Santander, as you may have heard, is the location for the 2014 International Sailing Federation ( ISAF ) Sailing World Championships. We are living and breathing the changes taking place in our home city in preparation for this wonderful sailing event. It’s an opportunity for lovers of sailing to witness a great championship. And if you’ve never been to Santander, September 2014 would be a great time to visit.
The beautiful square in Laguardia where we had a lovely lazy lunch after visiting a winery
We revisited Rioja Alavesa last weekend and have come back buzzing from the trip. Totally Spainhas organised hundreds of holidays to Laguardia and neighbouring areas in the past decade and we continue to be bowled over by the towns and villages, the wineries and the views every time. We decided to approach this trip through the eyes of one of our clients who has never been before and we did so by taking one of our own custom packages.
Traditionally a destination for Spaniards escaping the soaring temperatures of the south in July and August, Cantabria is now attracting international visitors all year round on Sel Catering Holidays – thanks to great connections by plane with Ryanair and ferry with Brittany Ferries. Visitors love the combination of beautiful beaches, stunning mountain-ranges, excellent food, enchanting towns and villages and quality Self Catering Villas. And the fact that it hasn’t been spoiled by mass tourism and is still very much off the beaten path.
The highly-coveted award – Best Restaurant in the World
After just writing about one Catalonian genius, Salvador Dalí, we are thrilled to congratulate three modern Catalonian geniuses, the Roca Brothers of Restaurante El Cellar de Can Roca who have just pipped Noma for the title of Best Restaurant in the World!
See how they work on this video from the BBC Masterchef programme.
Salvador Dalí exhibited all over the world but he always came home to his native Catalonia. Why did he love it? Where did he go? Take a tour of Dalí’s Catalonia and see where he lived, how he lived and how he wanted to be remembered in 2013. Continue reading The Salvador Dalí Guide to Catalonia 2013
Small islands by the Franca beach by the village of Ribadedeva, Cantabria. Photo credit: guillenperez via photopincc
Everybody – from international chefs to the humble pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago – is raving about the North of Spain. But with so much on offer – what’s the best way to see this precious part of Spain in 2013? We´re based in Northern Spain and we’ve been planning trips here since 2000 so we know how to navigate Espana Verde – or Green Spain, extremely well. Continue reading The best way to Holiday in Northern Spain in 2013
Candy Bigwood’s Pinterest board for her Honeymoon in Spain organised by Totally Spain
We love what Candy Bigwood posted on her Pinterest board about where attracted her ”visually” when planning her HONEYMOON to SPAIN arranged by Totally Spain. We know that finding the perfect location for a honeymoon is a huge decision and we found Candy’s approach quite unique. Also the beautiful images from the locations she and her husband visited last year, it has to be said, are truly inspiring. Continue reading How to book the perfect Honeymoon in Spain
Mrs Cole with our driver-guide, Manuela, in picturesque Trancoso
Here at Totally Spain, we love to receive spontaneous feedback. We often receive direct thank-yous from our clients which is very thoughtful and rewarding.
We recently heard back from Stuart, a client from the US for whom we customised an independent Jewish-interest tour in Spain & Portugal in February for himself and his wife. He mailed us an unsolicited testimonial and insisted that we should do a bit more chest-thumping about our skills and experience. Continue reading Why Stuart loved his Totally Spain Jewish-interest trip
There’s still time to organise a visit to Cordoba’s Courtyard Festival. Don’t miss this chance to view these incredibly beautiful displays undertaken by the residents of these spectacular shared outdoor living spaces. Last December, UNESCO added the Cordoba patios to its heritage of humanity list which protects the life and lifestyle of the patios and what they mean for the local community. This competition dates back to 1918 and always attracts huge interest both nationally and internationally AND we expect this year to be bigger and better because of the UNESCO listing. Continue reading About the unmissable Courtyard Patio Festival, Cordoba 8-19 May 2013
Totally Spain has had the pleasure in the past of organising a couple of weddings in the lovely city of San Sebastian in the Basque Country. On one occasion we arranged for the happy couple to hold their symbolic ceremony in the grounds of the famous Chillada-LekuMuseum (now closed unfortunately).
It was a fine occasion that was followed by a stunning reception in Restaurante Mugaritz. And what a great experience it turned out to be working with the staff at this superb restaurant. Everything went like clockwork at this now famous Michelin starred restaurant. Wonderful menu and impeccable service in lovely surroundings.
Mugaritz Restaurant is currently number 3 on the World´s 50 Best Restaurant´s list. In fact it has consistently been in the Top 10 since 2006. It´s an incredible achievement for chef Andoni Luis Aduriz and this article by Tom Parker-Bowles captures very well the essence of Mugartiz Restaurant.
If you would like to visit the Basque Country and dine at Restaurante Mugaritz then Totally Spain would be happy to customise a trip for you. Why not get in touch with us.
