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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. “

 

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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.”

 

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Gran Canaria, Biosphere Nature Reserve

abril 11th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands is the most densely populated island with 1,500km2 of surface area, and a population of around 900,000 inhabitants. It is known for the industriousness of its people and the commercial and seafaring focus of the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It so happens that the traditional points of entry into the island, port and airport, are located in the most urbanized and most arid part of the island respectively, which means that the wildlife of Gran Canaria is largely unknown.

The outstanding city beach of Las Canteras, protected from the open sea by a reef that runs parallel to the coastline, and the exotic beach of Maspalomas at the southern end of the island, with its dunes, lagoon and palm oasis, have captured much of the attention of visitors, eclipsing the interior of the island, which is full of beauty and culture.

Gran Canaria is a miniature continent, with a sampling of unusual landscapes amid an enormously diverse archipelago. UNESCO therefore decided to give the island the status of Biosphere Reserve, as a different and very particular microworld. Almost half of the geographical area of Gran Canaria has been included in the reserve, spanning six rural villages, which are linked to traditional activities.

The island is a theme park of the strange and magical flora of Macronesia. An open park that holds the treasure of plants and flowers that grew independently to the rest of the globe, which are the hallmark of this region. A natural world has been living enclosed here for centuries, in the midst of the changing contours of the island.

Local people are aware of the importance of the natural values of the island and use resources sustainably. For example, farmers use systems that optimize water consumption, the tourism industry is gradually moving towards more sustainable models and households consume less water than anywhere else in the European Union. There is also advanced legislation for land management and protection of natural areas.

Wouldn’t you like to get to know this natural landscape firsthand?

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & resorts has a hotel in Maspalomas. It’s the IBEROSTAR Costa Canaria hotel, a 4 star All Inclusive hotel on the San Agustín beach, in Maspalomas. It is located in a perfect place for playing golf and has facilities designed to provide a holiday filled with rest and relaxation in Gran Canaria. The IBEROSTAR Costa Canaria hotel is the perfect hotel for a holiday as a couple in Maspalomas.”

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Fuerteventura: white sand beaches and turquoise waters

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


Fuerteventura has a large and varied number of beaches along its coast. It features sandy white beaches and others with darker sand, you can find beaches with calm, gentle waters, and yet others with impressive waves to tempt adventurous spirits. But they all have one thing in common, their wild beauty.
In the north of the island, in the town of Corralejo there are several beaches with golden and white sand, where the water is usually calm and therefore perfect for swimming. In high season they are quite busy but it is inevitable that you will visit them, as their beauty attracts everyone who passes through the island!
Just south of the town is the spectacular Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, with its huge white sand dunes that cover a large area. In fact you can see them in satellite images of Fuerteventura.
Around El Cotillo, on the northwest coast, there are a number of beaches and coves that are a meeting place for surfers, internationally recognized as perfect beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Some of the protected lagoons are also suitable for swimming.

If you go south, between Costa Calma and Morro Jable you will find the longest and windiest beaches on the island. The miles of white sand make this stretch of coast a beach lover’s dream. On windy days, the beach in the old town of Morro Jable can be a good option.

In the central area, the horseshoe-shaped beach of Caleta de Fuste is an ideal place for families to go, due to the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. It is also a good place to learn to windsurf in specialized centers near the beach.
The black sand beach in Gran Tarajal has a blue flag and is popular with locals, however, the color of the sand makes it less attractive than the Caleta de Fuste beach, so if you want peace and don’t care that the sand color is dark, you should head to Grand Tarajal.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 3 resorts in Fuerteventura, all located in front of the Jandía beach, in the south of the island we offer: the IBEROSTAR Palace Fuerteventura hotel, the IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas hotel and the IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas Park hotel. IBEROSTAR Hotels in Fuerteventura have an excellent location and facilities designed for fun and relaxation. “

 

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Canarias, holidays in the sun.

marzo 25th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

If you’re fed up with the cold, of wearing layer after layer of clothing, of feeling as though your nose has got frostbite as soon as you step out the door in the morning and still haven’t decided where to spend your Easter holidays but definitely fancy some sun and sand… there’s no need to cross oceans – in fact you don’t even have to leave Europe, because the Canaries, our Fortunate Islands, are just around the corner.

