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

Enjoy playing golf in your free time? Why not check out this privileged location to practice your hobby? 

Galicia in northeastern Spain. A Region that is not normally associated with golfing destinations but offers courses set in pine forests, at pleasant spa resorts or links courses with breathtaking views of the coast. Admire the surroundings while you practise your swing in some of the most peaceful surroundings.

Between Cantabrian and Atlantic breezes, this unique location is the perfect destination for lovers of stunning countryside and golf. The climate and countryside here are ideal for building golf courses in naturally green areas where the weather is fantastic and not too hot in summer. A real treat for the eyes, highly recommended while you have some healthy fun playing golf and enjoying the fresh air. 

There are many golf courses to be found throughout Galicia. That is why, whether you are looking to perfect your stroke on city courses, courses on the coast or right in the mountains, then Galicia is the place for you. If you love the sea, I would recommend the Pontevedra area. There you can find, the La Toja Golf Club, with its magnificent views of the coast, is particularly outstanding. See for yourself how the green seems to extend right into the sea. And don't forget to admire the view of Vigo Estuary from the course by the Clubhouse there.

If you prefer inland options, then make for the A Coruña, Lugo and Orense areas. Many of the clubs there, such as Golf de Lugo and the Monte-Castrove Foundation (Pontevedra province), have courses with ancient trees and natural lakes as obstacles.

The motto of golf in Galicia could be: "No one should be left without a round". The variety of the courses here (9- and 18-hole) mean that you can have a fun day playing whatever your level or handicap. There are ever more courses on offer, with everything from broad fairways (like those at La Coruña Golf Club), to narrow, winding courses with numerous obstacles (like the one at Real Aero Club de Santiago).

If you have never played golf, don't worry, because at many courses in Galicia there are courses for beginners and experts, adults and children. You will also find modern installations and services such as club hire, buggy hire, putting greens and driving ranges to practise, pitch & putt, and golf pro shops.

If you love golf but your family have other preferences, then no problem either. Some courses in Galicia, like the one at Balneario de Guitiriz Golf Club (Lugo province) or Golf Balneario de Mondariz (Pontevedra province), are alongside spa resorts where your family can rest and relax in thermal waters while you have a round. What is more, in Galicia you can do a range of other sports like kayaking, paragliding, hiking, horse riding, fishing…

Make the most of your trip by visiting emblematic locations such as the Old City of Santiago de Compostela or Lugo City Walls, both UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites. Enjoy its stunning beaches, its six nature reserves and the Atlantic Islands National Park. Above all, remember to savour the exquisite regional cuisine.

Galicia is one of Spain's great regions.

Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, near the historic city of Antequera, lies a unique wildlife reserve that is unlike any other in Europe – the Lobo Park. This non-profit sanctuary stands dedicated not just to the preservation and study of the majestic wolf but to the education of the public on the importance and nature of this often misunderstood creature.

A Guided Journey Through The Wild

At Lobo Park, visitors have the rare opportunity to observe wolves in a semi-natural environment through a variety of guided tours. The park offers regular guided wolf tours, each carefully designed to provide insightful knowledge about these fascinating animals. Imagine embarking on a tour with an expert guide leading the way, sharing facts and stories about the wolf packs that call Lobo Park their home.

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, VIP wolf tours are also available. These tours afford you a personal journey through the park, guided by experienced personnel, ensuring an intimate and in-depth encounter with the wolves.

Howling Under the Full Moon

One of the park's most enchanting experiences is the Howl Nights. Held under the glow of a full moon, these events offer a surreal experience of hearing the wolves' haunting howls fill the air. Seats for these magical nights are highly coveted,  though limited places remain for the 19th of September 2024.

A Commitment to Education and Preservation

Lobo Park's mission extends far beyond mere observation of these noble creatures. As a non-profit association, it is deeply committed to the research and study of wolves, aiming to educate not just about wolves but also about the broader topic of dog education. Various programs like wolf seminars, school programmes, and more emphasize this educational commitment.

Adopt-A-Wolf: A Unique Connection

For those who wish to support Lobo Park even further, the Adopt-a-wolf program offers a unique opportunity to form a symbolic bond with these incredible animals. Whether it's adopting Gregori, the European wolf born on April 22, 2018, or Anouk, the Hudson Bay wolf born on April 10, 2019, your support directly contributes to the welfare and continued conservation efforts for these wolves.

Visiting Lobo Park

Located strategically at Ctra Antequera - Álora A343 km 16, 29200 Antequera, Málaga, Spain, Lobo Park is easily accessible. Paired with reasonable entry fees of €13.50 for adults and €8.50 for children aged 3-12, it's an educational adventure that's both enriching and accessible.

With a passion for education and wildlife conservation at its core, Lobo Park invites everyone to learn, support, and become part of a meaningful journey in understanding and conserving the mystique of wolves. Whether through a visit, participation in events or even adopting a wolf, each gesture helps in fostering greater respect and knowledge about these remarkable creatures.

Menus with or without wine, white with fish and red with meat, pairings or harmonies, dry for an aperitif and sweet for dessert... the culinary world is full of indecision. Questions can also arise with bread, although until now portions have worried us most: should we have one or half? Or maybe a third? However, we have learned that this "accompaniment" is an important part of any meal, meaning doubt can pervade this element as well. More and more shops are opening up dedicated to the world of grain-based products, although many seem more like fashion boutiques than bakeries.

