Saint John's Day: celebrations on the Costa Brava

6/7/2017

One of the biggest festivals on the Costa Brava calendar is St John’s Eve (Sant Joan in Catalan). It takes place on the evening of the 23rd June every year and lasts until the next day. St John’s Day is a big party in several places around the world with different traditions making each celebration unique. The celebrations that take place across Catalonia range from small bonfires and parties with family and friends to bigger celebrations in towns and cities. Wherever you are, you are guaranteed an amazing time! Fireworks, food and Cava Known as the Revetlla, the fire and fireworks central to the Saint John’s Day parties are thought to come from Pagan times, like many other celebrations in the Christian calendar. Fire purifies and offers a fresh start, and in Catalonia it is just one element of a bigger party! There’s music, dancing in the streets, Cava, Catalonia’s sparkling alternative to Champagne, and fabulous food. One of the traditional breads that you have to try on the night is Saint John’s coca or Saint John’s cake. It’s a sweet bread topped with custard and candied fruits, as well as nuts if the baker adds them to his/her recipe. You can find some great traditional recipes and ones with a twist on the internet. Just search for Saint John’s coca or Coca de Sant Joan. The Flama del Canigó If you have a holiday home in Girona, you are in luck! It’s where the biggest celebrations take place and they all start with the Flama del Canigó or Canigó flame. The Canigó flame is a flame that is lit all year round and it is the flame which provides the torch for fires around Girona, and even further afield in Barcelona and other parts of the region. Torches are brought down from the top of the Canigó mountain where the flame is lit on the 22nd and 23rd June by way of a relay exchange. The flame is then spread across Catalonia, lighting up bonfires in individual towns using this relay exchange. Groups, villages and associations spread the flame in accordance with their own traditions and celebrate it with dancing, singing and music as they light their own bonfires in different ways. The flame represents the longevity of Catalonia and its culture. Looking for a house in this lovely area? Please have a look on our website immoVario.com to find a nice overview of houses for sale in the Costa Brava Sources: En.costabrava.org/events/event/saint-johns-eve Lameva.barcelona.cat/culturapopular/en/festivals-and-traditions/nit-de-sant-joan

A 2nd home close to Costa de la Luz´s natural park?

5/8/2017

The Costa de La Luz offers an excellent climate, outstanding food and wine and is home to some outstanding natural reserves. In 1977 the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and in 1984 it was declared as the first natural park in Andalucia. Covering an area of 51,695 hectares, the park’s fauna and flora combined with the rocky limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies and rock formations as well as the flowing rivers and streams provide a stunning setting for family days out or for hikes, walks and bike rides. Within the park there are several areas to explore, meaning this is the perfect place to come and visit at different times of the year. For those that want to simply relax in the shade, the El Castillejo botanical garden is ideal whilst the Ecomuseo del Agua, a water museum, tells the story of the use of water in the Sierra de Grazalema. It is located in an old watermill and is the starting point of one of the park’s walks. There are over 30 pre-planned walking routes (senderos) within the park, from one that is approximately 2.3km in length to one that is 10km long. Information on what you can see along the way is available at the park’s comprehensive information points. Fauna and flora The park is home to bats, birds and mammals. Birds of prey are particularly easy to spot with Griffon vultures found in the Garganta Verde which can be found within the Sierra del Pinar. Booted eagles, Egyptian vultures and Bonelli eagles also inhabit the Sierra’s highest, rockier outcrops. A large bat population is found in the Hunidero Gato caves, particularly in winter when they hibernate. The largest of the caves is a whopping 4km long. Common and less common mammals include badgers, foxes, roe deer, otters and the beautiful Spanish Ibex. As can be expected in Andalucia, the park’s flora includes cork and olive trees which grow alongside Mediterranean strawberry trees, dwarf fan palms and lentisc. Poplar, willow, alder and elm trees grow alongside the streams and the El Bosque river. Getting there and information centre The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is easy to reach by car via the A372, A373 and A374 from your holiday home on the Costa de la Luz. It has three information centres in various locations (Cortes de la Frontera, El Bosque and Grazalema) which provide maps, information and walking routes and you can also find information at the tourist office in Cadiz and Malaga. Please have a look at our holiday homes for sale on the Costa de la Luz, to be able to enjoy this area more often! Sources: Andalucia.com

