Still Discovering Spain...

No doubt we are all familiar with the obligatory baby Jesus in the manger scene rolled out every Christmas, but the early 18th-century inhabitants of Catalonia, Italy, and certain areas of Southern France started a different tradition that lives on to this day.

Unlike the English-speaking version of the Nativity scene, Catalonians at Christmas time actually build a large model of the city of Bethlehem. The Caganer, whose origins have been lost in time, is a particular and highly popular feature of these modern interpretations.

Often tucked away into a small corner of the nativity scene, one can find a lone figure caught in the act of defecation. There are more than a handful of guesses as to how and why this tradition started ranging from the figure representing the equality of all people (everyone poops!) or that it symbolises the idea that God will manifest himself when he is ready, without regard whether humans are ready for him. Still, others believe it is a tradition grown from comic relief.

Nonetheless, it is said that not exhibiting him brings misfortune since his faeces fertilize the ground and also bring luck and happiness for the year ahead.

Traditionally, the Caganer wears a barretina (typical Catalan hat like a beret) and holds a pipe in his mouth, but over the years this tiny fellow has evolved to the extent that nowadays we find models of celebrities, politicians, actors, musicians and football players, as well as Caganers dedicated to towns, to distant traditions, to jobs, and to animals. 

Whatever your thoughts, if you find yourself travelling in the region around Christmas time it’s highly encouraged to take a second look at the scaled down Bethlehem and see if you can find their little “Caganer.”

Barcelona's oldest treasure is also one of the most hidden. Located in the city’s Gothic quarter, four 2,000-year-old columns from the Roman Empire’s Imperial Period are hidden by the building that houses the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya (Hiking Club of Catalonia).

The temple was originally built to honor Emperor Augustus and once towered over the ancient Roman city of Barcino. It was constructed of sandstone from nearby Montjuïc Hill and at least partially plastered over. The building was built in the first century and measured 12 feet in length. It was surrounded by numerous 30-foot-tall columns, but now only four exist and lay testament to this wonderful building.

Most of the stones from the temple were reused for other buildings. Three of the columns remained intact, forming part of the inside of a new structure. They were found in the 15th century, but no one could figure out their origin until the 19th Century, when it was discovered they were, in fact,  the remains of a Roman temple.

The fourth column was rebuilt from the remains of the other columns and erected in the Plaça del Rei (King’s Square) in 1879, where it stayed until 1956 when it was moved to the spot where it stands now, next to the original three columns, which have never been moved. Though they rest on bits of plinth from the original structure, the ancient building is otherwise gone.

I'll bet whatever you want that not many people know of a place where you can literally find a village inside a cave, and if that wasn't enough, with sea views. This really was a discovery, a surprising and incredible one at that and it is most definitely a place to visit if you are in the region. Add it to your list as you will not be disappointed.

You don't have to travel very far if you are already in the Canary Islands because this remarkable place can be found on the island of La Palma. Tucked into a large cave, on an impressive cliff, we can find a small village that seems to be taken from an adventure novel. The village is called Porís de Candelaria and it is located in the most western part of the island built upon the oldest rock formations of lava on La Palma which combined with a backdrop of almost vertical cliffs make for a spectacular sight.

The meaning of its name comes from the word 'porís' which means 'jetty or natural harbour'. In it, we find white-washed houses located under a giant stone semi-dome created by the constant volcanic eruptions that the island has had over the centuries. The majority of the houses are more than 80 years old and are used by their owners during the holiday season to escape the heat.

To get to the 'secret cave village' from the town of Tijarafe, you need to follow the road that goes towards the sea, the LP-1 heading North for about 4 kilometres.

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Made in the same method as Champagne, Cava is Spain's sparkling wine treasure. Originating from the Penedès region of northeast Catalonia (just west of Barcelona), cava is made with three local varieties: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Cava's claim to fame lies in its remarkable quality-to-price ratio. Top-quality cava is widely available for under €10 with many regional producers presenting their best bubbly in sophisticated bottles and leaning heavily on family-owned, tradition-inspired values. Here some to consider for the coming festive season! Take your pick, you can't go wrong with any of them...

