It doesn't stand more than 25 or so metres above sea level, so when the sea gets brave, big waves jump one to the other side of the ring when the Tramontana wind blows hard from the north. What from the distance looks like bare rock with no more human presence than a lighthouse and a small grave yard is home of many birds including some rare and endangered ones. On the ground there are some shrubs and a few species of insects including a few endemic of the islands.

The islands were known long time ago as the snake islands, but none of them survived the fires set to exterminate them. Since ancient times they were used as a shelter for fishermen and a safe base for smugglers and pirates. The best treasure is kept under the water. Clean and crystalline like the air and boiling with life after being a military area for many years and declared afterwards marine sanctuary. Huge groupers, shoals of barracudas and giant size lobsters are common sight both inside and outside the caldera, being the channels that link the lagoon with the open sea the places where you find huge static fish floating in the current. I've personally been in Columbretes a couple of times both over and under the water and I've seen them a handful more times from the air. Every time I am surprised by the magic of the place and astonished to find so much life and beauty in such a tiny and distant place.

For the uninitiated, buying off plan means buying the artist's impression. While your property will be the exact size, shape and layout as described in the brochure, you won't know the exact situation until your home is completed. If you don't like it, it's too late to back out of the contract. On that basis alone, I would counsel against an off plan purchase, but there are even stronger reasons for avoiding off plan at the moment.

Spain, like most of the world, is going through a recession. Builders, even those established for 20 years or more, are going down the pan and taking purchasers' deposits with them. Even builders who are remaining in business are scaling down their building programmes due to cash flow problems. So you may have to rent another place in Spain until your home is ready. Or you may be forced to move into an urbanisation where the communal grounds and swimming pool have not been completed due to shortage of funds on the builder's part.
When things will improve is anybody's guess. Unless you must have a brand new home - in which case, opt for key ready - go for a resale property. Be careful out there!

Perhaps you prefer small villages and towns? You'll stumble on hundreds as you drive through the region. Each one has its own unique charm. Algorfa, near Torrevieja, nestles in the shade of the Escotera Mountain and is surrounded by orange and lemon groves. Rojales is a small town on the River Segura with a huge personality. Almoradi is a lovely town with Moorish influences. Visit the huge market on Saturday, and check out the trees in the town square. Each one is hollowed out in the centre of the foliage, with a floodlight set into it. I've never seen anything like it anywhere else.

If you like beaches, you'll be spoilt for choice. Most of the beaches on the Costa Blanca boast fine golden sand. The jewel in the crown is Guardamar, with its 14 kilometres of unspoilt shore. Not a skyscraper hotel in sight! Then there's La Marina, Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca - the list goes on. And with 320 days of sunshine a year, you should find time to sample as many beaches as you want.

For the Shopaholics, there are the huge shopping centres in Alicante, Murcia and Torrevieja. Murcia boasts over 300 major stores, many of them familiar English names such as Primark, Ikea, Zara and H & M. Then there are the daily markets. There are at least 3 to choose from every day, including Sunday, when the huge Zoco Market, near Torrevieja, attracts people from all over the region. It's a day out on its own. As well as everything you might wish to buy, there are several cafeterias and bodegas where you can enjoy drinks, breakfast and lunch at very reasonable prices.

The area around Torrevieja is dominated by 2 large salt lakes, La Mata and Santa Pola. Salt has been extracted here since Roman times, and you'll see big white mountains of it as you travel around. The salt lakes are home to dozens of species of water fowl, and there is a big nature reserve at Santa Pola. You can walk all around the lake, and there are hides for you to observe the wildlife unnoticed. As the lake is right on the coast, you can go for a swim to cool down after your walk. If you're in Spain in a motor home, you can even park up for a night or two at Santa Pola, free of charge. With the salt lake on one side of you, and the Mediterranean on the other, you'll go a long way to find a better view!

