Travel to a somewhat unknown (not so much to be fair...) Iberic Peninsula. Spain

Low cost Ryanair flight from Treviso to Gerona and then 4550 km drive through Spain and Portugal on a footpath outside the traditional tourist destinations Iberian charge for 8 wonderful location.

 

Treviso - Gerona

Fly Ryanair started with perfect punctuality (very British) and even landed ahead of schedule, we have reached Gerona to 20.00. At the airport we waited for transportation to the hotel Salles Airport Gerona, the one we had booked. This hotel is located about halfway between the airport and the city, however, is well connected by bus service with bus stop right outside the hotel. 4 stars, very beautiful, nice, clean, with lots of services, but we have not had time to enjoy at an incredibly low price. Absolutely recommended. After getting refreshed we started to explore (a bit of a hurry) Gerona. The bus takes us near the center reach quite easily. Since we were a po'affamati we enter one of the better restaurants and we eat arroz caldoso a fantastic rice soup with shrimp clams and mussels. Just what we wanted to install this latest trip to Spain. With the last race of the bus we came to the hotel at midnight.

Going to Costa Verde

In the morning transfer brings us to the airport to the hotel kindly take over the machine that had equipment rental via the internet. The employee's company car (Europcar) has been very kind and when she saw my smile document has been saying that he knew Brunico, Meran, Lana and the Dolomites: my posts. It's always nice.
They gave us a Mercedes Class A with which we started immediately to the north, without a precise destination. There was talk of Logroño (ah ah ... the wine), the Pyrenees and Santander. After crossing the Greenwich Meridian conspicuously reported from parts of Zaragoza (who do not visit because we were already last year) we stop to decide for un'autogrill wins Santander. We continue in the midst of extensive fields of poppies in a blinding red light traffic on a highway (maybe for money).
At about 19:00 we reach Santander. It's drizzling. From the parking walk to the port area Sardinero (just to see how this city is made). The city has an atmosphere like Belle Epoque and you see immediately that in the past has hosted famous guests (among other things was the summer residence of the royal family of Spain). The lounge area is Sardinero Santander since there the Casino, several aristocratic houses from the air, a lot of hotels out of our reach and lots of people who spend a Sunday afternoon stroll along the seafront. We find a room at Chiquita, on the beach, opposite the famous beach.

Santander - Santillana del Mar - Fuente De - Leon

We spent the morning in the streets of Santander realizing that the city is more chaotic than it seemed yesterday. However, very interesting. Then we left to Santillana del Mar (who is not on the sea, despite the name). This is a town that has retained its medieval character with the original houses that recall ancient crafts have now disappeared (eg blacksmith, the blacksmith), most turned into restaurants and hotels. This village is a true gem.
The weather was not what we wanted to find reason decide not to seek a high-class in this area will transfer to Leon in Castile. To get there, choose a mountain road through the National Park Picos de Europa. The road is just tight and twisty slide however. At some point there is the junction for Fuente De. We decide to go there to see how. The road that reaches across the different resorts that make us most people want to stop ... however we continue, and reach Fuente De at the end of the valley under a heavy rain. There is a cable car and a Parador hotel, closed for the off-season, and a kiosk (open). After some 'rain stops and we go out and take some pictures. There are also tourists who fall from the countless possible trips in the area. The panorama that presents itself is almost dolomitic, familiar to us. Let's go back to the junction of the first to venture on the step "Puerto de San Gloria" in the direction of Leon. At first the road is quite normal but then becomes steep and winding. Other than the Dolomite passes. At the top step there is still snow, thinking that a few hours before we were on the beach ....
The descent from the past and a succession of countries, not at tourist resorts, all dedicated to the queen: Llanaves de la Reina, Portilla de la Reina de la Reina Barniedo etc. etc.. linked together by an incredible way until the valley opens onto a beautiful mountain lake. We Riano. This is rather tourist board and before any one can see cars badged Holland and Germany. There is again want to stop here to spend the evening. Since we are almost there in Leon decide, reluctantly, to continue and in fact we are already at around 20:00 Leon wander around after finding a hotel room in Paris (very recommended for the position is to clean as well as for your kindness staff). However, that cold ...

