All About Spain

Spanish castle on the hill

Spain is a popular tourist destination with good reason; it has something to offer for everyone. Spain maintains a mild climate throughout the year, making it a haven for beach and ocean lovers. Spain is fringed with many picturesque beaches and resorts available to cater to your various needs as well as to your budget. Along with its sandy beaches, Spain also boasts of two archipelagoes; the volcanic Canary Islands which can be found in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, both of which are popular destinations and should not be missed.

The Costa del Sol comprises quaint towns and villages and also offers quiet scenic beaches and a variety of water sports. Be sure to sample the fresh local seafood prepared to tingle your taste buds and enhance your holiday experience. Majorca, home to the rich and famous, is an exclusive island that will cater to your every whim. Prepare to be spoilt as you relax over a game of golf or unwind in a luxurious spa.

The Costa Blanca offers beaches fringing the Mediterranean which range from cosmopolitan to rural. Explore the Costa Blanca to discover tributes which come from its Moorish past and revel in the picturesque landscape. Another great place for sun, sand and sea is the Costa Dorada. Located towards the south of Catalonia, it is sprinkled with fishing villages that have a long history and tradition. Once you have had your fill of the ocean, explore the tranquil villages or sample the exquisite wines fresh from the vineyards or discover the ancient monasteries that will make you feel almost as if you have stepped into another time and place.

Find holiday homes in all these regions on Rentaccomspain.com

The Rough Guide to Andalucia

As more and more people (especially those from northern European countries) decide to relocate to warmer climates each year, many of them decide to make their new life in southern Spain. It’s not hard to see why, with such great food, friendly local people and year round sunshine.

Andalucia, the largest of the Spanish regions, is the area which springs to the mind of many people when talking of Spain due, in part, to the images of flamenco, bullfighting and fiestas which adorn the magazine pages and television programmes. Each of the eight provinces which make up the region: Seville, Malaga, Cadiz, Huelva, Granada, Cordoba, Jaen and Almeria all offer something different to visitors from their historical heritage and local customs.

So why do the majority of people who relocate to Spain each year choose to settle in Andalucia? Laid-back lifestyle, warm climate, choice of beaches or skiing close by? Whatever the reason, the region of Andalucia is still, arguably, the most popular destination for relocators.

Here are just a few of the reasons why living in Andalucia is the best option when choosing where to live in Spain.

Standard of living.
A UN ranking of the best countries to live, using criteria such as education, health and GDP, placed Spain in 13th place out of 177 UN member countries ahead of the UK(16th), Germany(22nd) and Italy(20th).

Lifestyle in Andalucia.
Andalucia is the home to bullfighting, delicious food and fantastic wines. The welcome afforded to visitors is second to none and locals are keen to extend the hand of friendship at the many fiestas which take place throughout the year. The exciting lifestyle and pace of life is often cited as some of the main reasons people choose Andalucia as their new homeland.

Andalucia’s Climate.
With over 320 days of sunshine per year is great for the outdoor lifestyle which is enjoyed by residents of this region of Spain. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as walking, skiing, windsurfing, golf and many, many more to occupy their days without the threat of bad weather to spoil their fun. The quality of the regions beaches is also impressive with 72 blue flags for cleanliness being awarded in 2007.

Gastronomy in Andalucia.
As you may expect from a part of the world with a warm, year round climate, fresh fruit and vegetables are featured in many of the regions dishes. Andalucians are proud of their products and many of the villages hold fistas celebrating food from their locality. Tapas, which are small, snack sized meals, are made from traditional Spanish foods such as omelette, fish and spicy sausage to name but a few from the wide selection offered by eateries of the region.

Cost of living
Living costs are generally lower than the UK you can find that your grocery bills will be around two thirds of your UK ones especially if you cook meals yourself instead of eating out. Wine, alcohol and cigarettes are also much cheaper here than in many other countries throughout Europe.

Leisure activities
Andalucia is synonymous with golf. There are numerous world class golf courses located along the Costa Del Sol and May sees the Andalucian Open golf championship in Marbella which is attended by hundreds of spectators. Skiing enthusiasts are catered for in the Sierra Nevada regions and Aqua parks, zoos and sealife centres can all be found in the region if sports activities are not for you.

