Sunday, September 4, 2011

WHERE TO GO IN SPAIN, BEAUTIFUL PLACES.

Spain is one of Europe's most diverse countries, historically, culturally, gastronomically and geographically. While some people prefer to go skiing in the Winter months, others prefer to sunbathe on the coast. Not many countries can offer both options during the same month, but Spain can.
Below I am writing about some Beautiful places where you can easily go and travel there.



Alarcon
Alarcón is a beautiful medieval village, set on the rocky surroundings of the River Júcar in Cuenca, about an hour and a half drive from Madrid.The walled village, its castle, churches and stone-built houses blend in with the surrounding landscape and winding river, providing the visitor with outstanding views and complete peace and quiet. Alarcon Once you arrive, park your car in the carpark at the foot of the village, and stroll around the small, narrow village streets, savouring the peace and quiet. It is difficult to find a more peaceful, unspoilt village than Alarcon, although in recent years Alarcon has started to attract more tourists and a new hotel currently being built next to the parador suggests that its isolated charm may be about to be challenged.

Hondarribia (Fuenterrabia):










    Fuenterrabia, known as Hondarribia in the Basque language, is on the Cantabrian coast near San Sebastian in the Province of Guipuzcoa. It is the last place you get to before crossing the Spanish border into France. Aswell as being a traditional Basque fishing village it is increasingly a popular tourist destination due its beautiful little beach promenade with views across the Txingudi bay to France.

Where to go: Visitors to Hondarribia should visit the picturesque marina, the historic quarter. It is also worth visiting the Parador of Hondarribia which was once a 10th century fortress.
The neighbourhood where many of Fuenterrabia´s fishermen live consists of traditional dwellings brightly painted in different colours - historically they used the paint left over from painting the fishing boats.
What to eat: Fuenterrabia has plenty of small restaurants and bars serving typical Basque pinchos and Basque cuisine including some of the freshest fish you are ever likely to try.



La Alberca :

Alberca, formerly known as Valdelaguna, is located in the Southern part of the province of Salamanca. This village is 1084 metres above sea level on the Northern slopes of 'la Sierra de Francia'(the French mountain range'). Its unusual houses and streets have put it on the toursist map for visitors to the province of Salamanca.

With the Cabras Pintas prehistoric caves on the edge of Alberca, it is thought that this village was repopulated during the times of Alfonso VI by the French. In fact some of its place names like 'la Sierra de Francia' and 'el rio Frances' (the French river) refer to these origins.

One of Alberca's greatest assets is the diversity of the wonderful scenery that surrounds it. On one side you can see granite, slate and quartzite which support the varied wild vegetation and forests of oaks, chestnut trees, pine trees, walnut trees, apple trees and almond groves.

Like many other villages in Spain, Alberca's population is declining. Over half a century ago it had 1700 inhabitants but now this figure hardly reaches a 1000. However, the village is still well maintained and despite harsh winters and very hot summers tourism plays an important part in its economy. Its narrow cobbled streets, small squares and curious houses make this a beautiful place to visit.

All the traditional houses are made of granite and stone and wooden beams, and have a maximum of 3 floors, each with a different function. In the past animals were kept on the ground floor and the kitchen was on the next floor, the loft was used to cure the meat, normally ham, pork and chorizo (sausage), this is why the floor used to have holes in it so that the smoke from the kitchen could rise. Many of the houses have large wooden balconies full of flowers. The main square in Alberca is flanked by doorways made of granite and wood.

Fiestas in La Alberca: These take place on the day of the Virgin of August, a special celebration when a play is staged in the streets of the village. Alberca's inhabitants become actors for the day giving life to characters such as the devil and angels. The atmosphere of the village is dominated by the multicoloured typcial costumes adorned with gold and silver which are worn with pride. At Easter there is also a fiesta celebrating 'el Día del Trago' or 'Lunes de Aguas' when the town hall invites the whole village to an aperitif.
Hotels in La Alberca: Although the remoteness of this beautiful Spanish village has largely protected it from an influx of tourists, it does boast two interesting hotels for those who want to stay overnight . Hotel Doña Teresa**** (www.hoteldeteresa.com) in the village itself, with spa facilities and a very good restaurant, and Hospedería Santuario Peña de Francia*** up in the Peña de Francia mountain sierra at 11 km. from La Alberca with wonderful views and another great restaurant.

Restaurants in Alberca: La Abuela Carmen Restaurant in the Hotel Doña Teresa serves good local food, as does Las Petronillas in Miranda del Castañar, 18km from La Alberca. Otherwise try one of the various tapas bars serving traditional dishes in Alberca itself.


Altea: 

 

gg Altea is one of the most picturesque places on the Levante coastline despite the fact that some of the more recent buildings have slightly damaged the special beauty and charm of this Mediterranean village. Alicante city is a half hour drive from Altea and Benidorm is just ten minutes away.

Altea used to be considered as a the 'hippy centre' of the area attracting a large international community of artists and musicians. Nowadays, tourism has overtaken cultural activity although a small number of artists still live in the old part of the village.

AlteaAltea is full of little white houses built on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. One of the prettiest views of the village can be seen from a new promenade built from Albir beach (in the village Alfaz del Pí) to Altea port.

There is a church at the top of the village which you can reach by going up the steep, narrow lanes. When you get to the top there is a small square with a several bars and restaurants, very popular with both locals and visitors, next to the church. There is a viewing point in the square with spectacular views over Altea bay and the Mediterranean.

view from AlteaBelow the old part of the village there is a small port, a pleasant promenade and a sandy beach with a playground for children. For those who prefer a more peaceful atmosphere you can reach a small beach with white pebbles and crystal clear water a short walk away along the Albir promenade.

Altea, like Alfaz del Pí and Benissa, has a large number residents from other parts of Europe (mainly Germany, the United Kingdom and Nordic countries). However these villages have retained their originality while at the same time welcoming the new residents and their influence on cultural activities and gastronomy as well as the changing urban landscape.

Monuments and interesting places in Altea

    * The Old Part: It is a pleasure to walk along the narrow lanes up to the top of the hill where you get fantastic panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
    * Iglesia Virgen del Consuelo: The church presides the town and has a pretty blue dome typical in Mediterranean villages on the coast.
    * The fishermen's quarters: The barrio de pescadores is in the lower part of the village.

Fiestas in Altea: On the 15th August there are fireworks from Castell de L'Olla, and 'Moros and Cristianos' fiestas at the end of September. Also on the 16th July the 'marineras de la Virgen del Carmen' fiestas.
Where to eat in Altea: Restaurante El Patio, fish, rice and seafood (especially mussels) next to Altea port. Very busy at weekends; Restaurante La Capella this is at the top of the village, it has a pleasant evening terrace during the summer months; Racó de Toni, traditional cuisine. There are some excellent restaurants just a short drive from Altea such as Casa Pepa (click on link for full description) and Al Zaraq. For the more reviews of restaurants near Altea see: Restaurants in Alicante, and Restaurants in the Costa Blanca.