Spain Travel Guide

If ones idea of a holiday in Spain involves spending the day soaking up the sun amidst soft golden sands, taking in breathtaking sunsets and partying till the break of dawn then head to the beaches of Benidorm where visitors will find all this and more! The resort is home to the Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches that have received Europe's prestigious Blue Flag status which means that sun seekers are assured of a clean and friendly environment.

Parents with small children will be happy to know that the beaches do have shallow waters where the shore meets the sea, while the more adventurous will find deeper areas further off. The beaches are also meticulously cleaned up after the day is done and those arriving the following morning will find pristine looking sand with no trace of the many feet which visited the day before.

Conveniently located close to many Benidorm apartments and hotels, the Levante and Poniente beaches are child friendly and have such features as play areas, well marked boards that parents can use as landmarks to meet their kids and even beach libraries (biblioplayas). These two main beaches also have lifeguard services that provide protection to the public from 0900hrs to 2000hrs in summer and from 1000hrs to 1700hrs during winter.

Another important factor regarding the Levante and Poniente beaches in Benidorm is the presence of ramps for those using wheelchairs. Certain spots also offer differently-abled visitors access to beach friendly walking sticks and wheelchairs as well as specially made wooden paths which lead to the water.

Water sports are in abundance along Benidorm's coastline as well. Waterskiing, banana boat rides, jet-skiing and paragliding are all popular activities during summer, while one can also indulge in longer boat trips and scuba diving excursions.

Since these beaches are relatively close to each other, exploring them does not pose a problem especially for those finding accommodation in hotels in Benidorm that are right near the seaside.

Playa Levante or sunrise beach greets visitors with a picturesque 2 kilometre stretch of shoreline that offers plenty of activities for all family members. Home to over 5,000 sun beds, this well-liked beach has mild waters for children to play in as well as diving boards and rafts further away from the shore. The Levante beach is also a popular spot for cable skiing.

Not to be missed is a walk along the seaside promenade with its many restaurants and bars and from where one can view some truly amazing sand sculptures. The surrounding Levante beach area is also known for its energetic nightlife and such venues as the Datona Beach Bar, KM Beach Bar, Penelope's and Ku Beach Club are worth a visit for die-hard party goers.

Named after its magnificent sunsets, Playa Poniente offers a more toned down coastal atmosphere. The crowds at the three kilometre long Poniente beach are generally less than that of Levante and the extra space gives one a chance to soak up the sun in relative freedom. The beach is well stocked with sun beds, while there are a few bars near by as well. Poniente beach also makes a great base from which to take a glass bottom boat ride to Benidorm Island.

Though the Poniente and Levante beaches get most of the attention, they are not Benidorm's only coastal areas. Situated within easy reach of the Old Town and the port, Playa del Mal Pas is a scenic little cove that provides some peace and tranquillity away from the masses. While Mal Pas beach can get busy at times it is still a great spot for some R&R.

The beaches in Benidorm offer more than just sun, sand and surf, but rather an idyllic setting where one can spend time with family and friends and forget about the cares of the world. While dogs are not allowed on the beaches, one should also remember to pack plenty of sunscreen because chances are that once having reached the beach, visitors will not want to return to their Benidorm Hotel till the day is done!

Costa Blanca happens to have mild weather year long. You will find that it tends to be one of the driest parts of Spain, but that only means that you have at least 300 days of pure sunshine. The climate is very good when it comes to traveling. In fact, the World Health Organization has declared it as one of the healthiest places in the world to live. The temperatures do not normally get too hot or too cold. It is perfect all year long.

As for the winter climate, you will find that the winters are very mild. You will also notice that the climate and temperatures in Costa Blanca are more comfortable than any other way of Europe. You will want to consider that the wintertime temperatures are usually around the lower 60's in Fahrenheit. As for beauty, this city has it. There are people from all over the world relocating just to be near all the natural beauty and culture. You will find that many Brits and Irishmen have second homes in the city, so that they can come back for the summer months. Seasonal Costa Blanca Weather

As for the weather in the springtime, you will find that it can be rainy at times; however, it rains more in the later months. You will find that it can be very dry in both the summer and spring. The temperatures are usually around the mid 50's in Fahrenheit.

As for the summertime you will find that it is one of the most popular times of the year to travel to Costa Blanca. You will notice that the weather is perfect for the beach and other outside activities. You may even want to take in a round of golf or two. You will find that Costa Blanca is famous for the golf vacations.

