http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29940 Perfect picturesque place.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29940 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23475
The economy in Spain has been hit very hard and now one in six Spanish are unemployed. The result of this is that many Spanish have had to move back in with their parents in order to save costs.

This means that this summer there are a lot more properties available on the rental market.

How does this benefit you? Property owners need to rent their properties out in order to pay their mortgage. Consequently now is a great time to book a self-catering apartment or villa in Alicante or on the Costa Blanca.

Villa and apartment owners advertise their weekly rate, but they would rather take a reduced rate than not fill their apartment or villa at all.

So if you know where you would like to stay in Alicante or on the Costa Blanca then I recommend contacting the property owners directly and negotiating with them.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23475 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23092
Although grapes have been grown in the region since Roman times, the Bodega del Garroferal was only set up in 2002 when the pair relocated to Spain from South Africa. They offer a small range of delicious wines - three reds, three whites and one rose. Try Rhapsody, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend mix with depth and complexity. The grapes are grown just across the road from the bodega and, after handpicking, are fermented in open topped tanks.

Helen offers a sumptuous range of tapas to complement an arranged wine tasting and then you can play with the family cats and chickens.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23092