The most famous dishes in Spain – Gastronomy
Spain is at the top of culinary excellence in Europe due to the wide variety of top quality ingredients to choose from, old traditions and recipes combined to create new quality concepts and an incredible level in cooking skills
We could mention lots if famous dishes in Spain but the ones that are in the top of the list are: Tortilla de patatas, paella and tapas.
Spanish omelette
If you come to Spain it is a must trying the famous tortilla Española or Spanish omelette. A simple yet vital part of Spanish gastronomy; it can be served hot or cold, as a meal or a tapa, on its own or in a sandwich. Although the tortilla española is usually kept to the basics of potatoes and eggs, sometimes you can find other vegetables – onion often makes an appearance- thrown into the mix for variety.
Paella
This speciall nice is originally from Valencia, however you can eat a fanstastic paella in any other city of spain as it’s a typical dish from locals and tourists, specially during the weekend.
Rice is always present in Spanish gastronomy, which has a lot to do with the little-known fact that Spain is the second largest producer of rice in Europe. The most famous Spanish rice dish is undoubtedly paella, of which there are many varieties. However, the people of Valencia (the famous paella city) will tell you that the two ‘true’ paellas are the paella valenciana (made with chicken and rabbit) and paella marinera (with many types of seafood). There are another similar dishes like Fideua or arroz negro (black rice) another succulent alternative to try.
Tapas
Going out for tapas is probably Spain’s most famous gastronomic and social traditions. Widely thought to have been started in Seville, the way to enjoy tapas is to go to a bar with a group of friends and share a few different tapas with some wine or beer. Then, pick a new bar and more tapas and repeat the process. The tapas available will depend on what area of the country you are in, but some classics include calamares a la andaluza, croquetas, boquerones, patatas bravas, chorizo, tortilla española or the famous jamón serrano (spanish ham)
Active Holidays feeling Spain
Cycling and hiking holidays are growing in Spain since its weather, landscapes and cultural heritage makes it the perfect activity holiday destination. Tourists can find thousands of kilometers marked cycling routes and numerous trekking paths throughout the whole country.
In Feel Spain DMC we have different options to enjoy this active holidays. We have walking and biking programs suitable for each level. Our itineraries are carefully done by a specialist guide living in the area where visitors will enjoy those calm plains, sandy beaches, mountains and rocky coves.
The excellent climate makes Spain a perfect sport holiday destination all around the year.
As well Spain is the second country in the world with the most Biosphere Reserves (47) and also home of 15 National Parks with one of the most wide range cultural and natural heritage. Visitors can find from volcanic landscapes up to rocky mountains each type of scenery. Some routes are go throw in small villages with hundred years of culture as well they can enjoy the hospitality of the Spanish people and taste the best of Spain’s cuisine.
ask our team for more information and Feel Spain!
Majorca Island, always a good option
Have you even been in Balearic Islands? They are composed by different Islands, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera and the biggest one, Mallorca.
Mallorca is always a good option for travelling with family, friends or for couples. It has multiple of posibilities and many things to do.
From Feel Spain we are happy to recommend a group tour Across Mallorca:
Mallorca – Palma/Lluc – 8 days
Day 1 – Arrival
On arrival at the airport we will be met by our tour manager and we will take the transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 – Sightseeing in Palma
The first stop on our bus tour today is at the Bellver Castle which is strategically placed on a hillside overlooking the city. Bellver means “beautiful view”, and the castle honours this name in full. On one side there is a wonderful view over the city of Palma and on the other side is a glorious panorama of the mountains. Our panoramic continues along the beautiful promenade until our coach drops us off by the old town. We now take a pleasant walk along the streets and “plazas” of Palma and we have the chance to visit the spectacular gothic cathedral or the Royal Palace of Almudaina, before we return to our hotel.
Day 3 – Valldemossa – Sóller
Valldemossa is one of Spain’s most picturesque villages with its old narrow lane, stome walls and pretty plant pots. The village grew around the 14th century monastery of La Cartuja (Carthusian Monastery), where the famous Polish pianist and composer, Frédéric Chopin, spent time with his French lover, Aurora Dupin, better known as the writer Georges Sand. The monastery chapel is spectacular, there is also an interesting pharmacy which was used by the monks as far back as the 17th century and the piano, which Chopin used during his stay, is still there.
The monastery has a beautiful patio, where memorial concerts are held every summer. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a residence in the town, where they have sponsored an audiovisual museum to promote tourism in Mallorca.
