cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

The Atlantic coastline of Galicia could be the ideal setting for a holiday in Spain, one writer has suggested.

In a piece for the Guardian, Gavin McOwan selected Las Islas Cies in Galicia as one of the best beaches in the world.

Although people instinctively picture the Mediterranean when they think of Spain, the scenery of the northern coastline is wilder and more dramatic, he said.

Its beaches are also far quieter, Mr McOwan noted, which could make them ideal for those looking for a relaxing break.

Las Islas Cies, which make up an uninhabited national park, are "one of the jewels of this coast", he commented.

Mr McOwan remarked: "Galegos come here to spend long, lazy summer days on the Praia das Rodas, a perfect crescent of soft, pale sand backed by small dunes sheltering a calm lagoon of crystal-clear sea."

Those taking a holiday in the region may also find there are plenty of places to visit, as according to galiciaguide.com, part of Galicia's appeal lies in its many historic towns and villages.

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

Renting a holiday home in Spain could make an ideal last-minute break this summer.

La Tomatina is held on the last Wednesday in August and is Spain’s messiest festival, according to the Lonely Planet.

Each year the town of Bunol, 40km west of Valencia, is transformed into food-fighting “mayhem” as some 40,000 visitors flock to the event.

In the town’s main square, over 100 tonnes of tomatoes are tipped over a waiting crowd, who engage in a good-natured but messy battle.

If this sounds like fun, the festival could provide the perfect opportunity to get involved in the Spanish culture.

Most visitors come for the day, so you could stay in Valencia and catch the train to Bunol from there.

“But if you want the full La Tomatina experience, stay for the week-long celebration, which involve music, dancing, parades and fireworks,” said the Lonely Planet.

October 9th also marks a major festival in Valencia, when the region’s national day is celebrated, so those heading to the area in autumn need not miss out!

Posted by Toby Lawrence, cottages4you
 

Foodies can look forward to a real treat on their holiday in Spain, with Madrid in particular offering great cuisine.

This is according to Ben Curtis, editor of expat blog Notes from Spain, who says it’s not just local food on offer in this exciting city.

"The great thing about Madrid is that you can get food from every other region in Spain," he reveals.

With so much to choose from, where do you start?

Cocido is a tasty option and Mr Curtis explains this consists of "a rich pork broth" then a dish of cabbage, meat and chickpeas for the main course.

We love our seafood at cottages4you, so we’re pleased to hear he also recommends the prawns – known as "gambas" – served up in Madrid.

The city’s official tourism body recently recorded its highest ever visitor numbers, with a massive 732,709 sightseers heading to the capital in May.

Let’s hope they’ve left enough food behind for the rest of us!

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

Spain has been a holiday favourite among Brits for some time now and the country offers so much to its visitors.

But if you think you’ve seen all it has to offer, you might want to take a look at some of the lesser-known areas, such as A Coruna in the north.

According to Antonio Fontenla, acting president of A Coruna Chamber of Commerce, the city has so much to offer – particularly for those of you who love a bit of culture on your holiday in Spain.

"I advise people to experience this historical, entertaining and cultural city that the people that have already visited love," he says.

Art galleries and museums await that will let you get a real insight into the history of this amazing place, known for its fishing industry.

But don’t worry, you can still get your fix of paella and sangria as the gastronomy here provides an "unforgettable holiday", Mr Fontenla adds.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Many of us have a perception of Ibiza as a holiday island where you’d only go if you want to check out some world-famous clubs such as Amnesia and Pacha.

But the destination is actually a huge surprise to those who go there to explore the real side of the Balearic island.

This is according to Carmen Hernandez Gomez, market analyst at the Spanish Tourism Office, who is urging you to go and check out the hidden gems Ibiza has to offer.

Many people have already recognised the huge benefits to a holiday on the island, as the number of flights for this summer have risen, while many Mediterranean destinations have seen the opposite occur.

So, where do you go in order to experience the best it has to offer?

Mr Hernandez Gomez says the sunsets are a must-see and the food there is very tasty.

If you enjoy shopping, you might like to purchase a white adlib dress, which is inspired by typical clothing from the area.

"It is a destination that will surprise everyone – it surprised me – as it is not what you expect at all. People who visit definitely change their perception," she adds.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you