Holiday homes to let in Andalucia

Bienvenidos INNBB – Charming B&B in the centre of Barcelona !

GaudiBB
Lovely flat with a Modernist floor and coloured decorations, Sagrada Familia Area (central location):
*Peaceful surroundings, free WIFI, air-conditionning, private bathrooms
*Free use of the kitchen with food for breakfasts at complete disposal
*Rental contracts for short stays in town
*Private property, not an hotel
Location: Calle Rosellon, (walking distance from the Sagrada Familia and from the airport train stop).

MartiBB
Ideal if you are a big group of friends:
Located in the Old Barrio of Sant Martin, 15 minutes walking from the Sagrada Familia. This flat is ideal if you travel with a group of friends with three large suites and two design bathrooms. A comfortable dining-room with TV and a modern kitchen are at your disposal. Perfect location among 3 subway stops in a safe, nice and peaceful quarter of Barcelona.
Location: at a walking distance from the Sagrada Familia and from the airport train stop).

DaliBB
Ideal if you are a small family of 4 persons:
Located between the Sagrada Familia and the Modernist Hospital of St.Pau in a green area of Barcelona full of commercial activities. Ideal if you have a young spirit and you like to sleep in fouton beds among coloured decorations. It is a third floor without elevator.
Self-catering flat with a total capacity up to 4 persons.
Location: Calle Provenza (between Hospital de San Pau and Sagrada Familia).

Visit this link to view contact information

View more holiday homes in Spain here.

3 bedroom apartment for sale - Torrevieja

For Sale.

A lovely 3 bed apartment on the 5th floor in secure complex with lift and stairs access provided.

Controlled door entry system.

• 3 bedrooms
• Ceiling fans to lounge/dining area and bedrooms
• Fully furnished
• Sun terrace with sea views, external table and chairs
• Fully equipped seperate kitchen
• Lovely large communal pool
• Very close to amenities including beach

A short walk from the beach, good choice of shops, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, bank, chemist, go karts, golf and water sports. Easy access to the N332 coast road and the motorway opening up the whole of the Costa Blanca.

See this property here

Find holiday homes to let near Torrevieja

Mallorca is the largest of the four Balearic Islands with a population of 700,000 residents – a figure which is greatly augmented from May through until the end of September when millions of tourists descend on the island, as this is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain boasting breathtaking beaches and scenery as well as a host of things to do and see.

Mallorca was returned to Spanish rule after centuries of Moorish domination in the early 13th century.  A victory marked by the laying of foundations for what is now Palma cathedral on the site of the Moors main mosque by Jaime II, son of the liberator of the island, Jaime I.

Over the years Mallorca has been a very popular holiday haunt of the rich and famous.  Chopin and George Sands enjoyed a sabbatical on the island – as did Miro and Robert Graves – whilst more recently the island has welcomed VIP visitors such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.

The island is essentially split into two halves.  The south earned a somewhat downmarket reputation during the 1980´s as the Club 18-30´s crowd partied in mega resorts such as Magaluf – a legacy that is still being shaken off today – whilst the north of the island is regarded as a bit more sophisticated, home to historic towns such as Pollensa and attractive resorts such as Alcudia.

Holidaymakers arrive at the island’s sole international airport at Palma before onward transfer to one of twenty resorts dotted around Mallorca, most of which are at least an hour’s transfer time away.

The north coast is home to destinations such as Puerto Pollensa, which is the coastal cousin of the inland town of Pollensa – a former Roman settlement and boasts high standards of accommodation, great beaches and excellent restaurants.

Further along the northern coast lies the resort of Alcudia which is home to the largest beach on Mallorca, extending for around 8km – making it a very popular choice with families, whilst on the east coast Cala Dor is a popular and modern resort with seven separate sandy coves.

Palma is the cultural heart of the island as well as the islands’ capital and is home to a host of historic buildings and museums, whilst also offering a fine selection of shops and restaurants.

Getting to Mallorca is simple as flights to the island are available from most mainland European countries.  Whilst a regular ferry service also sails from both Valencia and Barcelona.

Find out more about the island and book holiday villas in Mallorca direct online.

There are many reasons why people choose to ultimately live in Spain. Some of these are listed below but there are probably many, many more, and each persons reason is as individual as they are. 

Climate.