For a really relaxed way to view the Costa Blanca, book a coach tour. They are very reasonable - between 10 and 15 euros (£8 -£12) for a full day - and there is a varied programme on offer, with pick up points all across the area. Visit Guadalest, a beautiful village in the mountains above Benidorm. All the houses and shops are set into the mountains, and the views are stunning. This is the place to buy your souvenirs, as the prices are cheaper than on the coast. If you want to visit the larger towns and cities in the area, a coach tour is probably your best option, as parking can be virtually impossible between June and October. In addition, the coaches will drop you off at the main tourist attraction, saving you a lot of walking in the Costa Blanca heat.

Terra Mitica, on the outskirts of Benidorm, is the area's main theme park. With themed areas Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and The Islands, it's educational as well as entertaining. There are rides and shows to entertain you, but Disney World it isn't. Then again, the prices are very reasonable, and you can spend a full day there. If you're staying in Benidorm, it's better (and cheaper) to make your own way there rather than book an excursion.

For an extra special night out, try a dinner and cabaret at the Benidorm Palace. It will cost you around 40 euros (£32), but you get a fabulous evening's entertainment, and the food is great. However, you don't need to pay for entertainment at all, as even the smaller resorts have a wide variety of live entertainment, discos, karaoke and quiz nights throughout the season.

These are just some of the diversions on offer in this lovely part of Spain. I hope I've inspired you to try it for yourself.

image source

As a landscape architect, it is the public spaces of Barcelona that I consider the heart and soul of the city. While there are many things to love about Barcelona, things that you can find in any guidebook or travel blog, there are subtle, nuanced bits of magic crammed into the nooks and crannies of Barcelona that simply must be experienced in person to be fully appreciated. These things exist primarily in the city's many open spaces. Virtually the entire history of Barcelona can be experienced on foot.

Every chapter in Barcelona's history is somehow reflected in the landscape. Walking along Las Ramblas, it is possible to see the works of Gaudi and the breathtaking waterfront redesign created for the 1992 Olympics. Remnants of Roman walls carve out their niche of history alongside Gothic cathedrals and art nouveau details, all seamlessly contributing to a city that overwhelms the senses with design and beauty.

The largest metropolitan park in the world, Parc de Collserola, is 22 times the size of Central Park and is the only park on earth where it is possible to encounter medieval ruins, Romanesque churches, amusement parks, and works by famous modern architects while strolling. At Tibidabo, the park's highest point, a Parc d'Atracciones offers antique rides from the 1920s contrasted by modern roller coasters. Nearby, the 288 meter high Torre de Collserola -designed by British architect Norman Foster- provides Barcelona's most impressive view.

While Barcelona appears tailor-made for tourism, the social makeup of public spaces indicates the city actually caters to its own. Public art and performance by locals peppers every step, and Catalonians coexist with foreigners in every public venue. Sidewalk cafes lining the streets create a gentle cacophony of world languages, as guests from every corner of the world convene to enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate and cuisine. Public holidays in Barcelona are marked by the closure of most retail outlets and a migration of the city's population to parks and plazas. During holidays and festivals, the open spaces of the city bring her inhabitants together.

Anyone who has every been to Barcelona recalls their time there with their eyes starry and out-of-focus, their voices soft and dreamy. For me, this dreaminess stems from a city whose culture is preserved in public spaces, like insects in amber. Catalan culture is a vibrant and beating thing, best represented in the open air, beneath the sky. Old and young, ancient and modern, all coincide in Barcelona's landscape, its gift to the modern world.

We don't intend to live here permanently, but we're going to have the best of both worlds. So I am a resident of two countries. However, the short time we have so far spent in Spain leads me to think that Spain is probably a better place to live than England. The Costa Blanca is mainly Mediterranean scrub land, so if you're looking for picture postcard pretty, this one's a no-no. It does have its own attractions, though. If you like birds (of the feathered variety), this is the place for you. The salt lakes around Torrevieja are ideal for spotting herons, flamingos, and all sorts of other feathered friends. The Nature Reserve at Santa Pola, near La Marina, has stunning walks around the lake and a hide so you can watch the birds without disturbing them. Best of all, unlike many similar attractions, you don't have to pay for the privilege of seeing Nature at its best.