Leon - Merida

During the morning we visited the imposing cathedral. The attraction of this cathedral are the beautiful stained glass windows that cover 1800 square meters of its surface (yes, there is more glass walls that) ... however in order to admire the beauty of what was missing the most important thing: the sun. Then we went in search of the ancient Abbey of Saint Isidore, in pantheon where are the graves of 12 kings and 14 queens of Spain, as well as other historically important. In fact there were various schools visited.
The cold advised us to escape from this town go south: Merida next destination at 500 km approx.
We arrived around 18.00 and after walking a bit through the pedestrian area we quickly found a room at 'Hotel Rambla Emerita. It is a 1 star hotel but it is certainly more in the other two. The hotel was recently renovated, is clean, the staff at the reception has been very kind and they made us park in front of the entrance, free. If you visit Merida do not forget to keep into account.
In the evening we walked through the streets of downtown Merida tasting that would offer the next day many perfectly preserved Roman ruins. The climate had improved so much and also my wife's mood ...

Augusta Emerita

In 25 BC The Romans founded this city which they called "Emerita Augusta" which became "Nova Roma Emerita" and lastly "Merida". It was a very important city for the Romans, being on the road plata (silver), as commercially and strategically. In fact, the city, having been built on the ancient Roman city, is packed with temples and ruins that bring to light the great lost civilization. Of course the site more interesting is that the theater and amphitheater where summer concerts are held regularly, with a script like that to be your very special emotion. And they're still digging. Who knows what still able to resurface from the earth. Nearby are the Temple of Diana, the Roman house, the aqueduct, the Roman circus. We visited the crypt of Santa Eulalia is located in the middle of a cemetery just below the church dedicated to it. It almost seems to be in Rome. In addition there is the Alcazaba castle built by the Moors during their occupation.

Lagos, love at first sight!

The desire of sea and sun gets more and more. The goal set was on the costa de la luz (Cadiz area) .... however .... having so many good memories of Lagos we decide to spend the days we missed them in the north (we had originally proposed to spend a night in the Pyrenees and at least two in Santander). The 500 km were not a problem (the roads are not congested) and the drivers very polite. At 14.00 we had already taken possession of the room in nost favorite hotel in Lagos. The last time we were still called "Sol e praia" but now is called "Caraway Hotel. At times not recognize him. The rooms are doubled in size and everything has been renovated and improved. There were even more workers who ended up here and there. At 14.30 we were on the beach most breathtaking Portugal: Dona Ana. The sun was shining and there were many people. The ocean was cold, but squeezing all the teeth I had, I was able to enter. Once inside, then do not go out more because it is too good.
The evening we spent in our (only) favorite restaurant, an old acquaintance: the Don Sebastiao. Fish. Cataplana.
It was time.

Algarve

This day we wanted to dedicate completely relax. All km begin to be felt. The goal was the "Mea Praia", an endless stretch of fine sand across the bay of Lagos. The reach immediately but the wind was incessant and annoying. My wife says: nada!
By car arriving at the location a few miles Luz. Wind here: nada much!
Then we remember a sign indicating a place we had never even visited (although Lagos is a goal almost normal for us): Praia Porto de Mos. The reach and with great pleasure that we note here the wind is not there. Instead there is a long beach, beauty Albuffeira similar to the beaches, the sea not too aggressive. A surprising discovery. We spend almost the whole day. I'm not saying that we were alone .... but almost.

Going to Costa de la Luz

To reach the "costa de la luz" starting from Portugal must move from Seville, bypassing all the National Park Coto de Dognana "undisputed paradise for ornithologists. Along the way we decide to do a "touch and go" in Jerez de la Frontera, which had long been in my desires. Entering the city we immediately notice a lot of people, mostly in traditional Andalusian costume. We walk a bit 'in the streets of the town and there is an air of celebration, except that we did not know what it was.
At one point we passed near a cart and the little man turned to us yelling vamos a la feira. We took him to one of the usual tourist taxis horses that are in all Andalusian city ignoring its call. More Adentro in the city there are more people in costume to be seen. All were in the same direction. So we too are going towards the same direction and along the road we noticed, besides many horses and carriages, posters of "Caballo Feira do", the festival of the horse (as we call our parts). At one point we arrived in the area: the tide of people I vaguely remembered the Oktoberfest in Munich Monaco only that everyone was in costume Andalusia. The girls were beautiful and did not conceal know. Some were photographed most of the other and they felt the star while the other did not hide a certain disappointment. The carriages pulled by horses, some with two others with four or even six, made the walkway through the crowd while the sides there were many houses where they were serving local specialties, especially tapas and sherry. A hl. All mixed up with a noise incredible based on flamenco guitars. I could not resist and I asked a stall at a coke for my wife and me a sherry. They gave me the coke and a pint of sherry "Tio Mateo" with four cups for 5 euros. Clearly if I drink all I would have hospitalized ... however I am enjoying a few drinks.
This feira already progressed throughout the week. Every night there was a bullfight in festivals like this can not miss. Since we did not want to stop in the city have given up bullfighting and after taking a few MB of photos we left.
We did not have a precise destination. We knew two or three names of locations. The first was Chiclana de la Frontera. After having reached we saw that we liked a lot. Above all was a single theme: golf. It was not what we wanted. The next village was Conil de la Frontera. Here things went much better. After turning slightly in a car was made to understand how this place we decided to look for rooms outside the village and so we ended up at Hotel Garbí Costa Luz. They gave us a room with fantastic ocean views. Since they gave only half board we decided to once again experience the thrill of dining at the hotel (in ten years of travel was the first time). The buffets were well stocked for all of God can go two days ... however the long end up the scale one notices.