Buy a home in Murcia, near Cartagena's rich history

4/14/2017

Cartagena, the capital of the Murcia region is a fabulous city to visit from your second home on the Costa Cálida. A smaller, lesser known Spanish city compared to Málaga or Barcelona, it has a true Iberian feel, and its main attractions can be found in the predominantly intact stone city walls. Roman empire Once inhabited by the Romans, originally in 209 BC before being noted as a colony in 54BC, Cartagena still has vestiges of the empire on show to visit today. The Roman Theatre Museum has exhibitions explaining how the archaeological digs have taken place over time, exposing the city’s Roman past and culminates in a visit to the remains of the Roman amphitheatre which has been restored in places to give an overview of what it would have looked like at the time. Naval history Cartagena has a rich naval history, although today it’s more likely to be cruise ships docking at its port than merchant and trading ships. A fascinating look into both Cartagena and indeed Spain’s naval history can be found at ARQVA, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. A ship-shaped, half-submerged museum located on the waterfront which boasts wreckage from a Phoenician ship from the 7th century BC, finds from Greek and Middle Ages ships as well as treasures from Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, a ship that sank in Portuguese waters off the Algarve but that was discovered by an American company. The Spanish government fought to claim the wreck and its contents as a part of Spanish national history and some of the results can now be seen in Cartagena. The Capitanía General building in the centre of town is also fantastic for sailing fans and those who like intricately decorated buildings and dates from 1738. Castle views Take the lift to the Castillo de la Concepción for the best view of the town and harbour. You can explore the 13th century castle which was built on top of a Roman temple and was also the location of the air-raid siren during the Spanish Civil War. Lunch options Excellent menús del día are available all around town. If you don’t feel like putting together your own meal to enjoy in the Plaza de la Merced, the tapas are fantastic on Calle Mayor or you can simply enjoy the view along the waterfront where the newly opened bars are perfect for a drink later on in the afternoon before working up an appetite for dinner late in the evening. For details of properties currently available in this area, click on this link: properties for sale Costa Calida Sources: Independent.co.uk Mecd.gob.es Spainisculture.com Also have a look at: https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/travel-tips.html picture: © Vadim Khomyakov | Dreamstime.com - Roman theater and ruins of cathedral. Cartagena, Spain

Dénia: a good place for your new home in the sun

3/6/2017

One of our popular locations for those looking to buy a second home on the Costa Blanca is Dénia. With 20 kilometres of coastline, amazing beaches and an array of sport and social activities, Dénia is an excellent choice for those who want to move to a warmer climate with an established expat community. Dénia has an extensive cultural offering including churches, a castle and several museums. Here is a summary of the must-see sites near your new home. Churches There are three main churches to visit in Dénia: iglesia de la Asunción, iglesia de San Antonio and iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Loreto. These churches can be found in the centre of town, a short walk from the marina area. Castle and Archaeology Museum The castle and museum are located in the centre of town and are open all year round, with opening times varying depending on the time of the year. The museum of archaeology is located within the castle and can be reached on foot from the Plaza de la Constitución in the centre of town and it can also be reached on the tourist train which you can catch from the stop located on Marqués de Campo. The museum has four rooms with exhibits showing pieces from four main periods in Spanish history: Iberian, Roman, Moorish and Christian. The Islamic bronze collection and Andalucian ceramic collections are of particular importance and note. Museo Etnológico With exhibits over three floors, the Ethnological Museum is located in a typical 19th century bourgeois house. Dénia grew rapidly in the 19th century thanks to its links to the raisin trade. The museum explains how the city underwent major urban development and how its growing middle-class society enjoyed the benefits of the increased wealth during this time with the arrival of the railway and natural gas just some of the new luxuries to be found there. The museum's artwork, period clothing displays and tools of the time explain how grapes were harvested, how industrialisation affected the raisin manufacturing process and what the affects of price fluctuations were on the city's strong commercial partnerships with England, northern Europe and America. Our properties in Dénia If Dénia sounds like the perfect place for your new home in the sun, check out our houses for sale Denia in this ever-popular city. Sources en.comunitatvalenciana.com denia.net

The circus is in town!