You can't drive far on the Costa Blanca without travelling through miles of orange and lemon groves. You can pick oranges and lemons from the trees as long as the grove is not fenced off and you do not enter private property. Or buy your own tree for the garden, as we did, for only 15 euros. Concentrated orange juice is a thing of the past for us now, as we squeeze our own juice, fresh each morning. We don't have our own fruit yet, but when you can buy 5 kilos of oranges for only 2 euros on the local market, who wants to spend their mornings wrestling with a tetrapak? I certainly don't!

This brings me neatly on to a great Spanish tradition - the food market. In the small area where we are, we can go to a market virtually every day of the week if we want to. The stalls groan with beautiful, fresh produce, and the stall holders are so proud of their wares, there are always samples to try before you buy. On Sunday, I sampled oranges, melons, strawberries, plums and grapes - all delicious and all just ripe for eating. And you know any produce you buy on a Spanish market is as fresh as can be. Anything which isn't sold that day is left by the roadside for local children and anyone who wants it to take away. New day, new stock. Can you honestly say that about your own produce provider?

The Spanish think vegetarians are mad, so a lot of Spanish restaurants don't have much to suit vegetarians, and vegans can probably forget about eating out together, unless they go to a British owned and run eating place. For the rest of us, dining out is a real experience which can be as cheap or expensive as you want. We find that, while we only eat out on special occasions in England, here we can easily afford to eat out two or three times a week if we want to, so our social life is improving as well. We eat a lot of fresh fish, chicken and salads, so our diet is much healthier and our waistlines are shrinking, despite eating out regularly.

If, like us, you enjoy good wines, you can feed your passion here. The range is staggering, and you can enjoy a nice bottle of wine with your barbecue for between 3 and 6 euros. In England, similar quality wine would cost around £10. A word of warning here, though. Because alcohol is so cheap in Spain, it's easy to overindulge. I try to have at least two alcohol free days a week to allow my liver to recover. And never, ever drink and drive, not even ‘just the one. There is zero tolerance here for drink driving, which is another good thing about Spain. The Spanish love their booze as much as the rest of us, but they know when to stop. The only drunken lager louts you see around here are likely to have Union Jack t shirts on, even though it is possible to drink around the clock if you want to.
Spanish people live life to the full; they work hard and play hard, and life is never dull around a Spaniard. However, their inherent good manners means that they will never disrupt your evening out as they enjoy their own. Most Spaniards have a good command of English, and they will try to include you in their conversation if possible. You can relax and enjoy it, because Spanish speech is not peppered with foul language or inappropriate comments. However, if football leaves you cold, don't mention the ‘F' word! Once you get a Spaniard talking about soccer, that's the end of any other form of conversation!
Well, those are just some of the reasons I think Spain is such a wonderful place to live. If you've never been there, try to go soon. You'll be glad you did!

Floridita, Hemingway's favourite bar in Havana, immortalised in the above line from his novel Islands in the Stream, became the inspiration for another bar nearly a world away - Boadas in Barcelona.

A 1930's atmosphere greets you as you walk in the door of this tiny bar tucked away in La Rambla in Barcelona. It's smoky, it's noisy. And it's entirely authentic. You would only be mildly surprised to bump into Hemingway at the bar. Surprise, surprise - he drank here.

Opened in 1933 by Miguel Boadas, this cocktail bar (cited by many specialised guide books as one of the finest cocktail bars anywhere in the world) remains exactly as it was in the year it was opened. Fitted out in brass and wood, with a curved bar counter and photographs and drawings covering the walls, you can immediately feel that this is the real thing.

Miguel Boadas was born in Havana in 1895 and by 1910 was head barman at the Floridita. He left Cuba to marry in the land of his ancestors, Spain, and after working in different bars, opened his own one at no. 1 Carrer de Tallers, on the corner of La Rambla.

73 years later Boadas is an "institution with cocktail drinkers the world over and the City of Barcelona alike. However, when it was opened , critics (and there were many) gave it a definite thumbs down. "People complained that it was too small, you couldn't sit down, and it was too modern,', says Dolores Boadas (current owner and Miguel's daughter). What's more, only three years after the original opening, the Spanish Civil War broke out! But even these turbulent times couldn't stop Boadas from opening its doors and serving cocktails and today, 73 years later, the bar has been awarded the Traditional City Establishment Award, granted by the Barcelona City Council to only 12 businesses with a long pedigree.

