Spain's Best

Castles in Spain were built mainly for defensive purposes. During the Middle Ages, northern Christian kingdoms had to secure their borders with their Muslim southern neighbours, thus forcing both Christian and Muslim kings to grant border fiefs to their liege noblemen so as to keep and maintain defensive fortresses. When the Reconquista advanced, those border castles lost their initial purpose, and, as in the rest of medieval Europe, they were used as noble residences and fief-keeps.

However, due to sporadic threats of war, they kept their military purposes, for enemy invasions were common. In some locations, such as the Basque country, fiefdoms did not exist as such, and noble families could not afford nor did they need huge fortresses, giving rise to many tower houses. On the other hand, in Muslim Spain many castle-palaces were built: the petty taifa kingdoms that arose after the fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba were militarily weak but culturally rich, and every emir or king liked magnificent palaces, of which the Alhambra of Granada is an example.

During the late Middle Ages, Christian kingdoms had secured and enriched themselves well enough to support a more courtly lifestyle, so more residential castles were built, such as the Alcázar of Segovia, which was used as the main residence of the kings of Castile, whereas the Castle of Olite, built in a luxurious gothic style, was the seat of the Kingdom of Navarre's royal court. After the Conquest of Granada in 1492, the Catholic monarchs ordered all the castles in their realms to be handed over to the Crown. Although the order was not completely carried out, the War of the Germanias, a rebellion against king Charles V in the early 16th century, forced the new Spanish Habsburg dynasty to continue the process, and many castles were demolished as well. Most of castles in Spain were successively abandoned and dismantled, Spanish kings fearing noble and peasant revolts, especially in the newly conquered lands.

Accordingly, most of them are nowadays in a state of decay, and although some restoration work has been done, the number of former castles is so large that the Spanish government lacks both the resources and the will to restore them all. Nowadays in Spain there are well over 2000 castles, but here are 10 of the Best restored castles in the country …

1. Alhambra Palace (Alcazar)

http://www.alhambra-patronato.es

2.Alcazar de Segovia

http://www.alcazardesegovia.com

3.Castillo de Olite

http://guiartenavarra.com/index.php?m=4&subm=25&id=1

4. Castillo de Coca

http://www.castillodecoca.com

5. Castillo de Ponferrada

http://www.ponferrada.org/turismo/es/monumentos/castillo-templarios

6. Castillo de la Mota

http://www.castillodelamota.es

7. Castillo de Loarre

http://www.castillodeloarre.es/vistas/01.aspx?id=12

8. Castillo de Almodóvar

http://castillodealmodovar.com

9. Castillo de Manzanares (Mendoza)

http://www.turismomadrid.es/mas-guias/10799-el-castillo-de-manzanares-el-real

10. Castillo Butrón

http://turismo.euskadi.net/es/patrimonio-cultural/castillo-de-butron/x65-12375/es/

Campsites have experienced a small rebirth. Now they are as cool as ever. There are also those that offer innovative tree houses, waterfront cabins and even luxury safari tents.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to choose, but the Best Campsite in Spain awards make it a little easier. These awards given by the Spanish Campsite Federation (FEEC) are granted to certain establishments taking into account both their characteristics and the evaluation of the campers themselves.

The winners reveal spectacular landscapes and luxurious facilities, both aimed at the whole family and focused on enjoying peace and silence. Here they are the main prize winners:

1. BEST MOUNTAIN CAMPSITE: PINETA (BIELSA, HUESCA)

https://campingpineta.com/

The location of this campsite is truly spectacular. It sits at the entrance to the extraordinary Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, in the Pineta Valley.

It is surrounded by majestic mountains, pine, beech and fir forests and next to the source of the River Cinca and is located in the spot where the majority of walking routes in the area begin. It has bungalows, double rooms and plots for rent.

2. BEST BEACH CAMPSITE: PINAR SAN JOSÉ (ZAHORA, CÁDIZ)

https://www.campingpinarsanjose.com/

In the beautiful Natural Park of La Breña y Marismas de Barbate, a large dune populated by pines, wild olive trees and mastic trees and located next to magnificent cliffs, is the Pinar San José. There, time is spent surfing or hiking, riding bicycles, spotting dolphins or strolling under the sun on mythical beaches like those of Bolonia.

Nearby are some popular towns like Vejer and Conil. The facilities also cater for sports, a children's club, swimming pools and a dog area.

3. BEST FAMILY CAMPSITE: RIBADESELLA (RIBADESELLA, ASTURIAS)

https://camping-ribadesella.es/

Spa, gym, playgrounds, entertainment activities for children, miniature golf, sports courts, outdoor and heated swimming pools ... The Ribadesella campsite is certainly an Eden for the whole family, located just one kilometre from the beach.

In fact, the little ones will dream of sleeping in their safari tent in the glamping area, although the enclosure also has bungalows and a camping area. It is, of course, a destination to remember only when the sun rises, since it only opens from the end of April to the end of September.

4. BEST CAMPSITE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND: MOLINO DE CABUÉRNIGA (CABUÉRNIGA, CANTABRIA)

https://www.campingcabuerniga.com/

This family business, which pampers every aspect of its accommodation, prides itself on the beauty of its protected natural environment, the Cabuérniga Valley. Its greatest asset is its tranquillity.

Open since 1991 and named Best European campsite open all year round in 2017, Cabuérniga offers pitches, as well as cabins and apartments with a rural air, lined with stone from the area.

5. MOST ORIGINAL ACCOMMODATION CAMPSITE:  SON BOU (ALAIOR, MENORCA)

https://www.campingsonbou.com/es/inicio

70,000 square meters of pine forests and large green areas and the most charming architecture based on wooden chalets make up this beautiful Mallorcan campsite with a swimming pool, restaurant, sports courts, mini-club and children's playground.

Nearby, the Son Bou beach, the Cavalleria lighthouse and the Sanitja port are wonderful excursions for the whole family.

6. SPECIAL MENTION: CAMPSITE BAYONA PLAYA (BAIONA, PONTEVEDRA)

https://www.campingbayona.com/

The wonderful renovation carried out at this campsite, which now has a series of modern glazed bungalows with a terrace practically on the seashore, has earned it a special mention from the FEEC. They also have a glamping area made up of two-level raised wooden tents with a dining room, storage area and bedroom, as well as traditional pitches.

The accommodation offer is complemented with all kinds of attractions for children -animation, trampolines, zip line, water slides ... as well as a privileged environment, formed by wide beaches and very close to the interesting old town of Baiona.

Despite the heat and drought most of the year in Spain there are hundreds of waterfalls across its landscape. These 10 stand out among them and must be seen.

1. Fervenza do Ézaro

For its uniqueness, the most beautiful of Spain. The Xallas is the only river in Europe that flows into the sea via a waterfall. 

2. Pozo de los Humos

This waterfall located on the river Uces in northwest Salamanca. It falls within  the Natural Park Arribes del Duero. This authentic water curtain plunges down two brutal jumps of more than fifty meters hitting the bottom with clouds of mis that overhang the landscape.

3. Cascada de Colores

Red, yellow, green, gray and even black. As we were taught at school, water is colorless but in the ravine of Sorrows on the island of Palma this waterfall has all those colors. Sitada in the National Park Caldera, to reach it there is a fun trek through mountain trails.

4. Nacedero del Nervión

In recent years an specially in late summer this waterfall is quite dry, but it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Spain. The cliff's edge from which it falls is 270 meters high, the highest of Spain. 

5. Oneta

In the heart of a landscape of forests and mountains, this waterfall is located in the municipality of Villayón, western Asturias, relatively close to Luarca. It was declared a Natural Monument.

6. Cascada de la Cimbarra

The Guarrizas river is just two kilometers from Aldeaquemada, Jaen, and only 11 from Despeñaperros, but hardly anyone crossing the famous passage of the highway of Andalusia detours the short distance to see one of the natural wonders of Spain. It was declared a Natural Park by the Junta de Andalucía. The force of this waterfall has created a natural well in the ground which no one knows the real depth of.

