Iberostar official blog where we can meet and decide our next travel destination
Header

Explore Budapest by bicycle

mayo 24th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

 

Walking around all day when you’re visiting a city and not having time to see it all – frustrating, right? Allow me to recommend the best way to visit a city like Budapest: by bicycle. You’ll learn about its history while admiring the main sites of interest on two wheels – and you won’t miss out on anything!

Budapest is a city of considerable size.  It also has a large number of tourist attractions, as well as other interesting places that are not so frequented by tourists. The capital of Hungary is divided into two halves: Buda and Pest.

Buda is the area with the highest elevations, hills and steeply sloped streets, while Pest is completely flat and is some distance from the main sites of interest.

By bicycle, you can explore the city’s main sites at a leisurely pace, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the area known as Buda, the Castle District – the oldest part of the city where the Matthias Church is situated – the Fisherman’s Bastion, The Labyrinth of Buda Castle, Alexander Palace and the Royal Palace, and the area known as Pest, where Gresham Palace, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the St. Stephen Basilica and Liberty Square are located.

Don’t forget to make a stop at one of the city’s famous spas – the ultimate haven of peace and relaxation – which will recharge your batteries for the rest of your trip around this monumental city!

And don’t forget that every day Budapest is becoming a more bike-friendly city! For example, twice a year an event called Critical Mass takes place – an international cycling demonstration for which thousands of cyclists congregate in the local streets.   It’s an amazing sight to see thousands of cyclists pouring through the streets and crossing the Chain Bridge. The day finishes in the City Park, with everyone lifting their bicycles in the air like trophies!

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has a hotel in Budapest: the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Budapest, which has 5 stars. The hotel enjoys a privileged location, surrounded by important buildings, embassies and shopping areas. Built in 2011, its suites exude true luxury. It also has a complete spa center to ensure optimum relaxation during your stay, and its facilities cater for business conventions, incentive trips or other types of professional event held in Budapest”.

 

, ,

Iguazú Falls, nature’s fury.

mayo 22nd, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS | SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)

Iguazú Falls are located in Iguazú National Park, in the extreme north east of Argentina and bordering Brazil. Surrounding the beautiful waterfalls at Iguazú are tales of ambition and power, fruits of the imaginations of travelers who have ventured within them. Before the falls can be seen, their murmur can already be heard, with the violent battering of the waters growing louder and louder as you approach.

The falls lie on the border of Argentina and Brazil, just a few miles from the Triple Frontier with Paraguay. On the Argentine side the town is called Puerto Iguazú, and on the Brazilian side it is called Foz do Iguazú. It is well known that Argentina has the Iguazú Falls and Brazil has the best views, or – as a popular saying goes – at the “Waterfall Show” the stage is on the Argentine side, while the Brazilian side has the best seats.

But whichever side you are on, the falls are magnificent and everything is shared: the waters of the Iguazú River which, in meeting the Paraná River, form the large system of waterfalls; the fauna – Alligators, anacondas, boas, capuchin monkeys, coatis, the toco toucan (one of five species found in the area) and bright yellow and black butterflies which amaze visitors; and the flora – the fan palm, rosewood, and the aroma of moist red soil enriched with the sweet scent of flowers.

If you want to enjoy an even more impressive view, vertigo-inducing wooden bridges cross the edge of the falls, or for a really close view you can even go in an inflatable boat. But for the best views of all, take a helicopter ride and admire this natural Brazilian paradise from the air.

Iguazú Falls are the widest in the world. They are one of nature’s most incredible spectacles. Iguazú cascades over an enormous three kilometer wide cliff – dimensions difficult to imagine elsewhere on the planet! While some compare Iguazú to the Niagara Falls, this is inaccurate, as Iguazú is almost twice as high and four times as wide.

After the falls, the Iguazú River splits and runs between the steep banks of a ravine before it meets the Paraná River 20 kilometers downstream. When it falls, the water hits the bottom and produces a cloud-like spray that reaches the sky, falling softly on people strolling along the surrounding paths and watering the bamboo forests, orchids and beautiful tropical trees.

Why wait any longer to see the world’s most spectacular waterfalls?

