Holidays for Spain

GUIDE TO TENERIFE

EAT NATIVE

Güimar Black Pyramids

The Black Pyramids are one in every of the island’s mysteries, with six angular stone steps they resemble similar structures found in Mexico and Peru. Offering a real insight into the ancient civilisations that once
inhabited the world, the Ethnographic Park ‘Pirámides de Güimar’ are situated within the city of Güimar, with a museum, café and gift search nearby.

Barranco del Infierno (Hells Gorge)
A magnificent gorge within the Adeje space of Tenerife, Barranco del Infierno options steep sides, spectacular views and a number of historic burial caves. Also known as Hells Gorge, it offers an very popular
walking trail, which lasts just over two hours taking in some of the island’s most beautiful natural scenery en route.

MUST-SEE LANDMARKS
Dessert
Bienmesabe - mixture of honey, almond cream, eggs and rum.
Platanos Fritos - fried bananas
Truchas de batata - Puff pastry crammed with sweet yams, almonds and cinnamon Huevos mole - Pudding-like dessert made from egg yolks, sugar and cinnamon
Rosquetes - Pastries typical of La Laguna Acantilados de los Gigantes (Cliffs of the Giants)

One in all the foremost placing natural landmarks on the entire island, the Cliffs of the Giants are known locally as the Acantilados de los Gigantes and are a sheer rock wall that plunges into the ocean a
quarter of the means down the west coast of Tenerife. A boat trip is the sole way to appreciate the gigantic scale of the cliffs, believed once to be sacred. San Cristóbal de La Laguna (La Laguna town)
Enjoy meandering through La Laguna historical centre, once the traditional capital of the Canary Islands, and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. In 2003 the municipality started
an bold urban arrange to renew this area.

Tenerife has five wine manufacturing regions: Abona, Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de La Orotava, Valle de Guimar and Yconden Daute Isora. Each of that has its own Denominacion de Origen (Mark of Origin) standing vines are grown at altitudes of two hundred-1600m and, thanks to the variety of grapes grown and variety of terroir, Tenerife produces a ton of distinct and diverse wines. WINE TIP: If you would like to try to to some serious wine tasting head to La Baranda Wine Museum, which is housed in a seventeenth century hacienda in El Sauzal, North Tenerife. There’s a tasting space and a programme of cultural events including classical concerts and talks on wine. The La Baranda wine museum is usually open Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 8pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am – 6pm (Closed Mondays)

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife’s alternative of fish is wonderful and is best eaten within the local vogue - simply baked or grilled and dressed in sea salt, garlic or lemon:
Sama (Ocean bream)
Bocinegro (Red porgy)
Salema (Gold lined bream)
Mero (Grouper)
Atún (Tuna)
Caballa (Atlantic mackerel)
Sardinas (Sardine)
Pulpo Gallego – Octopus boiled and sprinkled with paprika, or served cold with an onion and pepper salad.
Sancocho canario - A fashionable fish dish with potatoes and yams, accompied by mojo picón and gofio canario.
Cazuela de Pescado - Fresh fish casserole with potatoes, onions, tomatoes and peppers.
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Holidays to Spain

Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for many travelers to visit. From mouth-watering seafood, crystal clear beaches, beautiful flamenco dancers, vibrant nightlife and the worlds famous ‘Running with the Bulls‘ in Pamplona. Each city has a unique & fascinating feature to discover, whether it be the capital Madrid, Barcelona or the bustling city of Seville, wherever you are, you will sure to be sur-prised. During the summer season, island and beach holidays are the most popular for tourists. Golden sandy beaches with clear cool waters are what sur-round the islands of Spain, and what attracts many visitors here throughout the year. But on the main-land there is much more to discover with many at-tractions from historic landmarks, fascinating archi-tecture, to its famous festivals all year round! One of the best ways to explore the world of Spain is to rent a car and drive - you‘ll have endless possibilities without tight schedules and fixed itineraries. And with the many roads and motorways that are highly maintained, you‘ll have the ability and freedom to discover each wonderful city at ease. This self-drive guide is aimed at the many travelers who wish to see all that Spain has to offer in the comfort and independence of their own vehicle. In this guide we‘ve included everything you need for a self-drive holiday in Spain, from hiring a car, rules of the road, accommodation tips, to some great touring ideas in the many unique regions of Spain.