The summer is the perfect time because it has little rain and very hot temperatures. It can get as much as 104 degrees Fahrenheit; however, it usually stays around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

As for the weather in autumn, you will notice that this is where it will rain the most. Although, the temperatures are fine for activities and travel, you will have to deal with many unexpected storms. You will also notice that the thunderstorms are so common, that it's almost a downer to travel to Costa Blanca. Keep in mind that if even though the fall has some down points, you will be able to still enjoy much of the land and get to know the culture of it all. However, Flooding can occur.

It is very important that you know what to expect, weather wise, when it comes to traveling foreign lands. You should research the climate and the weather, so that you can not only pack properly, but understand what type of adventure you are hidden into.

This year's summer vacations are over, but there's always next year to look forward to!

But where in Europe might you be sharing a beach next year with a celebrity?

2008 could prove to be a guide...

Lake Como, Italy for example is one of the most romantic holiday spots in Europe. The lake itself is of glacial origin and the third largest lake in Italy. Its 400 meter depths makes it one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Lake Como is very well known for the attractive, historic villas that line its shores.

Designer Donatella Versace owns a home on Lake Como near the burial place of her late brother Gianni. Actor George Clooney is also among the stars who have purchased homes in Lake Como in recent years. Singer Avril Lavigne and husband Deryck Whimbey honeymooned in Lake Como a few years ago.

The Canary Islands are also a major celebrity holiday destination, and the good news for the not so famous is that there's often good price flights to Tenerife to be had - the Canary Islands have played host to several celebrities on holiday, including Jayde Goody, Coleen McLoughlin, and Michelle and Andy Scot-Lee. Dancing on Ice's Suzanne Shaw also frequently holidays in Gran Canaria. Lanzarote's Club La Santa, a well known sports and leisure complex, is where you're more likely to find sporting greats like Colin Jackson, Dwain Chambers, Jonathan Edwards and Jenson Button.

Each year Lanzarote also hosts a very large classical music festival, which draws stars from near and far. The festival is generally held from January to March with concerts in Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and the Balearic Islands.

The Balearic Islands of Majorca and Menorca are often frequented by celebrities. Although Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones own a home in neighbouring Majorca, they often visit Menorca for some time away from home. Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia have also spent family holiday time in Menorca.

In fact, many celebrities have homes on Majorca. English-born actress Patsy Kensit loves Majorca and said, 'Every summer I take my children to Majorca, one of the most beautiful places that I've been to.'

One of Hollywood's favorite couples, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones own an $8 million property on the west coast of Majorca. Douglas has also served as a Tourist Ambassador for the island. Cynthia Charles, former wife of Beatle John Lennon and mother of Julian Lennon, visits Majorca quite often. Other celebrities who enjoy their holiday time in Majorca are Spice Girl Mel B, Michael Schumaker, Claudia Schiffer, Annie Lennox, Suzy Quattro and Boris Becker just to name a few. Most recently, Harrison Ford and girlfriend Calista Flockhart have been spending holiday time there.

Celebrities aren't the only famous people you may see in Majorca. Royalty from around the globe also enjoy the occasional holiday to the lovely Spanish island. The late Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainier spent their honeymoon on Majorca. The king, queen, princess and prince of Austria recently visited Majorca with Princess Letizia's baby Leonor. The queen joined the princess for some shopping in Palma de Majorca's busiest commercial area. The late Princess Diana of Wales also made frequent trips to Majorca. Former President Bill Clinton made an official visit to Majorca during his tenure in office.

So for Europe, perhaps Tenerife and Majorca could be the places to book for a 2009 vacation.

San Sebastian is a historical place and offers many great places to visit, discover, and enjoy.

San Sebastian in Spain is a place full of beautiful sceneries for travelers and visitors. It offers broad variety of options one desires. The place is like a paradise full of adorable beaches, fun packed entertainment facilities, and cultural activities. It abounds in popular dishes, music and film festivals, sports, and wonderful people, too. San Sebastian also offers an opportunity to experience richness in customs and traditions.

Festivals like Semana Grande, Carnival, Caldereros Festival, and San Sebastian Day are the most awaited events by many tourists and spectators. The San Sebastian Day is celebrated every 20th of January. During this festival, the mayor raises the flag of San Sebastian at midnight at the Konstituzioa plaza as a tradition. The beating of drums fills the city for 24 hours. Marching folks dress like soldiers and cooks. They do the marching for the whole night.

San Sebastian is considered as the summer capital of Spain, too. It is perfectly located on the Bay of Biscay. The whole area is bordered by beautiful mountains and green pasture that catch the eyes of many visitors. The fascinating resort offers its visitors the most exciting and relaxing experience of a lifetime.