Spain has often been described as having the best climate in Europe. The eastern and southern coasts such as Valencia and Almeria are mainly dry and warm where people can enjoy the sun, sea and the many quiet beaches all year round, whilst the mountainous regions such as Asturias and Aragon in the North have extremes of temperature which favour outdoor sports like hiking and cycling in summer to skiing in the winter. Many people who own a property in Spain would claim to prefer visiting it in the low season when there are no tourists around and the temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the outdoor life the Spaniards are famous for.

 Healthy Diet.

The Mediterranean diet (and especially Spain’s) has long been renowned for its healthy benefits. Sun and oranges, delicious seafood, vegetables and very good wines are all words often used to describe one of the finest cuisines of Europe. Olive oil is one of the major ingredients used in cooking Spanish dishes, the most famous of which is paella. Cook at a few of the Spanish recipes we have here and enjoy a glass or two of the Rioja to complement the dish.

 Spanish Language.

Castilian Spanish is the official national language and if you are living in Spain, then you should try to learn it, as Spanish is also one of the World’s leading languages being spoken by more than 450 million people (mainly in Spain, South America and the USA). If you would like to learn Spanish then try one of the many online courses or look in your local area for Spanish language courses close to where you are.

 Spain – several countries in one.

You would find it difficult to describe Spain in just one word or sentence. There are so many assortments of weather, culture and geography that it’s tricky to know where to begin. There is something for everyone in Spain and differences such as plains, mountains, crisp cold mornings, long warm evenings, snow, sun, long sandy beaches, small rocky coves, rural villages or modern cities will give you some idea of the diversity of the country. Take a look at some of our thoughts on places to visit.

 Outdoor life.

The Spanish lifestyle is best described as ‘outdoors’ and if you enjoy walking, swimming, playing golf or water sports then this certainly is the country for you. It is not difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle in Spain if you have the time or the enthusiasm. Many Spaniards take their meals outdoors and spend long hours socializing in the evenings.

 Spanish Culture.

Spain has been dominated throughout history by many different races and cultures, which has resulted in the country having a rich variety of traditions and customs. From the Romans and Iberians to the Moors and more lately immigrants from northern Europe and beyond, all have left their mark on society. Visit the castles, galleries and museums that abound in Spain to immerse you in the culture or just wander the streets of some of the towns and villages to soak up the atmosphere and learn about ‘real’ Spain.

Spanish People.

It is often said that the Spanish know how to enjoy life. They are extroverted people who love to eat and to party but yet they can be described as loyal to their friends and very protective of their families. Foreigners are generally made very welcome in Spain, especially if they try to speak the language, as not only do they bring wealth in to the country but also they have show exceedingly good taste by coming here in the first place and as Spaniards are very proud of their country, this carries a lot of weight.

There are more informative articles about Spain on Rentaccomspain.com

Holiday home in Estapona to let

This luxury penthouse apartment is situated inside the exclusive La Resina Golf & Country Club; with its two beautiful pools, communal gardens and stunning golf course.

The apartment is very spacious, with tall ceilings and marble floors throughout and finished to a very high standard. The two bedrooms are large and comfortable, with large built-in wardrobes. The Master bedroom benefits from a sliding patio door onto the 55m² south facing terrace.

The very latest air conditioning system (with heating) is fitted and the apartment has a large screen plasma TV with a separate stereo system. All furnishings are very elegant and well made.

The apartment has underground parking (with a dedicated space) and a lift provides direct access to the apartment (suitable for disabled people). The entire complex is suitable for children and one of the pools has a large children’s area.

The terrace has comfortable seating for six, with tables and chairs, terrace sofa and sun beds.

Find more holiday homes in Estapona on Rentaccomspain.com

Santa Gema Apartment - Torrevieja

A lovely 2 bedroom apartment consisting of 1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom and a double bed settee, fully equipped kitchen including appliances, bathroom with bath and shower, open plan living room/dining room leading on to small balcony overlooking the patio and swimming pool.

It is located in a quiet area in the the centre of the town, 5 minutes walking distance from the sea, beautiful beaches and working fishing port.

Around the apartment there are plenty of restaurants and bars, all within a 10 minute walk and a large market selling everything from shoes and clothes to fruit and vegetables is held every Friday and is well worth a visit for some extra special bargains and souvenirs.