Touring Spain By Car

Driving Tips

A car rental in Spain is the perfect way and easiest option to explore the many wonderful regions Spain has to offer. What else can be better than having the freedom, comfort and independence with your car rental. Below are a few tips to assist you on your ad-venture within Spain! All Emergency vehicles have right of way, so when you see the flashing lights coming from behind you, pull aside to the ‗right‘ and let them through. Anytime of the day, if you‘re driving within a tunnel, make sure you turn on your headlights. This assists other motorists of your whereabouts. If there is a solid line on the road, then lane changing is not permitted.

Driving Laws in Spain

Current passport and full drivers license from your country of origin must also be carried while driving. Driving in Spain is on the RIGHT, overtake on the left. All passengers must wear a seat belt at all times. Spain has strict drunk driving laws, only allowing 0.5mg blood alcohol level. Laws are strict on the use of indicator lights, make sure when overtaking and turning use your indicators or you run the risk of getting fined. When crossing lanes only cross when the white lines are broken. If the white line is solid do not cross. Speed Limits: (Unless signed otherwise.) Motorways: 75 mph Open Roads: 55-60 mph Towns: 30 mph Children under 12 are not allowed to travel in the front. Passengers under 53 inches tall are required to use a child safety restraints or booster seat. Approved reflective jackets must be worn in case you need to step out of your vehicle on a highway. Warning triangles are compulsory. Spare lamps and bulbs are compulsory. Give way to traffic from your left unless otherwise signed. Mobile phones cannot be used while driving even when pulled to the side. You must park completely away from any traffic before using your phone. Having headphones in your ears is also banned except for hearing aids. Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility. It is illegal to wear sunglasses in a tunnel.

Insurance:

Spanish law requires all vehicles to have compulsory third party (CTP) injury insurance, although your car rental supplier should already have comprehensive insurance covering their cars. In the case of an accident, it must be reported to the insurance provider immediately, and a deductible may be due. To reduce the amount of the deductible you may be liable for, check with Auto Europe to arrange extra cover.

Car Rental companies in Spain will normally include: Third Party insurance: Compulsory insurance will be included in your car rental rate. This covers you for other people‘s injury and damage to their vehicle. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This limits your financial liability for damage to the rented vehicle, and is normally included in the prepaid car rental rates. Rentals are normally subject to a liability de-ductible, which can be reduced at the time you collect your rental car. Theft Loss Cover: This limits your financial liability for the loss or theft of the rented vehicle and is generally included in the prepaid car rental rates. Fire and Liability: This limits your financial liability for bodily injury or death, and is normally included in the prepaid car rental rates. Personal Accident Insurance: This covers the driver for personal injuries and is generally not included

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Holidays Spain

GUIDE TO TENERIFE VIVA LA FIESTA ALL YEAR ROUND

Jan 7th – Feb 14th: Canary Islands Music Festival – Santa Cruz

Tenerife is hosting the 27th Canary Islands’ Music Festival in 2011. An annual event which brings the best musicians and orchestras in the world to the island and a gathering of hundreds of classical music
lovers.

Concert performances are of the highest order and in past years have featured established names such as Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti, Carlo Maria Giulini, Daniel Barenboim, Sir Colin Davis, John Eliot
Gardiner, Frans Bruggen and Andre Previn. February 1st -27th: Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Tenerife’s carnival is considered the best after Rio de Janeiro. All the islanders take part in fiesta revelry, but the port area of Santa Cruz is where most of the action is - bursting with salsa dancing, music and carnival processions for twenty seven days. The first spectacle of the week is the Gala Reina, an exotic Carnival Queens Parade of feathers, sequins and satin. The most impressive parade is the
Cavalcade that blends “Caribbean” and “European” into a garland of colour and spectacle. Plan ahead and get tickets early, and be prepared to stay up late! The ‘Mogollones’ (open-air carnival parties) feature live entertainment and Latin and salsa music. With tens of thousands of attendees, it’s certainly a party to remember!