Freixenet Sparkling Cordon Negro Brut Cava - €6,49
Freixenet

One of the best-selling Cavas on the market, Freixenet Sparkling Cordon Negro Brut Cava offers up exceptional citrus and toasted almond notes on the nose. Built on the region's three dominant cava grapes (Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada), this medium-bodied sparkling wine carries a fresh factor, lively acidity, and unmistakable balance on the palate.

Anna de Codorniu Cava Brut - €6,88
Codorniu Winery

        
Crafted from a 70/30 split of chardonnay and Parellada grapes, the Anna de Codorniu Cava Brut shows a lovely bouquet of ripe apple, plush tropical fruit, and the yeasty appeal of fresh-baked bread. The palate reveals a continuation of fresh-fruit themes, centred around green apple, pear, quince, and lemon-lime citrus. Crisp and clean.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava - €9,99
Segura Viudas

Bringing some serious value—not to mention bubbles—to the table, Spain's Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava showcases an engaging blend of nutty nuances and a dash of citrus on the nose.

The palate profile is fresh, with zippy acidity, bright lemon-lime fruit, and apple undertones. A remarkable sparkling wine for the price, this cava is made with a blend of regional grapes: Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo.

Perfect for parties, keep the Segura Viudas Brut Cava in mind for appetizers, shellfish themes, tapas, and a variety of poultry picks.

Juve y Camps Brut Rose - €13,25
Juve y Camps Winery

 
Vivid salmon colour (thanks to Pinot Noir) and bright berry fruit with engaging floral notes on the nose make up this cava's first impressions. The palate doesn't disappoint, carrying almond essence and strawberries with cream, bright acidity, and an underlying elegance from attack to a spicy finish. This Juve y Camps Rose Brut Cava is perfect for cured meat and smoked salmon crostini.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava - €22,90
Segura Viudas

                       
From the heart of Penedès, Spain's sparkling wine centre, this Reserve Cava is crafted from all estate-grown fruit (Macabeo and Parellada). Thirty months ageing on lees explains the toasted brioche and smoky aromatic apple on the nose and gives this cava a creamy elegance and fuller-body on the palate. The fruit is well integrated with apple, quince, and some citrus weighing in alongside a mineral-driven finish. Rich, expressive, and focused, the Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava is made for caviar, roasted poultry, or pork. 

Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut Cava - €9,95
Freixenet

               
A fantastic Cava pick, this lovely sparkling Rosado is brimming with the ripe aromas of raspberry and cherry fruit. On the palate, red fruit steals the limelight buffered by bubbles and balanced with optimized acidity. There is plenty of class in this glass and at only €9,95 a bottle, this Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut Cava is perfect for celebrations, picnics, appetizers, and tapas.

Spain, with its diverse climate regions and rich soil, boasts an extraordinary variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Winter, despite its cooler temperatures, is no exception. During the winter months, the country transitions from the vibrant harvests of autumn to a robust selection of produce that thrives in the chilly temperatures. Here's a closer look at some of the seasonal fruits and vegetables that flourish in Spain during the winter season.

Winter Fruits

1. Oranges

One of Spain's most renowned winter fruits is the orange. The southeastern region of Valencia is particularly famous for its citrus groves. Oranges are at their peak from December to March, loaded with vitamin C and perfect for a refreshing juice or a sweet snack.

2. Mandarins

Closely related to oranges, mandarins are similarly prominent during the winter. They are smaller, easier to peel, and just as flavorful. Spanish mandarins, such as the Clementine variety, are juicy and sweet, making them a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

3. Persimmons

Also known as "kaki" in Spain, persimmons are bright orange fruits that reach their peak ripeness in the winter months. The flesh is sweet, soft, and jelly-like when fully ripe. They are commonly enjoyed fresh or in desserts.

4. Pomegranates

Pomegranates flourish in the Mediterranean climate and are typically harvested in late fall, with availability extending through the winter. These ruby-red fruits are filled with juicy, tangy seeds that are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants.