There is a fairground on the promonade during high season, along with a nightly Flea market. Around Torrevieja there are 2 Aqua parks and out of town discos.

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As well as great year round weather and wonderful beaches the holiday island of Lanzarote in the Canaries boasts a whole host of things to do and see, making it an ideal destination for anyone that likes to combine sunbathing with sightseeing.

Timanfaya Volcano Park

The top tourist attraction on the island is undoubtedly the Timanfaya Volcano Park – known locally as The Fire Mountains.  During the 1730´s Lanzarote was rocked by huge eruptions which completely remodelled much of the interior of the island replacing farmland and villages with lava fields and volcanoes.  Today these peaks are all dormant but the region is alive with visitors – as over 900,000 tourists a year tour this surreal scenery which is often likened to the surface of the moon.

Jameos del Agua

Elsewhere on Lanzarote an island born artist called Cesar Manrique worked with this volcanic terrain to create a series of unique visitor attractions the most spectacular of which is the Jameos del Agua.  A project which was undertaken on a grand scale – where Manrique used the backdrop of a collapsed lava tunnel to create a subterranean auditorium, concert venue and nightclub.

This was the creation that really helped to put Lanzarote on the tourist map in the 1960s’ earning architectural plaudits around the world.

 Valley of 1000 Palms

Lanzarote is an island of contrasts and the north is as green and verdant as the south is arid and barren.  Nowhere is this more in evidence than in the aptly named Valley of 1000 Palms where locals plant a palm tree for every new born baby, a tradition which has created a breathtaking oasis – with the crowns of countless Canarian palms swaying gently in the breeze.

 Teguise

Lanzarote is steeped in history – thanks to its former role as a staging post between the New World and the Old – which attracted countless privateers and privates to the coastline in search of Inca silver during the 16th and 17th centuries.

 The former capital of Teguise grew rich on this trade – and was the first Spanish settlement in the whole of the Canary Islands.  As a result the town today still boasts some fine examples of colonial architecture – with some buildings dating back as far as the 1450´s.

Lanzarote is a small island – measuring just 60km by 40km, which makes it easy to tour.  The roads are quiet outside of the main resorts and car hire in Lanzarote is very affordable too with rental rates starting at around €13 per day.

Villa rentals in stunning beachfront properties.

There are many fabulous dishes which are typical of the Cantabria region of Spain. The climatic conditions and the livestock farming reputation along with the fact that it is a coastal region give rise to tasty meat and fish dishes.

Some typical dishes of Cantabria are:

cocido montañés (Highlander stew) made with beans and collard greens, cocido lebaniego (Liébanan stew) made from chickpeas, marmita or sorropotún (similar to marmitako), and olla ferroviaria (Railway pot), as main courses.

Other, more specialist cuisine variations and are listed below:

Meat dishes: Beef, ox, deer, roe deer or boar. Most of these meats are served grilled, stewed or with vegetables.

Fish and seafood: Anchovies of Santoña, Colindres, Laredo and Castro Urdiales, angler, hake, sea bass, sole, mackerel, sardine, European anchovies, bonito of the North (of Spain), gilt-head bream, sea bream, scorpionfish, red mullet, as well as some river fish such as trout and salmon. Rabas (fried calamari) and cachón en su tinta (cuttlefish cooked in its own ink). Shellfish such as clam, mussel, muergos (jackknife), cockle, velvet crab, spider crab, goose barnacle, lobster, Norway lobster, periwinkle or European lobster are also found on many of the dining tables of this region.

Desserts: Quesadas and sobaos of the Pas valley, frisuelos from Liébana (similar to crêpes), Unquera’s corbatas (neckties) and Torrelavega’s polkas (both basically puff pastry), sacristanes in Liérganes, Palucos de Cabezón de la Sal and pantortillas of Reinosa.

Cheeses: Spicy cheese of Bejes-Tresviso, quesucos (little cheeses) of Liébana, cream cheese, etc.

Drinks: apple cider and orujo (liquor made from pomace) from Liébana, with its variations: (orujo cream, orujo with honey, herbal orujo, etc.); chacolí, and tostadillo of Potes.

Find some great holiday homes to rent in Cantabria and Asturias