Spain is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, and this is reflected in its numerous national and local holidays. In 2025, Spain will once again celebrate a wide array of holidays that are observed both nationwide and regionally within its autonomous communities. Below is a detailed list of these holidays, categorized by national and local observances.

National Holidays

These holidays are recognized across the entire country of Spain:

1. New Year's Day (Año Nuevo)

   • Date: January 1, 2025
   • Significance: Celebrates the beginning of the new year.

2. Epiphany (Día de los Reyes)

   • Date: January 6, 2025
   • Significance: Commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ child.

3. Good Friday (Viernes Santo)

   • Date: April 18, 2025
   • Significance: Observed during Holy Week, it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

4. Labor Day (Fiesta del Trabajo)

   • Date: May 1, 2025
   • Significance: Celebrates the contributions of workers.

5. Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen)

   • Date: August 15, 2025
   • Significance: Honors the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

6. National Day of Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España)

   • Date: October 12, 2025
   • Significance: Celebrates the day Christopher Columbus first arrived in the Americas.

7. All Saints' Day (Día de Todos los Santos)

   • Date: November 1, 2025
   • Significance: Honors all saints and deceased loved ones.

8. Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)

   • Date: December 6, 2025
   • Significance: Commemorates the anniversary of the Spanish constitution.

9. Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción)

   • Date: December 8, 2025
   • Significance: Celebrates the conception of the Virgin Mary without original sin.

10. Christmas Day (Navidad)

    • Date: December 25, 2025
    • Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Local Holidays by Autonomous Community

Spain's autonomous communities also have their own unique holidays, based on regional traditions and historical events. Below are some of the key local holidays for 2025:

Andalucía

• Day of Andalusia (Día de Andalucía)
  • Date: February 28, 2025
  • Significance: Celebrates the referendum for Andalusian autonomy.

Aragón

• Saint George's Day (Día de San Jorge)
  • Date: April 23, 2025
  • Significance: Honors Aragón's patron saint, Saint George.

Asturias

• Asturias Day (Día de Asturias)
  • Date: September 8, 2025
  • Significance: Celebrates the Virgin of Covadonga and the region's identity.

Balearic Islands

• Day of the Balearic Islands (Día de les Illes Balears)
  • Date: March 1, 2025
  • Significance: Commemorates the Statute of Autonomy of the Balearic Islands.

Basque Country (Euskadi)

• Basque Country Day (Euskal Herriko Eguna)
  • Date: October 25, 2025
  • Significance: Celebrates the Basque culture and autonomy.

Canary Islands (Canarias)

• Canary Islands Day (Día de Canarias)
  • Date: May 30, 2025
  • Significance: Marks the anniversary of the first session of the Canary Islands' parliament.

Cantabria

• Cantabria Day (Día de Cantabria)
  • Date: August 15, 2025
  • Significance: Celebrates the region's heritage and customs.

Castilla-La Mancha

• Castilla-La Mancha Day (Día de Castilla-La Mancha)
  • Date: May 31, 2025
  • Significance: Honors the autonomy of Castilla-La Mancha.

Castilla y León

• Community Day of Castilla y León (Fiesta de la Comunidad de Castilla y León)
  • Date: April 23, 2025
  • Significance: Commemorates the Battle of Villalar.

Catalonia (Catalunya)

• Saint George’s Day (La Diada de Sant Jordi)
  • Date: April 23, 2025
  • Significance: A cultural celebration akin to Valentine’s Day.
• Catalonia National Day (La Diada Nacional de Catalunya)
  • Date: September 11, 2025
  • Significance: Commemorates the fall of Barcelona during the War of Spanish Succession.

Extremadura

• Day of Extremadura (Día de Extremadura)
  • Date: September 8, 2025
  • Significance: Celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe and regional pride.

Galicia

• Saint James' Day (Día de Santiago)
  • Date: July 25, 2025
  • Significance: Honors Saint James, patron saint of Galicia.

La Rioja

• La Rioja Day (Día de La Rioja)
  • Date: June 9, 2025
  • Significance: Celebrates the autonomy of La Rioja.

Community of Madrid (Comunidad de Madrid)

• Madrid Day (Día de la Comunidad de Madrid)
  • Date: May 2, 2025
  • Significance: Commemorates the uprising against French rule in 1808.

Murcia

• Day of the Region of Murcia (Día de la Región de Murcia)
  • Date: June 9, 2025
  • Significance: Marks the anniversary of the Statute of Autonomy of the Region of Murcia.

Navarre (Navarra)

• Day of Navarre (Día de Navarra)
  • Date: December 3, 2025
  • Significance: Honors San Francisco Javier, the patron saint of Navarre.

Valencia Community (Comunitat Valenciana)

• Saint Joseph's Day (Fallas de Valencia)

  • Date: March 19, 2025
  • Significance: A major festival celebrating St. Joseph and the arrival of spring.

• Valencia Day (Día de la Comunidad Valenciana)

  • Date: October 9, 2025
  • Significance: Commemorates the entrance of King James I into the city of Valencia in 1238.

Ceuta and Melilla

• Ceuta Day (Día de Ceuta)

  • Date: September 2, 2025
  • Significance: Celebrates the founding of the city.

• Melilla Day (Día de Melilla)

  • Date: September 8, 2025
  • Significance: Commemorates the conquest of Melilla by Spanish forces.

In 2025, Spain will celebrate an array of national and local holidays, each reflecting the country's multifaceted cultural and historical landscape. Whether commemorating significant historical events, cultural traditions, or religious observances, these holidays offer both residents and visitors alike an opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of Spanish life.

Make sure to plan your travels and activities around these dates to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations that span the length and breadth of Spain!

The joy and anticipation surrounding Spain's Christmas Lottery, known as "El Gordo," captivates countless homes each year as friends and families gather around to watch the draw and dream of winning. However, a common query often arises: What if a foreigner wins "El Gordo"? And what happens if the winner is a Spanish citizen residing abroad? Let's delve into these scenarios to clarify what foreigners should expect.

The Extraordinary Christmas Lottery is Spain's most significant annual lottery event, sparking excitement and hope across the nation. This massive lottery not only brings the thrill of potential wealth but also nurtures communal bonds, as people often participate in syndicates and share tickets. Scheduled for 22nd December, the draw has become a cherished tradition, and its remarkable prize distribution attracts both locals and visitors alike.

Can Foreigners Buy and Win the Christmas Lottery?

Eligibility to Purchase Tickets

One of the first questions is whether a foreigner can legally purchase a ticket for the Spanish Christmas Lottery. The answer is straightforward: Yes. As long as the individual is of legal age, they are allowed to buy a lottery ticket. This inclusivity is one of the reasons why the lottery enjoys such wide participation.

Winning and Claiming the Prize

The real intricacies emerge when discussing the collection of winnings. There are different procedures depending on the amount won:

1. Prizes Below €2,000:

   • If a foreigner wins a prize below €2,000, the process is relatively straightforward. These smaller prizes can be claimed online, which is particularly convenient for those who purchased their ticket digitally. Notably, winners of smaller prizes can also claim their winnings via Bizum, a popular mobile payment service in Spain. Otherwise, you can go to any lottery administration to collect your prize. 

2. Prizes Above €2000  and €40,000:

   • For prizes exceeding €2000, you will need to go to a Spanish bank to collect the prize winnings.

   • For larger prizes exceeding €40,000, the procedure is slightly more complex due to the tax implications. Winners are required to claim their prize at a bank affiliated with the Spanish tax agency. This process entails a 20% tax on the winnings, and the required documentation must be provided.

   • In practical terms, this means that a foreign winner would need to travel back to Spain or appoint a representative to collect the prize on their behalf. The representative would need to present the necessary documents to the bank to ensure the proper tax is deducted and the winnings are released.

Tax Implications and Considerations

Understanding the tax obligations is crucial for potential lottery winners. In Spain, winnings above €40,000 are subject to a 20% tax, deducted at the source when the prize is claimed from a Spanish bank. The tax policy is uniform regardless of the winner's nationality or residence. It’s worth noting that once the tax is deducted, the prize is considered net of Spanish taxes, simplifying matters for those winners who live in countries that have different taxation rules for foreign income.

The allure of Spain's Christmas Lottery transcends borders, pulling in hopefuls from all corners of the globe.  The key takeaways for anyone who wins, irrespective of nationality, are to understand where and how they need to claim their prize and be aware of the tax obligations.

For a foreign winner, the most practical advice includes reviewing who could act as a representative in Spain ready to handle the prize claim if necessary.

Looking Forward to the Draw

As December 22nd approaches, the anticipation builds. While the procedures for claiming prizes might seem daunting, they should not overshadow the joy and excitement that the lottery brings. The Spanish Christmas Lottery remains a symbol of hope and celebration, uniting people in dreams of luck and fortune.

To stay updated on all the details regarding the Spanish Christmas Lottery, including the latest news and tips on how to claim your winnings, follow trusted sources and prepare accordingly. After all, the magic of "El Gordo" is only a ticket away, no matter where in the world you reside.

Stay informed, and good luck!

Spain's Christmas lottery, affectionately known as "El Gordo" (The Fat One), is one of the world's oldest and most massive lottery draws. Established in 1812, this lottery is not only a significant part of Spanish Christmas traditions but also a major source of excitement due to its enormous prize pool. The draw takes place annually on December 22, and it captivates the entire nation.

How It Works

1. Ticket Structure

• Billetes and Décimos: The El Gordo tickets are divided into "billetes" and "décimos." A full ticket, called a "billete," is quite expensive and costs €200. However, most participants opt to purchase a portion of a ticket, known as a "décimo," which costs €20. Each billete is divided into 10 décimos to make it more affordable.

• Numbers and Series: Each billete is printed with a unique five-digit number ranging from 00000 to 99999. To increase the odds and diversity, each number is printed multiple times in different "series." For instance, a specific number like 12345 might exist in numerous series, each treated as a separate ticket.

2. Purchasing Tickets

Tickets are sold throughout Spain at designated lottery retailers, called "administraciones de lotería," and online. Offices and organizations, including clubs and charities, often buy large quantities of tickets for resale.

3. The Draw

The much-anticipated draw occurs on December 22nd, watched by millions on television and online. The event is orchestrated by schoolchildren from the San Ildefonso school in Madrid. They sing the numbers and corresponding prizes from two large tumblers, maintaining tradition and adding to the event's ceremonial feel.

Potential Prizes

The total prize pool for El Gordo is mind-boggling, often exceeding €2 billion, with many tiers of prizes to distribute.

1. El Gordo (First Prize)

• The grand prize, or El Gordo, awards €4 million to a billete (or €400,000 per décimo). If a ticket holder has one décimo, they would receive €400,000 before taxes.

2. Second Prize

• The second prize grants €1.25 million for a billete (€125,000 per décimo).

3. Third Prize

• The third prize awards €500,000 to a billete, translating to €50,000 per décimo.

4. Fourth Prizes

• There are two fourth prizes, each awarding €200,000 for a billete (€20,000 per décimo).

5. Fifth Prizes

• The draw includes eight fifth prizes, each worth €60,000 for a billete (€6,000 per décimo).

6. Smaller Prizes and "La Pedrea"

• Numerous smaller prizes, such as the "La Pedrea" (the shower), award €1,000 per billete (€100 per décimo) for thousands of tickets.

• Additional smaller prizes also include refunds for certain numbers, ensuring that many participants win something.

Taxes on Winnings

It's important to note that lottery winnings in Spain over €40,000 are subject to a tax rate of 20%. Therefore, winners of larger prizes will need to account for this deduction when calculating their net winnings.

Spain's Christmas lottery, El Gordo, is a cherished national event, bringing hope, excitement, and tradition together every December. With a generous prize distribution and widespread participation, it remains a staple of Spanish culture and a pivotal moment in the festive calendar. Whether you're a local or a visitor, purchasing a décimo offers a chance to partake in this beloved tradition and potentially change your life with the magic of El Gordo.

