Dusty, well-worn boots are just one way to distinguish ‘peregrinos’ from tourists in the Obradoiro Square of Santiago de Compostela. A rite of passage for those that have travelled for days, weeks or even months to reach the ‘finish line’ of the famous Camino de Santiago, these boots house aching, calloused feet, deserving of a rest. Peregrinos is a kind …
Finding Palaces in Green Spain
The vehicle pulled up to the impressive Palacio De La Magdalena which overlooks the famous Bay of Santander. This allowed a brief glimpse of the Sardinero Beaches and the lighthouse on the Isle of Mouro. Dilemma; explore a magnificent, modern palace constructed in early years of the last century or get a better view of a bay which makes it …
Asturias; Natural Paradise in Spain
The guide had remained patient throughout our tour of Asturias, one of the regions of northern Spain which together form Green Spain. It’s unlikely we’d left or arrived anywhere on time, flying drones, taking still photographs, filming video and asking questions at every stop off. As Recommended by National Geographic Even so, when he suggested we needed to pick up …
The Guggenheim Museum; Cultural Heart of Bilbao
First impressions of the Guggenheim probably depend on from which direction you arrive . Whether passing by the huge floral puppy or wandering through the legs of the gigantic spider into a thick, artificially induced fog. This is the beauty of the eccentric jumble of architectural shapes and eclectic exhibitions which comprise the cultural heart of Bilbao, the unofficial capital …
Pride and Passion; Portrait of Green Spain
The four regions of northern Spain, known collectively as “Green Spain” are the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Blessed with miles of coastline, there are sandy beaches, and spectacular cliffs, high mountains, attractive villages and some beautiful cities. Yet, in a place of great beauty, after a recent visit it is the people which will remain with me most; …
Postcards from Caravaca, Murcia
Travelling to the fifth holy city of Catholic Christianity, Caravaca de la Cruz, in Murcia, the imposing Real Alcázar is the landmark which initially catches the eye. The castle can be seen from some distance while travelling along the nearby motorway which leads into the city, the fortified ramparts which dominate the city from its high point, overlooking the surrounding …
Flamingos in the Land of Flamenco
There’s something exciting about seeing flamingos, these quirky, social, sometimes funny, these strange birds which may have been around for over 30 million years. Seeing a small flock in the salt flats of San Pedro del Pinatar, in the Spanish region of Murcia, was initially surprising, but in the land of flamenco it seemed somehow appropriate. Read more from Murcia …
Postcards from Águilas, Murcia
Exploring the pretty harbour town of Águilas in Murcia, Costa Cálida in an enjoyable, innovative and satisfying fashion, through a tapas tour, is recommended for all foodies. We were collected from our accommodation at the Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel, and the next few hours were spent munching our way through, fresh chicken, pork, fish and octopus on a guided tour of …
Life on the Camino; Cycling in Asturias
Walking is the most popular way of completing the Camino de Santiago (north), but cycling will appeal to those preferring two wheels to Shank’s pony! We gave it a try in Asturias, and it proved the perfect way to discover this natural paradise.
El Sablon Beach, LlanesGetting on your Bike
Taking to two wheels offers a few advantages, it’s quicker, so it will suit peregrinos with limited time, it will also allow greater flexibility to take diversions and explore or to pause longer in a place which
Life on the Camino; Distractions in the Basque Country
Enjoying a relaxing break in the north of Spain or completing a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago may seem mutually exclusive at first, however they don’t need to be. As discussed in a previous post, the reasons for following the St. James Way are as numerous as the distractions along the way, and the Basque Country has its fair share …