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Spanish cuisine’s liquid gold.

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

Olive oil has been known and used by the great civilizations since times of antiquity. It has many healthy qualities which have earned it the nickname liquid gold, as well as being a staple of the Mediterranean diet, a type of cuisine which is spreading all over the world and taking olive oil with it.

The first olives in the Iberian Peninsula were cultivated in Cádiz and Seville; Cádiz was an enclave much frequented by the Phoenicians, who maintained important economic relations via their port, as well as Seville, whose river, the Guadalquivir, was always navigable.

The Spanish province of Jaén claims to be the “World Capital of Olive Oil”, for being the place with the greatest concentration of olive and olive oil production.  The most abundant variety of olive in the province of Jaén is the Picual, although Royal, Arbequina and Cornicabra olives are also cultivated there.

The province of Jaén currently boasts three protected designations of origin (D.O.P) of olive oil: Sierra de Segura, Sierra de Cazorla and Sierra Mágina. The best quality olive oil comes from olives that are mature and healthy before they are harvested. And Spain without doubt produces the best olive oils in the world.

The Spanish culinary culture does not make sense without olive oil. It is the essential oil used for cooking dishes and dressing salads, fish, meat and vegetables. When olive oil is around, forget saturated fats such as lard, butter and margarine.  People are well aware of this in the Mediterranean countries in general, and Spain in particular, because the Mediterranean diet would not be what it is without olive oil.

Extra virgin olive oil is the only one that is consumed exactly as it is “expressed” from the fruit. Its production process is simple and does not alter the properties of the “juice” obtained. Other vegetable oils come mainly from seeds, and chemical processes are involved in their production, making these oils less natural compared with extra virgin olive oil.

Can you imagine a greater pleasure than a tasty chunk of bread spread with extra virgin olive oil for breakfast? Its aromatic nuances, its blend of sweetness and bitterness and the way it tingles the taste buds are the perfect finishing touch to any dish.

If you are visiting Spain, do not forget to try the olive oil. You will be sure to return home with several liters of “liquid gold” in your suitcase! You can never get too much of a good thing.

 

“Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has 5 hotels in Andalusia, home of the best olive oils.  The superb location of the IBEROSTAR hotels in Cádiz, Huelva and Málaga offers an unbeatable opportunity to explore the Costa del Sol, the Costa Tropical and the Costa de la Luz and enjoy their excellent cuisine.”

 

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Torrox, 21 centuries of history in its streets

junio 13th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Torrox, like many villages in southern Spain, has a long history full of bloody battles, expulsions and repopulations.  Its origins, between the 1st and 5th centuries, are Roman, but even before that the area had been populated by Phoenicians.  Then the Visigoths arrived. In the 8th century, the Moors established themselves there in order to advance towards Cordoba.  It was part of the Moorish uprising and the Caliph Abd-el-Rahman III settled there in 914.   For several hundred years its economy was developed on the silk industry and dried fruit and sugarcane production.  But in 1487 it was reconquered by the Catholic Kings.  A yellow fever epidemic, Napoleonic invasions and two earthquakes have left their mark on the streets and buildings of Torrox, and on the character of its friendly people with their fascinating mix of traditions.

To discover the ancient essence of the village, you only have to follow the circuit of ceramic tiled murals that tell its story.  From Los Caños Square to the Arab turret.  Wandering among the dazzling white houses of the old part of the village is like traveling through time. This is the Almanzor Route, where buildings were constructed to conserve cool temperatures during the intense heat of the summer months.  With streets formed by steps, narrow passages between buildings and plazas, splashes of color from flowerpots on balconies and the silence that reigns at certain times of the day, it is an atmospheric route to walk.

The charm of visiting a village like Torrox is in searching its alleyways for the little gems that history has left behind.   The Medina y Toro Winery, where, according to its owner, the wine is made on the vine and nowhere else! San Roque Square, with its red-colored Mudejar chapel.  Lower Street, with its steps leading to the river shore.  The Torrox Miniature Museum, the Customs House, the Nuestra Señora de las Nieves Convent, the La Granja aqueduct and the House of the Inquisition are other unmissable attractions.

But Torrox also has a coastal zone, where most of its inhabitants live, and from where there are excursions to the Roman ruins near the Torrox Lighthouse.  This settlement – the Roman city of Caviclum, dating from the first century – contains the ruins of a villa, a necropolis, basins, baths, and ceramic ovens.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has two 4-star resorts in Málaga: the IBEROSTAR Marbella Coral Beach in Marbella, and the IBEROSTAR Málaga Playa in Torrox-Costa. Both complexes are perfect for a couples vacation or a family vacation in Málaga, where guests can enjoy Wellness zones, gardens, pools, live entertainment programs, the best local and international cuisine and a wide range of sporting activities on the shores of the Mediterranean.”

 

 

 

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Pollentia: Roman Majorca

junio 6th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

In the north of the island of Majorca is the Roman city of Pollentia, a site that houses some of the most important vestiges of this civilization that can been visited today, permitting the study and knowledge of what the capital of the Balearic Isles was like in the first century. Four zones can be distinguished in these ruins, which date from 123 B.C.: the residential zone, the Forum, the Theater and the Monograph Museum.

