BasqueMTB are a mountain bike guiding company based just outside San Sebastian near the Pyrenees. I recently went on a holiday with them after seeing good reviews in the magazines. Fantastic trails and a spectacular area to visit. The guiding was top notch and we spent a fair bit of time brushing up my skills. Can't recommend them enough.

www.basqueMTB.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Space has long been an institution for Ibiza and celebrated its 20th year in the business this year. There's no doubt it's expensive for both entry and drinks but it's an experience you never forget.

on the sundays you get the wonder between five rooms, Carl cox on Tuesday blows everyone else away and don't even get me started on the opening party and closing parties - they are huge.

www.space-ibiza.es/
Playa d’en Bossa s/n
07817 Sant Jordi

Google map: tinyurl.com/y9wqqzp

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The As Artes, tucked away by the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela in Spanish Galicia, is the perfect city B&B, right at the heart of one of Europe’s most beguiling destinations. The seven bedrooms are prettily decorated, breakfast is substantial but leisurely, and the whole atmosphere is charming. Crucially, the beds are comfortable, the showers impressive, while the rooms - with obligatory wooden shutters - are well lit, spacious and quiet. To quote from the website, “the zones of leisure are sufficiently remote, which guarantees a calm rest.” The cathedral, in the Plaza do Obradoiro, is the final destination on a 1000 year old pilgrim’s route which stretches from France. Afternoon tea at the nearby five star Parador is the perfect spot to observe pilgrims limping past, some with donkeys. When I was there, Stephen Hawkins came trundling across the cobbles, due to lecture at the University. There is enough to explore for days amongst the medieval squares, convents and cloisters. The Museo do Pobo Galego is well worth a visit for its unusual double-spiral staircase alone.

Then, after an evening’s tapas-grazing, it’s much nicer to wander back to this intimate B&B than an anonymous hotel cell -and far cheaper.

www.asartes.com/index.php
Trav. de Dos Puertas 2, 15707 Santiago de Compostela
+34981555254

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

It's easy-going and easy to get around, with everything, bars, restaurants close at hand. This village house is good: well-equipped and attractive, although there are quite a few to choose from.

www.rusticaltravel.com/spain/villa-rental/andalucia-ronda-mountains-grazalema/rd19.html

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A week ago I went to Barcelona for a business trip. It was unusually cold for Barcelona, but nevertheless beautiful as always. For the first time we rented an apartment as we thought we would be much more comfortable as everyone would have a room, but at the same time could have a place to sit and plan the meetings together without having to go in a separate room like in a hotel and it was a great experience. We were lucky enough to find well located apartment with wireless internet and phone. Definitely thinking of renting apartment for family holiday as well now! Besides, tapas were incredible as well as the nightlife. It is nice to go to a bar and have some tapas with cerveza or clara after spending the day in the meeting room. Had a chance also for a quick sales shopping! Barcelona never disappoints!

www.renttopapartments.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I recommend a quick drink and a bit to eat with the kids in the Obama Bar in Barcelona. We were walking around in the rain looking for a nice place to have a drink, and by luck we came across the Obama Bar, just days before he was elected!

Gran via de les Corts Catalanes 603
08007 Barcelona
Tel: 933016524
www.obamabcn.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8g8j3a

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Genuine Flamenco at Casa de la Memoria, well worth a visit, great guitar playing, dancing and singing all without the touristy food and drink.
As a family we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it's a must if you visit this fantastic city.

Calle Ximenez de Enciso, 28, Santa Cruz district.
www.casadelamemoria.es/
+34 954 560 670

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8kqt6k

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Avoid the touristy tapas bars near Giralda. Poor service and greasy food and ice cold red wine.
Try the tapas where you see lots of the local people and you are sure of finding excellent food and wine.
Two we found were fantastic, one the other side of the Cathedral on Calle Santo Tomas near the Archivo de Indias. And the other called Cinco Jotas, Calle Castelar in the Arenal district.
Both serving delicious tapas, look and see what the locals are eating and drinking and point to the waiter, you can't go wrong.

Cinco Jotas, Calle Castelar 1, 41001, Sevilla
+34 954 210 763
www.mesoncincojotas.com/index_english.htm

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8zpl23

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Go to Horno de San Buenaventura for breakfast.
We stayed in a hotel nearby where the breakfast was 20 euros each. As a family of four we decided to explore an alternative and found this great place. Great food, great value and the best coffee we have had in Spain.
The cost for the four of us was only about 16 euros.