After a break we continue north along a coastal road which affords beautiful views of the sea glimpsed through olive orchards full of gnarled, thousand-year-old trees. We then pass through the “village-of-500-souls”, Deià, which has always been a magnet for artists. Most of the beautiful old Mallorcan houses are inhabited by painters and authors. The town’s longest-standing and most prominent inhabitant was Robert Graves (I, Claudius), who lived the last 56 years of his life in Deià. His home is now a museum, and according to his wishes, he is buried in the town’s cemetery.
We continue to Sóller, situated in a very fertile area and which is especially suitable for the growing of oranges. The Town Hall and Parish Church (the latter designed by one of Gaudi’s pupils) are both in the main town square where there is a lively atmosphere provided by the many pavement cafés used by tourists and locals alike. Next we take the old tram (which dates back to 1913) through the scenic local countryside to the harbour at Port de Sóller, from where the oranges are shipped – most of them to France. After some free time we go back to our hotel.
Day 4 – Day at ease
After 2 culture filled days, take a day to relax by your pool, stroll along the promenade or hit the beach.
Day 5 – Port d’Andratx – Tramuntana Mountains – Arrival at Lluc
Port d´Andratx is an exclusive little harbour town, where the international rich and famous have their residences. There is a very elegant harbour promenade with many good restaurants and cafés where people-watching is the main occupation! In this beautiful cove fishing is still an important part of everyday life and simple fishing boats are anchored next to luxury yachts.
We then drive into the Tramuntana mountains and continue north along a very beautiful, winding coast road. After passing through some pine and oak woods here in the mountains, we arrive at the Sanctuary of Lluc where we are going to stay for the next three nights.
Day 6 – El Santuario de Lluc
After the Moors were expelled in 1229 and Spain became a Christian country once again, the Knights Templar built a Christian symbol in the middle of the island. It was a small simple chapel in Lluc, which soon became a very popular place of pilgrimage. In the 14th century this was replaced by a larger church complete with cells for the pilgrims to stay overnight. With the permission of the pope, the priests hired 6 boys to sing at services. In return the priests were to educate the boys. That was the start of the boys’ school, L’Escolania de Lluc, which has continued to function from then until now without a single interruption.
After a visit to the renaissance monastery church with its famous black Madonna, we follow the holy trail up to the famous cross from which there is a fantastic view. The monastery of Lluc is 500 metres above sea level and is surrounded by forests and mountains as far as the eye can see. We have free time for lunch. There are several cafés and restaurants where we can have refreshments. There is also an interesting botanical garden with more than 200 different plants, bushes and trees, and finally there is a quite comprehensive museum, which contains the treasures and gifts of the black Madonna as well as archaeological artefacts and a number of works of art. Accommodation at the Sanctuary of Lluc.
Day 7 – Pollença – Formentor – Alcúdia
Today’s tour starts in Pollença where a visit to El Calvario is a must. This is a small 18th century church which contains the popular Virgen del Peu de la Creu. The church is situated 170 metres above sea level and access is by a stairway with as many steps as days in a year – 365! We have some free time for lunch in Pollença.
Then we pass by Port de Pollença which has an impressive beach-promenade. It is a very romantic place immortalized in poetry and paintings and this is where Mallorca’s very first tourists came.
We continue to Formentor, which is not only the most northerly peninsula on Mallorca, but also the most beautiful. The prince Rainer of Monaco and his wife Grace Kelly spent their honeymoon here – in the 5-star hotel Formentor which nestles in luxuriant gardens close to the beach. Unfortunately we cannot have an inside look at this luxury hotel, but we can go up to its beautiful natural viewpoint-terrace. It has a fantastic view over the wild cliffs of Formentor, the North coast of Mallorca, and the beautiful Mediterranean, which seems to be even bluer than usual here.
Last stop of the day is in Alcúdia, so named in the time of the Moorish occupation as
Al-Kudia, which means “the rock” in Arabic. Way before the time of the Moors, or even the Romans, Alcudia had been an important maritime trading post. It still has an old, very
well- preserved town wall with two imposing town gates – one at each end of the old town. After a break for coffee and photos we return to The Monastery of Lluc
Day 8 – Departure
Today we say Hasta la vista! to this magical island when we make our way back to the airport for our return transfer.
Why Spain? Feel the Pilgrim Road.
Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for people to visit. Spain offer multiples of cultural experiences, visiting Spain is discover a country that has spectacular beaches, mountains, it also offers a big cultural options to see and we don´t have to forget it’s gastronomy and wide variety of activities and trips for groups wishing to visit Spain.