My discovery of Boadas was accidental. Having just celebrated a birthday in Barcelona, and in that birthday-high mood, the kind where you want to squeeze every last drop out of the day - and night - we stumbled upon this gem. Boadas is a bar for the locals and in spite of being just off of La Rambla, doesn't go out of its way to attract tourists.

The cocktail Gods must have known that our little party of two had a celebration going on as miraculously two seats became vacant right at the bar (and in a bar not more than a few square metres big, with standing room mainly, this truly was nothing short of a miracle). Seated in front of three barmen in full tuxedo and one sporting very snappy glasses, we had front row seats to some of the best entertainment in the city.

Ingredients mixed in cocktail pitchers shiny enough to reflect back at you, quick stirs where you are left in no doubt that it is all in the wrist, a julep strainer on top and with long arching motions the contents are poured into a pint glass held a metre or so below. This is done four times, then the drink is strained into your glass. Snazzy…

Not one menu makes itself known in Boadas. The barmen are passionate about cocktails, and Maruendo, Dolores' husband, admits to owning over 600 cocktail books from around the world. It's all in the head (although on a tiny board a cocktail of the day is written in block letters). The birthday boy has an idea in his head. He wants a cocktail that is creamy "with a different taste". I wonder secretly to myself what exactly that is and settle back to enjoy my Margarita. Some concessions should be allowed on birthdays. Within minutes the barman is serving the creamy birthday cocktail with a different taste. It's a frothy mixture with crushed ice and a hint of cinnamon and after one sip, I'm a convert. The barmen invent cocktails along with making the traditional well-known ones, and I'm sure the birthday cocktail has just been born. Another six follow between the two of us after the first one. I'm sure I feel Hemingway nod his approval.

Extremely well-priced at approximately 6 euros a drink, Boadas really is a must-do anytime you find yourself in Barcelona. You'll find yourself in the company of famous 20th century artists; Dali, Picasso, Garcia Márquez - who all had a seat on one of the six chairs at the bar (and stood far more than they sat) and who often left a momento on the walls of one of their favourite watering holes.

Ending the birthday close to 2 in the morning the following day, the birthday boy looks at me and says, "That was grand. We"ll be back'. I'm now certain Hemingway's nodding…

1. The Reina Sofia Museo de Arte in Madrid:

   For really big goose bumps, view Picasso's Guernika at this art museum in Madrid. The stark awfulness of this painting will take your breath away. This gigantic masterpiece gives you chills when you imagine the chaos, the horror and the insanity of what happened that fateful morning in the small Basque village marketplace. Picasso captures the essence of the event, giving you a view of his frame of mind when he painted the world famous Guernika. We don't even have to wonder what the master was thinking when he painted the canvas.

2. Balcony Flamenco, Easter in Cordoba in Andalucia:

   Easter is always an emotional time when Christians think about the morning that Jesus rose from the dead after being in the tomb for three days, as Christian lore states. Two thousand years later, you can join the processionals on the crowded streets leading form the Mezquita during the Easter pageant. From a balcony you suddenly hear the outburst from one Andalusian woman who pours passion and sadness into her flamenco solo. Everyone stops to watch and listen and the beauty of her dance will give you serious goosebumps.

3. Carnivale in Cadiz, in Andalucia:

   The Carnivale de Cádiz is quite famous in Spain. It is essentially a street party that goes for a whole week and apart from the drinking on the streets there are bands called Chirigotas that compete in a Best Carnival 2008 Chirigota Group completion. Imagine yourself in a brightly lit medieval walled city with thousands of colorfully disguised locals who are singing and dancing and laughing with strangers throughout the cold winter night. The feeling is welcoming during this authentic magically fun experience. Language is no barrier, so come and join the fun. Goose bumps are on their way!

4. Fairytale Winter Wonders in Granada:

   The Alhambra is a Moorish Jewel to behold, when it is breathtakingly lit up at night. The word Alhambra is from an Arabic root meaning red or crimson castle and likely derived the name from the colors of its walls. During the day, it is no less beautiful watching it from Albacin Barrio as the snow capped Sierra Mountains turn from white to pink and the Alhambra changes from yellow to orange to red. Have your camera ready to capture these unforgettable goose bump moments vistas.

