spain. The Spaniards ensure the safety so that no one is hurt and there is no need to worry about the bulls escaping.

The bull run totals a 835 meters route. This route is completed within 7 days by 6 bulls at the morning of each day at 8am. At 8am, a rocket is shot so that everyone knows the time has come. Opening of the gates at this time and prayers to San Fermin are made when the first rocket is shot. When the bulls have been released, another rocket is shot to ensure the runners are aware of the bulls release. The Spaniards wear a red handkerchief and white clothing as a tradition.

San Fermin festival began around the 13th century and is celebrated with many more aspects today than before. Spain is an excellent tourist location and the festivals should not be ignored. July 7th through the 14th is the festival of San Fermin. Do not miss it or you will regret it!

Valencia has history dating back as far as 137 BC. This was when the city was founded by the Roman empire. Since that time, Valencia has been inhabited by many groups of people. These include the Visigoths, the Moors, and the Aragonese. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Valencia, which was previously a town, acquired prominence which meant it became one of Spain’s major cities. During the Spanish civil war, Valencia was actually the capital city of the republic. In 2003, the city was the host destination for the famous yacht race, known as the America’s cup. It was the first ever European city to host the event, and will be once again hosting in 2009.

Valencia is a very vibrant city which means that it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. It is lucky enough to boast a vast array of beautiful tourist hotspots. All across the city various beautiful architecture and marvellous buildings, some of which date back as far as the Roman and Arabic times. One of the most famous buildings in Valencia is the Basilica Metropolitana, which dates back to somewhere between the 13th and 15th century. It is of a gothic style, but also incorporates some Romanesque and baroque features. Next to this cathedral is another famous Valencian landmark – the Basilica of the Virgin. This is also of a gothic architectural style. Valencia is actually home to an array of gothic architecture; another is the Late Gothic silk exchange, which has more recently been named as a heritage site by UNESCO.

Valencia is home to a market in the centre of the town, which happens to be one of the largest markets of its type in the entirety of Europe. The City of Arts and Sciences is another landmark of Valencia. This is a huge center which hosts a theatre house, an opera house, restaraunts, a museum, a park, as well as many other things.

The city also has many churches, which deserve to be mentioned. They all boast very beautiful exteriors, and intricately designed details both inside and out. The El Templo is another gothic designed structure. The Saint John church contains beautiful frescoes that should be seen to be appreciated. All around the city are beautiful squares and gardens that help to make Valencia just that little bit more beautiful.

Valencia is lucky to have a large economy, which is mainly fuelled by the massive tourism industry it boasts, alongside its construction sector. Valencia’s sea port is the largest in the whole of the Mediterranean, and it deals with a large portion of all the exports of Spain.

A vast variety of sports clubs and leisure facilities are integrated throughout Javea ranging from gentle organized walks to the more thrill seeking cave diving. If a gentler pace is suited then scenic boat trips are a must. Property owners in Javea range from young families with children to retired couples however with Javea’s multitude of activities it has something to suit all tastes.
Javea’s beautiful coastline is a natural paradise for walkers with guided talks in English and Spanish offered throughout the summer months. The shaded narrow winding streets of the old town makes for a pleasant stroll even in the summer months or for the more adventurous a hike up Montgo Mountain provides idyllic scenery with a breathtaking panoramic views upon reaching the peak.
Javea property owners can also familiarize themselves with Javea’s surroundings albeit from the back of a horse. The Centro Hipico Javea not only offers accompanied treks along the scenic landscapes of Javea but for the more ambitious lessons are available from specialized riding instructors.

For the younger generation or for those who are kids at heart owning a property in Javea provides an ideal base for activities further afield. Only a 40 min ride to Benidorm not only offers the thrill seeking amusement park Terra Mitica but Aqualandia is an ideal place to have fun and be cool in those hot summer months. For the animal lovers mudomar’s dolphin show is a must see as well as the new Terra Natura which provides an insight into a whole new world. Also 20min from Javea is the famous El Vergel safari park as well as numerous go kart tracks.

Javea’s idyllic location next to the warm clear blue sea of the Mediterranean allows its property owners not only access to one of the most charming seaports in Spain but also access to a whole range of water sports facilities including sailing, fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing, water skiing and jet-skiing.

Javea’s Club Nautico located in the marina area offer a vast majority of water sport amenities. The light sailing craft school opens throughout the whole year however If you prefer someone else at the helm then pleasure boats sail between Cabo San Antonio and Denia or why not treat yourself to the wonders of a glass bottomed boat.

Javea’s clear water and numerous rocky inlets form a natural marine reserve providing an ideal environment for diving. Javea Sub-Aqua club offers lessons and supervised trips to some of the more mysterious dive sites located along Javea’s rocky coast.

Javea also boasts a 9 hole golf course that is open year round due to its idyllic climate. Facilities include a driving range, putting greens, pool, bar and restaurant. There are also other numerous golf courses located a short drive from Javea including Ifach Golf and La Sella. A still energetic although alternative activity can be found at Javea’s two tennis courts, both centrally located for easy access to property owners.

Javea is not only a blurry of activity in summer, during the winter month’s it provides an ideal base for skiers. A simple 90 min drive north of Valencia or 4-5 hour drive to Granada ensures activities are available year round in Javea.
Javea owners are never disappointed due to the plentiful year long activities Javea has to offer. Javea’s amenities are of such assortment that they will suit people of all age ranges. Combining these facilities with a superb year round climate it comes as no surprise that people are deciding to purchase their property in Javea.