Of course the most famous countries are Barcelona, Madrid & Andalucia but we have to mention the north of Spain where we can find spectacular landscapes; Forget crowded Med beaches: the coastal regions of España Verde offer cool cities, wild shores and great walking in verdant coast and mountains
“El Camino de Santiago” was the most important religious and cultural route in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is the only route in the world to be designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Along the way churches, monasteries, refuges and hostels were built in distinctive Romanesque style as a support infrastructure for the many thousands of pilgrims who made their way from all over Europe on the long and difficult journey to the tomb of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela.
On our version of the Pilgrim Road there is a broad selection of different sights and experiences which are not necessarily associated with the religious origins of the pilgrimage. We experience not only beautiful and varied countryside along the Way but also bustling towns and cities. We come across many great architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau, culminating in the absolutely spectacular modern Guggenheim Museum, now the emblematic building of the city of Bilbao.
We also get to visit to a winery in La Rioja, the most famous wine area in the whole of Spain. We are given a tour of the installations, explanations of the whole process and, of course, opportunities for wine-tasting.
This journey passes through four distinct Spanish autonomous regions which in the past were different countries, with very different cultural backgrounds still evident in their different language, traditions and gastronomy.
If you whish to have more information about this trip get in contact with us at info@feelspaindmc.com
Looking for an interesting trip trought Andalusia?
Here you have some options:
Andalusia’s most interesting cities and sights- Seville, Granada, the Alhambra, Cordoba and Malaga are all within easy reach of our centrally located hotel in the beautiful Spanish town of Antequera. We also get in touch with nature on our all-day trip into the mountains and have plenty of opportunities to experience the Spanish way of life.
Cordoba – Home of the Moorish Caliphs
Cordoba was once the biggest city in Europe. Our suggestion is to take a walk through the well maintained, historical city centre which has very crooked streets as the Moors designed them to confuse any enemies who might enter the city. The beautiful “Calle de las Flores”- The Street of Flowers- is an excellent example of traditional Moorish street design. Then we visit the 1.000 year old mosque which is the second largest in the world -after the moors were expelled from Spain, King Charles V built a Catholic church inside this mosque- it really has to be seen to be believed! Cordoba is also proud of having the most beautiful `patios´ in Spain
Granada and The Alhambra
Today’s outing is to the fascinating city of Granada. First of all we recommend to take a walk through the most interesting areas with our guide and then there is some free time in the city centre for you to do your own thing. There are many great sights but Spain’s first Renaissance Cathedral, the Royal Chapel which contains the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella and the Alcaicería really should not be missed.
After lunch we go up to the world-famous Alhambra, where a local guide will show us the unique architectural treasures of this magnificent fortress and also the ‘Generalife’, the spectacularly situated summer palace with its beautiful fountains and gardens. In the early evening we return to the hotel.
Malaga – Birthplace of Pablo Picasso
Today is turn to visit the city of Malaga, birthplace of Pablo Picasso. This is the second largest city in Andalusia and since the opening of the Picasso museum in a beautiful old palace, tourism has grown here at quite a rate.
The Picasso Museum, Picasso’s birthplace in Plaza de la Merced and the Cathedral (all of which are in the historical city centre) are particularly to be recommended.
Seville – Capital of Andalusia
We can start visiting Seville doing a panoramic tour of the capital on our bus. We see Maria Luisa Park, the beautiful Plaza España, San Telmo Palace, the old tobacco factory (Bizet’s Carmen), the gracious promenade along the banks of the River Guadalquivir, the Golden tower, etc,etc. We visit the legendary Jewish Quarter (well known from the operas Carmen, Don Juan and The Barber of Seville). As the Jews were expelled from the kingdom by Queen Isabella I in 1492, you have some idea of the age of these narrow lanes and the delightful little squares redolent with the scent of the orange trees.
After some free time for lunch, we also have the chance to visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus. The enormous gilded altarpiece is the most impressive one of its kind in Spain and there are innumerable priceless works of art to be seen around the building. The Moorish church tower, “La Giralda”, is 100 meters high, 800 years old and is the symbolic landmark of Seville. Another possibility in the centre of town is the Reales Alcazares, with its Moorish palaces and beautiful gardens.
If you are looking for a trip into Andalusia and you need good service, good hotels and travel experts helping you please contact us via e-mail at info@feelspaindmc.com
Tour Escorted groups in Spain
Our Escorted Group Tours are designed to let you explore the stunning sights of Spain with our exceptional tour leaders. Fully immerse yourself in the culture, and the delicious traditional cuisine like tapas, paella, etc.. this region has to offer, and meet with like-minded travellers to share the exhilarating experience.