A lot of prominent personalities mostly bureaucrats, drive to San Sebastian in June and September to escape from the heat of summer. This place is a haven for local and foreign visitors who want to have a break from the grueling hectic life, as well. It is a combination of cosmopolitan style and traditional ambience. San Sebastian also boasts three of its most beautiful beaches, the Ondaretta, Playa de Gros, and Playa de la Concha.

Playa de la Concha is one of the renowned beaches. It presents a very wide space that can cater to a large tourist population. Vacationers gather around and get pleasure from summertime swimming and sun bathing. The beach is surrounded with abundant countryside background. When night falls, white lights the whole area of Playa de la Concha including the path going to the statue of Jesus that stands sky-scraping the city. The beach delivers a captivating experience during night time because of the shimmering water. At day time, visitors can explore water sports such as canoeing, sail boating, and kayaking. A beautiful boulevard offers tourists the chance to have a short walk after a delicious meal.

Ondarreta or little beach is another of the great spots in San Sebastian. It is just the perfect place to watch sailboats cruising along the sea water. A small park overlooking the beach is great for strolling and enjoying the cool breeze. Moreover, San Sebastian's beaches are matched with the best coffee shops, clubs, and restaurants. You can also have a taste of their most famous tapas in these beaches.

Several historical tourist spots worthy of exploration include Museo de San Telemo, Gothic Church of San Vicente, and Baroque Church of Santa Maria. These places grant foreigners especially the students, an opportunity to have a taste of the history and traditions of Spain. San Sebastian also boasts of the attraction of Miramar Palace, also well known as the Royal Country House of Miramar.

The palace sits near Pico Del Loro that marks the intersection of La Concha Beach and Ondarreta Beach. It also serves as the boundary between the districts of El Antiguo and Miraconcha. The palace symbolizes the early origins of San Sebastian. The Miramar palace compound includes a park, gardens, and buildings. It is a typical summer attraction, as well.

The Constitution Square is at the center of the city. The Square is one of the most popular ancient structures because it was used for bullfighting as early as the Middle Ages. Evidence is shown by the numbers engraved on the balconies. According to historians, the numbered rooms have been used by many spectators as a viewing area for the event.

The more adventurous visitors can climb Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo. Here in these mountains people can catch sight of an overlooking view of the entire town. These are one of the enthralling places to savor the fresh air, relax, and reminisce. San Sebastian is indeed a lovely sanctuary to either spend the vacation with your whole family or to stay at for business leisure. This is also a promising location that can give you the fantastic experience you will surely cherish for a long time.

Holiday resorts for swingers and tailor made swinging holidays are becoming more and more popular as the concept of living the swingers lifestyle is gaining social acceptance and respectability.

Whilst the Hedonism resorts in Jamaica have been providing swinger lifestyle holidays for over two decades now, more recently several swinger resorts in Spain have been establishing themselves as popular holiday destinations for British and other European swingers.

The Spanish swinger holiday resorts are generally on a much smaller scale than the Caribbean ones and there is far less in the way of laid on entertainment. Many British swingers do not see this as a disadvantage however, preferring to avoid the organised fun and games that is so popular with the U.S. swingers who holiday in the Caribbean. In Spain, the swinger holiday resorts are often nothing more than a large villa suitable for accommodating as few as four couples per holiday. Other resorts comprise of a group of similar villas sharing a swimming pool.

Twenty minutes away from Spain's Costa Blanca (the white coast), there is one such resort that comprises of four luxury villas. They are located in a very beautiful valley, offering seclusion and an atmospheric spot to enjoy a quiet, yet very erotic holiday. Swinger couples renting the villas share nude sunbathing around a lovely swimming pool. It is here or on the large communal terrace that the swinger holidaymakers meet up, socialising over a drink. The only time the holiday becomes a little more organised is on Saturday nights when the swinger parties are held. The numbers attending are made by visitors who may be staying at other resorts in the area plus some local swingers too.

Elsewhere in Spain there is a swinger holiday hotel with eighty rooms and three suites for swinger groups. The hotel is located on the Costa Del Sol near to Malaga. Also located on the outskirts of Malaga is a four double-bedroom villa with totally secluded pool and terrace facilities suitable for both swinging and naturist leisure. Further east along the coast near to the resort of Nerja another similar villa offers swinger holidays with regular parties.

On the Canary Islands there are popular swinger resorts on Fuerteventura and Tenerife. On Gran Canaria there is very popular swinger party venue where you can find something going on any night of the week but you will need to stay elsewhere because it does not accommodate.

The swinger resorts referred to above are just a few examples of many such resorts that are springing up in Spain. Those described are all located in coastal regions but if you don't mind being an hour or so from the nearest beach, there are some very good resorts to be found further inland. Our own swingers club, Club-Aphrodite, provides members with up to date information about swinger holidays.