Spain Life - Helping you to visit or live in Spain

The Spanish Region of Catalonia

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 17:42:22 +0000

Catalonia shares it's northern border with the countries of Andorra and France in the mountainous Pyrenees. The Mediterranean Sea forms it eastern border with the coast running south west down as far as the region of Valencia. The eastern border is shared with the region of Aragon. Throughout history Catalonia has struggled for greater autonomy in it's relationship with Spain. In attempts to gain full independent it has on more than occasion revolted. Few Catalonians today aspire to have any real expectations of independence but the struggle for greater autonomy within Spain continues.

The Balearic Islands (history)

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 17:37:09 +0000

The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, around 5000 BC, and there are many Cyclopean remains. These show the communities constructed dwellings of stone. There is evidence of primitive agriculture including the keeping of domesticated animals. Jewellery, pottery and tools appear to have been manufactured. Later they were frequently visited by Phoenician traders. In 654 BC the Carthaginians founded what is today Ibiza city. Roman occupation followed and they were in turn evicted by the Visigoths.

Travel to Spain - Enjoy a Spring Day in Barcelona

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 17:33:56 +0000

One of the most fashionable and cosmopolitan European cities is Barcelona, the right place to enjoy a spring day walking through its magnificent streets, shopping or finding a Barcelona holiday apartment. Yes, after your arrival at this gorgeous city it is more likely you will want to stay, so finding an accommodation in Barcelona is a must.

On your next visit to Spain, check with your travel agent for possibilities in receiving both cheap international plane tickets and Barcelona apartment rental facilities, including home-stay with selected families of the best neighborhoods, or live in a fully equipped Barcelona holiday apartment.

Guide to Accommodation in Barcelona

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 17:31:13 +0000

Travel to Barcelona is a once in a lifetime experience, ideal for those who like the sensational architecture of Antonio Gaudi. The famous Catalan architect gave this city his unique style and highly individualistic designs, including building and Barcelona apartments, in a style developed since his early days at the city's Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura, to which he remained affiliated with his entire life.

Top Tourist Attractions in Barcelona, Spain

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 17:25:38 +0000

Barcelona, located in Spain is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Make sure you see all it has to offer when you are there. From museums to popular beaches, and don’t forget the excellent restaurants, Barcelona promises to deliver excitement, enjoyment, and above all, a time you will never forget!

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia and the second most heavily populated city in Spain. It is located in northeastern Spain, approximately 160 KM from the French border. The population is roughly 1,509,500. Barcelona has 53 museums and galleries, 41 theatres, 143 cinemas, 6 beaches, 62 parks and gardens, and well over 2,300 restaurants. Let’s get moving as there is so much to see!

Christmas in Spain

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 17:30:03 +0000

Rather refreshingly, Spain doesn’t seem to start gearing up for Christmas until they get into the month of December. It’s not the huge commercial circus that it is in the US and the UK; the lights and decorations won’t be seen until the start of December and gradually Christmas markets start to appear and trees can be bought in the streets.

It’s also worth noting that Spain is largely a Roman catholic nation so the festivities still hold important religious connotations, the first date of note is December 8th, Immaculada (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception), this really kicks of the start of the religious celebrations. The holiday period really begins on December 22nd when all of Spain tunes into the television or radio to hear the results of “El Gordo”, a huge lottery draw that will see thousands of prizes dished out to winners from across the country.

5 Reasons Why you Need a Mortgage on a Property in Spain

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 17:34:49 +0000

I choose the word ‘need’ carefully for it is more urgent than the alternative ‘want’ and adds more strength to the issues discussed. For most readers though the ‘need’ word will apply, perhaps not in all cases, but certainly in some and I would stress an understanding of how the issues impact you.

1) Purchase. It goes without saying that a significant percentage of people buying here cannot purchase outright for cash. For whatever reason, they do not have access to the necessary capital and therefore, irrespective of age, they will need assistance in funding.

Spain's Other Languages

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 21:13:02 +0000

Despite Castilian (Or Español) being the main language of Spain there are also a number of other languages spoken throughout Spain – many are now recognised officially by the government and regulated by governing bodies to ensure that they remain a part of Spain’s history and diversity.