The Spanish eat a lot of bread so shouldn't we also include it in our list of flavours? Keep in mind that this product is a key part of the Mediterranean diet and it is recommended to consume about five 40 gram-portions a day. It is also full of vitamin B, minerals and fibre, with a higher quantity found in wholegrain bread.

As for palates, each person knows their own well. But cooking is also guided by common sense and bread is no different. For example, if you eat something with sauce, doughy bread would always be recommended for mopping it up. But things change if you have a sandwich to be eaten standing up as you must consider a bread with a harder crust which can support the weight of the filling.

It is also normal to recommend that a flavourful bread should be eaten with things that won't mask the taste, like softer cheeses or mild cured meats. And on the contrary, if you have a very flavourful meal, it is best to opt for a white, seedless bread that only contributes texture and a mild flavour. 

Among the obvious harmonies are crunchy white bread such as 'Pan de Cristal' or crackers with cured meats, serving as a contrast to their saltiness; Smoked fish goes well with rye, as its dough has a more bitter taste; and corn bread goes well with sweet foods such as jams, butters and quince jelly. White bread, the classic loaf, is perfect for lamb or roast meats and wholegrain goes well with strong soups and stews for its intense flavour. Country bread, with its compact dough, is ideal with rice as well as for sandwiches with melted cheese. 

Lastly, we have what is known in Spain as black bread, associated with central European countries. Bursting with flavour, it is suitable for fatty foods like salmon, smoked fish and salads with bitter vegetables like spinach, arugula and endive. Fortunately we have such a  wide choice of breads available to us so try some new textures and flavours, it really is a world of its own. 

Jellyfish are invertebrates which present special cells used to capture prey and defend themselves. These cells have a poisonous capsule inside. When a prey or predator makes contact with the jellyfish, the capsule opens and the cells stick to them, injecting poison. Jellyfish are usually transparent as they are 95% water, allowing them to camouflage easily.

They usually live 20 to 40 miles from the coast where the water is saltier and warmer. If it has been a dry winter and rainfall has been low, the water at the beach may be of similar salt levels, thus providing a favourable environment for jellyfish. However, the main cause for an increase of jellyfish in an area is the marine currents and overfishing, especially when tortoises are captured, as these are the main jellyfish predators in the Mediterranean.

Types of Jellyfish in the Mediterranean

Fried Egg Jellyfish / Medusa Huevo Frito (Cotylorhiza Tuberculata)

Sting level: not very painful.

They are yellow and look like fried eggs, usually 17cm wide. They are common in the Mediterranean during summer and autumn. These jellyfish can sting and cause temporary itching, but do not require medical assistance.

Common Jellyfish / Medusa Común (Aurelia Aurita)

Sting level: not very painful.

Round, like a cup, usually white with pink or blue tones and have long tentacles, they are normally about 25cm wide. They are easy to find near the coast. Contact causes irritation and itching. Applying ice may reduce symptoms, but medical assistance is not required.
    

Compass Jellyfish / Medusa de Compases (Chrysaora Hysoscella)

String level: painful.

Looks like an umbrella, usually white and yellow, they are around 20cm wide. They are not very common near the coast but live in the Mediterranean Sea. Causes an itching and burning sensation and can scar the skin for up to 3 weeks. 
 
Shiff Arms Jellyfish / Aguamala (Rhizostoma Pulmo)

Sting level: painful

They are one of the more beautiful jellyfish in the Mediterranean and are about 50cm wide. They are bluish with a purple ribbon and have 8 tentacles, which if touched causes pain, but no other effects. 

Pink jellyfish (Pelagia Noctiluca)

Sting level: painful and dangerous.

It is a 10cm fluorescent jellyfish, transparent with pink or purple tones. It has 16 long tentacles that can cause pain, burning, nausea and muscle cramps. They are not very common, but if seen do not touch them!

 
Portuguese Man o’War / Fragata Portuguesa (Physalia Physalis)

Sting level: very painful and extremely dangerous.

Not technically a jellyfish, but treated as one. The most dangerous sea creature found in the Mediterranean. It floats on the sea, has a purple colour and is about 10cm high. Its tentacles can be 2 meters long and they are fast swimmers. They can cause extreme pain, fever burns to the skin and neurological shock. Due to their dangerous nature, the Spanish Coastguard keeps watching for them and reports are issued on the local TV, radio and newspapers if they approach the coast. 

 
Purple Sail or Velella / Medusa Velero (Velella Velella)

Sting level: not harmful to humans.
As with the previous one, not technically a jellyfish, but treated as one. With an approximate diameter of 6cm, they have a transparent stiff sail and their body is deep blue with circles. It is a carnivorous species, catching its prey with its tentacles and is very difficult to spot. They move by catching the wind on their sails. Their venom is not harmful to humans. 

 
 
What to do if there are jellyfish at the beach?

    1.    Do not get in the water, keep an eye on the shore too.
    2.    If one jellyfish is spotted, there will probably be more around.
    3.    Do not touch them even when they appear dead. It takes 24 hours for the sun to deactivate its poison.
    4.    If stung:

a. Do not scratch the skin with sand or a towel.
b. Do not pour fresh water over the affected area.
c. Apply ice for 15 minutes. Ice must be inside a plastic bag to avoid freshwater melting onto the affected area. If the area is still painful, seek medical attention.