Spanish Life

Staying in the Costa Blanca Spain

espanaThe Costa Blanca Spain is one of the most popular tourist areas in the country. This area is located along the Mediterranean Sea and is well known for its beautiful beaches. The area has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. While summer is the most popular time to visit, the climate is beautiful all year round.

The first step in planning your trip is to decide which areas you’d like to visit. Larger cities, such as Torrevieja, Benidorm and Alicante have a busy night life, theme parks and historical attractions as well as beautiful beaches. Smaller towns such as Denia and Altea offer a quiet place to relax and enjoy the weather. Consider what you would like to do when choosing your destination.

Travelling to and Around the Costa Blanca Spain

The majority of the visitors to the Costablanc a enter through the Alicante airport. This is a large airport that offers several choices in discount airlines. You have more choices in flights at this airport than in many of the smaller airports in the region. To find the best deals, book your flight well in advance of your trip, particularly in the summer months.

The internet is one way to find discount flights. Keep in mind that not all discount carriers are listed on the major travel websites. To find these, you will need to track down the information and contact the airlines directly. This will take more time and effort, but you will save money.

Be prepared to give up a few conveniences in exchange for a lower fare. Many discount airlines don’t offer snacks, require you to check your bags after each layover and will require at least one layover during your trip. In addition, you may need to fly during off peak hours to save the most money.

Once you arrive on the Costa Blanca, you will need to decide how you will travel during your trip. You can either rely on public transportation or consider a car hire. Spain has a good train system and larger cities have good systems of public transportation. Buses and trains are available from the airport to the city and between cities. If you don’t plan to travel through the region extensively, you may rely on public transportation.

If you want to visit many different areas of the region, you may want to consider a car hire. You can rent a car at the airport or in the city after you arrive. A car gives you the freedom to move from place to place. In addition, you won’t need to schedule your travel by the public transportation schedule. You can come and go as you like.

Staying in the Costa Blanca Spain

You will need to make arrangements for accommodations on your vacation. You can either stay in a hotel or rent a property. Hotels are available in abundance all over the region. You can choose a large hotel or resort with many amenities and activities to keep you busy. Golf resorts have become very popular destinations in the area. There are also a variety of smaller, less expensive hotels in the area.

Some people prefer to rent a private property on vacation. Apartments are available in abundance in many of the large cities. You could also rent a villa in the smaller villages. Many rentals have amenities, such as community or private swimming pools. Some are in the center of the attractions, while others are a little off the beaten path for more privacy.

Renting a property has several advantages. For a longer stay, it can actually be cheaper than a hotel. You will have more privacy in a rented property. Most have kitchens, which gives you the option of cooking some of your meals. You can try out a few new local recipes in the kitchen.

You can find property rentals on the internet or through a travel agent. Be sure to look in advance, especially if you are travelling in the summer months. In large cities, such as Benidorm, properties get booked quickly. Some are booked as far as six months in advance.

About the author: Johnathan Bakers’s news stories are found on numerous web pages related to Costa Blanca and Spain.Through his reports such as http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-blanca.html ,he affirmed his knowledge on news related to Costablanc a and Benidorm region.

Attractions to see Benidorm and the Costa Blanca

los-monetesinosHolidays in Benidorm, Spain are a popular destination in the summer months. In addition to being a popular vacation spot, people from all over Europe have been purchasing second homes in the city. The most popular time for travel is in the summer, but the climate here is beautiful all year long.

There are many choices in accommodation for your holiday. The city has over 35,000 hotel beds in both large and small hotels. In addition, there are over 200,000 apartments in the city. Many of these are available for weekly vacation rentals. Finding a place to stay isn’t difficult. If you will be travelling in the summer, book your reservation early.

Transportation for Holidays in Benidorm, Spain

Benidorm is located about forty five kilometers north east of Alicante. Most visitors arrive with a flight into the Alicante airport. This large airport offers many flights from large and discount airlines. It isn’t hard to get a good fare from anywhere in Europe or North America into this airport.

