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!

Costa Brava - Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is one of the prettiest resorts on Spains Costa Brava. Here you can have quite a relaxing holiday as its not exactly known for its nightlife, although there are many very good bars and restaurants.It has a very nice shopping area which winds down to the busy sea front from the town centre near the bus station.

To see the best views you must go up to the castle and view the town from the castle walls and pathways. To reach the castle there's a small train which will take you up to the top as it could be quite a difficult walk for the elderly.

Girona - The old town

The narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter of Girona date back to the 12th century, but then the Jewish community ended shortly before the end of the 15th century when they were ousted by the Catholics! Known as the Call, this area is one of the best preserved in Spain and one of the most visited in Cataloñia.
On the river Onyar are these homes from Medieval times that are still lived in today.

Weather conditions in Girona are quite variable throughout the year. With hot summers and temperatures that can be well below freezing during the winter.

Lloret de Mar - Tour de France

Lloret de Mar had a huge honour today as being one of the towns to host part of the Tour de France race for the first time. The bikes had set off from Girona to Lloret which was a 64km stretch of the race and they were then making their way down the coast to Barcelona.

The roads were closed from 12 noon and the crowds started gathering well before in order to find the best viewing point.

The weather in Lloret was the best along the route as some roads became very dangerous owing to heavy rain in parts.

Seville - Plaza de Espana

The Plaza de Espana in Seville is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The horse drawn carriages will take you on a tour of the plaza if the walk is a little too much in the hot Seville summer!

The last photo shows the famous Seville oranges which make the very best marmalade to spread on your breakfast toast!