 

“Brazil hides a world of endless natural and cultural treasures that are waiting to be discovered. IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Brazil allow you to enjoy the most incredible experiences during your vacation in Brazil”

 

,

The Dominican Republic’s Three Eyes

mayo 21st, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS | SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)

Los Tres Ojos (Three Eyes) Park is an interesting must-see excursion if you are visiting the Dominican Republic. One of the most beautiful natural wonders of the island, its name is derived from the 3 subterranean lakes located inside a series of caves, which look from the outside like three beautiful eyes.   In fact, the lakes are the product of a rarely seen natural phenomenon; the water level of underground rivers rose to form these three spectacular bodies of water, as well as another external one – a process that took place thousands of years ago and around which indigenous peoples based magic-religious rituals when the Island was still called La Hispaniola.

This is a trip that will leave you dazzled, because as well as the crystal clear water of the three lakes, you will also see 4 meter high ferns, incredible colored fish and even bats!

You can enjoy your visit either on foot or by taking a small boat. The first lake you will encounter is “Aguas Azufradas” (“Sulfurous Waters”), which was discovered in 1916 and is 20 meters deep. The second lake is known as “La Nevera” (“The Icebox”). Can you guess why? ;) . And finally, there is “El lago de las mujeres” (“The Ladies’ Lake”), so called because its shallow waters allowed women and children to safely bathe there.

Los Tres Ojos Park lies in the city of San Domingo itself, next to Park del Este on the Avenida de la Américas, so if you visit this city don’t miss out on this natural wonder that is just a stone’s throw away!

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts establishments in the Dominican Republic bring you closer to the most beautiful corners of the island, with 6 luxury vacation complexes located in Bayahibe, Playa Bávaro and Puerto Plata. Their excellent locations allow you to explore the island and discover its secrets – and Los Tres Ojos Park is undoubtedly one of them.”

 

 

, ,

The inspiring pilgrimage of the Virgin of El Rocío

mayo 20th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS | SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)

El Rocío is a small village belonging to the town of Almonte and located at the entrance of the Doñana National Park. Surrounded by an area of great natural interest, it is world famous for its annual Pilgrimage of the Virgin of El Rocío, which is the largest in the country.

Worth visiting in the village itself is the impressive Ermita de la Blanca Paloma temple, which is dedicated to the Virgin, and above all else has something of a colonial feel.

The Pilgrimage of the Virgin of El Rocío is a religious celebration without precedent in modern Mariology (the theological study of Mary) and is the principal celebration dedicated to the Virgin of El Rocío.

The pilgrimage begins on the Saturday before Pentecost, at 12 noon in front of the gates of the Shrine, with the presentation of the Confraternities (the groups of pilgrims traveling together) in strict order of antiquity. Each of the Confraternities briefly stops its cart to turn to the main door of the Shrine and sing a hymn dedicated to the Virgin. The pilgrims – on foot, on horseback or in decorated ox-drawn carts – march in formation to the end of the route, which is not easy at times due to the old and dusty paths.  This colorful, emotive and solemn parade, infused with dust, sweat and faith, is perhaps one of the most spectacular moments of the pilgrimage.

At some time early in the morning, the locals spontaneously jump the fence, rescue the Virgin and begin the procession, the silver biers seeming to float on a sea of religious fervor. The entire village pours out onto the streets, there is a non-stop cacophony of church bells, and jubilant cheers accompany the Virgin on her way amid rose petals and prayers. This is a moment of great magnitude: everybody – locals, travelers and foreigners – are filled with the excitement, magic and light of the procession. It is an incredible moment; a celebration that must be experienced.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 2 all-inclusive resorts in the province of Huelva, both in Isla Canela, 50 km from the province capital Huelva: the IBEROSTAR Isla Canela and the IBEROSTAR Isla Canela Park. They are the ideal vacation complexes for couples or families in Huelva, with a wide variety of facilities for relaxation and entertainment.”

 

 

, ,

Swimming with whale sharks in the Caribbean

mayo 17th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS | SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)

If you find yourself on vacation in the Mexican Caribbean, there’s an incredible adventure you shouldn’t miss for anything in the world – swimming with one of the world’s biggest fish, the whale shark! And no, I don’t wish you any harm, nor am I encouraging you to practice any high risk activity. The whale shark is a gentle giant that feeds exclusively on plankton, so our limbs don’t tempt them at all – at least not for chewing.

These giants can grow up to 15 meters long, and their migratory passage takes them to the north of the Yucatán Peninsula between the months of June and September. They usually gather in the waters near the islands of Holbox and Contoy, one of the few places in the world where they can be easily admired.