Euskara Batua (unified Basque)

Definitely the most interesting language in Spain, Euskara is widely spoken throughout the Basque region of Northern Spain. The majority of Basque speakers live in Spain with a smaller percentage living over the border in Pyrenean France. The Basques are a fiercely proud people and have an extremely developed sense of regional identity.

Learning Spanish in Spain

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 21:07:20 +0000

Spanish is undoubtedly the growth language in the world at the moment; it is now spoken by an estimated 352 million people as a first language (with a further 417 million speaking it as a second language) making it the second or third most widely spoken language in the world. Hispanic nations are also showing strong economic growth so the potential for work opportunities in Spanish speaking countries for those learning Spanish, is increasing everyday.

Travel Spain - Girona and the Dali Triangle

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 21:02:51 +0000

Girona and the “Dali Triangle” are destinations known to the lucky few who travel Spain. This area in Catalonia is one of the undiscovered gems of Spain. Girona is about 100 km from Barcelona, but no one who chooses to travel Spain should miss this lovely area. Easily accessible by train, bus or even automobile from Barcelona, this destination recalls some of spain’s most interesting history and one of its greatest artistic minds.

Living in Spain By Alan Gunter

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 20:51:52 +0000

Since 1994, I have lived in the south east of Spain, known as the Costa Blanca, the coastal region alongside the Mediterranean sea and the inland area known as the Vega Baja situated in the south of the Alicante province.

The Spanish people are extremely friendly, although like most countries, the bureaucracy can be a pain in rump. The health care system compares very favourably with Great Britain and is miles ahead of America. For those people living here in the Valencia Community and registered on the padron at their local town hall, health care is free. Private health care also costs far less. Residence is a right for European Union citizens and for others a reasonable income, such as a pension or a lump sum, (the amount depending on the location) is sufficient, along with a clean police record.

Faces of Tarifa

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 21:22:28 +0000

Tarifa has long been known as a culturally-blended town, through all its incarnations: frontier fortress, fishing village, trendy tourist town. All the peoples who have settled in or near Tarifa have left a mark, from ancient Roman soldiers to Moorish settlers, Jewish merchants and Celto-Iberians. The Moorish style of architecture is the most common here, but everything else blends in with these walls to create a singularly beautiful place to vacation. You'll find virgin coastline, fine hotels, and tons of water sports to engage your interests.

Three towns of Mijas (Costa del Sol)

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 21:20:14 +0000

Mijas is more like three towns than one: Mijas Pueblo has the character of one of the Andalucian Pueblos Blancos, high in the mountains and whitewashed. Las Lagunas is the modern and commercial section of the town. And Mijas Costa is really a twelve-kilometer long stretch of villages down the coast. All three areas are governed from the town hall of Mijas.

Also throughout the winter and spring months, the Hipodromo Costa del Sol has weekly horseracing on Sunday mornings (Saturday evenings during summer months). As well as watching the horses, you can eat at the restaurants and bars located here, or take classes on horse riding and other equestrian themes.

Spain's gateway to Marocco - Algeciras

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 21:18:29 +0000

Stretching nearly to Gibraltar, Algeciras has long been an important port in Spain. It's a popular crossroads for Moroccan workers on the way to and from France, Holland, and Belgium. Partly for this reason, there's a strong Arab flavor to the city; many signs are in Arabic, and you'll find excellent tea shops specializing in Moroccan mint teas. It's not a pretty city, but it's an almost fiercely individual one with a unique and vibrant personality. The restaurants here tend to be both excellent and inexpensive, and many have perfect views of the Rock of Gibraltar. And if you stroll the streets, you'll find a number of quiet parks and plazas out of sight of the bustling city.

The ancient city of Segovia

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 21:16:59 +0000

Segovia, located near Madrid, is an antique city, very rich in past and traditions and full of interesting historic spots and amazing constructions. Segovia is one of the most interesting spots of the region to those who enjoy learning about culture, traditions, and history while visiting a city. This city is not only one of the most famous and interesting in Spain, but also in the entire Europe.