Still Discovering Spain...

An eerie landscape of jagged rocks that emerge from the sea, Gueirúa Beach is a small pebbled cove that stands out for its truly beautiful landscape. At its eastern end, there is a row of islets formed by sharp rocks emerging from the sea, the remains of an old fractured quartz and slate point. This area is called La Forcada (The Pitchfork), and separates Gueirúa Beach from Calabón Beach.

This is an unspoilt area, barely frequented and lacking in amenities, although it is not particularly difficult to access. It is reached on foot from the town of Santa Marina following a path that ends in steps down to the beach. Don't forget the camera!

Formentera, the smallest of Spain's Balearic Islands, is a true Mediterranean paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and stunning natural landscapes. The island offers a serene getaway from the bustling tourist spots in neighbouring Ibiza. In this blog post, we'll explore the best beaches in Formentera that you must visit on your next trip to this enchanting island.

1. Playa de Ses Illetes

Playa de Ses Illetes is arguably the most famous beach in Formentera, and for a good reason. With its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, it's no wonder why it's often compared to the Caribbean. This narrow stretch of beach is located on the northern tip of the island, offering breathtaking views of Ibiza. The shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling. There are several beach bars and restaurants nearby, so you won't have to venture far for refreshments.

2. Cala Saona

Cala Saona is a small, picturesque cove on the western coast of Formentera. Surrounded by stunning red cliffs, this beach offers a unique landscape and a more secluded experience. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and there's a beach bar where you can enjoy a cold drink or a bite to eat. Cala Saona is easily accessible by bike or car, and there's a parking area nearby.

3. Playa de Migjorn

Stretching along the southern coast of the island, Playa de Migjorn is the longest beach in Formentera. This extensive stretch of sand offers plenty of space to find your perfect spot, whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more tranquil setting. The beach is lined with a variety of bars and restaurants, and the crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Be sure to explore the various coves and inlets along the beach for a more secluded experience.

4. Es Caló

Es Caló is a charming fishing village on the eastern coast of the island, boasting a small but beautiful pebble beach. The crystal-clear waters and rocky seabed make it an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving. The village itself is worth exploring, with its traditional whitewashed houses and a handful of restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Es Caló is a perfect spot for those seeking a more authentic and peaceful experience in Formentera.

5. Playa de Llevant

Located just east of Playa de Ses Illetes, Playa de Llevant offers a more secluded and less crowded alternative. This beautiful beach features soft golden sand and clear blue waters, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is also popular among nudists, so be prepared for a more liberal atmosphere. There are no beach bars or restaurants here, so pack a picnic and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Formentera is a haven for beach lovers, offering a variety of stunning shorelines to suit every preference. Whether you're seeking lively beach bars, secluded coves, or pristine waters for swimming and snorkelling, you're sure to find your perfect spot on this enchanting island

Spain is the third-largest wine-producing country in the world, with a rich history of winemaking dating back more than 2,000 years. The country boasts diverse climates and terroirs, resulting in a wide range of wine styles and grape varieties. This introduction will take you through some of the most famous and diverse wine regions in Spain, introducing you to their unique characteristics and flavours.

1. Rioja

Rioja is arguably Spain's most famous and prestigious wine region, located in the north of the country along the Ebro River. The region is known for its high-quality red wines made primarily from the Tempranillo grape, often blended with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. Rioja wines are aged in oak barrels, giving them a distinctive, smooth, and complex character.

Key Grape Varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo

2. Ribera del Duero

Located in the heart of the Duero River Valley, Ribera del Duero is another prestigious Spanish wine region known for its bold and full-bodied red wines. The region's high altitude and extreme temperature fluctuations result in wines with intense flavours and excellent ageing potential. The primary grape variety is Tinto Fino (a local name for Tempranillo), often blended with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec.

Key Grape Varieties: Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec

3. Priorat

Situated in the Catalonia region, Priorat is a small but highly regarded wine region known for its powerful and concentrated red wines. The unique terroir, characterized by its steep slopes and slate soils, imparts a distinct minerality to the wines. The primary grape varieties are Garnacha and Cariñena, often blended with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Key Grape Varieties: Garnacha, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

4. Rías Baixas

Located in the cool and rainy Galicia region in northwestern Spain, Rías Baixas is known for its crisp and aromatic white wines made from the Albariño grape. These wines are characterized by their high acidity, intense fruitiness, and subtle saline notes, making them a perfect match for seafood dishes.

Key Grape Variety: Albariño

5. Jerez (Sherry)

Jerez, located in the Andalusia region in southern Spain, is the home of Sherry, a unique and diverse category of fortified wines. Sherry can range from dry and crisp to sweet and rich, with styles including Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez. The primary grape varieties used in Sherry production are Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel.