June: Corpus Christi – La Orotava
Corpus Christi is marked in La Orotava (north of the island) by carpeting its main streets with intricate designs made from flowers, salt and sand. The most spectacular pavement art is in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Music, dancing and general merriment complete the celebrations.

August 14th-15th: Nuestra Señora de La
Candelaria Festival - Candelaria
The Festival of ‘Patron Saint of the Island’ is held in Candelaria. The ornate 1950s Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria sits at the edge of the town centre, overlooking a rocky beach and flanked by a
plaza where nine huge statues of Guanche warriors stand guard.

November 30th: Fiesta of San Andrés - Puerto de la Cruz.
For wine enthusiasts this is a festival not to be missed, as it marks the day when all the wine cellars throw open their doors for a tasting of the new wines.

St Andres feast day falls in line with the year’s wine harvest and is a more practical explanation for the tradition of ‘Arrastre los Cacharros’ - rolling barrels down to the sea to wash them. Once the ‘must’ or fermented grape juice has rested in the barrels for ten days, the wine is transferred to clean barrels and the dirty ones are rolled down to the harbour to be washed. The sound of the metal rims of the barrels against the cobbles marks an audible signal that the new wines are ready and the feasting can begin.

Know your Cocktails
Tenerife’s close cultural connections to Central and South America make rum-based cocktails a favourite amongst the Latinos, particularly in the north of the island where Cuban bars and fiesta kiosks like to infuse their alcohol with sugar and salsa.

Mojito (moh-HEE-toe) – mint and rum based cocktail
Caipirinha (kie-purr-REEN-yah) – lime and rum based cocktail
Mistela - a potent mix of wine, sugar, rum and occasionally honey
Mai Tai- a dark rum cocktail with pineapple, orange and triplesec

GUIDE TO TENERIFE WHERE TO STAY

Iberostar Hotel Anthelia, Costa Adeje Located between the two main beaches of Costa Adeje, the Iberostar Hotel Anthelia is in a privileged location taking in panoramic ocean views. The six small buildings are set amid 60,000 square metres of landscaped gardens and provide a sense of privacy. A dedicated family area boasts enviable facilities with a children’s club and dedicated activity programme. Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador, Costa Adeje Opposite the glorious sands of the Playa del Duque beach, the Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador is designed to reflect a traditional village, with warm pastel façades, green palms and winding pathways that lead down to the vast lagoon.

Abama Golf & Spa Resort, Guia de Isora
Situated on a cliff-top with splendid sea views, the luxurious Abama Golf & Spa Resort offers an idyllic setting close to the village of Playa San Juan. The area boasts some of the best preserved flora and
fauna on the island, with gardens, lakes and waterfalls surrounding Moorish-style architecture. A pick of some of the most luxurious hotels... Canary Island cuisine originates from a mix of traditional Spanish with African and Latin American influences. The usual international dishes are available, but to experience local cuisine opt for the following dishes:
Vegetable dishes
Gofio - a flour made from toasted cereals, often a substitute for bread.
Papas Arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) - potatoes boiled and salted with their skin and covered in a pepper sauce called mojo. (olive based sauce), traditionally the mojo picón (spicy sauce) and the
mojo verde (green sauce)
Potaje de Berros - a hot pot of chickpeas
Potaje de Verduras - vegetable stew
Potaje de Berros - watercress stew

EAT LOCAL
Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque, Costa Adeje Inspired by a traditional Canarian village, the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque features hacienda-style architecture in soft pastel colours. The hotel is surrounded by exotic gardens and pools, which lead down to the beautiful beach of del Duque.