So, mark your calendars for December 22, 2024, and join the ranks of hopeful participants in Spain's iconic Christmas lottery

As the year draws to a close, the Mediterranean charm of Valencia becomes even more captivating. Known for its remarkable combination of history, culture, and vibrant life, the city transforms into a winter wonderland filled with exciting events and activities. Valencia in December offers a delightful blend of mild weather, festive atmosphere, and cultural experiences that entice both locals and tourists. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Valencia has something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to exploring Valencia this December and making the most of your visit.

A Welcoming Climate

One of the many appeals of visiting Valencia in December is its mild climate. Unlike many other European destinations, Valencia enjoys temperatures ranging from a gentle 8°C to a pleasant 17°C. The Mediterranean weather ensures that most days are sunny and rain is relatively infrequent. This comfortable weather invites you to explore the historic streets, wander through lush gardens, or take a leisurely stroll along the coastline. Although the nights can be cool, the overall temperate climate allows for plenty of outdoor adventures throughout the month.

Marathon of Valencia

For sports enthusiasts, the Valencia Marathon represents a highlight of the city's December calendar. Taking place on the first Sunday of the month, this marathon is renowned for being one of the fastest circuits in Europe. It attracts thousands of participants from around the globe, eager to test their limits while enjoying scenic views of Valencia’s emblematic landmarks. The race begins and concludes at the stunning Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, offering an unparalleled atmosphere for both runners and spectators. Whether you're competing or cheering from the sidelines, the energy and excitement of the marathon are truly infectious.

Charity Event: Tardeo Remember Solidario

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic beats of the 1990s and 2000s at the Tardeo Remember Solidario, an event that combines fun with a noble cause. Scheduled for 14th December at the Jardines del Palau de la Música, this late afternoon gathering is a perfect opportunity to reminisce over beloved music eras, all while supporting families affected by the recent DANA flood event. Entry is free, with proceeds from the sale of 'solidarity cups' contributing to the relief efforts. It’s an event where the joy of music meets the spirit of giving.

Génesis: The Multisensory Spectacle

Just a stone’s throw from the Turia Gardens, the Church of the Jesuits hosts "Génesis," an extraordinary multisensory spectacle that blends cutting-edge technology with sacred art. This immersive experience transforms the gothic interiors of the church with enthralling projections and enveloping music, offering a unique cultural proposition for visitors. Running throughout December, Génesis invites you to witness history and modernity in harmony, with tickets priced from just 11 euros. It’s a must-see for those intrigued by innovative cultural expressions.

Tutankhamun: A Journey to Ancient Egypt

Transport yourself back to the world of ancient Egypt with the "Tutankhamun: The Immersive Experience" at the Gens Centre Arts Digitals. Occupying an expansive space of over 2,500 square metres, this exhibition presents a rare opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of the iconic young pharaoh. With ten meticulously designed rooms, the exhibition showcases accurate reproductions of artefacts from Tutankhamun’s era, enriched by a multimedia display that aims to educate and fascinate. As you wander through these elaborate recreations, the exhibition promises an enlightening journey through time.

San Silvestre: A Festive Run

Embrace the festive spirit by joining the San Silvestre, a beloved tradition that caps off the year with exuberance. Scheduled for 30th December, this family-friendly event invites participants to don colourful costumes and jog through a 5-kilometre route in the heart of Valencia. Starting from Calle Xàtiva near San Vicente Mártir, the race is designed for everyone—from seasoned athletes to families and children—focusing more on enjoyment and camaraderie than competitiveness. It’s a joyous occasion that brings the community together in celebration of the year’s end.

Free Activities in Valencia

December in Valencia is not only about paid attractions; the city also offers a bounty of free events and activities. Besides the Tardeo Remember Solidario, the festive marathon atmosphere can be enjoyed from various vantage points around the city, allowing you to soak up the fervour without participating. Additionally, many of Valencia's museums open their doors for free on certain days, particularly Sundays, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the cultural depth of the city without stretching your budget.

Living in Valencia

Valencia stands out as a city that perfectly harmonises tradition and modernity, offering residents an exceptional quality of life. With its vibrant cultural scene and Mediterranean climate, the city boasts a distinctive charm that appeals to both locals and newcomers. Whether living in historic barrio districts, with their quaint buildings and cobbled streets, or in contemporary neighbourhoods characterised by modern architecture, Valencia caters to a diverse range of preferences and lifestyles.

For those considering a more permanent stay, the city offers a range of housing options from traditional homes for sale to modern apartments for rent. Additionally, short-term holiday rentals are plentiful, providing flexible options for those who wish to experience Valencia’s unique allure first-hand.

December in Valencia is a magical time that brings together the best of what the city has to offer. With its engaging events, mild weather, and rich cultural tapestry, Valencia promises a memorable experience for all. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or exploring for the first time, Valencia in December is a destination that captivates the heart and inspires the spirit.

The ranking could be defined as close. In fact, only six meters separate the tower of the New Cathedral of Salamanca from the emblematic Giralda of Seville. With its 110 meters, this construction rises above the sky of the Castilian and Leonese city, allowing it not only to lead the classification of religious temples but also that of any building in this city.

Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, this cathedral used part of the structures of the previous basilica to achieve these amazing dimensions. In fact, the bell tower was built on top of the old tower, rising to this height at the end of the works.

However, the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 damaged part of its structure, forcing the deviation caused by the tremor to be tightened and reinforced with a stone embankment, widening what was destined to be a slender tower.

This is a recommended visit if you happen to be travelling through the region, quite a spectacular cathedral.

Valencia - DANA - October 30th 2024

A study by the Catalan Pompeu Fabra University addresses the "genetic uniqueness" of the Basques, and points to the "language barrier" as a "possible bulwark" that fostered the isolation of the population in the face of the different historical events that led to contacts with other civilizations and, consequently, the confluence of cultures and languages ​​in the rest of the peninsula.

This was the first study to explain the true origin of a population whose language, Basque, has no relation to any Indo-European language. Previously, numerous investigations had been carried out that pointed out the peculiarity of the cultural and biological traits of the Basques, but none had been able to be specified.

The study - promoted by the Pompeu Fabra University and published in the journal 'Current Biology' - has brought together an international research team to carry out the "most exhaustive geographical sampling to date", with more than 600,000 genetic markers throughout the entire genome from the DNA of the 1,970 individuals analyzed (current and from ancient times).

The results of the study - which has involved a team of linguists and geneticists- reveal that the cultural barrier of a language as different as Euskera "could promote the isolation of the Basque population from subsequent population contacts", such as the influence of the Roman Empire or the Islamic occupation of the Iberian Peninsula.

And, as they point out, the findings show a "clear differentiation" of the Basques with respect to the surrounding populations, as well as a "strong genetic heterogeneity" closely related to geography. This distinction, they say, "is the result of a genetic continuity" that dates back to the Iron Age, highly characterized by "periods of isolation and a lack of recent genetic flow, which could have been reinforced by the linguistic barrier."

The sampling included micro-regions within the Basque Country and also in the surrounding areas, this way, they obtained samples from a geographical region where Basque has always been spoken, others where it has historically been spoken but has been lost, and regions where it has never been spoken. The study covered 18 territories from the Franco-Cantabrian region.

After comparing the Basque population with other current European populations and with data from ancient DNA, they concluded that their genetic composition is similar to the rest of the Western European populations, but they present slight differences, maintained for 2,500 years due to not having mixed both with other populations. For example, they did not find influences from North Africa that is seen in most populations within the Iberian Peninsula, nor is there any trace of other migrations such as Romanization. 

The Day of the Valencian Community (Día de la Comunidad Valenciana) marks the anniversary of King James I of Aragon's re-conquering of the city of Valencia from Moorish forces in 1238. It is also the Day of Saint Dionysius, a traditional festival for lovers, the Valencian “Valentine’s day”.

The custom on this day is to give the person you love the ‘mocadorà or mocaorà ‘which consists of a knotted silk scarf with miniature marzipan candies in the shapes of fruits and vegetables inside.

The most widespread version of the origin of this tradition is that Jaume I and his wife, Violante of Hungary, on their triumphal entry into the city of Valencia, after defeating the Muslims on October 9, 1238, they were met by their inhabitants with gifts of fruits and vegetables from the local orchard and farms, wrapped in silk handkerchiefs.

From 1331 this date was established to commemorate the founding of the Kingdom of Valencia, which over time became a celebration of marked festivity in which the worldly pleasures were given free rein.

Unfortunately, with the abolition of the regional code of law by Felipe V in 1707, the celebrations of the 9th of October were also banned.  However, all was not lost, and with the intention of  the 9th October not losing its festive character, the guild of bakers and confectioners of the city of Valencia impelled the celebration of Saint Dionysius (Sant Donís) as the "day of the lovers".

To this day, the Valencian bakeries prepare themselves thoroughly for the 9th October and cook thousands of marzipan miniatures; it is estimated that more than 80,000 kilos of marzipan are used to make about 250,000 "mocadoràs". In addition, the Guild of Bakers and Confectioners of Valencia convenes the Sant Donís Contest, to choose the best "mocadorà" and is the best showcase opportunity fro the bakeries and pastry shops throughout the city of Valencia. Last year’s winner was El Forn de Latzer. You can see some examples here:

This was our first walking holiday here so the group we picked up from Almeria airport were guinea pigs! The group were all friends who had walked with Ibex before so that made it easier.

We started the walking holiday in Agua Amarga (bitter waters) a small whitewashed seaside village - quiet but with enough bars to keep you happy. We stayed at the homely Hotel Family. The rooms here are large and comfortable with a lovely swimming pool. The food is excellent, some of the best I have had in 10 years in Andalucia. Marcs(the owner) wife is Moroccan and the tajines of lamb and chicken that were on offer were fantastic large tasty portions. The breakfast was even larger with a whole host of foods on offer from pancakes to eggs anyway you liked, all freshly cooked and with an array of homemade pickles and jams.

The first day's walk was a 11km circular trip. We walked away from the coast and inland into the desert like landscape. The whole area is an ancient volcanic landscape with valleys eroded over millennia forming parts of it. The walk took us through a large peach orchard and onto the old mineral train track, which we followed on a very level path back into Agua Amarga. The bitter water name comes from the mineral mining that was processed just outside Agua amarga. We walked to the old processing plant high above the beach before our final descent to the village. We were finished for 2.30 so plenty of time to explore the village more, swim and have a few drinks!

After another excellent evening meal and huge breakfast it was time to move hotels. Our luggage is moved by a local taxi driver to the next hotel and we walk to the next hotel along the coast. The walk today is 16 km and with more ascent and descent, it will take a very steady 8 hrs to get to Las Negras. Setting off at 10am we walk South-West following the coast. Walking pass small coves and beaches, we stop at Cala Del Plomo for a paddle, drink and snack before we climb up to the cliffs that bring us along, with some great views, to the bohemian beach of San Pedro. There is a fair descent down to Cala San Pedro(Cala meaning Cove) using an eroded path. After a bit of scrambling we make it to the beach were we find some shelter from the sun and have a picnic lunch. San Pedro is overlooked by an impressive old moorish watchtower which makes it a beautiful beach. It is inhabited by an alternative population that seem to scratch an existence out of the few tourists that make it too the beach along the 3km cliff top path. Trying not to be put off my lunch by male tackle swinging down the beach we make our way to one of the small bars on the beach for a cold drink. We are met by a motley crew of Pirates of The Caribbean extras who serve us a few cans of fanta limon before we are away on our walk again.

Walking along the cliff top we finally make it onto the vehicle track that takes us down to Las Negras and to the Cala Grande hotel - an out of place Ibizan esk hotel in what is a small fishing port. Lovely hotel  though and lives up to the 4* rating. Good food and a very spacious room with a trendy pool and bar to sit at.

Only one night here before again our luggage is taken on to the next hotel in Rodalquilar - the 4* Hotel Naturaleza. The walk today is around 12km with a detour up to the lighthouse that is one of the highest points in the park for some great views. We walk again along some beautiful deserted beaches where we stop at least once a day for a swim. climbing up from the Playazo Cala Castillo we then take a path that leads us up to the lighthouse for lunch before the final descent along the service road to the hotel. An easier day than the day before but still with some rewarding views.