This is truly an experience worth living, and you don’t need to be an expert diver or even be super brave. A simple snorkeling kit is all that’s required for this adventure. Whale sharks won’t attack you, they’re not interested in you at all, in fact they don’t even have any teeth.

But for you it will be unforgettable!

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Mexico are located in privileged areas to bring guests closer to all the country’s highlights: just a few meters from the beach, surrounded by nature, within easy reach of the most important archaeological sites, and of course just a stone’s throw away from the best places to experience swimming with the “gentle giants”

 

, , ,

The Souss-Massa National Park, Morocco

mayo 15th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Approximately one hour south of Agadir, Morocco, lies the Souss-Massa National Park. The park is one of the final green enclaves before reaching the Moroccan desert, and it has become an important nature reserve protecting endangered species, forming an ideal ecosystem for pink flamingos, cranes and the bald ibis.

In Sous Massa visitors can get close to endless species of wildlife, both flora and fauna.  There is also an interesting swamp and some beautiful beaches in the park; the perfect places to spend a peaceful, stress-free day!

This national park in Morocco takes its name from the rivers Souss and Massa, which divide the park’s near 40 000 hectares into three spits, descending in triangular form to the foothills of the Atlas and Antiatlas mountains.  The region in which the park is located is called Sus-Masa-Draa, whose capital is the famous city of Agadir, founded by the Portuguese in the year 1500.

All kinds of Moroccan landscape can be found in the park. Sandy coastlines, crop fields, sand dunes and rocky cliffs, as well as forests of the Maghreb’s typical tree – the argan – interweave the Souss-Massa landscape. The variety of the panorama, which combines areas of high humidity with other, more arid, areas where vegetation struggles to grow, forms a living portrait of deepest Morocco.

It goes without saying that a trip to the Souss-Massa National Park is essential if you are visiting this beautiful land.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has a 4-star hotel in Agadir: the IBEROSTAR Founty Beach, which boasts a bank of fine sand just opposite its facilities and is close to the center of Agadir, the principal tourist destination in Morocco.  On the shores of the Atlantic, this hotel in Agadir offers its guests maximum comfort and relaxation. “

, ,

Paraty, an enchanting colonial city on the edge of the sea.

mayo 14th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Founded as a colonial town in 1667, Paraty became famous for the gold discovered in its mines in the Minas Gerais mountains. The ensuing furore lasted until the end of the seventeenth century and left its mark on the city, which subsequently witnessed the coffee boom. However, it was not until the end of the last century that the city was reborn as one of the most beautiful natural and urban areas in the world. Lush vegetation abounds in the surrounding area thanks to its tropical climate, and the region is full of mountains, waterfalls and nature reserves.

Portuguese colonial architecture has been preserved in the old quarter of the city, recalling an era that the modern, industrializing Brazil seems to want to leave behind. Paraty is a small keepsake of the old Brazil that is also well worth a visit for its natural beauty.

With enviably preserved historical buildings, hardly touched for over 250 years, the cobbled streets, fort, Baroque churches and colonial streets, Paraty recalls a Brazil that has long since disappeared in other cities.

The old quarter is without doubt a favorite among tourists, with cars banned and only pedestrians allowed. Paraty has adapted to the times, with stores, bars and restaurants that respect the colonial style. The local government also organizes many cultural events, such as the Paraty Literature Festival.

Paraty also boasts several beaches – far too many reasons not to miss out, don’t you think?

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Brazil offer visitors the most exciting Brazilian vacation experience possible. The superb location of the IBEROSTAR hotels in Salvador de Bahía and the Grand Amazon boat hotel with mooring station in Manaos offers an unbeatable opportunity to explore the most beautiful parts of the country.”

 

Caribbean house party!

mayo 10th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

 

It can be a little complicated organizing a trip to the Caribbean with all your friends. So why not bring the Caribbean to your home? Organize a themed party and enjoy a few hours of Caribbean flavor and heat.  With just a few touches of detail and a little imagination you can have a day you’ll never forget.  Here are a few ideas:

 

Colors everywhere: Prepare the table you’re going to use with attention to detail:  Cover it with a colorful blanket – perhaps lime green, pink or bright red.   Place pots of fresh tropical flowers – such as orchids – in the center.

 

Essential fruits and drinks: Place a bowl of tropical fruit punch on the table and serve in coconut shells. Don’t forget the cocktail umbrellas! And, of course, piña colada and mixes of margarita, lime juice, mint leaves, coconut milk and any kind of spirit that goes in a tropical drink…

 

No tropical party is complete without palm trees! Buy some plastic inflatable palm trees and place them around your house or on the patio. You can even throw in some beach balls for your guests to play with.