Avenida la Constitución 16. Sevilla, 41002
Teléfono.: 95.422.18.19

Google map: tinyurl.com/ycumrpp

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I recommend these summer courses as a great way to study creative art and design subjects in Europe, across two of the most exciting and dynamic cities, offered by Central Saint Martins and Elisava - two of the most prestigious schools.

www.london-barcelona-courses.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

When in Barcelona I frequently use the site of a local English language magazine there called Metropolitan. They always have up-to-date information about current exhibitions, music and clubs, dance and theatre plus they also have an excellent restaurant guide as well. Great insiders knowledge from people who have lived in the city and know the best places to go.

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I just returned from a trip to Barcelona and found this map very useful in getting oriented and finding the right place to stay and which areas to go out at night.

www.barcelonanet.org/barcelona_map.html

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I recently went on holiday to Ibiza and found this amazing secret hideway restaurant called Amante, set on a clifftop overlooking the beach. The staff were really friendly, the location was stunning and the food was outstanding.

www.amanteibiza.com
Sol den Serra
c / Fuera Sn
07849 St Eulalia, Ibiza
+34 971 196176

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I have recently returned from a great New Year holiday in Barcelona. I had chosen an apartment in a small placa in El Borne which was perfect for my stay and the perfect location. I was given so much useful information and recommendations by the Barcelona Flats staff on my arrival which really helped with the planning of places to visit, tips on bars, restaurants, transport around the city etc. I can't wait to return, as there is still so much more to see and do.

www.barcelonaflats.co.uk

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I rented an apartment this Christmas using Pillowapartments Barcelona
Check in staff were gracious and accomodating with good directions for travellers not renting a car.
Apartment appeared just as pictured. Size of apartment was cozy, but was large enough for four people to sleep, if living room couch is let out. It was centrally located to Super Mercardo, beach, wharf, mall, and restaurants and well stocked. Really appreciated having washer/dryer unit in apartment. Colorful mix of restaurants, markets right in neighborhood.
Came on a Barcelona holiday and watched city party all day until early morning. Loved the late sunset and meet some really entertaining people. Loved the ice cream/gelato shops on every other corner. Also, loved the Cafe de Lecha and Tortilla Patata (egg omelet with potato) for breakfast and the bakeries.
Public transportation was excellent!
Easy walk to train station and wonderful city park/zoo. A little further walk to the shopping district of La Rambla and Gothic area. Recommend to take the city tour bus, excellent sites, plenty of museums and information.
Would have been nice to have an English speaking television channel, however took it as an opportunity to learn more Spanish.

www.pillowapartments.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Club La Santa is on the island of Lanzarote. I'll be surprised if I'm the only person to suggest it. A 50 metre outdoor swimming pool and a 400 metre athletics track. Come on! It's a huge sports facility on the quieter side of the island, and a haven for fitness nuts. There are plenty of organised activities and special events, ranging from a daily schedule of activities that anyone can join in right up to the Lanzerote Ironman. An added bonus for sports fans is the number of professional sports people you get to train next to (although it's a bit of a humbling experience). For a less intimidating experience rub shoulders with them at the pool side cafe. My favourite activity; watching the sun set on the horizon while you're completing your evening swim session in the outdoor 50 metre pool in December.

www.clublasanta.com
Avenida Krogager, 35560 Tinajo-Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Tel: +34 928 59 99 99

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

When returning from Olot to Girona take the Teisa bus which goes via Amer as you really get a feel for the green and luscious beauty of the Garroxta region. As the coach passes through the villages bordering the natural park you can marvel at the volcanoes and the ruined castle perched far above Hostoles.

Google map: tinyurl.com/ychyzwy

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This park is at the top of the Volcà de Montascopa and is worth stopping in before climbing back down into Olot. It has a watchtower which children will love and magnificent views of the other major dormant volcanos surrounding Olot.

Top of the Volcà de Montascopa
www.turismeolot.com/en_86_i.htm

Google map: tinyurl.com/ylhmmbk

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This convent stands at the top of the Volcà de Montascopa and even though you can't go inside it it does offer spectacular views of Olot and on a good day the Pyrenees. The convent itself is a simple and rather plain building.

On top of the Volcà de Montascopa

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The most famous dormant volcano in Olot is the Volcà de Montascopa.
Fortunately it is the volcano which is the easiest to climb. You can even have a picnic in its extinct crater!

Follow the signs from Carrer Major

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8oj9ky

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends