jueves, 15 de diciembre de 2011

CATALONIA: SALOU, LA BOELLA AND DELTA DEL EBRE

Last week I spent three fantastic days in La Costa Daurada. The first one in Salou and the other ones visiting the fabulous landscapes in Delta de l'Ebre, located at the southern end of La Costa Daurada, like this one:


Ricefields near L'Encanyissada lagoon in Delta de l'Ebre
Ricefields near L'Encanyissada lagoon in Delta de l'Ebre

Although one of the main attractions of this beautiful area of Catalunya are its long beaches of golden sand, in winter there are also a lot of activities to do.

For example, our first day began with a guided tour and an olive oil tasting in La Boella (www.laboella.com), a 110-hectare estate of olive trees and gardens located midway between Reus and Tarragona. At the heart of La Boella you will find a 12th century country house lovingly restored. That day ended with a pleasant walk along the beach of Salou.

Delta de l'Ebre was our environment for the following two days. We were cycling in La Bassa de les Olles and La Punta del Fangar. Besides, we walked along El Trabucador and stared at the flamingos at La Tancada and L'Encanyissada lagoons.

Below you can see the places I visited during these three days:


Day 1: Salou
  • Hotel Magnolia
  • La Boella
  • Salou Beach

Day 2: Cycling through Delta de l'Ebre
  • Port del Fangar Area
  • Punta del Fangar
  • Bassa de les Olles

Day 3: Delta de l'Ebre
  • Barra del Trabucador
  • Bassa de la Tancada
  • Arrossars
  • Casa de Fusta
  • Barraca del Delta
  • Bassa de l'Encanyissada

Other interesting areas of El Delta del Ebre to visit if you have enough time are L'Illa de Buda (Buda Island) or La Punta de la Banya.

Next, I would like to show you some pictures I took in Salou, La Boella and El Delta de L'Ebre.

Day 1

Hotel Magnolia


Hotel Magnolia in Salou
Hotel Magnolia is a comfortable hotel located close to the beach of Salou. Our room was quite large

La Boella


La Boella near Salou
The day was lovely as you can see in this picture taken in La Boella shortly before the tour we made to this state

La Boella near Salou
Roses and olive trees, a fantastic landscape I could enjoy before the guided tour in La Boella

La Boella near Salou
The large convention center in La Boella. The other two buildings are the restaurant Espai Fortuny and the Mas la Boella Hotel

La Boella near Salou
The restored medieval tower you can see in this picture is the symbol of La Boella


La Boella near Salou
After the interesting olive oil tasting, we walked among the olive trees in La Boella


Salou Beach


Sunset in Salou beach
Sunset in Salou beach

Day 2

Port del Fangar Area


Port del Fangar in Delta de l'Ebre
Boats close to the beach in the area of Delta de l'Ebre called Port del Fangar

Port del Fangar in Delta de l'Ebre
Near La Bassa de les Olles we rent a bicycle to discover La Punta del Fangar, one of the most interesting areas of Delta de l'Ebre

Punta del Fangar


La Punta del Fangar in Delta de l'Ebre
After half and hour by bike we hadn't enough time to arrive near the Lighthouse of La Punta del Fangar, located 6km from this point. Maybe we should have driven to this place and, then, walked up to the lighthouse and the mobile dunes, which give a desert appearance to this area of Delta de l'Ebre

Bassa de les Olles


Bassa de les Olles in Delta de l'Ebre
Birds overflying La Bassa de les Olles, the smallest lagoon of Delta de l'Ebre


Day 3

Barra del Trabucador




La Barra del Trabucador of Delta de l'Ebre
Walking along La Barra del Trabucador of Delta de l'Ebre under a lovely morning next to the water of La Badia dels Alfacs

La Barra del Trabucador of Delta de l'Ebre
Golden sand of Barra del Trabucador and the Mediterranean sea in the background. One of the most beautiful landscapes of Delta de l'Ebre


La Barra del Trabucador of Delta de l'Ebre
Sant Carles de la Ràpita from El Trabucador, a beautiful area of El Delta de l'Ebre

El Trabucador in El Delta de l'Ebre
Vegetation of El Trabucador in El Delta de l'Ebre


Arrossars



Ricefields in El Delta del Ebre
Beautiful scenery of ricefields in El Delta del Ebre



Bassa de la Tancada



Flamingos in La Llacuna de la Tancada in Delta de l'Ebre
Flamingos, which appear in this picture, can often be seen in La Llacuna de la Tancada (La Tancada lagoon). You can enjoy this lagoon by using the bicycle lane that surrounds La Tancada


Casa de Fusta


La Casa de Fusta in Delta de l'Ebre
La Casa de Fusta (Wooden House), a Park Information Centre located next to L'Encanyissada, the Delta's largest lagoon. In front of this building is the start of L'Encanyissada cycle path.

Barraca del Delta



Barraca del Delta de l'Ebre
Una barraca del Delta de l'Ebre, a typical house built with traditional methods


Bassa de l'Encanyissada 


Llacuna de l'Encanyissada in Delta de l'Ebre
Nice view of La Llacuna de l'Encanyissada in Delta de l'Ebre

Viewpoint next to L'Encanyissada lagoon
Viewpoint next to L'Encanyissada lagoon

L'Encanyissada in Delta de l'Ebre
Staring at the birds and flamingos of L'Encanyissada, an enormous submerged meadow of El Delta de l'Ebre

Sunset in L'Encanyissada of El Delta del Ebre
Spectacular sunset in L'Encanyissada, one of the most impressive environments of El Delta del Ebre


Of course, El Delta del Ebre is not the only interesting place to visit along La Costa Daurada. This 216 km of Mediterranean coastline offers very interesting tourist attractions such as:

For further information, you can visit the following websites:
  • www.parcsdecatalunya.net
  • www.larapita.com
  • www.enlarapita.com
  • www.ampolla.com

I also would like to recommend you the two hotels where we stayed:
  • Hotel Magnolia in Salou (www.magnoliahotelsalou.com)
  • Hotel del Port in Sant Carles de la Ràpita (www.hoteldelport.es)
and one of the restaurants of El Delta del Ebre where we enjoy a delicious paella:

  • Restaurant Casa de Fusta L'Estany, located next to l'Encanyissada and La Casa de Fusta (www.restaurantestany.com)

Finally, clicking on the next link you will find links to other beautiful places in Catalonia.

lunes, 12 de diciembre de 2011

BARCELONA: CASTELLDEFELS BEACH


Castelldefels is located 20 km from Barcelona and it is known for its wonderful fine sand beach that is over 5 km long. Castelldefels beach is provided with all kind of equipment and offers the chance to do watersports, take a dip in the calm Mediterranean Sea or just sunbathe.

These are some of the most interesting places in Castelldefels I would recommend:


  • Castelldefels Beach
  • Castelldefels Promenade
  • Castelldefels Downtown
  • Muntanyeta Park
  • Granota Park
  • Castelldefels Castle
  • Castelldefels Cal Ganxo (in Garraf Natural Park)

Castelldefels beach from Garraf Natural Park
4.8Km long Castelldefels beach from the nearby Garraf Natural Park


Castelldefels Beach


It is said that Castelldefels beach is the beach of Barcelona because of its closeness and its high environment qualities. You can get the beach taking the renfe train C-2 line (there is a train station called Castelldefels Platja next to the beach) or taking the bus (L94, L95 , L96 i L97).



Castelldefels beach located near Barcelona
Castelldefels beach under a lovely day


Castelldefels Beach in Barcelona
Castelldefels beach located near Barcelona

Castelldefels beach located near Barcelona
People with children spending a fantastic day in Castelldefels



You can play sports on the beach of Castelldefels, like soccer or beach volleyball

Snack bar beside Castelldefels beach
A snack bar beside Castelldefels beach 


Obviously there is a long seafront where you can walk meanwhile you enjoy lovely sights of Garraf Natural Park. Around 15th july a interesting festive activity is celebrated, called SEA MARKET, where you could enjoy a pirate disembark, fireworks and concerts.

Castelldefels Promenade


Promenade and beach of Castelldefels
Promenade and beach of Castelldefels


Castelldefels beach and promenade
I really like walking along the promenade of Castelldefels meanwhile I enjoy lovely sights of Garraf Natural Park


Snack bar Tiburon in Castelldefels
The snack bar Tiburon (Passeig Marítim 120) is located beside the promenade of Castelldefels, so it's perfect to enjoy a drink after a walk next to the beach


A nice park in Castelldefels
This nice park is located halfway between the beach of Castelldefels and the downtown


Castelldefels Downtown


Castelldefels downtownOne of the shopping streets of Castelldefels. At the end of this pedestrian street, it can be seen the church


Castelldefels church
Castelldefels church


Main street of CastelldefelsMain street of Castelldefels. The streets like this one near the town centre are pedestrian


Castelldefels is a very active town plenty of green areas where children could play and enjoy the nature such as Muntanyeta Park or Granota Park. In the first one the Summer Festival is held annually on 15th august with free-ticket concerts.

Muntanyeta Park


Muntanyeta Park in Castelldefels
Playground in Muntanyeta Park near the downtown of Castelldefels. In summer, free-ticket concerts take place in this quite large park


Granota Park


Granota Park in Castelldefels
Wooden Bridge in Granota Park, a lovely park in Castelldefels

Playground in Granota Park
Wooden structure in Granota Park in Castelldefels where children can imagine their cottage


Castelldefels Castle


Castelldefels Castle
Near Granota park, Castelldefels Castle is located in a high location of the town




Cal Ganxo in Catelldefels



Cal Ganxo in a map of Garraf Natural Park
Cal Ganxo belongs to Garraf Natural Park

Way to Cal Ganxo in Castelldefels
Walking to Cal Ganxo in Castelldefels


Cal Ganxo in Castelldefels
Another way to get to Cal Ganxo in Castelldefels


Cal Ganxo in Castelldefels
Cal Ganxo in Castelldefels is an information point of Garraf Natural Park

Montjuïc from Castelldefels
 Walking to Cal Ganxo we enjoyed this view of Montjuïc from Castelldefels

Castelldefels from Cal Ganxo
Enjoying the views from Cal Ganxo in Castelldefels


Excursions from Cal Ganxo in Castelldefels
Cal Ganxo is the starting point of several excursions in Garraf Natural Park

 Castelldefels from Cal Ganxo
 Fantastic view of Castelldefels from Cal Ganxo in the evening

Castelldefels Castle at nightFinally, a nice picture of Castelldefels castle lit at night


Besides, I would like to recommend you some interesting places:

Town Centre

  • Ice-Cream Parlor Carles (C/ Major 67)
  • Pizzería Il picolo mare (C/ Arcadi Balaguer, 36Tlf: 936 361 769)
Beach
  • Tiburon  Snack Bar  (Passeig Marítim, 120)
  • Robert’s Pub (Passeig Marítim, 220)
  • Fosbury Restaurant (Passeig Marítim, 299)
  • El Péndulo Pub (Ribera San Pedro 1,Tlf: 936 641 595)


Fosbury Restaurant in Castelldefels
Fosbury Restaurant beside the beach of Castelldefels



Tourism Information
  • Castelldefels Tourist Office (C/ Pintor Serrasanta 4, near the city hall)


Near Castelldefels you can also visit two interesting places: the lovely seaside village of Sitges and the Garraf Natural Park. Next, some pictures of these beautiful places.


Sitges beachSitges beach with the church and the Garraf Natural Park in the background. Palms indicate where the promenade is


Garraf National ParkOverview of the Garraf National Park


Garraf National ParkThe marina of the village of Garraf from the pahts of the Natural Park


There are more beautiful places near the city of Barcelona to visit, like for example:




Concerning beaches, below you have links of some of the most beautiful beaches in Catalonia:

Costa Brava beaches


Costa Daurada beaches




Other fantastic beaches I have visited in Spain and Portugal are:



Finally, clicking on the next link, you will find links to other beautiful villages and places in Catalonia.
.

martes, 6 de diciembre de 2011

BARCELONA GOTHIC QUARTER: CATHEDRAL



Today I would like to speak about one of the points of reference in the Barcelona Gothic Quarter: The Cathedral. Around the cathedral are located some of the most beautiful buildings, streets and squares of this lovely area in Barcelona, like:



One of the walks I like the most in Barcelona is to walk around the cathedral along the streets of Els Comtes de Barcelona, La Pietat and El Carrer del Bisbe admiring the gothic elements of the cathedral and the gothic buildings of La Plaça del Rei.


Main facade of the Barcelona Cathedral
 Main facade of the Barcelona Cathedral recently restored



A bit of history

Barcelona Cathedral was built over six centuries. Funded by donations from the medieval brotherhoods and guilds, the building work in Santa Creu commenced in 1298, on consecrated ground which was the former site of a 14th-century early-Christian basilica, which had been destroyed by al-Mansur’s troops. Only the baptistery survives from this building.

The chapel of Santa Llúcia was part of the Romanesque church built prior to the Gothic Cathedral, while the oldest surviving doorway is the Porta de Sant Iu. The main façade and bell tower were completed around 1890, following the original plans, in the neo-Gothic style.

Gothic windows of the Barcelona Cathedral
Gothic windows and details of the main facade of the Barcelona Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Eulàlia, one of Barcelona’s patron saints

The interior is an impressive sight with 25 side chapels, the magnificent 14th-century cloister, the choir stalls. The pulpit and the crypt, which is the burial place of Santa Eulàlia, one of Barcelona’s patron saints, are also extremely beautiful.

Barcelona cathedral doorway
Gothic archivolts of the Barcelona cathedral doorway


The Latin-cross floor plan and cross vault, as well as the magnificent stained-glass windows, fill the Barcelona Cathedral with light.

The following pictures show some of the beautiful details of the Barcelona Cathedral.


The apse of the Barcelona Cathedral
The apse of the Barcelona Cathedral, where you can see the buttress, and one of the two octagonal bell tower

Bell tower of the Barcelona Cathedral
Detail of the previous octagonal bell tower of the Barcelona Cathedral

The apse of the Barcelona Cathedral
Gothic windows between the buttress of the apse of the Barcelona Cathedral 

Doorway of Barcelona cathedral called La Pietat
Doorway of La Pietat, one of the most beautiful gothic details of  the Barcelona Cathedral

Gothic doorway of Sant Iu
Gothic doorway of Sant Iu, the oldest doorway of the Barcelona Cathedral

Gothic cloister of the Barcelona Cathedral
The cross vault of the magnificent 14th-century gothic cloister of the Barcelona Cathedral


Fountain inside the cloister of the Barcelona Cathedral
A fountain inside the cloister of the Barcelona Cathedral

Gothic archs in the cloister of the Barcelona Cathedral
Side chapels between gothic archs in the cloister of the Barcelona Cathedral


Altar of the Barcelona Cathedral
The interior of the Barcelona Cathedral is an impressive sight with 28 side chapels between the columns supporting the gothic vault. In this picture, the altar

Chapel of Santa Llúcia in Barcelona
The chapel of Santa Llúcia, located next to the cloister, was part of the Romanesque church built prior to the Gothic Cathedral

If you like gothic architecture, you would be interested in visiting the following religious buildings in Barcelona:


I have visited other beautiful cathedrals, like:

- In Catalonia



- In Spain



- In Europe



Next you have some useful information in case you want to visit the Barcelona Cathedral:

- Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n
- Phone: 933 428 260
- How to get there:
  • Metro L4, stop Jaume I.
  • Bus 17, 19, 40 and 45.
  • Barcelona Bus Turístic, stop Barri Gòtic.
- Web site: www.catedralbcn.org
- Guided Visits: 933 428 260

Finally, clicking on the next link you will find links to other beautiful places in Barcelona, among them, more nice places inside the Gothic Quarter.