Fall in Love with Beaches in Cádiz
The highly awaited magical sunsets are a very special moment for locals and tourists who celebrate it from the beach and its chiringuitos. A show full of breathtaking colour tones from blue to orange, from red to purple, due to the effect of Rayleigh dispersion, an atmospherical effect of great beauty. To enjoy better these magical sunsets, you should take Pepa Cádiz which will take you through the bay of Cadiz.
Gastronomy, sun, and more than 80 beaches of all kind, fine sand and clear waters, makes the province of Cadiz one of the most popular destinations in summer. Let's make a route to the most beautiful beaches in Cadiz.
Playa de La Caleta (Cádiz)
Located at the border of Cadiz historic center. Some of the scenes for films such as Alatriste, El Amor Brujo and 007:Die Another Day, with Halle Berry coming out from the water, were rolled at this beach. Balneario de la Palma and Castillo de San Sebastián recreated the typical atmosphere of Cuba island. Not surprisingly, Cadiz is a city twinned with La Habana.
Playa de Cortadura (Cádiz)
The longest beach in Cadiz, with its nearly 4 kiómetros long and the only one considered unspoilt, is located next to the walls of Cortadura which served as the defense of the city from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century. In an area of the beach of sand dunes nudism is allowed.
Calas de Conil
Some coves of beautiful landscapes. All around, there are some marked trails between juniper fields for walking and cycling. Especially recommended Cala Del Pato. From here you can access the Cala Roche (also known as the Unknown), in which there is some permissiveness for nudism (as in the Cala Tio Juan de Medina). It lies at the foot of a cliff.
Playas de Trafalgar (Caños de Meca)
Although the core of Caños de Meca is small, it has lots of clean calm-water beaches and some coves where you can enjoy of some privacy. The beaches at Faro de Trafalgar are generally wilder and therefore less crowded. Here you can forget about everything and enjoy the quiet of their sands, despite the impression created when remembering that the famous Battle of Trafalgar happened in these waters in 1805 But there is also crowded family beaches as Playa del Pirata, which has numerous facilities and beach bars.
Zahara de los Atunes
If you would love a nice beach but you also need other incentives, come toZahara de los Atunes. You will enjoy from the better atmosphere and its delicious cuisine in its beach bars Before arriving in Tarifa there is just one of the most spectacular beaches advancing inland, practically virgin, with a dune over 30 meters. Come to the natural pools of Claudia, near the Roman ruins, created by erosion. Deep yourself into its green clay; your skin will get smoother than with any beauty treatments.
Playas de Tarifa
Located opposite the junction of Mediterranean waters and the Atlantic Ocean the beaches of Tarifa are worldwide popular for its ideal conditions for windsurfing, kite surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling. The beach Rio Jara, at the mouth of the river Jara , is a favorite for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially for beginners in the shallow waters. Like the northern beach of the Lances But if you prefer a quieter beach on the southern beach area of the Lances are not allowed to windsurf or kitesurf in July and August, as in the Playa Chica, the last beach on the Mediterranean.
Picture La Caleta by emijrp/ picture Playa de Bolonia by Anual/ picture Punta Paloma by Manuel Gonzalez Olaechea
Makes you want to go, right? Do it! Check out our prices here!
more infoMust-visit Four-star Restaurants for Gourmets in Monaco
If you plan to visit the French Côte d'Azur, be sure to stop over at Monaco. Luxury also spills out onto the table on that small rock, with its endless array of starred restaurants. These are our favourites venues.
Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo
Suitably attired in your finery, make for the Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo. Inaugurated in 2004, it was the French chef’s first restaurant in the Principality, subsequently followed by the no less famous Yoshi (Japanese cuisine) and Odyssey (Mediterranean cuisine). The Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo, for its part, with its modern, inviting aesthetic, conveys a feeling of zen refinement. The open kitchen in full view enables guests to appreciate the choreography of chefs and pastry cooks as they display their art over the fires – a veritable top-drawer gastronomic experience. Also worth bearing in mind is that the French chef has added vegetarian and gluten-free menus to cater for even the most sensitive palates.
Le Vistamar
If, apart from a good table, you’re eager to enjoy one of the best views of Monte Carlo, opt for Le Vistamar (in the splendid Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo), where chef Benoît Witz orchestrates a culinary concept which has earned him a Michelin star. Here, the spotlight is on enhancing the products with the finest Mediterranean flavours, while the deliciously original dishes respond to the theme of “a fish, a vegetable and a cooking”, within the framework of different tasting menu options – the perfect harmony between sophistication and simplicity. Worth mentioning is the centrepiece of the house – blue lobster with peas, caramelised shallots and a fine foam infused with smoked duck. To accompany the food, the establishment proffers its striking wine list with exclusive wines from around the world. Among the finest in Monaco.
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse
Le Louis XV, featuring the acclaimedFrench chef Alain Ducasse, is a fantasy world of modern elegance sited in the Hôtel Paris of Monte Carlo. And, according to the leading international critics, a restaurant which has achieved culinary perfection. The interior design – including a fascinating chandelier with over 800 uniquely different pieces of crystal – is a display of exquisite luxury paying tribute to the “dolce vita” of the Riviera, a place for which Ducasse has always confessed his passion. And, he reiterates that homage through his cuisine, in which the products, flavours and colours of the Côte d’Azur converge. Their fish is fresh from the dockside auction, while the herbs, spices and vegetables are sourced locally and in season. This traditional approach to the product is offset by the avant-garde technique, endowing dishes with freshness and modernity.
Elsa
Contemporary flavours from the French Riviera crafted with local, seasonal produce (the menu changes each season) which is, first and foremost, organically produced, a fact which led the establishment to become the first restaurant with a 100% bio certificate in accordance with European standards. A Michelin one-star, Elsa has earned its place among the culinary elite thanks to the talent and creativity of chef Paolo Sari. Three different tasting menus are available.
Book your Vueling to Nice, just half an hour away from Monaco, and bring out your gourmet streak in one of these excellent restaurants.
Text by Laia Zieger of Gastronomistas.com
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The Aosta Valley
In less than 1 hour drive from Turin you can easily reach the area of the Western Alps. A unique place, with a typical alpine scenery, deep valleys, lakes, summits crowned with castles and the beautiful villages of the valley.
The Aosta Valley has many interesting landmarks such as Mont Blanc, the highest point in the Alps and of Europe, and other major mountains like Monte Rosa (4,683 meters), the Matterhorn (from 4810 meters) or Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) at the Gran Paradiso National Park. This was the first italian natural park, which was created to protect the alpine ibex -a symbol of the park- and other alpine species. Here are around 2000 different species of vegetation amongst the 5,600 varieties cataloged of the entire Italian flora.
Cows are the queens of the valley. If visiting in spring and fall, sure you'll be there to witness the "Bataille de Reines" exhibits (battle of queens), that farmers organize in the region to establish the reign of these cattle, which is decorated with bouquets of flowers to distinguish her from the others. It is a fascinating spectacle that locals and tourists enjoy.
We were lucky to happen to be there for a Sunday's battle of queens in the pretty village of Cogne, at the foot of Gran Paradiso. Thousands of people come this far to enjoy a nice day outdoors and admire closely these animals. It's a little shocking of a show for outside but it is a bloodless event for animals.
These cows produce Fontina, a cheese with denomination of origin in the valley. Another typical food of the region is the motzetta, served thinly sliced as an appetizer, accompanied by rye bread. Or the jambon de Bosses, which is seasoned with herbs de Provence.
The Aosta Valley is a place of myths and legends, with magnificent castles that dot the whole place. It has a rich heritage that boasts over 100 structures from medieval castles, watchtowers or churches that can be visited.
And as of the first of November, the ski season opens in the tracks of Cervinia and Valtournenche. Cervinia is known as the "land of many waters" by the many rivers and lakes that surround it. It is also one of the most famous ski destinations in the Italian Alps.
Also Chamois, that happens to be the highest village in Europe, at 1815 meters. A pretty village between idyllic landscapes, with a nearby alpine resort. It has five ski slopes and alpine hiking trails of striking beauty.
One of the most frequent visits made in the Aosta Valley is the ascent of Mont Blanc, starting from the village of La Palud. A funicular ride somewhat intimidating for those who suffer from vertigo, but it's worth to have a 360 ° view over the entire Alps. The ride has two stops: one at 2000 meters, where you have a restaurant to test their culinary specialties in a pleasant terrace. You can also visit the alpine botanical garden. The second stop is the Torino refuge, at 3,375 meters. From the cable car stop, you still have to climb a very steep metal stairs and if you're lucky and the sky is clear, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the snowy mountains.
Makes you want to go, right? Do it! Check out our prices here!
more infoCannes – Cinema and Much More
Cinema, glamour and luxury could well define this wonderful city on the French Riviera. Any mention of the name Cannes conjures up some of the media highlights of the year, like their film festival, when the city is decked out in all its finery and peopled with the most famous faces of the seventh art, as well as many a socialite eager not to miss such a worthy spectacle. But, cinema is not everything and Cannes is much more than film stars and millionaires to be gawked at. We urge you to discover both facets of this fantastic city.
Strolling Along the Promenade de la Croisette is De Rigeur
This boulevard, once known as the Chemin de la Petite Croix (Road of the Little Cross), as it had – and still has – a small cross, could well be rechristened the “Promenade of the Stars”. Replete with haute couture stores, luxury restaurants and fantastic hotels, and thronging with all kinds of celebrities, it is the perfect place for wandering about and soaking up the glitter of everything that’s going on. On your walk you will come across such iconic hotels as the InterContinental Carlton, housed in an elegant palace dating from 1911, the Art Deco Hôtel Martinez and the Majestic, before finally reaching the legendary Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. As you may have guessed, this is where the Cannes Film Festival is held each year. Those eager to see the facilities where such a prodigious event is hosted can satiate their curiosity by booking a guided tour of the premises. Another classic on La Croisette is theChemin des Étoiles,located opposite the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, which features the handprints of numerous great film stars, directors and other prominent figures from the world of cinema.
In addition to the foregoing, remember that this promenade runs along the seafront, so be sure to visit the beaches and delight in the panoramic views of the bay – it is well worth seeing. What you should know, however, is that most of the beaches lining the promenade are private; that is, the space is taken up by deck chairs belonging to luxury hotels, although you can of course rent them. There is also a small public beach near the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
Discover the “Other Cannes” in the Vieux Port and Le Suquet
As we intimated in the introduction, apart from the cinema scene, Cannes offers a lot to see and do that will surprise you, albeit on a far grander scale. To this end you should head for the Vieux Port where, in addition to big luxury yachts, you will come across the locals going about their daily business. From here, we recommend venturing into Le Suquet, the city’s old quarter, characterised by narrow streets and charming public squares. One of the best views of Cannes is to be had in this area, from the vantage point of the Castre Museum, located in the Place de la Castre. You will not regret the climb to the top when you see the panoramic view of La Croisette and the Palais des Festivals stretching out at your feet.
Book your Vueling to Nice, which lies just 33 kilometres from Cannes, and discover one of the most glamourous cities in the Mediterranean.
Text by Los Viajes de ISABELYLUIS
Images by Daniel70mi Falciola
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