Feel Spain has different Tour Escorted tours across Spain, some samples are:
Camino de Santiago – Pilgrim road : This tour was the most important religious and cultural route in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is the only route in the world to be designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Along the way churches, monasteries, refuges and hostels were built in distinctive Romanesque style as a support infrastructure for the many thousands of pilgrims who made their way from all over Europe on the long and difficult journey to the tomb of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela.
Green Spain Tour : This tour is made of different cities and places like Oviedo, Picos de Europa (This is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Spain, with many peaks around the 8000 feet mark and its highest peak, Torre del Cerredo rises a spectacular 8688 feet above sea level. ) Leon, El Bierzo-Ponferrada and Santiago de Compostela
Central Spain, Madrid & Toledo: Enjoy a 5 days itinerary in Madrid and Toledo (the city of 3 cultures, for many years, the 3 main faiths of the time, Christianity, Judaism and Islam lived side by side making Toledo a very prosperous and enlightened community. ) , we will also visit Aranjuez, Chinchon and the royal capital, Madrid.
Feel Spain has more tours available and all of them are absolutely tailor made, do not hesitate to contact us for more information!
Summary of our Motorbike group enjoying in Andalucia !
Here you have the fantastic video of our last group enjoying a tour trought Andalucia, they visited some cities like Granada, Sevilla, Cadiz between others.
Our group was riding a bike during all the tour and they could stop at the better places of the south of Spain. We are very happy to be their main agency in Spain and we hope to see them very soon!
FeelspainDMC Team.
https://www.facebook.com/316572885515370/videos/370146056824719/
HORSE FAIR IN JEREZ (ANDALUCIA)
Jerez is celebrating its most popular festivity, the horse week or know as the horse fair. All locals are waiting for this week during all year. On this fair locals and tourist enjoy an unique and unrepeatable athmosphere in a city full of «casetas» of Jerez character.
The horse fair, declared of International Tourist Interest, which in 2018 is celebrated from May 5 to 12, and which offers the visitor the opportunity of enjoying wines of the land, the magic of flamenco, the spectacular walk of horses and the joy that during a week transforms Jerez and highlights the uniqueness of our city and its enormous tourist attraction.
The Jerez Horse Fair consists of joy, fun and purebred animals. The nobility of the horses you can see during the event has made it internationally famous.
From ancient origins (1284), it was originally a livestock market. Over the years it evolved into today’s conglomerate of festivities. Among the different events, mention should be made of the equestrian contests and competitions, and of the marquees set up in González de Hontoria park, adorning its avenues and paths with flowers and garlands over the course of the fair.
There are all kinds of horse-related activities during this festive week, such as international show-jumping competitions, dressage, horse rally, select livestock exhibitions and auctions. Furthermore, during the day, González de Hontoria park fills with hundreds of male and female riders, and carriages that drive through the streets of the show ground in a majestic spectacle well worth seeing. This is where the brotherhoods and associations set up their marquees, whose decoration centres on a different theme each year. Prizes are awarded to the best. Inside the marquees there is fino wine (sherry) and regional produce to sample. People dance Sevillanas until the early hours of the morning with an incredible, enjoyable atmosphere that seems to transform the park into one big flamenco hall. There are also food and drinks stands and children’s attractions. Bullfights, Sevillana dance competitions and fireworks are other festive activities that complete the programme of the Fair.
This festivity coincides with the Moto GP of Jerez, where tourist or local can enjoy of both events. Why not to watch a race in the morning and going to the fair in the aftenoon? sounds like a completed funny day, right?
For enquiries please feel free to contact our team at info@feelspaindmc.com
FORMULA 1 – CIRCUIT DE MONTMELÓ ( BARCELONA)
From 11th May to 13th May will take place the Grand Prix of F1 in the Circuit of Montmeló, Barcelona.
The Circuit of Catalunya was inaugurated in 1991 and is located in the town of Montmeló, just 30 minutes away from Barcelona. This route should not be confused with the Montjuic Circuit, which housed the Spanish GP four times between 1969 and 1975, and which, unlike the Circuit de Catalunya, is located in the city of Barcelona.
Formula 1 in Spain is more than just the Grand Prix. There are many teams that choose the existing speed circuits in the country to carry out their trainings, test the prototypes and prepare for the following season. These preparatory sessions are open to the public
The Spanish Grand Prix is a great opportunity to combine an exciting race experience with a cultural city trip. Lots of visitors combine this experience by visiting thhe city of Barcelona which is very close to the circuti.The favpourite places for those tourists are: The beautiful beach, mild Mediterranean climate and impressive monuments like Sagrada Familia or Park Güell and afterwards one can enjoy an anticipating race competition..
