Yesterday further problems with Iberia flights were announced which will continue the aggravation caused by the recent Iberia pilot’s strike. Now it is the turn of the ground staff of Iberia, who have voted for an indefinite period of industrial action. From February 3rd stoppages are likely every Monday and Friday – which is, no doubt, convenient for the staff [...]
Beach holidays Torrevieja
For many people, beach holidays in Torrevieja are exactly what Spain is all about. After all, Torrevieja provides almost everything that many people want from their holidays in Spain: consistently fine weather, great beaches, an azure Mediterranean sea, a lively nightlife, a pretty marina, plenty of golf courses, an elegant promenade, good shopping and lots of accommodation. However, Torrevieja provides [...]
Low cost flights to/from Alicante Spain, to continue?
The changing of the clock times on the last Saturday of October brings new winter airline timetables and for Alicante airport a major reduction in flights by the low cost airline Ryanair. As from the end of October Ryanair are to relocate nine of the eleven planes currently based at Alicante airport to new bases elsewhere in Europe. This reduction in [...]
Appetite for Spain growing, encouraged by great food and wonderful wines
The popularity of Spanish food and wines is on the up and up! Surreptitiously Spanish food products have been taking up residence on the supermarket shelf. On a recent trip to my Irish supermarket I noticed a few new products nestling amongst the curry sauces and fajita mixes; paella seasoning, alioli, smoked paprika and patatas bravas sauce have made an [...]
Sevilla and falling in love with Spain
If you are looking for a quick break or a base for an extended trip around Andalusia you would be wise to head directly for Seville and do not pass Go! As the capital of Andalusia, there is much to admire; culture, food and dance set against a stunning backdrop of ornate and stylish architecture. Set on the banks of [...]
Spectacular views of the Spanish landscape
An institution that makes me consistently proud to be British is the wonderful Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) which has just produced a fascinating portrait of Spain as part of their new and quite extraordinary Hidden Journeys series. If you like spectacular views of the Spanish landscape – then you really must have a look at what the RGS/IBG has [...]
Granada, the best of Spain
“Thou dost weep like a woman for what thou couldst not defend as a man,” spat out the mother of Boabdil, the last Moorish leader in Spain. It was the 2nd of January 1492 and both were leaving the gorgeous Alhambra Palace in the city of Granada, now in the hands of the Spanish Reyes Catolicos (Ferdinand and Isabella). The [...]
Culture Spain, Easter airport strikes in Spain, the dates of disruption
I am afraid that it looks as though there are going to be Easter airport strikes in Spain – which may continue on into the summer. This, of course, is the worst possible news for anyone planning to fly over to Spain during the Easter holidays. Needless to say, it is also very bad news for the Spanish economy, for [...]
Culture Spain, Running of the bulls Pamplona – the rules!
The first thing is never consider running with the bulls in Pamplona if you have not seen the encierro before. Even if this is only the Spanish TV1 broadcast (excellent coverage every day of the feria de San Fermín from 7.30 to 8.30 am) which first transmits the run live, then has commentaries, then a re-run with a commentary, and [...]
Running of the bulls: Pamplona and the fiesta of San Fermin
It is 7.30 in the morning and the cobbles are wet and slippery. Not from rain, but from the hosing down the streets get every morning during the Feria de San Fermín. Even though it is the middle of July, there is a chill in the air, but this is Pamplona and it will warm up quickly and by [...]