Tenerife offers you the chance to enjoy a vast range of beaches with sands in all colours, the benefits of warm sunshine and its vast coastline. What’s more, its beaches are amongst the finest in the Canary Islands, and many have been awarded a Blue Flag by the Association of Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC) for the magnificent quality of their waters. El Bollullo, in the municipality of La Orotava, is an attractive and secluded beach of volcanic sand that is noted for its outstandingly clean water and peaceful atmosphere. El Duque is a fine golden sandy beach situated in one of the newest areas of Costa Adeje, backed by a magnificent sea promenade that links more than 8 beaches. Bathed by calm waters and almost 700 m long, Playa del Duque is guaranteed to delight visitors as it offers a full range of top quality services in magnificent surroundings.    Next to the small tourist town of El Médano lies the beach of the same name that stretches out for 2 km, making it the longest on the island. Its fine yellow sands are an invitation to enjoy a stroll down to the southern end of the beach, where a spectacular volcanic cone rises up. Known as Red Mountain, this is a protected natural space of major ecological value. Surf lovers will have the time of their lives on El Socorro, a beach that regularly hosts competitions and training sessions for lovers of this sport. The most popular beach in Tenerife’s capital city has to be Las Teresitas, situated just 7 km from the city centre. It’s the perfect choice for a family day out thanks to the fine golden sand and the breakwater that shelters it from the swell and currents. It is dotted with palm trees and also has showers, changing rooms and hammocks for visitors to use.

Yet Tenerife is not the only island that can be proud of its beaches: Gran Canaria also boasts paradisiacal beaches that will quickly make you forget all about that stress, bad weather, the cold and your problems.  The island has many famous beaches that attract large numbers of visitors, such as the vast expanse of sand in Maspalomas. This is a seemingly endless line of golden sand that stretches from Playa del Inglés as far as the base of the huge Maspalomas lighthouse, taking us through a desert of sand dunes that runs along the island’s southern coast. A truly breathtaking sight. The south of the island also has quiet beaches that are perfect for families, such as San Agustín, Playa de Amadores or the smaller Playa del Puerto de Mogán. A more lively alternative is the traditional tourist resort of Puerto Rico, which boasts the finest climate in the country. Indeed, the south of Gran Canaria is peppered with countless small beaches and they can all claim to be blessed by fine weather practically all year long.

In the north of the island you’ll find small fishing villages such as Agaete, the perfect getaway for those eager to take things easy. And the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, also in the north, is also proud of one of its greatest attractions: the cosmopolitan Playa de Las Canteras, a vast urban beach that draws bathers and surfers to the city.

Lanzarote offers a wide range of beaches, with something to suit all tastes: beaches with fine white, golden or even black sands, most of which are bathed by calm waters, although there are others with stronger waves that are perfect for windsurfing and surfing. The south of the island boasts the most spectacular beaches, such as Playa Blanca. Situated in an area of the same name, this attractive 50 m long beach offers visitors white sands and calm waters and is lined by numerous restaurants. To the east of Playa Blanca is Playa Dorada, 200 metres of delightful golden sands. Both beaches have been awarded EU Blue Flags. Yet the most stunning beaches in this part of the island are undoubtedly Punta del Papagayo , Playa Mujeres, Playa Papagayo and Puerto Muelas, all of exceptional beauty and bathed by turquoise waters. From these beaches it is possible to spot the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura and the islet of Lobos.

The island of Fuerteventura can not only claim to be one of the largest in the Canaries, but also to have some of the finest beaches in the entire archipelago. The beaches of Sotavento and Jandía are a paradise for scuba divers and nudists.  Playa del Corralejo with its vast expanses of fine sand and incredibly crystalline waters is, together with Jandía, one of the best in the Canaries.  The island of Lobos is a haven of tranquillity; this small unspoilt, uninhabited island is a surprising experience for visitors to such a highly developed tourist destination such as the Canary Islands. Just a few kilometres from the shiningly new modern hotel complexes, you will find a haven of utter calm and solitude, dotted with a just a few establishments serving food and drink.

In the Canary Islands, the good weather hardly ever takes a holiday, so come and enjoy some sunshine!

