View of Mykonos Town on the Island of Mykonos Greece
Mykonos Town also known as Chora, is the capital and main town of the island of Mykonos. It is a charming and picturesque town with a unique blend of traditional Cycladic architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Matoyianni Street is a lively and bustling pedestrian street and the main shopping hub of Mykonos Town where you’ll find a wide range of boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries, and jewelry stores, offering both local and international brands. The Archaeological Museum located in the heart of Mykonos Town houses a collection of artifacts from the island’s ancient past.
Mykonos
Little Venice is a beautiful and picturesque neighborhood in Mykonos Town, where the houses are built right up to the edge of the sea. It’s a popular spot offering offering breathtaking views, particularly during sunset and is dotted with many cozy bars and restaurants.
Windmills on Mykonos
The Windmills of Mykonos are one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mykonos. There are several windmills located on a hill above Mykonos Town and they offer great views of the town and the sea.
Streets of Mykonos Town
Mykonos Town is the main town in Mykonos and is a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with whitewashed houses and shops. It’s a great place to explore, with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Paradise Beach Mykonos
Paradise Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos and is known for its crystal clear waters and lively party atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax during the day and party at night.
Delos Mykonos
Delos is a small island just off the coast of Mykonos which is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It was once a thriving center of trade and religion and there are many ancient ruins to explore. Boat tours and excursions are available from Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia Island allowing visitors to enjoy excursions to these beautiful and secluded islands. These tours often include stops at pristine beaches, for swimming and snorkelling.
Panagia Paraportiani Mykonos
Panagia Paraportiani is a beautiful white-washed church in Mykonos Town, which is considered to be one of the most photographed churches in Greece. It’s a great spot for taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful architecture.
Super Paradise Beach Mykonos
Super Paradise Beach is another one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos, it is known for its beautiful sandy beach and clear blue waters. It’s a great place to relax during the day and party at night with several bars and restaurants.
Psarou Beach Mykonos
Psarou Beach is a beautiful and upscale beach in Mykonos, known for its crystal clear waters and luxury beach clubs, elegant ambiance, and vibrant parties popular with celebrities. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Water sports facilities are available on the beach, allowing you to enjoy swimming and snorkelling, jet skiing, paddle boarding, parasailing and wake boarding among other exciting options.
Ano Mera is a traditional village located in the center of the island of Mykonos, away from the bustling tourist areas. It offers a more tranquil and authentic experience of the island’s local life. Ano Mera is known for its authentic Greek tavernas that serve traditional cuisine. Visitors can savour delicious local dishes, such as freshly caught seafood, grilled meats, and classic Greek specialties, while experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals in more serene surroundings.
Overall, Mykonos is a beautiful island with plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a lively party atmosphere, Mykonos has something for everyone.
There are many great holiday homes and villas to let directly from owners here on Mykonos but it is always a good idea to book luxury self catering holiday homes and villas and other accommodation in advance, especially during peak holiday season.
Bilbao is a beautiful city in the Basque region of Northern Spain and there are many interesting things to do and see. Here are some of the top attractions:
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a contemporary art museum located in the city of Bilbao, in the region of northern Spain. It is an iconic architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry that opened in 1997. The museum with it’s curvy titanium-clad exterior has become a symbol of Bilbao’s transformation from an industrial city to a modern and vibrant cultural center in Spain.
The Guggenheim museum Bilbao houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons. The collection focuses on art from the mid-20th century to the present day. The museum also includes a range of amenities for visitors, including a restaurant, cafe, bookstore and auditorium.
Bilbao Old Town
Casco Viejo: The old town of Bilbao is full of charming streets and historic buildings. You can stroll around, visit the Plaza Nueva, or try some pintxos (Basque tapas) in one of the many bars and restaurants.
Santiago Cathedral: Located in the old town, the Santiago Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic cathedral dating back to the 14th century.
Ribera Market: This is the largest covered market in Europe, and a great place to experience the local food culture of Bilbao. You can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and much more.
Arriaga Theatre: This beautiful theatre is located in the heart of Bilbao, and hosts a range of cultural events and performances throughout the year.
Zubizuri Bridge Bilbao
Zubizuri Bridge: This stunning white pedestrian bridge spans the Nervion River and offers beautiful views of the city.
Basque Museum: The Basque Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Basque people, including their unique language, traditions, and art.
San Mames Stadium: If you’re a football fan, you can visit the home of Athletic Bilbao and see a match, or take a tour of the stadium and museum.
Alhondiga Cultural Center: This former wine warehouse has been transformed into a cultural center, featuring a library, cinema, gym, restaurants, and much more.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: This museum houses a collection of Spanish and Basque art from the 12th century to the present day, including works by Goya, El Greco, and Picasso.
Bilbao bridge
There are plenty of places to stay in Bilbao but it is always a good idea to book self catering holiday homes, villas and apartments and other accommodation in advance, especially during peak season or during popular events in Bilbao, such as the Bilbao BBK Live music festival or the Aste Nagusia (Great Week) festival.