The hotel Naturaleza is set around a courtyard and a swimming pool. A good meal in the hotel.

We spend 2 nights in Rodalquilar and we use the van to get us to the gold mines that are to the North of the town. We then take a 12km circular path pass the Cortijo De los Frailes, the setting of the Blood Wedding by Garcia Lorca. A great view over the Peninsula of the Cabo de Gato, we then descend through the gold mines. You can see why Steven Spielburg used this landscape for the Temple Of doom. An interesting walk full of history and information about the recent gold mining her. After 4-5 hours of walking we make it back to the van and decide to go to Isleta de Moro for lunch. We have a lunch of freshly cooked seafood platters before going to the beach for an hour of swimming and relaxing. Another nice meal in the hotel.

After breakfast it was time to walk to San Jose the most popular town in the area. The walk was supposed to be a 16km walk from the hotel but after talking to the receptionist the walk now goes along the main road for 4km to Isleta de Moro, where before it went through the countryside . I gave the group the choice of walking along the road or we could drive to Isleta de Moro and start the walk there. The latter was chosen. We walked from Isleta and continued South West along the coast to Los Escullos, where we stopped for a coffee. We then took the vehicle track from here up and pass the highest peak in the Cabo De Gata - Los Frailes, the Friar. Descending to San Jose and to the hotel La Posada De Paco. Nice modern hotel with a good sized swimming pool on the main street in San Jose. The hotel here only has a breakfast room so we were eating out. We had a great meal in the El Faro restaurant, a few of us had Parrillada De Pescado a selection of fish on a platter. It was excellent and the fish could not have been fresher.

The final days walk was an easy 8km walk to the beaches of Monsul and Genovesses. These are more popular beaches but still very beautiful with crystal waters and soft golden sand. It was a perfect walk for the last day, a bit of a rest and a swim. We ate out that night at the 4 Nudos restaurant at the port in San Jose. Speciality is rice dishes which are extremely well prepared.

After a few late drinks it was a late check out on the Saturday so dropped back to Almeria Airport and me back to the Sierra Nevada. A brilliant week and a complete contrast to everywhere else we walk. The accommodation and food were excellent. The weather was 20ºC to 30ºC depending on cloud cover. Overall really enjoyed it and we will be running this week again in the near future.

We run walking holidays throughout Spain - in the Sierra Nevada, Grazalema and Picos De Europa

Author : Dan Shaffrey - Mountain guide and walking holiday company owner in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada -  info@ibextrex.com

Would you like to play golf at any time of the year, enjoying springtime temperatures and a pleasant sea breeze? You can, in the Canary Islands: a veritable paradise for golf lovers, close to the beach and offering excellent services.

In the Canary Islands, you are sure to enjoy an ideal holiday playing golf. Many reasons make it possible: a privileged climate that enables you to play golf 365 days a year; spectacular, varied scenery including exceptional volcanic landscapes, beaches, mountains and nature reserves; first-class infrastructure for services and leisure to satisfy every need and offering magnificent value for money; and, of course, an excellent variety of golf courses. Most courses are to be found on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but there are also excellent fairways on the islands of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Gomera. There is no doubt about it: any time of the year is ideal for playing your favourite sport in the Canary Islands, where you can enjoy some truly extraordinary conditions.

Another attraction of playing golf in the Canary Islands is that you can try out different courses by simplymaking short trips around the islands without having to change accommodation. Wherever you go, you will find top quality, modern facilities with all the necessary conveniences. Fun, original courses dotted with bunkers of black, volcanic sand and surrounded by unique indigenous vegetation await you on the islands. You are sure to have fun overcoming the challenges they pose while admiring the fabulous views over the Atlantic ocean or the magnificent mountains that dominate the archipelago.

You will find courses to suit all tastes, ideal for both professional players and those who wish to improve their skill: from golf clubs that are venues for major PGA tournaments, such as the Tenerife Ladies Open, to courses for beginners or improving your game in a friendly, quiet atmosphere.

One of the clearest indications that the islands are perfect for golf is the abundance of available space: as well as the existing courses, many more are planned or are already being built and expected to be opened shortly. 

http://www.federacioncanariagolf.com