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts hotels in the Canary Islands are situated in prime locations on the various islands, right on the beachfront and surrounded by natural landscapes. These 3, 4 and 5 star complexes boast magnificent facilities, as well as large and comfortable fully-equipped rooms and an impeccably professional service.”


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Experience Carnival time on the Fortunate Islands

febrero 8th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Carnival celebrations in the Canary Islands are unlike any others anywhere in Spain. On Tenerife and in Las Palmas carnival time is the biggest and most spectacular celebration of the year. The rivalry between the two islands is legendary and this particular festivity is no exception: competition is fierce to see who can organise the best celebrations. But my intention here is merely to describe the nature of these celebrations in an attempt to help you choose, although I’d never be able to opt for just one!

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife enjoys an outstanding international reputation. Indeed, it is considered by many to rank amongst the finest carnivals in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro. Everything about this carnival is big, bold and bright, and each year it takes a tongue-in-cheek look at a particular theme or issue. For 2013 the theme chosen by the residents of Santa Cruz is “the world of Bollywood: India”, which undoubtedly opens up a whole world of possibilities when it comes to choosing the music and costumes for the competitions and various events included in the Carnival programme.

Tenerife’s Carnival is unquestionably the safest in the world and the one that gets more people involved than anywhere else. Masses of visitors flock to the island at this time of year, where they receive a warm welcome from the people whose love for the carnival celebrations flows through their veins; people capable of throwing body and soul into enjoying some good-hearted and lively fun and can keep up the frenetic and festive pace.  They love the explosion of colour and joy in a fun-filled celebration where spring-like temperatures are an invitation to get out onto the streets and dance with the crowds till dawn to the sounds of big bands, and enjoy the performances put on by numerous groups at venues around the city. A city that is quite literally taken over by the people, and where for several days several hundreds of thousands throng the streets, dancing to the sounds of top name bands and internationally-renowned artists .The Carnival of Santa Cruz achieved maximum recognition when it was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest by the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism.

Tenerife’s Carnival is all about partying in the streets; it’s about parades and street bands (known locally as murgas and rondallas); it’s about the contests to choose the Carnival Queen as well as her Junior and Senior counterparts.

And when the Carnival comes to an end, the residents of Tenerife say goodbye for another year, literally amid floods of tears. Thousands of widows dressed entirely in black; thousands of grief-stricken weeping widowers in mourning for the yearly ‘death’ of the carnival; priests, monks, bishops and even ‘Popes’ drag themselves along the ground, which is awash with floods of tears. This is the famous ‘Burial of the Sardine’ and a truly spectacular finale.

To take part in this fabulous fiesta that literally takes over the entire city, all you need is imagination and the desire to have fun, as the Carnival is the time when more than ever, no one is a stranger in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The history of the Carnival of Las Palmas dates back more than 400 years. Today it has a greater social and economic impact on the island of Gran Canaria than any other festival and is one of its biggest tourist attractions. A celebration that has adapted to changing demands in terms of leisure, fun and entertainment, yet which retains all its traditional flavour.  Proceedings get underway following the famous Pregón or proclamation, which each year pays tribute to a specific personality. One of the most popular images of the Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is that of the fabulous costumes worn by the candidates during the gala ceremony to choose the Festival Queen. The quality of the materials used, the sheer size of the designs, the bright colours and originality of the patterns and details make this one of the most spectacular nights of the year – together with the Drag Queen Gala – another of the big events on the Carnival programme and one which embodies the essence of the Carnival spirit.  Gender-swapping, daring and tongue-in-cheek fun all come together on stage as an assertion of the right to new forms of expression. This contest attracts so many entrants that each year a pre-selection event is held to choose the finalists that will compete for the title.

The Carnival of Las Palmas also includes competitions for the music bands known as Murgas, fancy dress contests for children and adults, group and float competitions, traditional carnival celebrations and the unusual Carnaval al Sol – Carnival in the Sunshine – parade.  The month of February and an average temperature of 22º C encourage the Carnival groups, music bands and individuals alike to take part in the spectacular parade that runs from Las Canteras Beach to Santa Catalina Park.