2/8/2017

The Figueres International Circus Festival is an event that is not to be missed for those who love seeing the circus when it is in town. In 2017, the festival returns to Figueres for the sixth consecutive year with a wealth of artists, acrobats and entertainers lined up, ready to delight and amuse those who step into the big top. The big top in numbers This year the festival takes place from the 16th to the 20th February and has a whopping 82 artists from 24 different countries in its line up. There are three new shows in this year's programme and 2,206 spectators in each audience, alongside judging panels who will decide who goes through to the final show. The shows There are three different shows to see: the red and blue which give the artists their first opportunity to show off their ballet dancing, juggling or acrobatic skills. These two shows take place in front of a selection of judges whose final decisions determine who goes through to the gold show which is the circus's final performance where the awards are also given out. The artists This year's festival boasts a variety of artists from all over the world. From Baltabarín, the Chilean clown to Wu Song Tao, a Chinese magician to Marco Antonio Penagos, a Mexican hula hooper, there is something to wow everyone. Circus exhibitions As well as the big show itself, there are a series of exhibitions open to the public with photos from past events and information about each act. Circus memorabilia will also be on sale for those who want a long-lasting souvenir of their visit. The big tent One of the highlights of the show is the big tent which has 360 degrees visibility for those watching the show. There are no columns to spoil the view in this inclined grandstand. Tickets are available online now and given how popular the event is we advise you to book early. The Figueres International Circus Festival is a perfect excuse to visit Figueres from your home on the Costa Brava. A lovely town in itself, Figueres is a short drive from many of our locations on the Costa Brava. Please have a further look on our website for a nice offer of property for sale on the Costa Brava! Sources www.festivaldelcirc.com/en En.costabrava.org

Freshly laid snow on the Costa Brava

1/26/2017

Unearth your ski boots because it's time to enjoy some freshly laid snow in the Spanish Pyrenees, an easy drive from the Costa Brava! Owning a home on the Costa Brava isn't just about enjoying the sunshine and lazy days on the beach. The Spanish Pyrenees have five ski resorts, offering both Alpine and Nordic ski resorts. Well-known amongst the Spanish, the Spanish Pyrenees are still not quite on the map for ski fans in Europe, so they're the perfect getaway without the hustle and bustle of the Swiss and French Alps. Alpine resorts La Molina, Masella, Vall de Núria and Vallter 2000 are the Alpine ski resorts of the Spanish Pyrenees. The Alp 2500 area links La Molina and Masella to one another. All of these ski resorts have ski schools, so there's an opportunity to learn to ski for even the most novice of snow-lovers. Nordic resorts Guils-Fontanera is the Spanish Pyrenees' Nordic ski resort. It has 45km of pistes and for those who want to relax with a view and a hot drink (chocolate and mulled wine are always a good choice!), there are beautiful views over the peaks and the Cerdanya valley. Mountain trails and ice climbing For the more adventurous, there are some fantastic trails that can take you off the beaten track. A mountain guide is available at two of the ski resorts in the Alpine resorts (Alta Cerdanya Ski School and 360skiers - Turisme Actiu a la Cerdanya) to help you enjoy the wilder side of the snow-topped Pyrenees. Activities available include high mountain walking, ice climbing and ski mountaineering. You can choose to ski in the Spanish Pyrenees near your home on the Costa Brava for anything from one day to a longer stay. A weekend break for a spot of exercise with friends and family on sunny slopes is the perfect escape from the dreary clouds of northern Europe. With flights from many local airports with low cost airlines, you can even take your own skis and ski equipment. What are you waiting for? Head to the Costa Brava for a break on some of Europe's best kept snow secrets! Looking for a house in this lovely area? Please have a look on our website immoVario.com to find a nice overview of property for sale in the Costa Brava Sources: En.costabrava.org