5. Gaudi in Barcelona:

   Across the street from La Pedrera, you look up to see skeletal eyes and mouths staring down at you. This building actually covers more than 100 meters, and is designed so that the entire building gets sunlight at some point in time during the day. The rooftop is full of interesting architectural designs, with sculptures and chimneys embellishing it. During the summer months you can go on the roof in the evening for a glass of cava to the accompaniment of classical music. Inside the Casa Mila, each room gives you a sense of wonder as you contemplate the mind of Antoni Gaudi. The uniqueness of the building will give you giant goose bumps.

6. Noche Vieja Plaza Del Sol in Madrid:

   New Years Eve is best spent with a mouthful of grapes - 12 to be precise. Hours before midnight on New Years Eve, tens of thousands of people gather in Madrid's Plaza del Sol to await the chimes of the clock on the tower which dominates the Spanish capital's central square. The excitement builds up as the magic hour approaches. As the New Year begins and the city clock starts to chime, you pop a grape into your mouth until the final chime, when the Plaza Del Sol is inundated with grape filled screams of joy. Goose bumps will cover your entire body in that moment.

To find out more things to do on the Iberian Peninsula, visit Portugal Spain Both. Planning a visit to Europe and cannot decide. Portugal? Spain? Visit both!

If you plan to take the cruise that leaves from Galveston, Texas on April 27th and departs for 13 nights to Barcelona, Spain then take this to heart. When you get to Barcelona, don't just get on the plane and head home. Please don't leave this beautiful city without visiting some of the sights such as the Sagrada Familia, the quirky buildings in Park Guell and the site of the Olympics game.

Being in Barcelona for three days last December, I can tell you that the city has a lot to offer. Don't plan to see it all in less than two days because you won't enjoy it. Staying three days was not enough but we managed to get around the city and take in most of the sights. The best way to see Barcelona is by bus. I recommend the Bus Turista, a double decker bus that circles the city, covering all points of interest including the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila (or La Pedrera), Casa Battlo, the Olympics site, Montjuic and the Gothic Quarter. Along the route, the bus passes by the University, Barcelona Cathedral and La Ramblas. You can get on and off at any Bus Turista stop with a valid ticket. Tickets may be purchased on board or in advance from tour companies such as the tour company that we are affiliated with.

The bus circles the entire (red) route in an hour but will take longer during busier traffic hours. On the first time around, we decided to stay on board and take in the audio program. When the bus circled around, we decided to get off at the Sagrada Familia for a closer look. Inside, Gaudi wanted the church to resemble a forest of trees, reaching towards the heavens. He was a genius, creating plaster models and leaving drawings behind for today's builders to finish his work. It truly looks like a forest inside, with the columns made out of different materials. A lift is available to take you high into one of the pinnacles, which has been dedicated to one of twelve apostles. The view from up top is spectacular.

The other architectural wonders of Gaudi are equally impressive. The man was certainly ahead of his time when he had designed La Pedrera, Casa Battlo and Park Guell. Be sure to give yourself ample time to visit each of his work which can be found throughout Barcelona.

Gran Canaria

This island consists of several main resorts but I would especially recommend Playa del Ingles, which is the largest resort. I chose to stay in this resort for my fortnight break. It is suitable for families and the young and lively alike. It features no less than 11 shopping centres including the famous Yumbo centre, where I spent many an hour exploring the four floors and the jewellery, clothes, electrical goods and cosmetics available. If you are a fan of water activities then you should visit one of the two water parks, Aqualand, is a good one offering 30 rides for adults and children. There is also an excellent range of cuisine on offer in an unlimited supply of restaurants. There are plenty of bars, and clubs for those who want to party into the small hours.

Fuerteventura

The oldest of the canary islands and definitely the quietest out of the four considered here. One I still have to view, and after some research it is definitely worth a visit. I would recommend Corralejo, which is one of the main tourist resorts. It has all the water activities you would expect of a holiday destination including snorkelling, diving and surfing. Other activities include cycling, motor cycling, running, golf, football and trike riding. If shopping is your thing you will not be disappointed as there are a few good shopping centres available as well as markets. Eating out is another area well catered for in this lovely island, and you will find a wide selection of restaurants in all the main resorts.