The Grand Parade is one of the best opportunities for everyone to get involved. Each year more than 200,000 masked participants take part, accompanied by around a hundred decorated cars and floats that transport the Queen, the Drag Queen, the Grand Dame and the Junior Queen to the sounds of the batucadas – fast samba-style rhythms.  The parade makes its way around the city in an explosion of Carnival fun, daring and freedom of spirit. There’s also a more competitive side to this event, as a panel of judges chooses a number of winners from the participating cars and floats.

The Burial of the Sardine marks the end of the Carnival celebrations. The sardine expires and each year, widows and mourners join the funeral procession as it makes its way down to Las Canteras Beach. There, in a last-ditch effort to keep the party going, the residents say their final farewells to the sorry clupeid in the symbolic incineration that follows the procession around the city.

So… it’s tempting, isn’t it? Like I said, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one. I’ll have to toss a coin into the air!

“With all that dancing, partying and parading, you are well-advised to choose a good hotel where you can relax and recharge your batteries each day, ready to enjoy the festivities in fighting form.  The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts hotels in the Canary Islands are situated in prime locations on the various islands, situated right on the beach and surrounded by natural landscapes. These 3, 4 and 5 star complexes boast magnificent facilities, as well as large and comfortable fully-equipped rooms, and an impeccably professional service.”

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Carnival time in Spain

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

 

Traditionally, Carnival has been a time of major celebration and deeply-rooted traditions. A celebration which all members of the community took part in some form or another; everyone came together to take part in or watch the events that unfolded in the streets and squares.

It was a time of putting on appearances, grotesque disguises, friendly faces, mythical monsters, enigmatic puppets, songs sung over and over again, fun-filled balls, ritual dances, seemingly chaotic parades, decorated floats, plays and performances, excess…in short, Carnival time, and a whole new outlook on life.

Spain, a faithful follower of this festivity in honour of Bacchus, the god of wine, is home to countless ways of ensuring that the ‘faithful’ adhere to the tradition of fun and laughter all day long. Carnival time is celebrated throughout Spain, albeit in vastly differing ways. Here we give an insight into what are probably the three most popular and lively Carnival celebrations in Spain:

Cadiz, lyrics rich in wit and humour:

Carnival time in Cadiz is worth listening out for. There’s no limit to the sharp wit and humour that brings the verses of their songs to life, which are then repeated chant-like for the rest of the year. Songs that poke fun at their everyday lives and events in Spain. This Andalusian city hosts the world’s longest Carnival. Kings of the Carnival are undoubtedly the chirigotas –groups made up of 12 singers whose lyrics are nothing short of hilarious–, whilst the other stars of the show include the more serious 40-strong choirs, who seek musical perfection, and the comparsas, groups of ‘just’ 15 singers.

The Canary Islands, where excitement reaches fever pitch:

Sheer devotion to glitter, sequins and feathers is what these Carnival Queens and Drag Queens profess… Rivals Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife compete each year in a fierce battle to produce the most spectacular costumes, floats and parades, steeped in all the paraphernalia that surrounds these celebrations. Visitors and locals alike rub shoulders in a setting where the crowds practically lift you off your feet as you make your way around the streets. The warmth of these islands and the happy-go-lucky nature of their inhabitants do credit to this festivity to mark the carne vale – an all-out farewell to the flesh and other worldly pleasures that must last throughout Lent. The sounds of meringue and salsa are everywhere to be heard, turning the main avenues into a single giant dance floor.

“If you’d like to join in the Carnival celebrations, stay at any of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts’ hotels in Andalusia or the Canary Islands, just a short distance away from your favourite local festival!”

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Gofio and Mojo – the culinary kings of the Canaries

diciembre 19th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS | SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)


 

International promotion campaigns have placed the Canary Islands firmly on the world tourist map, and today its gastronomy ranks high on the most select menus. Today we’ll be telling you about two of its star dishes: Gofio and Mojo.

