No-one could tire of Spain and the Balearic Islands; they offer golden beaches, dramatic landscapes, fascinating heritage and 21st century amenities. In fact, everything under the sun.

Mallorca
The largest of the Balearic islands, Mallorca offers holidays of stunning contrasts. In the south and east are the main beach resorts whilst in the north and west you’ll find a dramatic wooded coastline and hilltop villages beneath the island’s highest mountains: Sierra de Tramuntana.

Villages of character
Quaint Puerto Pollenca on Mallorca’s northern coast was originally a fishing village, and is now a delightful modern resort with a marina fringed by pavement cafes. The fragrant Pine Walk beyond the marina is popular on warm evenings.

Further along the coast is Puerto de Soller, again with a picturesque marina and noted for its vintage tram service. Just beyond are the hilltop villages of Deia and Valldemossa, each boasting cultural roots. The home of the writer Robert Graves is in Deia (and open to the public) and Chopin once lived in the ancient monastery at Valldemossa. Now it houses an exhibition celebrating his life and work.

Walking country
Mallorca is famous for excellent hill walking. The Massanella mountain is highly recommended and with very little climbing will give you the island’s best view from its summit at 1,352m. Tips and routes can be found at www.therucksack.net/massanella.

For cottages4you properties in Mallorca click here

Andalucia
From Cadiz in the west to the golfing resort of Mojacar in the east, Andalucia is one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations. Your Andalucian experience starts at www.cottages4you.co.uk, where you’ll find your ideal Spanish property and from there you’re ready to plan a wonderful holiday, bathed in sunshine.

Heritage
The world famous Costa resorts are packed with facilities (shopping, restaurants and entertainment) and many travellers like to explore the region’s Moorish heritage too. Granada is a must. The huge pink-stoned Alhambra Palace dominates the city and faces the ancient, bustling El Albaicín Moorish quarter.

Scenery
Andalucia’s dramatic scenery is everywhere you look. The rocky landscape of the Sierra Nevada is the backdrop to the Costa Almeria whereas the Costa del Sol is close to the Rock of Gibraltar. Gibraltar has a long maritime history and there’s more to see here than you might think. Visit www.gibnet.com/tourist/general to plan your day trip.

For cottages4you properties in Western Andalucia click here

For cottages4you properties in Eastern Andalucia click here

Fiestas
The vibrant fiestas of Spain capture its fun-loving character like nothing else. There’s a fiesta taking place somewhere in Spain almost every day but they tend to revolve around major religious festivals. April is a big fiesta month with colourful Easter celebrations in Cordoba, Granada and Malaga.

June is when the Spanish mark the Summer Solstice with bonfires and fireworks popular in the south. Meanwhile, the fabulous International Festival of Music and Dance in Granada takes place this year from 26th June to 14th July.

Mallorca hosts two spectacular festivals in June, each with Christian origins: the Sant Joan Pelos at Felanitx (24th) and Romeria de Sant Marçal at Santa Cabeneta (30th).

A fiesta is one of the best ways to taste the real Spain. Visit one if you get the chance.

On a skill course you can expect to learn either the basic or more advanced level of:

• Bike and equipment choice
• Bike set-up
• Gear selection
• Body position
• Descending and drop-offs
• Climbing and technical climbs
• Line choice
• Efficient braking
• Balance Techniques
• Riding Technical sections
• Cornering
• Wheel lift, wheelies hops, jumps
• Night riding

“Preparing for my short mountainbiking break in Cornwall, I have enjoyed a skill course in the beautifull Yorkshire Dales organised by Dales Mountain Biking.”

For inspiration and more information on Mountain Bike skill courses in the UK checkout for example the CTC website or check-out one of the centres in Andalusia Spain called SeasonallyUnAdjusted offering rides and skill courses.

TIP: enjoy a mountainbiking holiday in Spain during the dark and cold UK winter!

And off course you’ll be able to chill-out in your cottage, appartment or villa after an intense day. We offer a wide range of holiday villas in Andalusia Spain on our site.

If you’re heading to one of our Spanish Villas this July, and feel like seeking out a spot of local culture, then here’s a quick taste of what you might find…

If your villa’s near Catalunya, then head to Tarrogana from 2-7th July, when the skies explode with an international fireworks competition. Then visit the nearby town of Igualada, which plays host to a spectacular hot air balloon meeting in early July. There’ll be plenty of exhibitions, workshops and events, culminating on the 15th with ‘Night Glow’, a visual feast.

Staying in Pollenca? Then don’t miss the Festival de Pollenca, from 4th July to 30th August when the region comes alive, with a diverse line-up of both Spanish and global artists and orchestras. This year’s bill includes Craig Adams and The Voice of New Orleans, and the Balearic Choral Society.

On holiday in Estepona from 1-6th July you can enjoy the thrills of the Feria de Estepona, one of the biggest fiestas in the Spanish calendar, during which the town plays host to a huge fair, both day and night. To the rhythm of Sevillianas and Bossanovas, Estepona bursts into a feast of colour and passion and at night is illuminated by thousands of bulbs.

Anyone staying near Nerja in July should make it their mission to get to the Cuevas De Nerja Festival from 22nd-26th July. Held in the unique venue of the Nerja Maro Cave, the experience is truly spellbinding, and this year’s line-up includes Flamenco, ballet, and chamber orchestras.

Please let us and other readers now if you know of any other upcoming and interesting events to visit in Spain!