Lanzarote

This island has many tourist attractions including Guinate Tropical Park and Penguin Park, where you can see a variety of wildlife including birds, reptiles, fish and many more. I would also recommend seeing The Cave of Los Verdes, The Cactus Garden, Timanfaya National park, Ranchos Texas Park and the Lanzarote aquarium. Puerto Del Carmen is the main resort, and one I am visiting in a few months time. Water sports are offered on most of the beaches. Regarding shopping there are many popular shopping outlets including the fashion store Zara, and popular centres including The Biosfera shopping centre. A weekly market is held on Sundays. There are many quality restaurants incuding El Tomate, and if Japanese food is your thing try the popular Nippon restaurant located in the old town. With regards to nightlife you will find many bars including those specialising in cocktails such as The Hawaiian Bar and The Galleon, and those with live music and bands such as The Crowded House bar. For clubbing in the small hours try The Big Apple, which is a popular nightclub.

Tenerife

This is the largest of the seven islands. Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas are the two main resorts although I would have to say I favour Playa de Las Americas, which would be the better option for those going on a clubbing holiday. I have stayed here two times already. There are many sights to see in Tenerife and the best of these are Mount Teide, Parque Las Aguilas, Exotic Parks featuring plants and animals, including a tropical rainforest themed area, Loro Parque, and a water park.

There are also a range of sporting activities including ten pin bowling, golf, cycling, and water sports such as diving and snorkelling. There are a range of foods on offer from seafood to tapas to traditional, in many quality restaurants throughout the island. Night time entertainment is well catered for in the busy resort of Las Americas and the Veronicas area is a must visit for all those wanting to party the night away. If you prefer something a little quieter you could try the popular piano bar, or choose from the vast selection of other bars on offer.

Tapas, is how the Spanish call their wide variety of appetizers. Small snacks the Spaniards love and that can be eaten at any time of the day.

At times people have a wrong concept of tapas and think that they are only eaten at night. That is actually not right and the Spanish enjoy this traditional way to serve food during the whole day. In Madrid for example, Spain's capital, but also in Barcelona, Marbella or Sevilla and basically everywhere in Spain's bars and restaurants, you will have the chance to try this delicious food morsels. In your next trip to Spain, enjoying the sunlight the country has to offer, you will for sure try them accompanying a delicious glass of Rioja wine.

Where Do Tapas Come From?

The tapas tradition was born in Andalusia. Especially in this region of the Iberic Peninsula, the cuisine meshes together all the flavours of the Moorish influence with the Spanish traditions. It is said that the tapas are derived from the Muslims. If you have ever visited Morocco for example, you will have noticed that in the restaurants usually you will be first served a small “trial portion” to start your lunch. In Spain, the first tapas were simple pieces of bread. You will smile hearing that they were put on top of your glass of wine in order to prevent flies to fall into your precious grape juice. That's how it started. Clever people!

Tapas are usually served as a starter, but many Spaniards enjoy them during the whole day and sometimes their lunch or dinner will consist of them. The act of having tapas is called “tapeo”. A group of friends or a family will go out together and while conversing they will order their favourite tapas. Usually different tapas bars do have a specialty and will be known for it.

Examples Of Tapas, And Preparing Your Own

Creating tapas there are no limits to your fantasy. Some bars will offer more than 30 different types of this delicious food snack. If you ever go to Spain or to your local Spanish bar you will be able to purchase single portions but usually half and full serves of the tapas of your choice. They are served both hot and cold. Example of tapas dishes are: cured ham (jamón serrano), ham from Andalusian pigs fed on acorns (jamón iberico), olives, calamares, prawns, snails, tortilla, different cheeses (especially queso manchego), fresh anchovies, meatballs, marinated meats and salads.

Why not enjoying also tapas at home? There are various cookbooks teaching you how to best prepare them. Try them with your loved ones; you will be enjoying part of the famed Mediterranean lifestyle. Enjoy!