Beaches , great weather and many interesting places to visit are some of the many attractions Alicante has to offer. One of his most coveted beaches is Postiguet, in the city center, but there are numerous sandy beaches such as the beach of Saladar or Albureta beach, blue flag cataloged for its good swimming conditions and the quality of its services.

But apart from beaches, Alicante has outstanding monuments: the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Gravina Palace or Castle of Santa Barbara, on top of Mount Benacantil . By day, the old town is a pleasant neighborhood full of colorful houses and at night, it becomes a lively party area.

At the foot of the castle lies the colorful Barrio de Santa Cruz more like a bit of Andalusia who has been placed in the middle of the city of Alicante. White houses, flowered balconies and typical local food. A few meters from the beach and from the trendiest areas lies this wonderful place full of poetry.

Touring the nearby towns we find , about 30 kilometers from Alicante , Jijona village , famous home of turrón and ice-cream – where it is produced the prized Christmas sweet, both the variety of Jijona and Alicante. Here is the Museo del Turrón , which shows the process , promotion and distribution and where are preserved family memories of Sirvent Selfa founder of El Lobo and 1880 marks .

Another town closely linked to Christmas is Ibi , toy industry is so big that it is said to that here is the Magi ‘s store . In Ibi it was erected the first monument dedicated to the Magi in the world and, of course , it also has the Toy Museum , a tribute to the efforts of toy workers and employers found in La Casa Gran , a building of the eighteenth century . One of the most unique celebrations is the feast of “els Enfarinats ” , which takes place on December 28 , which was a clash of flour and firecrackers and that everyone who is exposed to the population approach.

And do not forget to visit Elche and its immense palm grove , the largest in Europe with over 200,000 copies and is part of the World Heritage, created by the first Muslims who founded the city .

So you feel like visiting Alicante, do you? Book your flights here!

Finisterre means the end of the world and so was considered by different cultures in ancient times, still believed that the earth was flat. This point, where is located the well-known Cape Finisterre , is the most western one to where pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago can arrive. They burned their clothes on the cliff and throwt their ashes into the sea as a symbol of purification.

The drive journey to Costa da Morte is the most suitable way to enjoy the magnificent views of the area . Before arriving at Faro Finisterre is a turnoff to the right that leads to Mount Facho, which houses the chapel of San Guillermo , related to beliefs about fertility. On the outskirts of this city stands the Church of Santa María das Areas , Romanesque style. This parish church houses Cristo dos Barbas Douradas , by which professes great devotion. Between Finisterre and Cabo da Nave it is the wild beach Mar de Fora , and open to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by sharp cliffs. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the coast.

A bit more to the south of Finisterre, we find a fishing village in the municipality of Dumbría O Ézaro , which houses a waterfall which has the distinction of being the only one in Europe that flows directly into the sea . It is recommended go and see it in winter as its volume rises as a result of heavy rains that increase its power and beauty.

Can not help but mention the seafood cuisine that is abundant in this Galician coast’s area. Finisterre is the realm of seafood and fish: barnacles, lobsters, scallops, clams, razor clams, cockles, sea bass … are some of the endless list of marine products that may be tested in these lands. Beef product is also of extreme quality, hence the famous Galician beef.

Don’t you feel like going to this land? Some of the best scenery in Galicia make this trip a visual feast!

Imagen de ricardo

By Blanca Frontera

Makes you want to go, right? Do it! Check out our prices here!

On winter, the urban heart of A Coruña changes the aspect to become a Christmas paradise out of a fairy tale.

Despite the cold and the short days, for a few weeks A Coruña shines with warm Christmas lights that illuminate this beautiful city to make us forget the winter inclemency.

From November 28th to January 2nd, María Pita Square – one of the most beautiful and known spots in the city – becomes the Christmas village, with traditional wooden houses with snow on the roof and paths surrounded of firs that seem like the Christmas markets in the rest of Europe.

This place has lot of magic and fun opportunities for the kids, who could enjoy attractions made for them. Leisure activities, stalls for wishing well – benefits go to local charities from the city – and Santa Claus house, where Santa receives the kids and answer their wishes.

This is an activity for all the family, with more than a 100 workshops to learn how to design a Christmas tree or Christmas Cards, among others. These workshops take place daily in the afternoon (from 17:15 to 19:15h.).