Once you arrive in the region, you have a few options for transportation. A car hire is the best option if you want to be free to travel around the region. You won’t have to rely on public transportation schedules to get where you want to go. There are car hire companies located at the airport. In addition, there are twenty companies located in the city of Benidorm.

There is a bus that runs from the airport to Benidorm. This is a direct bus route. The bus runs four times each day from morning until night. Taking the bus is less expensive than a taxi from the airport to the city. If you don’t want to wait for the next scheduled bus, taxis are always available. They are more expensive, but you can travel at your own convenience.

There is a train from Alicante to Benidorm. This train is not located at the airport, but in the city. You will need to take a bus from the airport into Alicante. The train has its own station which is located at the north end of the harbor area. The trains run several times each day and this is a convenient way to travel.

Attractions to See in Holidays in Benidorm, Spain

There are three theme parks in the Benidorm area. Aqualandia is a water park. If you are staying in the city, a bus is available to the park. There are activities and slides for all ages. The park has several pools with lifeguards. There are areas to relax in a hammock and enjoy the sun. There are restaurants and cafes for eating in the park.

Terra Mitica is a theme park that is built around the theme of ancient Mediterranean civilizations. Each section of the park is based on a different civilization. The rides, shows, food and even gift shop items are based on that theme. There are shows from the time periods and civilizations in the different areas of the park.

Mundomar Park is a marine life park. There are dolphins, seals and other sea life to view. The dolphins and seals perform in shows every day. You can ride on a glass bottom boat to view the sea life from a different perspective. There are parrots and a variety of other birds at the park as well.

The beaches are one of the biggest attractions in the area. There are two beaches in the city. The Playa de Poniente is a larger beach. This beach is located on a main road and is the busier of the two beaches. The Playa de Levante is a smaller beach. It is quieter and less crowded. This beach is a good place to relax.

Benidorm is famous for its night life. There are several bars and discos in the city. This city comes alive at night and the party lasts until nearly dawn. If you enjoy night life, music and dancing, you will want to explore the city at night.

About the author: Johnathan Bakers’s short articles can be discovered on a variety of websites associated with Spain and Alicante. Working on his detailed writings on Spain and Benidorm he expressed his deep knowledge in the field.

Cook a Paella Dish That Will Please a Crowd

paellaPaella is a traditional Spanish recipe that has seen many different various evolve, all of them equally as delectable! You can make paella with seafood in the real traditional sense or with chicken, rabbit, or a vegetarian version. The one ingredient that remains the same for any type of paella dish however is the rice.

The Right Paella Rice
A long-cooking short grained rice is the right kind of rice for a paella recipe, no matter what other ingredients are included. You can use whole-grain or wild rice for a healthier various over plain, white rice. The key is that it is not instant and that when cooking it over time it is able to absorb the liquids used to make the dish. When you get enough stock to absorb without letting the rice get too limp or dry, then you have made it right.

Paella can become an impressive meal even if you are caught off guard with a sudden house full of guests. You can use lots of rice to make the dish spread further and ration out the more scarce ingredients.

Flexible and Plentiful
What can you put in the paella? Just about anything you have on hand. Once you have the right kind of rice you next need to have a good flavoured stock. The stock is what gives this dish its proper flavour and its mouth-watering colouring. Saffron, also called azafran, is what gives the food its light yellow hue. This is what makes it recognizable as paella.

Sample the Perfect Seafood Paella Recipe
The ingredients you will need for your paella include about 4 cups rice 8 cups fish stock 8 king-sized langoustines or prawns 8 mussles ½ pound shrimp 8 ounces fresh or frozen peas 2 tomatoes, first skinned and then chopped. (Tip: skin the tomatoes by dipping them in boiling water for a few seconds then running them under cold water. The skin will peel right off.) 2 cloves of garlic sliced very thinly 3 strands of saffron crumbled by hand.