There are plenty of places to stay in Bilbao but it is always a good idea to book self catering holiday homes, villas and apartments and other accommodation in advance, especially during peak season or during popular events in Bilbao, such as the Bilbao BBK Live music festival or the Aste Nagusia (Great Week) festival.
La Sagrada Familia – the impressive basilica designed by Gaudi, which was begun on the 19 March 1882 in Barcelona, Spain and is shown nearing completion date.
The spectacular Basílica de la Sagrada Família designed by Antonio Gaudi in the city of Barcelona is one the most popular attractions not just of Spain but of the world.
The unfinished Basilica is a stunning mixture of Late Gothic, Catalan Modernism or Art Nouveau architecture and has become an iconic and somewhat surreal monument of Barcelona with it’s rainbow hued stained glass windows and it’s much anticipated completion date some 135 years after construction was started by Gaudi’s who lived there in splendid isolation for many years and whose imaginative and colourful architectural creations can also be seen at Parc Guell, La Pedrera and several other locations or UNESCO world heritage sites in Barcelona.
The Alhambra palace and fortress complex in Granada Spain.
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex used by the Moorish monarchs of Granada between 1238 and 1492 when the Moors were expelled and it was partially rebuilt in Renaissance style and used as the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella the first Queen of Spain. It was originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 on the remains of Roman fortifications, and then largely ignored until its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-13th century by the Emirate of Granada and was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Sultan of Granada.
The Alhambra Palace is an immense and beautiful complex with wonderful views over the beautiful city of Granada. Moorish poets described the Alhambra as “a pearl set in emeralds”, referring to the colour of the buildings and the surrounding woods. Attractions inside the Alhambra include the Royal Complex, the Alcazaba (Citadel) and the Court of the Lions and fountain ( Described by the Poet Zamrak: “Such a translucent basin, sculpted pearl! Argentic ripples are added on it by the quiet dew”). As a world heritage site the Alhambra attracts millions of visitors each year.
Beautiful view of famous Royal Palace in Madrid the capital of Spain
The Royal Palace in Madrid was built in the 18th century and is considered to be one of the finest royal pаlасеѕ іn Eurоре and one of the top tourist attractions in Madrid.
The palace was completed in 1764 on the site of the old Alcázar fortress. Although it is the official residence of the Royal Family it is now used mainly fоr ѕtаtе vіѕіtѕ аnd оthеr important сеrеmоnіеѕ. The rest of the time it is open to the public and palace contain paintings by many artists such as Caravaggio, Goya, and Velázquez, The palace contains 3,418 rooms and 135,000 square meters of floor space making it one of the largest Palaces.
A visit to Madrid would not be complete without a trip to the Plaza Mayor that includes some fine restaurants and architecture. Also not to be missed is The Prado Museum in central Madrid that is home to a fine collection of European art.
Tourists float on a boat on the Spanish Square (Plaza de Espana) canal, Spain
Seville is situated in southern region of Spain on the River Guadalquivir and is the capital city of the region of Andalucia. Seville is one of the most popular, breathtaking and charming cities in Spain offering visitors historic sites, culture, art, great food, fun and festivities.
Lord Byron wrote: “Seville” – “a pleasant city, Famous for oranges and women, – he who has not seen it will be much to pity, – and I quite agree; Of all the Spanish towns is none more pretty”.
Seville is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and home to some of the finest monuments and sites in Spain. The rambling Alcazar palace complex and gardens, La Giralda bell tower and impressive Santa Maria de la Sede Cathedral used as the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. The Metropol Parasol that is the world’s largest wooden structure and contains a market and panoramic terraces. The Torre del Oro (Golden Tower), on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the Almohad walls of Seville and the famous La Maestranza bullring.
Santa Cruz, is the primary tourist neighborhood of Seville and offers an abundance of bars, theaters and flamenco performances. Some of the events and festivals around Easter attract over a million visitors a year. Hopefully we will be able to enjoy some of the things we missed this year in the years to come.
Beautiful view of the sea and the Bay from Pope Luna’s Castle. Valencia, Spain. Peniscola. Castellon. The medieval castle of the Knights Templar overlooking the beach.
Valencia is a thriving port and the third largest city in Spain, it is well located beside the sea and has many long sandy beaches along it’s coastline that includes Albufera Natural Park where Paella was invented. Valencia is well known for it’s gastronomic culture that can be experienced at the Mercado Central a large Art Nouveau style market that is one of the largest in Europe.
Valencia is one of the oldest cities in Spain and was founded in Roman times in c.138 BC. There is a large Gothic style cathedral in the medieval centre of the old city that may fulfill your quest to find the revered Holy Grail said to be the actual cup that the disciples drank from at the last supper. The city hosts a number of traditional religous festivities and colourful Holy Week celebrations and Las Fallas a week long festival of pageants, music, flowers and displays of figures in March.
La Tomatina said to be the worlds biggest food or over ripe tomato fight is held in the town of Buñol in the Valencia region in August.
The city of Valencia has many museums including the Museum of Fine Arts with work by El Greco and Goya.