La Portella is the residential zone and is made up of the ruins of three houses.  The House of the Two Treasures, whose floor is completely preserved; the House of the Bronze Head, whose floor is not intact but which is considerably larger than the former; and the North East House, which was found to be uninhabited and built over with a third century wall and some workshops.

The Forum was the civic, religious and commercial center of the city.  Here can be found ruins of the Capitol Temple, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, next to two smaller shrines.  There is also a tavern zone that formed part of the Forum, where the excavations are concentrated today.

The Theater was the leisure center of the city. Semi-circular in shape, it still retains part of the auditorium or stands, the orchestra pit and the stage.  Strangely, remains of a necropolis have been found above these ruins.

But the Pollentia Monograph Museum is where most of the excavated pieces are kept.   Located in an old 15th century building, formerly a hospital, in the center of the town of Alcúdia, it houses an important collection of ceramics and pieces of glass and jewelery that is open to the public.  Also of note are three marble statues and a bronze head, after which one of the houses is named.

If you go to Majorca, make sure to visit the island’s Roman heritage at Pollentia.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has 6 vacation complexes in Alcudia: all are luxury 4-star hotels offering contemporary facilities and excellent leisure and culinary services for an unforgettable family vacation in Majorca.” 

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Cabrera Archipelago National Park

mayo 29th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

The Cabrera Archipelago National Park is a group of islets belonging to the Balearic archipelago that, due to its isolation throughout history, is to this day a virtually untouched wilderness with great natural value: the coastal landscape of Cabrera is often considered one of the best preserved on the Spanish coast, and indeed in all of the Mediterranean.

It is made up of 19 islands and islets. The largest in area is Cabrera, followed by Illa dels Conills. The other main islands are Ses Rates, els Estels, l’Imperial, les Bledes, es Fonoll, na Rodona, l’Esponja, na Plana, na Pobra, s’Illot Pla, s’Illot and na Foradada.

Cabrera’s most characteristic animal is the sargantana, a small reptile native to the Balearic Islands, which has evolved different characteristics on different islets as a result of thousands of years of evolution without predators. The abundance of fish has led to a great diversity of seabirds, which makes Cabrera a privileged spot for watching and studying birds and their migratory behavior. The seabed is rocky and covered in large swathes of seaweed, home to a wide variety of fish and plant species, as well as species of dolphin and sea turtle.

Among the places of particular interest is the castle with its views over the port. Due to the fragility of the park’s habitat, and in order not to disturb the peace of the different species living there, it is only possible to visit limited areas near the port of Cabrera.  If you request permission you can receive a guided tour along the island’s pathways.

The Cabrera Archipelago National Park can be visited without any special procedure on one-day boat excursions leaving from the ports of Colònia de Sant Jordi and Porto Petro. Advance booking is recommended.

If you wish to visit the park in your own boat, you will need permission from the park’s administration.

 

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Majorca allow guests greater access to the most exciting experiences the main Balearic island has to offer. The excellent locations of IBEROSTAR hotels in Majorca, spread across the island, bring an unmatched opportunity to discover all of its secrets.”

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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.”

 

 

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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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The Serra de Tramuntana, a haven for artists

abril 30th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

From Palma de Mallorca, a road heading north away from the crowds heads towards the Serra de Tramuntana. It takes only a quarter of an hour to stand in Valldemossa, a village surrounded by mountains where, for several years, the pianist Frédéric Chopin lived with his lover, the writer George Sand. The illustrious couple moved into the Cartuja de Valldemossa, famous for its green ceramic bell, located in the heart of the town, a special place where he composed sublime music and she wrote books such as A Winter in Mallorca, which recounts her experiences in the island.

On a walk through the narrow streets of the old town of Valldemossa, one can follow in the footsteps of people such as Santiago Rusiñol, Rubén Darío and Miguel de Unamuno. Their romantic spirit remains intact, especially in calle de la Rectoría, with doors and balconies full of potted flowers and plants.

The walk is a good prelude to a visit to the Costa Nord center, the Serra de Tramuntana Interpretation Center, located at the entrance of Valldemossa. This modern exhibition space displays the area’s cultural and natural attractions, highlighting the figure of Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria, who came to Mallorca to do work on the Balearic Islands and, after visiting the north, began buying land to build houses, viewpoints and chapels, all connected by an extensive network of roads.

The center was promoted by actor Michael Douglas, in love with the Serra Tramuntana and owner of the hacienda S’Estaca, built by the Archduke in the nineteenth century.

From Valldemossa it is easy to get to the town of Deià. It is famous for its local color and also for the artists who have spent long periods there, attracted by the magic of the area’s inspiring landscapes: Julio Cortázar, Ava Gardner, Robert Graves, Eric Clapton, Mike Oldfield and Mark Knopfler are just some of those who have walked through the winding streets of the center, swum in the cove and tasted the typical pa amb oli or ensaimada and coffee in the roadside terraces.

One of the most beautiful corners of the town, with beautiful sea views, is located on top of the hill: the graveyard. A lovely place, where a small and unpretentious headstone indicates the burial place of Robert Graves, so in love with Deià that he chose to rest there forever.

 

“The excellent location of IBEROSTAR hotels in Mallorca, scattered throughout the island, is a unique opportunity to discover all its secrets.”

 

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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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