You will also need good virgin olive oil for frying the seafood.
Start by sautéing the garlic in a paella pan. Add tomatoes, peas, shrimp and saffron. Let this cook just until the garlic is tender, but don’t let it burn. It will ruin the entire dish. Add the uncooked rice and stock. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes so the rice can absorb the stock and plump up. You will want to cover the dish so the liquid does not evaporate too quickly. Poach the rest of the seafood in boiling water for just a few minutes.

It’s All About Presentation
Paella is even more delicious when it is presented in the traditional manner. A large flat platter is the perfect dish to layout the rice mixture then top with the individual seafood in a decorative way. You can garnish your creation with some lemon wedges and serve some extra lemon in another dish to compliment the seafood.

In other variations of paella, you would begin the same way. Instead of stirring in the shrimp, however, you would sauté the chicken or other meat until it is about ¾ way cooked. You can top with other cooked meats at the presentation time and garnish with lemon as well.

This signature dish of Spain is gaining popularity worldwide. Special paella pans can be purchased online and at retailers around the world. The tell-tale shape of a large flat pan, almost like a frying pan but a bit deeper is often adorned with gold or stainless steel handles. The lid is a must, since a properly fitting lid is needed to regulate how fast the liquid soaks up.

About the author: Concentrating recent findings in Spain, the columnist publishes normally for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His articles on paella can be encountered on http: //www.alicante-

Travelling To Alicante After Arrival

Travelling to AlicanteTravelling to Alicante is one of the most desired locations in Spain. Summer is the busiest month for travel to this area. Start early making plans for your holiday. You will get better rates on flights and a car hire when you book early.

Finding the Best Rate for Travelling to Alicante
Most travellers arrive in the region with flights into Alicante airport. This is a large airport with many options for low cost fares. A wide variety of large and small carriers offer flights from around the world into this airport. To find the best rate, book early. This is especially true if you will be flying in the busy summer season.

You may have to do some research to find the best prices on flights to Alicante. A good place to start is with travel sites. Compare fares and flights from a few different sites when searching for the best rate. Keep in mind that discount airlines are not always listed on these sites. You may have to contact the company directly for information. This can take quite a bit of time, but the money you save will be worth it.

Start your search early, especially if you are travelling in the summer. This is the busiest time for travel on the Costa Blanca. Flights book quickly and waiting will cost you money. Air fares work on the principle of supply and demand. When there are few seats left, you will pay a higher fare.

The days of the week you choose for travel will impact the fare you will pay. Travelling mid week is generally cheaper than flying over the weekend. Look for flights on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for a better fare. The difference in cost can be significant. Return home midweek as well.

The time of day you travel can also impact the cost of the flight. Flights during off peak hours are generally less expensive. This may mean leaving in the very early morning hours. While this may be inconvenient, it’s a good way to save money on your fare.

Consider the time of year. The summer months are the most expensive time to travel. The region is also very crowded during these months. Consider travelling to the Costa Blanca in late Spring or early Autumn to save money. The weather is still hot enough to enjoy the beach and water activities, but there are less crowds and prices are more reasonable.

Travelling to Alicante After Arrival

Once you arrive in Alicante, you will need to make travel arrangements to your final destination. There is a good system of buses and trains to travel from town to town. If you are planning to spend most of your time in the city, you may be able to make due with public transportation. Even short excursions to neighboring cities can be arranged on public transportation.

If you are planning to visit many areas in the region, you may want to consider a car hire. There are several car hire companies located in the airport and in the city. These make hiring a car very convenient. You can pick up your car at the airport. Companies based in the city will arrange for your transportation to and from the airport.

For the best rate on a car hire, book early. Waiting until the last minute will result in a higher rate. If you are travelling during the busy season, you may not be able to get the vehicle you want if you wait. Compare prices both on the Internet and directly through each company to find the best rate.