Feel Spain DMC offers some packages for enjoying this Grand Prix and combine it with a cultural and lesiure trip during their stay. We are also offering the most exclusive tickets for this race like the Hospitality tickets: Village GP, Terramar Club, Pedralbes Club, Montjuïc Club, Suite Gold between others.
Sounds like the perfect getaway for you? If you are interested in this wonderful event that takes place from May 11th until May 13th in the Barcelona area, get in touch with us and we will be happy to send the best offer.
Send us your request at info@feelspaindmc.com
Cherry Trees in Blossom Festival
Known as ‘El Valle del Jerte’ in Extremadura is celebrate every year from 23rd March to 7th April the flowering cherry trees with different events.
This shining event only happens for a couple of weeks depending on the weather, Every year dates are different but always during the spring season. This natural phenomen we can see how the hills in the valley turn completely white with cherry blossom.
Lots of events are taking place on those days: Exhibitions, medieval markets, open-air celebrations, routes or tasting sessions, amongst other activities, take place in the towns in the valley: Valdestillas, Tornavacas, Rebollar, Piornal, Navaconcejo, Jerte, El Torno, Casas del Castañar, Cabrero, Cabezuela del Valle and Barrado, all of them in the province of Cáceres.
The mixture of this beautiful nature and the hospitality of the inhabitants of the villages make an incomparable celebration that welcomes many visitors every year.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa or the Holy week is celebrating from 25th March to 1st April. This week is one of the most important ones in the Christian culture. Many cities in Spain celebrate it with different activities related to this religion.
During the holy week, Christians feel the passion of Jesus Christ and how he died on a Good Friday in order to rise on Easter Sunday to give new life to all who believe. This time is both, a very tragic but also joyful period in the Christian culture and therefore, celebrations can be intense, all week long. The resurrection of Jesus is seen as a victory over sin and death.
We can see the Processions in many cities of Spain, however the most famous one are taking place in the south of Spain, Andalusia.
Cities like Malaga or Sevilla are known for their great celebrations and traditions during Semana Santa.
Wooden lifelike sculptures are carried through the streets of Malaga to explain the Passion of Christ, while in Sevilla there are several processions from churches and chapels to the cathedral of the city. Religious people are also carrying figures to demonstrate scenes of this important time.
Usually, these processions are accompanied by drums, trumpets, brass bands or a cappella choirs that sing and play hymns and marches in honour of Jesus and the Holy Virgin.
Christmas Holidays
Christmas holidays are just around the corner and whole Spain is getting prepared already. This special event is celebrated whole over the world.
The most important days on those days are:
December the 24th – Noche Buena, Christmas Eve is celebrated with a big dinner with the family and it’s typical singing Christmas carol «villancicos» . In Catalonia, before that dinner children get some presents from «caga tió» which is a piece of wood with funny face and four legs wearing a red hat, kids get some presents after singing a song and hit caga tio with a stick gently.
Kids sometimes get one present in the evening, which Santa Clause brings.
December the 25th – Christmas Day is national holiday in Spain and some kids get a present in the morning from Christmas father «Papa noel» . This day is for staying at home having a nice meal with the family
December the 28th – Santos Inocentes, Holy Innocents day is like April Fools’ Day. People try to trick each other with stories and jokes.
December the 31st – Called as Nochevieja, the New Year’s Eve. This is the last day of the year. Spanish people have a special ritual: 12 grapes before midnight, one grape per stroke, if you fulfil that successfully, it means you have good luck in the New Year. After that people make a toast with «cava» and celebrate that the new year is starting having a party until the sun is rising on the next day.
January the 1st – Is a public holiday nearly everything is closed and Spanish people usually stay at home to sleep or go out for lunch with family or friends.
January the 5th – This day is the most magical day for children. In the evening family and children go to see the «cabalgata de los reyes magos» to give to the three kings a letter where each child has noted the present they want for the dat 6th of January. Kids has to go to the bed early if they want to get some presents, but before that it’s typical to leave some food and beverage for the three kings on the living room.
January the 6th – Día de los Reyes Magos, the Feast of the Epiphany, Three Kings Day, is when the 3 Kings arrived in Bethlehem to bring presents to baby Jesus. On this day the long waiting has an end, finally the kids are allowed to open their gifts in the morning. It is a day where the whole family and friends get together to have a big lunch and sit together for drinks.