Have you heard of gofio and mojo before? Gofio is a mixture of roasted ground grains from various cereals and legumes.  Its origins lie in the Berber culture and it was a staple part of the diet of the first inhabitants of the Canary Islands, known as Guanches. Gofio was eaten long before the arrival of the European conquerors.  The early settlers used to make gofio from barley, wheat and fern rhizomes. They would later add other ingredients such as maize (known as millo in the Canary Islands), chickpeas and rye. It is a hearty dish that is rich in vitamins; many sports men and women in the Canary Islands are familiar with its energy-boosting properties; in fact it can keep a person going for half a day or even longer without feeling the need to eat anything else.

It is given to young babies diluted in milk, but it is also used in countless recipes for adults.  One such recipe is sancocho, a casserole of stone bass (a saltwater fish) and potatoes, accompanied by pella de gofio. Pella de gofio is a kind of dumpling made from water, gofio, oil and salt. Another traditional dish in these islands is puchero canario, consisting of boiled vegetables that are covered with gofio dough.

Mojo is a well-known sauce made from vinegar, cumin, chillies, garlic, paprika and oil, although there are multiple variations of this delicious condiment. The origins of the mojo sauces  goes back much further than the memory of the islands’  inhabitants, yet the many different recipes and ingredients used to make them stem from their boundless creativity, together with the strategic location of these islands, which makes them a melting pot for various cultures.  Sea trade routes provided the farmers of the Canary Islands with an exciting range of peppers, herbs, pepper pods and chillies that took root and flourished in the volcanic soils, blessed by the variety of micro-climates. Mojo sauces are normally divided into four types: red, green, sweet and spicy – but the truth is that there are as many varieties as there are dishes to accompany them. Red sauces with peppers – with or without tomato; green sauces with parsley and coriander, and which can also include avocado…the list of recipes just goes on and on, taking in a host of ingredients such as cheese, almonds, chillies, all types of herbs and condiments and even fruit.  The great thing about them is that they all feature the basic ingredients, but can be adapted to suit individual tastes. However, there can be no question about it: the best accompaniment for a delicious mojo sauce are papas arrugadas – literally ‘wrinkly potatoes’.  These delicious Canary Island potatoes cooked in their skin and salted are perfect as a tapa or accompaniment for all types of stews and casseroles.

In the Canary Islands, gofio is more popular than Coca Cola and mojo sauces are better-known than tomato ketchup! Rather than sophisticated delicacies, they’re just plain delicious!

Today, both products can be found in many stores and supermarkets throughout Spain and in some parts of the European Union, but if you want to taste them in all their glory, then the best thing is to take a trip to any of the ‘Fortunate Islands’ to sample some authentic gofio and a genuine mojo sauce.

 

“’ IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts’ hotels in the Canary Islands boast prime beachfront locations on several islands, surrounded by natural landscapes. During your stay at any of our 3, 4 and 5 star resorts you’ll have the chance to taste these culinary delights…and many more besides!”  

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The intriguing sand dunes of Maspalomas

diciembre 11th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Maspalomas, lying in south of the fabulous island of Gran Canaria, boasts some of the island’s most spectacular scenery. A succession of arid habitats leading to a stunning desert landscape, the Maspalomas sand dunes, a Special Nature Reserve since 1994.

We strongly recommend a camel trip around the Nature Reserve’s 403 hectares – a really fun excursion riding on these desert giants and an alternative way of exploring nature whilst respecting the environment.

The dunes on Maspalomas Beach have always been a major tourist attraction: an authentic sea of golden sand that emerged where it was least expected – right on the ocean shore! The fascination with this breathtaking sight is not just due to the fact that it’s like a mini Sahara desert, but also because it is blessed by blissfully warm temperatures that remain constant all year round. The warm, crystal-clear waters make this a totally irresistible destination for European tourists.

The beach area at Maspalomas boasts excellent infrastructures and facilities including numerous hotels, restaurants, beach bars and shops. Lovers of water sports will also be in their element; here you can enjoy sailing, surfing, windsurfing, scuba-diving and fishing, to name but a few. The more daring among you can have a go at free falling from a plane, landing in the middle of the dunes, a thrilling experience that no-one ever forgets in a hurry. Golf fans will have a ball in Maspalomas, as the best clubs on the island are located here. Maspalomas Golf offers spectacular views of the dunes and ocean, providing a spectacular backdrop as you make your way around the course.