Conil de la Frontera

After breakfast, buffet dinner as we incaminiamo toward the beach. There are two or three flights of stairs to go down among the vegetation. The view is exceptional and the beach is more appealing than ever. Given the enormous abuffata the previous evening we decided to take a walk along the beach, even to see a bit '. Only this beach was endless. I do not know how many miles we went but they were not few ... and then still had to go back. I think the calories sovrapiú we have disposed of all. Since it was Sunday there was a lot of people on the beach, families, and all as we walked. Once back near our hotel we were placed on the beach exhausted by the long walk. The landscape was very different from what we had left in Lagos. In the late afternoon after having cooled to room we decided to go see the town center. Beautiful. A white village typical of the Costa de la Luz, with lots of clear stamp Arab patios, bars, pubs and restaurants and a wonderful promenade. Photos. Photos. Photos.

... Let's stay!

At breakfast we are gripped by the dilemma: to depart or not..
We don't!
The decision was unanimous and far from painful. Add a day to spend in this beautiful place. The direction was very glad of our intention and so we spent another splendid day at the beach on this coast fabulous. The staff, both the direction of the dining room was a kindness and efficiency unmatched.

Heading to Cabo de Gata

We start after breakfast in the south. Proceed on the road to enter the villages bordering the ocean to see if there are other places worthy.
The first we encounter is "Canos de Meca" in front of the famous Cabo de Trafalgar. The resort is not at the level of Conil but sees some turistic. However one that comes here directly from Rimini .... escapes.
Then we get going in Barbate. This is already much more populated and less dirty. The beach promising.
Continuing Tarifa, a city that I absolutely want to review, we find the branch to Bolonia. Entering we see that there is a site of Roman ruins "Baelo Claudia" clearly going to visit. It is not as great as in Merida, but it is very interesting and original Roman town square is very visible. It would be a shame if we had gone. After a quick tour of what we do along the beach, which is certainly fantastic to end with a huge golden sand dunes and through the village. Even here there should be a certain spirit of adaptation ... however it is clear that you are working and do that soon time will be a destination.
Finally we arrive in Tarifa, a city that has long cherish in their hearts. Strangely there is no wind. Tarifa wind is like Monaco without the Bavarian beer. Unthinkable. However, today there is mist on the sea and because Africa is not seen. Sin. Sin. Sin. Basically I came on purpose. We take a drink in a bar in town, took some photos of the harbor and square (a living room surrounded by palm trees) and we continue.
Driving along the highway and urbanization, with lots of golf, never end. What was once the Costa del Sol, and now called the Gulf Coast, I call it the Costa del Concrete. A simpleton. A scandal.
To reach the Cabo de Gata by Costa del Sol there are two possibilities: one along the Mediterranean and the passing from Granada. We opt for the second (the first we know it already) because we wanted to cross the famous Tabernas Desert. In fact, after Granada, where we do not stop because we know already, we pass to Guadix (famous for the houses in the caves, a kind of Matera) and finally arrive in the desert. A lunar landscape, unreal, unbelievable. We intend to take a day to go back and see it better (which then will not happen for lack of time). Finally we go straight to San Jose Cabo de Gata on the Hostal Santuario we knew from last year. Probably was once a sanctuary but has been converted into a hotel. As always, the direction is gentle and clean hotel. Absolutely un'indirizzo to consider. Spend the evening with a grilled fish on the harbor.

Monsul

After breakfast we head straight to the beach Monsul. Unfortunately the weather is not very forgiving and a strong wind sweeps the beach blowing the fine sand in every pore. Add to this the presence of schoolchildren, which occupies almost all the beach playing football. Resist for a half hour then we go on. Beside the beach Monsul (the most famous) that there is the "Media Luna". Here the wind is much less strong and the beach is almost deserted. Perfect.
The sea is crystal clear and the waves are caresses. The ocean is finally out.

Playa de los muertos

After breakfast we decided to visit the area of Cabo de Gata do not know yet. We are moving towards "Las Negras", a charming fishing village with some hotels and few restaurants. Very romantic. Continue towards Carboneras up when we see the car park for the famous "Playa de los Muertos." Name very disturbing. To reach this beach you have a down Rambla (dry river) for about twenty minutes through the vegetation untouched. For a hair stepped on a snake emerald which is not filled immediately moved nance. Who knows which of them had more fear in that moment.
After reaching the beach we immediately noticed that there was no sand, but gravel, pebbles, not too small, perfectly smooth, a real torture for the feet.
The beach was a strip 2 km long, perfectly straight, topped with a huge volcanic rock conformation shaped helmet.
It was empty.
It was a dream.
There was a breath of wind. The sun caliente became increasingly recognized. The waves were a tremendous roar and the surf carries with it the gravel which produced its characteristic sound.
The water was crystal clear.
Not for nothing that this beach was elected in 2007 as the best in Spain.
After spending all day in this wonderful place we are going towards the path of return, hoping to do other unpleasant encounters. Luckily everything went smoothly. The evening we spent at the hotel since the day they opened the restaurant money changer.
This hotel is amazing: the quality far surpasses the two previous evenings restaurant although the price is more or less equal. The dishes are sophisticated, refined and served with a class worthy of a Michelin restaurant.
It has nothing to envy the Don Sebastiao.

Almeria

Today the weather was not very inviting. It was just what I wanted. The ideal starting point for a tour in the provincial capital Almeria.
With a little 'luck we managed to park in the city center, just steps from the cathedral to visit first. It was just like I saw on TV during Holy Week when they make the famous processions. The square is surrounded by towering palms. The interior is well preserved or restored recently. The structure is identical to the other great Spanish cathedrals: in front of the altar there is the chorus, with dark wooden benches carved above the organ pipes and around many chapels, each dedicated to a different saint.
Then we are going towards research dell'Alcazaba, the castle of the Moors. The signs were not very clear, perhaps due to the presence of yards here and there, and having lost the way we met two people who very kindly showed us the shortcut .... however in Spanish. We are for somewhere else: on the Holy Wall, a monument to a saint (which we did not understand who he was) behind the wall with that part dall'Alcazaba. From there you could see the castle in all its grandeur and error has proved anything but negative. After we found the right path to get there and the spectacle that presented itself was remarkable. The gardens were very well looked after and water features, typical of Arab castles (like La Alhambra) were working. The view seen from the top was breathtaking.
On the way to San Jose decided to make a visit to the village of San Miguel and to cope with sudden languor we went to "our" restaurant "Mediterraneo". Pity that the nice waiter that we met last year was gone.
The evening we again spent at the restaurant enjoying their fantastic new kitchen.

Heading to Costa Brava

To reach the Costa Brava, the last destination on this wonderful journey, 900 km left to go.
Many.
The next morning we decide to leave and "grind" as much as possible. When we move the parties to Peniscola (after 600 km) we decide to do a "touch and go" in this location now that we know very well. The weather is not very nice, there's the wind, and there is no sun. The beaches are deserted.
We eat ice cream and after a short break we continue the journey. Around 19:00 we arrive in Tossa de Mar and find a room overlooking the city at the Hotel Florida. Here again we recognize again. The evening in the many restaurants of Old Town.

Tossa de Mar

After breakfast we head towards the beach.
Since there was the long weekend there are lots of tourists, most French. We are not accustomed to having more people within 200 meters and here we are not at all well. However to relax the miles yesterday and read a few pages of the book I had brought back that's okay.
That nostalgia for the Cabo de Gata....

Last day... Last surprise!

Beaches and sea this year we have had enough.
We decide to take the car and go see the coast: Costa Brava (= wild coast ... I think).
We look behind the towels that you never know ...
The road along the sea and tortuosissima however the views are breathtaking.
At some point we find a branch to "Calella de Palafrugell. We decide to go see.
A square with two restaurants in front of a tiny beach where fishermen bring their boats aground.
It's like being in a postcard.
After two steps we have seen that just so tiny it is not. More on the beach there is another, equally small, equally beautiful.
No longer able to restrain the take stuff out of the car and voila, back on the beach. This is a wonderful place (later when we went to a coffee we noticed that the prices are commensurate with the beauty of the place). In any case it is worth it. A paradise like this you find it (maybe ...) only in the Caribbean.

Gerona - Treviso

After breakfast we reach Gerona that we set out to review.
After some difficulty finding parking (also our navigator was now the fruit ...) perhaps due to a sudden downpour we walked for a bit 'in the streets of Gerona. To see something important there was more time and so, after eating a bite, we started to the airport.
The return went smoothly and late evening we were back home.
How many new things we've seen this year.
An unforgettable journey.

We are always available to those who would like clarification, information or simply share their experiences with us