 

And why not bring the beach to your home? With a bit of sand and a couple of seashells, you can decorate a few corners to make sure every detail is taken care of.

 

And to top it all off, some music… now get those hips swinging! Create a salsa and bachata-themed playlist with groups like Tito Rojas, Juan Luis Guerra and Héctor Lavoe. No one will be able to sit still for long!

, , ,

Clash of the Titans in the Canaries

mayo 10th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

In 2011, a remake of the movie “Clash of the Titans” was filmed in different locations in the Canary Islands.  This epic movie is an adaptation of the myth of Perseus and his fight against Medusa and the Kraken to save the princess Andromeda from the hands of death. It is a tale of confrontation between men, kings and gods, in which adventure and action only share center stage with the classic touch of romance.

Directed by Louis Leterrier (Transporter, The Incredible Hulk), the movie boasts a star-studded cast including Sam Worthington(Terminator Salvation, Avatar), Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Gemma Arterton among many others.

Mount Teide and its surroundings provide a desolate, lunar setting, as though it were recently created by the gods. The location scouts for Clash of the Titans (2010) saw it as the perfect scenery for recreating Greek mythology. The Teide National Park and the coastal towns of Icod, Buenavista del Norte and Guía de Isora, as well as some areas of pine forest and mountains, were the filming locations chosen in Tenerife. In Gran Canaria, some shooting was done on the dunes of the Dunas de Maspalomas Nature Reserve.

The movie producers liked Tenerife so much that they went back, and in May 2011, the Clash of Titans sequel was filmed in the same locations. “Shooting in Tenerife gave us the environment we were looking for to capture the epic adventures of Perseus,” said movie producer Basil Iwanyk.

Millions of people saw the two movies, something the Tenerife tourist office has taken advantage of by creating a tour to visit the most attractive scenery seen in the film. You can visit the San José Mines (Minas de San José), where Perseus and the warriors fight with giant scorpions, or the mouth of the Masca Ravine in the cliffs of Los Gigantes (The Giants), where the city of Argos is set and the final battle takes place. The impressive vertical walls of Los Gigantes fall into the ocean from heights that in some places reach 600 meters.

The Canary Islands really are like something out of a movie!

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in the Canaries are located in privileged areas on the different islands; on the beach front and surrounded by nature.  These 3, 4 and 5-star vacation complexes offer magnificent facilities, spacious and comfortable suites with every need catered for, and extremely professional service. “

 

, , ,

Gran Canaria, the sea of dolphins

mayo 9th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Imagine an idyllic place where everything is exactly as you wish.

Imagine a cool, crystal clear sea and amazing natural surroundings… imagine that you could live here, in this fabulous environment, next to the most intelligent and friendly sea creatures that exist. If you open your eyes, you will find yourself in Gran Canaria. The island’s waters are home to thousands upon thousands of dolphins, which as we all know are very intelligent – and their choice of abode only confirms this further!

Not far from the coast of Gran Canaria, you can come across bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, pilot whales and spotted dolphins.

For the different groups of dolphins, activity begins as the first rays of sun set the beaches aglow. Known by the islanders as toninas, the sight of the dorsal fins breaking the surface is always cause for celebration. Dolphin-spotting becomes the main attraction of the day. So much so that for the last few years several local companies have been helping visitors get close to the dolphin families with authorized boats taking them to their habitats, with all the guarantees and protection required by law, and under the supervision of biologists and experts who provide information to passengers.

It is an exciting marine safari in search of a sighting of these wonderful creatures, some of whom, such as the bottlenose dolphin, can weigh over half a ton – which nevertheless does not stop them jumping over the prow, performing a spectacular twist in the air – sometimes in groups – and falling back down, creating bubbles with their dorsal fins in front of their captive audience. It’s hard not to burst into applause at such acrobatics!

And this is just one more of the thousands of delights Gran Canaria has to offer. Are you going to miss out?

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & resorts has a hotel in Gran Canaria. The IBEROSTAR Costa Canaria, a 4-star, All Inclusive complex on the beach front at San Agustín Beach in Maspalomas. It is perfectly located for playing golf and its facilities are geared towards maximum rest and relaxation on your vacation in Gran Canaria.”

 

, , ,