Buying Spanish Property: Traditional Spanish Food

1/14/2017

When you buy a property in Spain, you will not only be enjoying the sunshine and the laid-back Spanish lifestyle, but will also have the opportunity to explore the local cuisine. The Spanish love their food and drink and take it very seriously. While it is certainly possible for Brits to enjoy a full English breakfast or traditional Sunday roast in the main resorts, Spanish cuisine remains very traditional and is one of the pleasures of living in this beautiful country. Breakfast In Spain, breakfast is a light meal. Spaniards may start the day with a sweet roll and jam, or toast accompanied by cheese or a slice of ham. The drink of choice is a large bowl of café con leche. Throughout Spain, churros are a popular treat. These lightly-fried doughnuts are flavoured with cinnamon or honey. Lunch Lunch is the main meal of the day and it is no wonder that the Spanish linger over it and also take a siesta afterwards! After starting with a soup, salad or tortilla, you will move on to the main course, perhaps grilled meat or seafood with chips, accompanied by wine or water. This is followed by a dessert such as flan, a creamy milk pudding, or fruit, and you will finish up with coffee. Restaurants usually charge from between €7 and €10 for a three-course lunch. Tapas Tapas are popular in the evenings and at weekends, when you can wander from bar to bar, nibbling a few tapas at each. The menu is varied, but favourites include slices of succulent Serrano ham, wedges of cold tortilla, and meat fritters. Tapas may be accompanied by a cool San Miguel beer, a glass of sangria or a chilled Amontillado sherry. Dinner Dinner in Spain is a lighter meal than lunch, perhaps consisting of soup and an omelette, or paella, a delicious combination of rice, shellfish and chicken, flavoured with saffron. The Spanish like to dine late - it is not uncommon to see families sitting down to eat at 10 pm, especially during the summer. Wherever you are considering buying property in Spain, a little research is sure to unearth excellent local restaurants, and locals are usually only too happy to help with their own recommendations.  ImmoVario presents the offer of local real estate agencies in touristic areas of Spain. So please have a look elsewhere on this website to see the available options!

Tenerife is simply pure enjoyment

12/21/2016

Enjoy the luxury of Tenerife Tenerife is a beautiful island off the West coast of Africa that belongs to the Spanish Canaries. It is surrounded by a beautiful blue sea that not only allows you to snorkel and dive, but also boasts the possibility of open water whale and dolphin excursions! From the coast you can see the top of the Teide volcano, which towers proudly above all. There are beautiful national parks full of greenery and exceptional nature and a selection of fascinating tropical zoos. The rhythm of this island and the friendly atmosphere makes you want to live here. A holiday home in Tenerife Your own holiday home in Tenerife is within touching distance with our wonderful selection of homes over here, for instance in the "Abama" resort. This resort includes detached houses with swimming pools, breath-taking views over the ocean to the other islands and an oasis of green with palm trees surrounding the complex. At the resort you can play tennis and enjoy great golfing at the private golf course. Prefer the beach? No problem! Put on a swimsuit, grab a towel and take full advantage of the private beach exclusive to resort residents. If that is not a luxury what is! Apartments & villas The Abama resort consists mainly of luxury villas yet also boasts several luxury apartments. The only difference is that the apartments do not have their own swimming pool but they do have a spacious, private balcony so you can enjoy even more breath-taking views. Additionally you are able to utilise the entire resort facilities. This means your mail is stored at reception, you can enjoy buffets for breakfast and dinner and there are washing machines and other facilities available to make your stay more enjoyable. In addition, the resort strive to make you feel at home on the island and the resort and to make your stay as enjoyable and as relaxed as possible. There is even an annual Owners & Cup Gala weekend of festivities! If you dream of owning your own property on a tropical island whilst staying close to home and the EU then you are at the right place in Tenerife. At only four and a half hours flight from the UK, no visa and no vaccination program, Tenerife is simply pure enjoyment! Here you can find an overview of properties for sale on Abama-Golf! 