For any age there are activities night and day, two or three daily music performances, in the stage in front of the City House.

Near the Christmas village, at the exhibition room of the City House, there is a traditional nativity scene, with the classic reproduction and including other famous people from the history of A Coruña, distributed on 100 m².

To the most remarkable dates of the holidays, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the hospitality in A Coruña offers many activities to enjoy with your friends. And, of course, on January 5th by the afternoon, the activities are for the kids: the Three Magic Kings parade around the city for the enjoyment of everyone.

With this variety of offers, is not strange that every year thousands of tourists go to A Coruña and the Christmas village of María Pita to enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Picture from entrelazosyabalorios

Why not take a trip to A Coruña? Have a look at our flights here!

Budapest is said to be one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, and with good reason. The rise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867 and the subsequent union between the cities of Buda and Pest turned the newfound metropolis into one of the continent’s leading magnets. Aside from its grand avenues, luxury palaces and bridges over the Danube, its appeal lies in its 118 springs spouting 70 million litres of water a day, at temperatures that vary from 20°C to 78°C.

The Spa City

Budapest has more thermal and medicinal water wells than any other world capital, earning it the title of “Spa City” in 1934. However, the properties of those waters have been known since ancient times. The Romans built thermal complexes during the period they settled there, as did the Ottoman Turks. Vestiges such as the Turkish baths have been preserved until today and are still operating at full steam.

However, the real boom in spa resorts took place in the early-20th century, coinciding with an upsurge in the city’s development and the foresight behind the decision to harness these waters for treating all kinds of diseases.

Planning Your Visit

Nowadays thousands of Budapesters and tourists from all over Hungary and the rest of the world come to delight in the city’s waters. There are obviously more spa guests in summer, but any time of the year is suitable for having a dip.

Each spa has its house rules, but most of them hire towels, have lockers for storing your clothes, and provide swimming caps. Check out the website of each establishment when planning your visit. While most resorts are mixed, some have different days or times of the day for men and women.

Here are the five thermal baths you simply cannot fail to visit:

Gellert

Remember that famous Danone advertisement from the early nineties, in which some hard-bodied models were swimming in a dream pool? Well, the pool in question happens to be the main one in the historic Gellert spa baths. Built in 1918, it is one of the city’s most elegant. It boasts 9 therapeutic pools, including a thermal bath, a bubble pool, a paddling pool and even a wave pool, flanked by statues and adorned with mosaics and stained glass windows.

It is also one of the more expensive baths. Admission varies from 3,800 to 4,200 forints (€13.20 to €14.60), but you simply can’t leave the city without visiting it.

Széchenyi

Inaugurated in 1913, it is one of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe and the most popular one in Budapest among tourists. This does not, however, detract one bit from its charm. Bathing in one of the large outdoor thermal pools at Széchenyi is a wonderful experience. And, as it is the only spa in the Pest side of the river, you can sightsee this area before heading to the baths.

The admission fee depends on the services you hire, varying from 2,900 to 3,750 Hungarian forints (€10.10 to €13.05).

Rudas

Built by the Ottoman Turks in 1550, the Rudas Baths feature an octagonal pool covered by a dome, transporting one to A Thousand and One Nights. This spa is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for men only, and on Tuesdays for women (wearing a swimming costume is not required). Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are mixed. One option is to visit the spa baths on Friday or Saturday evening and extend your stay into the night at the Romkert, open from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. It is an open-air disco where you will be dancing at the foot of Mt Gellért.

Király

Together with Rudas, the Király are the most famous Turkish thermal baths. Opened in 1565, they resemble the Rudas Baths, although on a smaller scale, so you are advised to book ahead and take your own towels with you. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are set aside for men and indeed this spa has become one of the major gathering places for gays. Király is also among the more economical baths in Budapest: 1,300 HUF (€4.50).

Lukács

Specialising in digestive disorders, the Lukács are famous for having been a meeting place for intellectuals in the 1950s and for being one of most popular resorts among tourists. With its seven pools set in a beautiful park, this is one of the best spots for coming into touch with Budapest society.

Now all that’s left is to pack your swimsuit and get ready for a dip. Check out our flights here.

Text by Aleix Palau for Los Viajes de ISABELYLUIS