Key Grape Varieties: Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel

6. Navarra

Located just north of Rioja, Navarra is a versatile wine region that produces a variety of wine styles, including reds, whites, and rosés. The region is particularly famous for its rosé wines made from Garnacha, which are characterized by their vibrant fruitiness and refreshing acidity. Reds are often made from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Key Grape Varieties: Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viura

7. Penedès

Situated in the Catalonia region, Penedès is known for its diverse wine production, including reds, whites, and sparkling wines. The region is home to Spain's famous sparkling wine, Cava, which is made using the traditional method from local grape varieties such as Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Penedès also produces still wines, with reds made from Garnacha, Tempranillo, and international varieties, and whites from Xarel-lo and Chardonnay.

Key Grape Varieties: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Chardonnay

8. Rueda

Located in the heart of the Duero River Valley, Rueda is a white wine-focused region known for its fresh and vibrant wines made from the Verdejo grape. These wines are characterized by their zesty acidity, citrus fruit flavours, and subtle herbaceous notes. Rueda also produces small quantities of red wines, mainly from the Tempranillo grape.

Key Grape Variety: Verdejo, Viura, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo

9. Toro

Toro is a Spanish wine region located in the province of Zamora, along the Duero River. The region is known for its bold and powerful red wines made from the Tinta de Toro grape, a local variant of Tempranillo. Toro's wines are characterized by their deep colour, high alcohol content, and concentrated fruit flavours, with the potential for long ageing.

Key Grape Variety: Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)

10. Bierzo

Situated in the northwest of Spain, Bierzo is a relatively small wine region known for its red wines made from the Mencía grape. These wines are typically medium-bodied and exhibit flavours of red fruit, floral notes, and minerality, often with a hint of smokiness. Bierzo also produces white wines, primarily from the Godello grape, which are fresh and fruity with good acidity.

Key Grape Varieties: Mencía, Godello

11. La Mancha

La Mancha, located in central Spain, is the largest continuous vine-growing area in the world. This vast region is known for its high production of affordable and easy-drinking wines, made from a variety of red and white grape varieties. The hot and dry climate of La Mancha results in wines with ripe fruit flavours and moderate acidity.

Red wines from La Mancha are primarily made from Tempranillo (locally known as Cencibel), Garnacha, and international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The region's white wines are produced from Airen, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.

Key Grape Varieties: Tempranillo (Cencibel), Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Airen, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay

Spain's diverse wine regions offer a wealth of unique flavours and styles to explore. From the iconic reds of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the crisp whites of Rías Baixas and the complex world of Sherry, there is truly something for every palate. As you delve into the world of Spanish wines, remember that this introduction is just the beginning, ¡Salud!

Fuet (pronounced "fwet") is a type of cured sausage that originated in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. It is typically made from a blend of pork meat and fat, which is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and other spices. The mixture is then stuffed into a long, thin casing and left to air dry for several weeks.

Fuet has a distinctive flavour that is slightly tangy and savoury, with a hint of garlic and a smoky aroma. It is usually eaten as a snack, sliced thinly and served with bread and cheese.

Fuet is similar to other cured sausages like salami and chorizo, but it has a thinner casing and a milder flavour. It is a popular delicacy in Catalonia and is enjoyed throughout Spain and other parts of Europe.

 Here is a general overview of the traditional process for making Fuet:

1. Meat selection: The first step is to select the meat that will be used to make the sausage. Typically, a mixture of lean pork and pork fat is used.

2. Grinding: The meat is then ground into a fine paste. The fat is often ground separately from the lean meat.

3. Seasoning: The ground meat is then mixed with salt, black pepper, and other seasonings, such as garlic and paprika. The exact recipe for the seasoning can vary depending on the region and the individual producer.

4. Stuffing: The seasoned meat is stuffed into natural casings, typically made from pig intestines. The casings are then tied off at regular intervals to form individual sausages.

5. Fermentation: The sausages are then left to ferment for a period of time, typically several days. During this time, beneficial bacteria begin to break down the meat and produce lactic acid, which helps to preserve the sausage.

6. Drying: Once the fermentation is complete, the sausages are hung in a cool, dry place to dry for several weeks. This allows them to lose moisture and develop their characteristic flavour and texture.

7. Ageing: After the sausages have dried, they are aged for several weeks or months to further develop their flavour. During this time, the sausages may be coated in a layer of mould, which is a natural part of the ageing process.

The exact process for making Fuet can vary depending on the individual producer, but these are the general steps that are typically followed. The end result is a flavourful, occasionally spicy sausage that is perfect for snacking or adding to a variety of dishes.