Buying a home near Girona: a multi-faceted town.

12/8/2016

If you're a fan of both beaches and parasols as well as ski resorts and après ski, Girona could be the perfect place to buy your holiday home. Located near the Spanish border with France, Girona is perfectly placed for those who love skiing in winter and sunbathing in summer. Its proximity to the Pyrenees makes it easy to get to for a few days away in a ski resort and in summertime you have the whole of the Costa Brava, which stretches from Portbou to Blanes, to enjoy, often without the crowds that can be found further south. Eat and drink like a local Enjoy a glass of locally-produced Cava with your meal. Local delicacies include Butifarra, a sausage that was created in Medieval times and is still eaten today, the Xiuxo, a deep fried crema catalana filled pastry and of course, the crunchy, delicious Girona apples that grow in the brilliant sunshine that this region enjoys. The City of Four Rivers Girona is known as the The City of Four Rivers because it is where four rivers meet. One of the main rivers, the Onyar divides the old part of the city from the new. The old part of the city was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B. C and was later home to Jews, Arabs and Christians. Each culture has left its mark on the city. Inside the Força Vella (the walled old town) we recommend a visit to the Cathedral which has a Gothic nave and a fortress-like appearance. It's a whopping 91 steps to the entrance but it's worth it once you get there. Learn about the Jewish history of the town at the Museum of Jewish History. The Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492 and this museum provides a fantastic insight into the people who lived in the streets and tiny houses of the "Call", the Jewish area. Getting there Girona has its own airport which is easily accessed by low cost carriers from numerous European hubs. It is also within an hour's drive of Barcelona, offering plenty of choice when it comes to booking some time in your home away from home. Looking for a house in this lovely area? Please have a look on our website immoVario.com to find a nice overview of property for sale in the Costa Brava. Sources Telegraph.co.uk Spain.info

Step out in style from your home in Elche

11/12/2016

Fantastically located between both Murcia and Alicante airport, Elche is extremely popular for homes in the sunshine. The third largest city in the Valencian Community after Valencia and Alicante, it has all of the amenities of the largest cities in the region, and some say, a more Spanish feel given that unlike most other towns and cities in the area, its main industry isn't tourism. Elche is instead, famous for its shoemaking. The city produces over 50% of the shoes made in Spain - those that stay in Spain and those that ship to other parts of Europe and indeed the world. With over 1,000 shoe factories, it's the ideal place to buy a home if you have always dreamt of a walk-in shoe wardrobe at affordable prices. Gioseppo, Hispanitas, Pikolinos and Panama Jack have factories here and their outlets can be found at the Ruta Outlet, a short drive from the centre of town. Pura Lopez is one of Elche's most famous designers of high-end shoes. Her clients include Kylie Minogue, Lea Michele and European royal households. In addition to Elche's wonderful shoe production, there are some interesting places to wander around in this lovely town. Visit the market on Monday mornings to stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables and local produce. Top of most people's lists is the Elche Palm Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, which has between 200,000 and 300,000 palm trees to see. Within the grove you can visit the Huerto del Cura (Priest's Orchard). It's a smaller plot of land, created and owned by a priest until 1918 and today it is a mix of plants from various places, all growing together in a unique location. There is a small café here or take a picnic and enjoy the shade of the trees on a hotter day. The Altamira Castle which dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, is located near the Elche Palm Grove making it ideal to combine with a visit to see the plam trees. It has had various uses over time including as a prison during the Spanish Civil War and as a town hall in more recent times. When you simply want to relax on a beach, there are two main beaches just 12km from Elche at El Arenals del Sol and El Carabassi as well as the beaches at El Pinet La Marina, Les Pesquers and El Rebollo which are popular for surfing and even diving excursions. Elche is a fantastic place to visit for a day from your home on the Costa Blanca and we also have a selection of fine houses there for those who want to live in a town with a more Spanish feel: property for sale Elche ! Sources: Visitelche.com Whc.unesco.org