5. Grapes

Spanish grapes, particularly those from the Murcia region, continue to be harvested into the early winter months. Grapes are often enjoyed as a healthy snack, or they can be used in various culinary applications, from salads to desserts. They are also a central part of the Spanish New Year's Eve tradition, where it's customary to eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each chime of the clock, to bring good luck for the coming year.

Winter Vegetables

1. Artichokes

Winter is the prime season for artichokes in Spain, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula. Renowned for their delicate flavour, artichokes can be grilled, steamed, or baked, and they are a staple in many traditional Spanish dishes.

2. Cauliflower

Cauliflower thrives in cooler temperatures, making winter the ideal time for this nutritious vegetable. It is incredibly versatile, making its way into soups, roasts, stir-fries, and even as a low-carb substitute in various recipes.

3. Broccoli

Another member of the brassica family that enjoys the winter months is broccoli. Rich in vitamins and minerals, broccoli is a key ingredient in many healthy Spanish dishes and is often served steamed, sautéed, or roasted.

4. Cabbage

Cabbage is a hearty vegetable that can withstand the chill of winter. It comes in several varieties, including green, red, and Savoy cabbage. Cabbage is frequently used in Spanish stews, soups, and salads, providing a nutritious and tasty addition to winter meals.

5. Spinach

Fresh spinach is readily available during the winter season in Spain. This leafy green is packed with iron, vitamins, and minerals. It is commonly used in salads, omelettes, and various cooked dishes, adding both flavour and nutrients to the Spanish winter diet.

6. Chard

Swiss chard, commonly known as "acelga" in Spanish, is another winter green that is widely consumed. It is a versatile vegetable that can be sautéed with garlic, added to stews, or used in savoury pies and tarts.

7. Leeks

Leeks are at their best during the winter months. With their mild onion-like flavour, they are a key ingredient in many Spanish dishes, from hearty soups and stews to the famous "vichyssoise" (a creamy leek and potato soup).

Winter in Spain is a time of abundance when it comes to fresh produce. The country's favourable climate and rich agricultural traditions ensure a steady supply of delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables, even during the colder months. From the sweet tanginess of oranges and pomegranates to the robust flavours of artichokes and cabbage, winter offers a wonderful array of seasonal delights to enjoy. Incorporating these winter fruits and vegetables into your diet not only supports local farmers but also ensures you're enjoying produce at its peak freshness and nutritional value. So, whether you're in Spain or simply want to bring a taste of Spanish winter to your table, savour the bounty of these seasonal treasures.

Since May 20, 1194, when Alfonso II of Aragon donated an old Moorish castle to a handful of monks in order to found the Monasterio de Piedra, this spot in Spain’s mostly barren reaches has been home to a divine paradise here on Earth.

Though officially secularized in 1835, during the reign of Isabella II, visitors to the monastery today will still find the remaining Gothic and Baroque buildings as heavily fortified as they were in the days of the monastery’s founding. Its cloisters remain intact, surrounded by immaculately landscaped gardens, though the main church was irreparably damaged in the aforementioned secularization and subsequent period of abandonment.

These ruins have an eerie, beautiful air about them, as they remain half-triumphant in their unwillingness to fall after so many years. Heavily fortified since its conception, visitors to the monastery will find the compound’s original cloisters intact, albeit reincarnated as a hotel and guesthouse.

Just slightly farther afield from civilization, ancient and contemporary, is the Piedra River, which is responsible for the conjoining nature park’s legendary, remarkable waterfalls. Created through the dissolution of limestone in a phenomenon geologists refer to as “karstification,” these standout cataracts include the 50-meter-tall Cola del Caballo (named such for its resemblance to a horse’s tail), and a handful of others which seem to bell into a million tiny rivulets running over the shoulder of huge boulders.

Clearly marked trails wend visitors on a five-kilometre path through the park’s most famed sights, including a natural reflecting pool trapped in a canyon called Mirror Lake. The natural park also has several caves, into which shepherds have built shelters for their flocks, as well as a raptor centre that’s open to the public.

As of February 16, 1983, Monasterio de Piedra — natural park and all — was declared a national monument, which should ensure the protection of this little slice of the divine for another 800 years to come. 