The price for a car hire is affected by several factors. One is availability. The more vehicles that are available, the lower the rate you will pay. The size of the car is another factor. Smaller, compact cars will be less expensive than larger vehicles. In addition, compact cars are better for gas mileage which will also save money.

Extra features with your car hire can also raise the rate you will pay. These include the cost for an extra driver, child seats and air conditioning. Consider which of these you need and which you can live without. You will want air conditioning if you are travelling in the hotter months.

You may be able to live without a child safety seat, if you bring your own from home. This can be a hassle during travel, but your child will be more comfortable. In addition, you will be certain the seat fits your child. If you decide to rent a car seat, be sure to mention this when you reserve the vehicle. You want to be sure a seat will be available when you arrive.

About the author: Robert Carlton is writing largely for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online publication with information about Benidorm . His work on Alicante are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com .spain.com/spain-tips/paella.html and also other web pages.

The best Sightseeing Spots in Alicante Spain

Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencia Province. The city is a major tourist attraction and there are many opportunities for sightseeing in Alicante. Over six million tourists visit the Costa Blanca region each year. Many of them enter the region through the Alicante airport and spend some time in the city.

Sightseeing in Alicante: Attractions

The Old City centre is home to many museums and historic buildings. There is so much to see and do in this area to experience Spanish history and culture. It takes days to see all that the area has to offer. Plan to spend a few days of your trip in this area, taking in all the sights.

The Nativity Scene Museum is located on San Augustin Street. The museum features hundreds of Nativity scenes on display from all over the world. Kids and people who love Christmas will love this museum. Admission is free. This attraction is popular even in the summer tourist season.

The Concathedral of San Nicolas de Bari is an amazing old Cathedral. The large blue dome on the church is a landmark in the city. There is a large black marble sculpture of Saint Nicholas in the entrance of the church. It is also home to the Bishop of the Province.

The Avenida del Teatro is a huge theatre. It has large, Roman style columns at the entrance. The theatre is a great place to go for evening entertainment. A variety of shows and plays can be seen in this theatre.

The Castle of Santa Barbara is one of the largest Medieval fortresses in Europe. It was built by the Moors in the ninth century. There is a great view of the city from the tower. The castle is full of local history. Artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age have been found at the site. There is an amazing display of Spanish sculpture inside the castle.

Alicante has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the night life. The Barrio Santa Cruz, also known as the Old Quarter is a great place to experience the city at night. The area has a Medieval style feeling. There are a lot of bars and pubs in the area. If you enjoy music and abundant nightlife, be sure to visit the Old Quarter at least one night of your stay in the city.

Sightseeing in Alicante: Shopping and Beaches

The beaches are the biggest attraction in Alicante. The Costa Blanca has the longest summer season in Spain and is the best place to enjoy the sun. There is a promenade near the beach that is lined with palm trees. There are several sidewalk cafes here for eating and enjoying the beautiful weather.

The Plaza Nueva Alicante is a little aquarium in this area of the city. It is surrounded with palm trees and a modern display. The aquarium is a great place to relax and take a break from sightseeing.

There are many small and large stores for shopping throughout the city. The harbour and old city area have an abundance of small shops as well as El Corte Ingles, which is a large department store chain. In addition, there are local craftspeople along the waterfront selling a variety of crafts.

Alicante also has a large shopping mall. The Panoramis Shopping Mall is located near the harbour. It is similar to malls found in America, with a large variety of stores for shopping. In addition to the great shopping, the mall offers a beautiful view of the harbour area.

The Real Club de Regatas, or Royal Regatta Club is located in this area as well. Members of the Spanish Royal Family have been known to visit the club. You may get lucky and get a glimpse of royalty during your visit.

About the author: Focusing on latest news in Torrevieja, the reviewer writes articles essentially for http://www.alicante-spain.com . Working on his reports such as http://www.alicante-spain.com ,the author expressed his depth of understanding on topics corresponding to Alicante and Benidorm.