Gran Hotel Roca Nivaria
Situated in the tranquil area of Playa Paraíso, the Gran Hotel Roca Nivaria has breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and La Gomera. The spectacular lagoon-style pools are surrounded by tropical palms
and a cascading waterfall.

Extinct Volcanoes 4
Declared a national park in 1954, the Parque Nacional de las Cañadas del Teide (Teide National Park) has an enormous volcanic crater 48 kilometres in circumference. Out of this rises Mount Teide pronounced
the same as Lady) at a staggering 3,718 metres, making it the highest mountain in Spain. Reach the extinct volcano by foot or cable car for breathtaking views of Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.
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Spain Hotels

Thinking of Retiring to Spain?

If you are thinking of living in Spain, it is necessary to arrange rigorously. This may be a
guide which provides some basic points and sources of additional detailed data.

Tarjeta de Residente Comunitario
If you propose to measure in Spain, it's a legal requirement to apply for, and be issued
with, a Community Residence Card. This card entitles you to equal treatment
with Spanish voters. Details should be obtained from your nearest Spanish
Consulate before departure and application should be created to that office. If
there is not one regionally, contact the Spanish Embassy in London for the address
of the closest Consulate.

Tax and inheritance law
Tax and inheritance laws are different from those within the UK and skilled
legal and financial advice ought to be sought. The British Consul, in the realm in
which you plan to measure, can have a list of English-speaking lawyers.

Medical facilities and hospitalisation
As a general rule, medical facilities in Spain are wonderful. Many doctors and
nurses speak English and most hospitals and clinics in tourist areas offer
interpreters. However, availability of services varies from locality to locality. If
facilities are not available to fulfill your specific desires, you may have to travel to
another area for treatment.

In Spain it is customary for a loved one to produce basic nursing care
(feeding and personal hygiene) unlike the system within the UK where it'd be
provided by nursing employees. However, in most areas where British expatriates live,
there are privately-run nursing agencies that charge commercial rates for
services similar to those you'd find in the UK. These charges aren't
normally coated by non-public medical insurance.

Health care within the European Community
(The following info on health care has been provided by the Customer
Services Unit of the UK Pensions and Overseas Benefits Directorate (currently the
Pension Service.)

When you go to measure, however not work, in another Community country you will get
health care cowl from the UK for yourself and any accompanying dependent
member of your family under the State scheme of the opposite country. There are
different ‘E’ Forms relying on whether or not you're under or over pensionable age
(60 for ladies, 65 for men).

Health cover (E106) will only be for a limited time and the way long depends on
whether you'll still get UK Short-term Benefit if you claim it.
When this entitlement ends the UK can not give you any additional health care cowl.
If you are beneath pensionable age (sixty five/sixty years — male/feminine) at the date of
departure, the acceptable Certificate to request facilitate from the Benefits Agency is
the E106.

Anyone who is in receipt of a UK Incapacity Benefit or aged sixty five/60 years —
male/female — and in receipt of a UK State pension, or who satisfies these
circumstances once departure can still qualify for health cover from the UK by
requesting Certificate E121 from the Benefits Agency.

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Hotels in Spain

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO TENERIFE

A rugged volcanic island and the biggest of the seven Canary Islands, Tenerife is diverse in both landscape and history. The earliest known settlement on the island dates to 200BC and, following the Spanish
Conquest in the late 15th century, is home to a multi-cultural population of Latin American and Spanish ancestry. Tenerife locals are referred to as Tinerfeños and there's a maxim from a folk song that “Canarians are like the Giant Teide, snowy quietness on the surface and hearth in the guts...” The insider’s guide to Tenerife is intended to help you get the foremost out of your holiday, inspire you to attempt new things and acquire a feel for this island’s rich heritage.