Don’t miss a visit to Maspalomas Lighthouse, one of the area’s landmarks and one of the oldest working lighthouses in the Canary Islands. From there you can make your way to Charca de Maspalomas, a small coastal saltwater lagoon separated from the sea by a sandbank, making it an excellent haven for seabirds. You’ll be able to spot and photograph the flamingos, as well as little egrets and Eurasian spoonbills, as they feed on insects and fish in the calm waters of this fragile southern ecosystem.

Maspalomas is also a hive of cultural activity. Top of the list are the MASDANZA International Contemporary Dance Festival held on October and the International Summer University. A visit to the Maspalomas Space Station is also time well spent.

IBEROSTAR Hotels & resorts has a 4 star All Inclusive hotel in Maspalomas. The Iberostar Costa Canaria stands on the seafront at San Agustín Beach in Maspalomas.  It is the perfect base for golf lovers and boasts superb facilities that will guarantee a truly enjoyable and relaxing holiday on Gran Canaria.”  

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Three great destinations for a short break in Spain this December long weekend

noviembre 28th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

That much-awaited December long weekend in Spain is just around the corner, and a short break visiting some of our fabulous sights is something everyone would welcome. So here come three tempting destinations – each one better than the last!

Let’s start off in the South, in the wonderful Andalusia.  What better way of unwinding than strolling around the streets of Seville, stopping off at bars like  El Cairo to enjoy a tapa of hake-filled piquillo peppers, perhaps followed by a helping of sangre encebollada – a kind of black pudding with onions -, and washed down with a refreshing cold beer. Or perhaps you prefer to head for Malaga, staying at a fine hotel and indulging in a little pampering, discovering the delights of sunbathing in winter, a round of golf on the finest courses and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous at the most exclusive street cafés.  Yet Granada is always tempting; its long-standing tradition as a university city means that the pace never slackens, and the city is filled with delights such as the Albaicín quarter, the Alhambra and in the background, the ski slopes of Sierra Nevada for winter sports lovers. A stroll around the monumental city of Cordoba, coming face to face with its Mosque, the Fortress of the Catholic Monarchs, the Royal Stables and the Roman Bridge, is another attractive option. In Jaen, nature lovers will discover an amazing province; visitors to the dense wooded areas of the Sierras de Cazorla Nature Park can be forgiven for thinking they’re in a Scandinavian forest.  Huelva also has its own National Park, Doñana. This Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site is made up of various ecosystems, one of the highlights of which is the River Guadalquivir wetlands, one of Spain’s natural wonders.

Yet if you’re itching to venture even further south in search of spring-like weather where you can get away from those chilly winter temperatures and bask in the sun against a stunning natural setting, then the destination for you is the Canaries – nicknamed ‘the fortunate islands’.  They all guarantee great weather, exuberant natural landscapes and fun and leisure options for everyone. On Tenerife you’ll be greeted by the majestic Mount Teide, beaches to suit all tastes, including those of volcanic origin with their striking black sand, as well as stretches of golden sands and pebble beaches that have been polished by the buffeting waves, as well as natural seawater pools dotted along the coastline. On Las Palmas you can experience nature in its purest form; indeed, no less than 43% of the island is protected. You’ll be enthralled by the sand dune beaches, picturesque small towns and exotic gastronomy. On Fuerteventura, lovers of windsurfing will discover their own personal paradise, with 77 kilometres of beach that can be enjoyed all year round. And what can we say about the intriguing volcanic island of Lanzarote? The entire island is a Biosphere Reserve due to its immense environmental wealth, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of beaches and stunning natural attractions.

Mallorca has to be the choice of those who prefer to head for the Mediterranean. The largest of the Balearic Islands is an authentic paradise. Small towns and villages such as Valldemossa, Deià or Sóller, nestling in the striking Tramuntana Mountains, included on the World Heritage List, will win you over for life. Mallorca, with its diversity of landscapes and countless leisure and cultural options to suit all tastes will seem larger than an entire continent!

By now you’ll have realised that you don’t have to travel too far to get the most out of the December long weekend, right?

“Whether you choose Andalusia, the Canary Islands or Mallorca, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has a wide choice of hotels situated in prime locations and offering exceptional standards of service to ensure you enjoy your well-deserved holiday to the full”.

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