Lloret de Mar Carnival Time

 February is Carnival Time in Spain and here are several photos from the colourful parade in Lloret de Mar (19th Feb)

To see lots more photos and videos from the carnival click here > Lloret de Mar Stuff.

Catalan Day in Lloret de Mar

Every year the Catalan people celebrate their special day on 11th Sept. Just about every town and village in the region decorate their balconies and homes with the red and yellow Catalan flag. These photos show how the day  was celebrated in Lloret de Mar, with stalls selling local hand crafted goods and local produce.

Figueres - Birthplace of Dali

Figueres in Catalonia is the birthplace of Dali and it seems that as you walk around the whole town is a tribute to his work. This building is the Theatre and Museum of Dali.

Suited and Booted!

All dressed up and no where to go! 

We saw this comical sight just a few days ago walking along the prom in Torremolinos.

There's nothing wrong with the dog its a Chinese Crested and this type is completely bald apart from tuffs of hair on the tip of its tail and the top of its head. I should think the suit was to protect it from the sun...not sure about the boots though !

Ardales Lakes - Andalucia

These stunning views of the Ardales Lakes are less than an hours drive from the beaches of the Costa del Sol. This area provides much of the water for the Malaga region and just now the lakes (of which there are 3) are almost fully stocked after the recent heavy downpours over the Christmas period. If you ever visit the Costa del Sol then a trip to this area is a must as you have such a vast contrast of scenery from the coastal resorts. You are very likely to see birds of prey such as eagles or vultures flying overhead....a very impressive sight with their 3 metre plus wingspan!

Benalmadena Marina

A colourful shot of the Marina at Benalmadena...voted the best marina in the world on several occasions.

Torremolinos Beach

This photo taken today on Torremolinos beach shows the life guards post, no one on guard at this time of year !

Blanes Views

A stunning view of Blanes on the Costa Brava taken from high up above the town near the Sant Joan tower and12th century chapel and watchtower of Santa Barbara.

Lloret de Mar November

A quiet deserted November beach in Lloret de Mar.

Lloret de Mar Watersports

These colourful photos were taken on Fenals beach in Lloret de Mar.

The banana boat and the Flyfish are 2 of the attractions run by Fenals Watersports Centre.

Cocktails on the beach..

Colourful giant cocktails pictured on the beach at Lloret de Mar.

Benalmadena - Tivoli World

In the Costa del Sol resort of Benalmadena is Tivoli World where each Sunday is a large market and fair ground attractions for all the family. Throughout the year there are also many exhibitions and shows of various themes. Visit the Tivoli World site for more details. For those who are not afraid of heights is the chair lift to take you up to the mountain at the very back of the resort from where you can see stunning views of the coast.

Statues in Spain.

Wherever you go in Spain you will always come across some quite strange and elaborate statues. The ones seen here were taken in various parts of Spain with the 1st one from Baiona in the province of Pontevedra.

The 2nd is taken in the tourist resort of Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol.

The 3rd photo stands in the port of Vigo, another town in the province of Pontevedra.

Seville Cathedral

One of the greatest sights in Seville is the Cathedral. These photos of the interior show just how lavishly its decorated, in some places with large quantities of gold. Construction began in 1402 on the site of a former mosque and was not completed until more than 100 yrs later. It was declared a national monument in 1928 and granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1987.

The area of the Cathedral covers 11,520 square mtrs and the central nave rises to 42 mts high, making this the largest church in the world- even larger than St Pauls in London and St Peters in Rome.

Port Bou

The small Catalan town of Port Bou is the last stop in Spain before reaching the nearby border with France. Because of the lower prices for certain goods in Spain, Port Bou is a very popular week-end destination for quite a few French. The local shops here cater for the visitors by selling the most sought after goods, mainly tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and clothing. Some foodstuffs can also be bought for much less than in France.

Owing to the location of Port Bou in a valley it will always keep its small town status, and with an excellent train service to get you there its a very worthwhile place to visit for a few days break.

Barcelona

One of the picturesque narrow streets just off the Ramblas in Barceona. Walking through these is almost like going back in time!

Barcelona Market

While walking round the Spanish markets you can always be sure of seeing a wide variety of fresh exotic fruits and vegetables. These colourful photos are from the indoor market just off La Rambla in Barcelona.

There's far more choice for your '5 a day' here!

Lloret de Mar - Gardens

Views of the Italian styled gardens in Lloret de Mar, Santa Clotilde is perched on the cliff tops overlooking the Mediterranean on the Cost Brava. Sadly this is a part of Lloret which many visitors seem to miss out on, and its only 10 mins from Lloret centre on the bus.

Thanks To All Readers!

Many thanks to all readers of this blog for making it reach into the top best 100 blogs in Spain. I was notified this morning, so I have placed the award in the side column. The same award has also be given to 2 of my other blogs...Makes it all worthwhile !

• Lloret de Mar Stuff
• Lloret de Mar Holiday Guide
  

Free Sunday Lunch

While we were out walking yesterday, we came across someone who had just been out fishing and he was showing off his catch....for Sunday lunch I expect!