The language of the Canaries is Castilian Spanish, however their accent is a lot of like the Spanish spoken within the Caribbean, Cuba, Venezuela and Puerto Rico, not like the Spanish spoken on mainland Spain. Know your Castilian

WHERE THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES

Locally recognize as “the island of eternal spring”, Tenerife is blessed with three hundred and sixty five days of sunshine. In peak summer season temperatures regularly hit 30 degrees Celsius. Although Tenerife and the encircling islands belong to Spain, they are geographically closer to Africa than anywhere else. Lying within the Atlantic sea, sitting a mere two hundred kilometres from the North West coast, Tenerife enjoys a sub-tropical climate with cooling winds blowing over from the African deserts.

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO TENERIFE

GETTING AROUND

One of the simplest ways to work out Tenerife is to rent a automobile and see your own favourite spots on the island.

A couple of things worth noting are:
- You drive on the proper hand facet of the road.
- Unleaded petrol is called ‘Sin Plomo’.

Buses

Most buses (referred to as guaguas and pronounced ‘wah wahs’ by the locals) are run by TITSA. They're very low cost and run frequently on the island’s main roads. A nice money saver is a pre-paid ‘bono bus’ price tag and costs approximately €12 for several trips.

Taxis

Licensed taxi cabs show a special SP (Servico Público) licence plate and some taxi ranks show fares between the most destinations.

Sand, Sea & Surf

The volcanic nature of the island suggests that the land has few natural beaches. However people who exist are characterised by black sand created from the island’s volcanic rocks and are widely known for his or her beauty.

Torviscas and Fañabé

These 2 golden beaches are  located within the south of Tenerife and are connected by a long promenade that runs along a beautiful azure beach. Playa de Los Gigantes, Los Gigantes, or ‘The Cliffs of the Giants’, is found on the western coast of Tenerife and is home to a very tiny sandy beach and a busy yacht marina. At the foot of the cliffs lies the small beach created of black volcanic sand. The beach here doesn’t get too crowded and is excellent if you would like some privacy.

El Médano Beach 1
El Médano Beach is the longest, natural sandy beach in Tenerife, a twokilometre stretch of fine golden sand that ends at a volcanic cone known as “Montaña Rojo” (Red Mountain). There are lots of good fish restaurants here thanks to the village’s fishing heritage. The calm waters make it ideal for windsurfing novices.
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Hotels Spain

PICK A PARADOR

Ever dreamt of spending the night in a romantic Spanish medieval castle?

Or, perhaps a splendid Spanish Renaissance palace is more your style? If either of these appeal, Spanish Parador Hotels are certainly for you ...

What are Spanish Paradors?

They´re a chain of state-established hotels throughout Spain which aim to preserve the country´s national and artistic heritage whilst promoting tourism. Paradors can be found in splendidly converted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries ... as well as modern buildings which have something special to offer.

Their restaurants are noted for delicious and well-presented regional cuisine. In this ebook, you´ll discover fast facts about all of Spain´s 90 paradors to help you decide which one/s is/are most suited to you. To learn more about each parador, view gorgeous photos and find booking facilities, just click on the link below:

