velvet | Spain

Experiencing Costa Brava

Costa Brava. The name conjures images of sun, sea and sand. The good news is: there’s plenty of that there. The even better news is: there’s so much more to see and do in Costa Brava. The most excellent news is: I’m about to have the travel experience of a lifetime in Costa Brava! My [...]

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Art in motion – pouring cider in Asturias

One of the first things any visitor to the principality of Asturias in northern Spain will notice is the abundance of so-called sidrerias. These are restaurants or cafés where food is served but it’s the cider that takes centre stage. The second thing visitors will notice is the extraordinary way cider is poured at the [...]

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The seductive curves of Centro Niemeyer

The Centro Niemeyer is a new cultural complex in Avilés, one of the largest towns in the Spanish principality of Asturias, and is part of an ambitious scheme to redevelop the town’s riverfront. World-renowned Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer, designed the complex as a gift to the principality. The result is a mesmerising blend of seductive [...]

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Ten reasons to visit Marbella

Spain’s Costa del Sol has long been a haven for those in search of sunshine, sunbeds and sangria. Its appeal doesn’t show any signs of slowing down and while the resorts of Benalmadena, Torremolinos and Fuengirola continue to pull in the tourists, Marbella steals the crown for its sunshine chic. Here are just some of [...]

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Exploring Tenerife by land, sea and air

Tenerife is a popular tourist destination.  Of that, there is little doubt.  Indeed, since its boom in the 1980s and subsequent slow decline, Tene-grief has reemerged as a premier holiday destination.  Its beaches have been cleansed, golf courses preened, and the formally glorious Tenerife hotels have been restored to their shining best. Having shaken off [...]

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Exploring Mallorca – one nature reserve at a time

This may come as a surprise but the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands isn’t all about sun, sea and sand. There is of course ample opportunity to enjoy a pure unadulterated fly and flop getaway with a few nights out on the tiles in Magaluf if you’re so inclined however, for those times when you [...]

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Ten things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the world’s ultimate city break locations. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Spain’s second largest city, you will find fabulous sights, fine food and a carnival atmosphere. Bursting at the seams with unique experiences, world-renowned works of art, spectacular architecture and sporting excellence, Barcelona is one of [...]

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Plane views: the fields of Mallorca

Mallorca (or Majorca) is part of the Balearic islands, a Spanish archipelago in the north-western corner of the Mediterranean Sea. The island is a popular destination for package holidays; many people visit the island for its glorious sunny weather and beautiful beaches but its hinterland is absolutely fascinating and definitely worth exploring. My flight from [...]

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Velvet moments: travel photo of the week – City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia

The stunning architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain by night. Read the accompanying post: ‘An Architectural Marvel in Valencia‘. See other Velvet moments: Hainan Temple, Penang, Malaysia Seminyak, Indonesia Impalas at the Serengeti, Tanzania Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina Angkor Wat, Cambodia Laguna Chaxa, Chile

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The stunning fortified town of Peñíscola

The bus screeched to a halt, hurtling me out of my dreamy state. I looked out the window and saw a wide arc of glistening white sand and the gorgeous blue Mediterranean sea. I wondered where we were and my question was soon answered as I noticed a board near the traffic lights. It read: [...]

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