There are destinations that offer many leisure options, but when we stay in certain establishments the pleasure of the trip can be enhanced, either due to their spectacular facilities, their luxury, their services or the special characteristics they have.

So, if you want to live a completely unique experience in one of your getaways, some of the most surprising hotels in Spain will help you live an unforgettable one. Here are some of the most unusual hotels in Spain:

Hotel Aire de Bardenas

https://airebardenas.com/

In the surroundings of the Bardenas Reales Natural Park, a 4-star establishment awaits you that will make you feel like you are in the middle of the desert under the stars, well you actually are! I am referring to the Hotel Aire de Bardenas (Ctra. De Ejea, km 1, 31500 Tudela, Navarra), whose architecture and design have been recognised with awards more than twenty times around the world.

Some of their rooms are in square cubicles, so you can choose between one of these unique cubist buildings to spend a few days of rest and adventure. Some of its rooms have a spectacular outdoor circular bathtub, others are characterised by their private patio and the suites also include a double indoor bathtub.

If you are still looking for something more special, at the Hotel Aire de Bardenas you can stay in inflatable bubbles in the open air, where you can sleep under a starry sky, away from stress, noise and worries. These bubbles also have all the comforts, as they include a shower, a hairdryer, a bathrobe, slippers, an eye mask and a full minibar.

The hotel offers a series of activities for guests, such as a visit to the Bardenas Reales Natural Park by Segway, guided tours through the desert, explanation and tastings on the process of making extra virgin olive oil and massage services. You will find it about 7 kilometres by car from the city of Tudela, following the NA-125 road.

Cave Houses

https://www.casascuevacazorla.com/home

There are many cave hotels where you can stay in Europe, but in Spain, there are also some of these amazing places to stay without having to travel abroad.

One example is the Cueva de Cazorla Houses (Calle Cuevas Nuevas, 37, 23486 Hinojares, Jaén, Andalusia). Located in the Cazorla National Park, each of its houses and caves is completely different, since they are decorated by themes. With regard to its 4 caves, perfect for couples, all of them have a living room with a fireplace and a private Jacuzzi and share a saltwater pool outside.

Vivoo Landscape Hotel

https://www.vivood.com/en/

Among the adults-only hotels that exist throughout the country, there is one that surprises both for its architecture and location and for the beauty of the whole complex. It is the Vivoo Landscape Hotel (Carretera, Ctra. D’Alcoi, 10, 03516 Benimantell, Alicante), a 4-star accommodation, near the Guadalest reservoir and half an hour by car from Benidorm.

The hotel is located on an 84,000 square meter plot, in the middle of the valley, fully integrated with the natural landscape, so that both its common facilities and its suites and villas were designed as if they were incredible viewpoints. You can choose between the Pool Suite, with a private heated outdoor Jacuzzi, suites with a panoramic rain shower and mountain views, and several luxury villas, with two infinity pools open all year round. And if all this was not enough to relax, the hotel has a complete spa with a therapeutic circuit based on Ayurvedic culture.

Marques de Riscal Hotel

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/biolc-hotel-marques-de-riscal-a-luxury-collection-hotel-elciego/

If you want to spend a night in a surprising building with an avant-garde design, as if it were the Guggenheim Museum itself, and even above you are passionate about wine tourism, you will be very pleasantly surprised by the Hotel Marqués de Riscal (Calle Torrea Kalea, 1, 01340 Eltziego, Álava ).

Designed by the Canadian architect Fran Gehry, this 5-star hotel with a titanium roof is located in the medieval town of Elciego (Eltziego). Its 43 rooms, spread over three floors, are unique, as they match the exterior structure of the building, with sloping walls, high ceilings and zigzag windows. In them, you will find all the comforts you can imagine, such as goose feather pillows, cloud lamps, green and black marble bathrooms, coffee and tea service, courtesy toiletries, minibar, cable TV and internet access and room service 24 hours.

In its facilities, you will also find two restaurants, a bar, a gym and a spa with an indoor pool, water jets, a Turkish bath, a Finnish sauna and a rain shower, which also offers wine therapy treatments. And while you enjoy the hotel, you can pay a visit to the historic Marqués de Riscal wineries.

O Semaforo de Fisterra

http://www.hotelsemaforodefisterra.com/en/

Sleeping at the famous End of the World is possible. You just have to stay in Galicia, in an old lighthouse that is also a 2-star hotel. This would be O Semáforo de Fisterra (Carretera del Faro, s / n, 15155 Finisterre, A Coruña), an incredible place where you can listen to the wind and the sea and that is perfect for travellers looking for rural escapes that are as surprising as they are special. The lighthouse, which rises 138 meters above sea level, was built in 1853, and decades later, in 1888, the annexe building was erected. In 1999 it was converted into a boutique hotel, with five rooms, a restaurant and a cafeteria, where you can forget the world and discover the Galician Costa da Morte.

Toy Hotel

https://www.hoteldeljuguete.com/

Among all the surprising hotels in Spain, one cannot forget the Toy Hotel (Carrer l’Escoleta, 4, 03440 Ibi, Alicante). This 4-star establishment focuses its theme on toys and cartoons, so among its 21 rooms, you can select those decorated around the Lego, the Nancy doll, the Nenuco, the Pin and Pon or the Playmobil. You will find toys in all of them.

At the Hotel del Juguete, one of the most emblematic dates is Christmas, since activities and special events are organised for this time of year, with the special importance of the Three Kings festival.

Morella is an extraordinary example of a Gothic town and has the designation of 'Place of Cultural Interest' and is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

The highlights are, first of all, the castle and medieval walls, erected in the 14th century. Within the old enclosure, there are notable churches, like the Santa María la Mayor Archpriest (1263-1330), Gothic with Baroque details; the old San Francisco Convent (13th century); the San Juan Churches (15th century), Gothic with Neoclassical decorations, and the San Nicolás Church, Gothic; and the San Marcos and San Pedro Mártir Chapels.

As far as civil architecture is concerned, the Casa de la Villa (14th and 17th century), and the Ciruana, Piquer, Rovira and Cardinal Ram Houses are all worth mentioning, as well as the hospital (15th century).

Likewise, walking through the network of streets full of staircases, passing by the porticos of Blasco de Alagón, completing a loop around the mountain via the Alameda and contemplating the outside of the medieval Santa Llúcia aqueduct, are essential for getting to know this wonderful town.

Two points of interest stand out in the municipality of Morella: the cave paintings of Morella La Vella, and the Sanctuary of the Virgen of Vallivana. Every six years since 1673, a procession climbs to the virgin of the city. On the edges of the highway, there are many chapels where pilgrims perform prayers and supplications on their 22-kilometre march.

Alcalá de Henares is the city where Miguel de Cervantes was born, writer of the world-famous Don Quixote de la Mancha. Its University and historic neighbourhood are what makes this town so special. The main axis of the historic centre of Alcalá de Henares is the Calle Mayor. The birthplace of Cervantes is located on this very road, which has now been converted into a museum that recreates the atmosphere of a 16th and 17th century home. However, of all the buildings in the town, there is one that stands out in particular: the University. Founded by Cardinal Cisneros, its walls welcomed some of the greatest Spanish minds such as Lope de Vega, Calderón de la Barca and Quevedo.
 

 Alcala de Henares was the first university city that was specifically planned urbanistically to be so, making it unique in the world. And it was so successful that it effectively became the blueprint for other university cities around Europe and America. Cardinal Cisneros was the mind behind the planning and was the one responsible for choosing a somewhat uninhabited area in between the Plaza del Mercado and the gates of Guadalajara, to establish what would become the famous academic district in the 15th Century. The district included all the housing that was necessary for the teachers and their families and all the buildings needed to house the services and suppliers of the university, such as the printers or bookstores. This radical form of urbanism was new for the times but contributed in such a way to the development of the field of humanities that UNESCO declared Alcalá de Henares a World Heritage City in 1998.

July or August are not always the best months to grab a break and many people increasingly postpone their vacations to take them in October. If you prefer being in Spain, not spending a lot and disconnecting completely surrounded by nature, here are five cheap destinations to travel to in October! What are you waiting for?
 

Ronda (Malaga)

Probably one of the most beautiful towns in all of Andalusia and where you can enjoy impressive parks and nature reserves in the open air. This land of Arabs and Phoenicians is capable of catching the eye of everyone who walks through it. Its strategic location, nestled in the middle of the Depression of Ronda and surrounded by the mountains, is part of the undeniable charm of this inland town. The Tajo de Ronda is a wonder of nature, where, at more than 100 meters high this ravine seems to defy gravity.

Among the essential things to see in Ronda, its Arab baths date back to the 13th century and are the best-preserved baths in Europe. The bullring is one of the oldest in Spain and its Balcón del Coño is the most visited viewpoint in Ronda, due to its curious name and the views it offers of the Tagus gorge. Also essential is the Bandit Museum, which covers the fascinating history of these thieves and seducers who have inspired hundreds of films. Or the Mudejar-style Mondragón Palace, which hides three Arabic-style interior courtyards worth visiting. If you're hungry, one of the top restaurants in Ronda is Bar Lechuguita. With rich and varied tapas from € 0.90, it is one of the compulsory stops to charge your batteries.

Llanes (Asturias)

The north of Spain is undoubtedly one of my favourite destinations. Llanes is a fascinating fishing village where you can find an old town that has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site. It is idyllic to stroll along its fantastic beaches surrounded by amazing cliffs formed of white limestone rock, which meet green meadows giving rise to a picture that will leave you speechless. The wild Cantabrian Sea, with the Bufones de Pría, is a sight worth seeing in autumn.

The Paseo de San Pedro or the Cubes de la Memoria are some of the places that you can visit in Llanes, although without a doubt, the most special monument is its Torreón from medieval times and built in the 13th century. It is declared a National Monument.

Cazorla (Jaén)

If you enjoy nature, this is one of the enclaves in Andalusia that very few know. The Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park is one of the largest protected areas in Spain where you can witness more than 200,000 hectares of pure nature and find animals in the wild. If you want to take a trip in October, Cazorla is one of the best destinations where you can enjoy heart-stopping landscapes with good company. In addition, it has very good prices.

You mustn’t forget to also visit the Castillo de la Yedra, the hermitage of San Sebastián or the church of San Francisco. Gachas Serranas, Segureño lamb or Los andrajos are just part of the fantastic gastronomy that can be found in the famous Mesón Leandro. You will not regret it!

Nuévalos (Zaragoza)

Here you can find a great variety of natural spaces in the surrounding area, where you can enjoy contact with nature and relax during your visit. Its diverse landscapes range from the high Pyrenean peaks, in the north of Aragon, to spectacular valleys carved by the rivers that descend from the Teruel mountains. Mountains with glaciers, river gorges, forests that in autumn become a unique sight ... Authentic jewels of nature. In addition, in the vicinity of Nuévalos stands one of the most visited monuments in Aragon due to its undoubted beauty: the Monasterio de Piedra Park.

But the Monasterio de Piedra is not the only attraction in this town. In its urban area, beautiful buildings are erected, such as the Casa del Obispo or the parish church of San Julián. At the top of the town stand the remains of what was an old fortress, of which only its 14th-century tower remains.

As for the local gastronomy, the Torres Restaurant is one of the best options after your visit to the Monasterio de Piedra. Excellent homemade food and a large number of dishes to choose from. 

Posada de Valdeón (León)

Located on the banks of the Cares River that divides the Picos de Europa and at an altitude of 927 meters above sea level, Posada de Valdeón is a town and at the same time a municipality that is located within the Picos de Europa National Park, specifically between the Central and Western Massifs of the park.

Among the streets of the town, there are various amenities such as restaurants or shops where you can buy the famous Valdeón Cheese. Here you can discover the Parish Church of Santa Eulalia inside which a 12th-century Romanesque baptismal font is preserved. In addition, excavations have discovered a medieval necropolis that indicates the site of the old Church of San Pedro de Barrejo.

If you are a mountain lover, this is your ideal place. The Ezkurra Rural House is perfect to stay during your visit to where you can walk and enjoy nature.