PARADOR DE ANTEQUERA
ANTEQUERA – ANDALUSIA
Address:
Parador de Antequera
Paseo García del Olmo, s/n
29200 Antequera
Málaga
About the Parador:
· 3 star hotel
· Modern parador in central Andalusia, ideal for visiting southern Spain
· Located close to main roads for Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga
· 55 twin bedded rooms
· Usual hotel facilities, plus pool
· Facilities for the disabled
Nearby Places of Interest:
· Antequera – tower
· Fuente de Piedra (1 km) – Laguna Salada and protected natural area
· Torcal de Antequera (13 km)
· Archidona (18 km) – minaret, square
· Bobastro (54 km) – ruins
12
PARADOR DE ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA – ANDALUSIA
Address:
Parador de Arcos de la Frontera
Plaza de Cabildo, s/n
11630 Arcos de la Frontera
Cádiz
About the Parador:
· 3 star hotel
· Former palace with panoramic views
· 15 twin bedded rooms, 5 doubles, 4 singles
· Usual hotel facilities
Nearby Places of Interest:
· Arcos de la Frontera – castle, palaces, churches, square
· Medina Sidonia (38 km) – monuments, prehistoric paintings
· Jerez (40 km) – sightseeing, wine cellars, dancing horses
· Sierra de Grazalema (66 km) – scenery, castles
· Pueblos Blancos – numerous white villages
13
PARADOR DE ARGÓMANIZ
ARGÓMANIZ – BASQUE COUNTRY
Address:
Parador de Argómaniz
Ctra. N-1, km 363
01192 Argómaniz
Álava
About the Parador:
· 3 star hotel
· Renaissance palace where Napoleon rested during Peninsular War
· 53 twin bedded rooms
· Usual hotel facilities
Nearby Places of Interest:
· Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Estíbaliz (4 km)
· Vitoria-Gasteiz (12 km) – cathedral, tower, museum
· Condado de Treviño (12 km) – geographic enclave
· Salvatierra (25 km) – medieval-type village
· Dolmen de Eguilaz o Aizkomendi (27 km)
14
PARADOR DE ARTIES
ARTIES – CATALONIA
Address:
Parador de Arties
Ctra. De Baqueira-Beret, s/n
25599 Arties
Lleida
About the Parador:
· 4 star hotel
· Modern mountain parador in local style
· 38 twin bedded rooms, 9 doubles, 4 suites, 7 duplex
· Usual hotel facilities, plus pool, sauna, gymnasium, garage
Nearby Places of Interest:
· Arties – castle, church
· Arán Valley
· Baqueira-Beret (7 km) – ski station
· Boi Valley (40 km) – Romanesque art, ski stations
· Aigües Tortes National Park (58 km)

Article Courtesy:http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com/support-files/paradors.pdf

Spain Holiday

GENERAL INFORMATION ON TRAVELLING TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

Many of our members wish to spend some of the winter months visiting the Iberian Peninsula in order to make the most of the better weather. The Caravan Club Travel Service is happy to assist with booking ferries, etc, and availability and prices can be checked with our reservations staff by telephoning 01342 316101. Several of the sites we work with are open all year and pitches can be reserved on these sites, subject to availability. However, some sites are only open in the summer or if open out of season not all facilities may be available. This is generally reflected in the better overnight rates available to out-of-season and long-term visitors.

An alternative to booking your sites in advance is the European Camping Cheque Scheme. The European Camping Cheque scheme is ideal for members able to take a holiday outside the peak holiday season. Reservations are not made with this scheme, giving the flexibility of staying at a campsite for several days or moving on after only one night. The Cheques are included in a package complete with return ferry crossings and Red Pennant Insurance and are accepted at around 575 sites throughout Europe. More details are given in the Club‟s Travel Service in Europe brochure or www.campingcheque.co.uk Confirmed reservations made through The Caravan Club gives you a price guarantee - whatever happens to the exchange rates, there will be no surcharges. Red Pennant Travel Insurance can be arranged at the same time as your reservations (see next page). Before you Travel Ensure your car and caravan or motor caravan are properly serviced and ready for the journey, paying particular attention to tyres and tyre pressures. Ensure caravan tyres are suited to the maximum weight of the caravan and the maximum permitted speed when travelling abroad - see Technical Information section of your Sites Directory & Handbook.

Take a well-equipped spares and tool kit. A full set of spare bulbs plus any tools needed to change them, a warning triangle, reflective safety jacket, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit are legal requirements in many European countries. A spare tyre and nearside and offside extending mirrors are essential.

Adjust your headlights so that the dipped beam does not dazzle oncoming drivers using headlamp converters or beam deflectors available from any motor accessory shop. Even when not planning to drive at night, this will be required for tunnels or when visibility is poor.
Most European countries recommend that dipped headlights are used even during daylight hours. It is now compulsory to use dipped headlights in Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Denmark, Hungary, Finland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Article Courtesy:http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/19103/Winter%20Information%20Spain%20and%20Portugal.pdf