San Sebastian and Isla de Santa Clara in Concha Bay in the Basque Country region in Spain
The attractive seaside resort of San Sebastian is on the Bay of Biscay in the Northern Basque region of Spain and is surrounded by green hills, rivers, mountains, beaches and the Bay that opens up to the Atlantic Ocean and popular surfing areas like Playa de Zurriola.
The picturesque Concha Beach in the beautiful shell shaped Concha Bay is centrally located in San Sebastian and probably one of the best urban beaches in Europe. This stylish resort city is deservedly called the Pearl of the North and was joint European City of Culture in 2016.
San Sebastian is popular with Gastronomy fans and has the highest number of Michelin starred restaurants in one city and visitors will find it to be the beating heart of the Spanish cuisine scene and a food lovers dream.
Other places to see are Monte Orgull, the fortress-topped mountain overlooking the city’s harbour and the old town, called Parte Vieja to sample some pintxos said to be the best in the Basque Country.
Segovia is a beautiful historic city full of interesting sights, incredible food and home to one of the finest Roman aqueducts in the world, Built around 50 AD it is an enduring symbol of Segovia, A UNESCO World Heritage Site the Segovia Aqueduct with 167 arches is made from granite blocks and is one of the largest remaining Roman structures in Spain.
Other attractions in Segovia include the Alcázar with it’s with it’s disney like turrets and the Late Gothic cathedral built between 1525 and 1593 in thePlaza Mayor in the Old Town with views over the city.
The city centre of Segovia was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1985 and is a popular destination for day trippers from Madrid in recent years but tourists come from near and far for the many attractions of the central regions of Spain.
There are many holiday homes, villas, apartments and other accommodation options in the central regions of Spain in and around Segovia.
The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial was conceived by King Philip II to serve as a royal burial place for his father, Holy Roman emperor Charles V; a Hieronymite monastery; and a royal palace. It is situated about 45 kilometres northwest of Madrid.
Today, the Escorial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most visited landmarks.
The Alcazar of Segovia or the Castle of Segovia is a stone fortress located in the old city of Segovia, Spain.
The Alcázar of Segovia is one of the most distinctive castles in Spain with it’s with it’s disney like turrets and unique shape like the bow of a ship. The Alcázar was built as a fortress around the 12th century on the site of an old Roman fort by the Berber dynasty on a craggy hilltop overlooking the city and has been used as a Royal Palace and military academy. It is currently a museum and military archive.
Other attraction in Segovia include the Late Gothic Cathedral built o the highest point of the old town between 1525 and 1593 in the Plaza Mayor with views over the city and surrounding Sierra de Guadarrama foothills. The cathedral contains an archive with hundreds of antique books including the first book printed in Spain the Sinodal de Aguilafuente. The surrounding square offers visitors many cafés and a maze of medieval streets.
The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral marks the end of the 790 km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is located in the region of Galicia in the northwest of Spain. It is the reputed burial place of Saint James the apostle of Jesus Christ. It has enormous significance in the region as it marks the historical end of the famous Camino de Santiago trails used by many thousands of pilgrims each year. The Camino trails have also spawned thousands of titles, books and life changing stories and films.
La Mezquita Arab Palace in Cordoba showing the forest of columns and dual-coloured arches.
La Mezquita Arab Palace is located in the heart of the charming city of Cordoba in Andalusia. The Arab Mosque dates back to 784 A.D and one of the oldest, and largest Islamic monuments standing in the West, it became a World Heritage site in 1984. It is believed to have been built on the site of an old Roman Temple that was converted into a church around 572 before being converted into a Mosque and rebuilt to reflect the ancient grandeur of Damascus in Cordoba.
Since 1236 the mosque has served as the Cathedral of “Our Lady of the Assumption” and is one of the most beautiful and unique architectural heritage sites in the world and one of the top tourist attractions in Cordoba and Spain.
Apart from the Great Mosque the city of Cordoba has many other tourist attractions such as the Judería or old Jewish quarter, the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos or Castle of the Christian Monarchs, The Festival of Los Patios, Palacio de Viana, the Guadalquivir River, the Roman Bridge and many delicious local Tapas bars and places to eat.
Park Guell in Barcelona was commissioned by Eusebi Güell and designed by Antonio Gaudí.
Parc Guell in the Northern part of Barcelona was commissioned by Eusebi Guell and designed by Antonio Gaudi, The park is one of Gaudi’s most celebrated, creative and interesting social spaces and built on a hill that offers visitors spectacular views over the city and the sea.
Park Guell is a picturesque park full of colourful mosaics, tiling, the famous Salamander sculpture and other structures in a leafy and magical park that can stimulate and inspire your senses.
Casa Mila otherwise known as La Pedrera ( The Stone Quarry ) built between 1906 and 1912 is another creation designed by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona.
Las Ramblas is one of the most popular boulevards in Barcelona and is lined with bars, restaurants, the amazing Boquería Market, street entertainment and runs from Placa Catalunya in central Barcelona to the port and beach. The boulevard is between the interesting Ravel and Gothic Quarter of the city and is another place that should not be missed when visiting Barcelona.
Holiday homes, villas and other private accommodation can easily be found in Spain and Barcelona but please check for any travel restrictions before booking.