7. Nacimiento río Asón

The Ason River is born here and lies within the Natural Park Hillocks of Assos, in the municipality of Soba, Cantabria. This river features a spectacular jump of 70 meters over the limestone wall.

8. Cascada del Estrecho

An area of intimate beauty, the river Arrazas carves it way through the canyon to reveal this spectaucular waterfall.

9. Sauth deth Pish

If in winter the Aran Valley is known for the ski resort of Baqueira Beret, in summer it is know for this beautiful waterfall located to the north. Formed by the river Varradós, it plnges down a 35m drop into a crystal clear pool. It is only a 45min walt to reach it.

10. Chorros del río Mundo

This turbulent waterfall is located in the Los Calares River Park Natural World, Albacete. It is a karstic territory, which means it is porous like a gruyere cheese, where water submerges and is absorbed. The result is abundant powerful springs, the source of the river Mundo.This waterfall of over one hundred meters high  and when it is in full flow it can move over 100,000 liters per second.

“From space, you can see the Great Wall of China, the Himalayas and also the Orcera pool”, says the lyrics of the song that the singer Zahara dedicated to the great Amurjo pool, in Orcera (Jaén), a huge backwater in which they fit four million litres of water, surrounded by pine trees and embedded in an idyllic natural setting. 

Zahara Gordillo composed the song with the complicity of humorist David Broncano. The two met as children at the Orcera school —both their mothers were teachers there— and, years later, their paths crossed again to shout from the rooftops the benefits of what is already the most famous swimming pool in Spain and, in the absence of scientific verification, it may also be the largest. In addition, it is a pioneer in having a summer cinema where viewers enjoy the film lying on boats on this immense inland sea.

"I challenge everyone to come and take a long swim, it's amazing," says José Luis Endrino proudly, a young man from Orcero who goes almost daily to bathe in this large pond whose official measurements are 85 meters long by 30 wide. The operators take almost three days to fill it. Its capacity is for 1,200 people (just under the 1,700 inhabitants of this small municipality in the Sierra de Segura in Jaén), a figure that has meant that restrictions did not even have to be applied in the first two summers of the pandemic.

But this magical place has not always been like this. Until 1987 it was an area where the water from the Amurjo River was dammed. Subsequently, an agreement was signed with the Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICONA) to divert the course of the river and turn this continental bathing area into a "blessed swimming pool", as is sung in the song by Zahara.

In some way, this inland ocean that represents the Amurjo pool serves as a metaphor for the greatness that this area once had, converted into a large reserve of the Spanish Navy. In Orcera, the Segura Common Ordinances were signed in 1580, a legal reference framework for almost 200 years until, in 1748, Fernando VI declared the so-called Segura Maritime Province (which included territories of Jaén, Albacete, Murcia and Ciudad Real). for the management of forest resources that were mainly used for shipbuilding. “Amurjo is something very special due to the connection with this space every summer. We speak of Amurjo with pride as one of the elements that identify us”, says Sergio Rodríguez, historian and official chronicler of Orcera.

"A pool like this, in the middle of such a beautiful natural setting, is a real luxury," remarks Clara Herreros, who goes daily with her two children to this "privileged place." This user highlights the accessibility and adaptability of Amurjo and the wide leisure-cultural offering that is generated around it. From the Summer School to the Multisport Campus, passing through the lifeguard courses, everything has its epicentre in this natural area, which since this summer is also the starting point for a tourist train. "It is clear that it is the flagship of tourism in the entire region, but at the same time it becomes an important source of local employment," says Sonia Romero, the councillor responsible for managing Amurjo. In addition to the dozen direct jobs created, the City Council has opened a job bank for young people looking for their first job, where they offer 15-day contracts for the maintenance tasks of this large pool that, as Zahara sings, seems to be “the bathtub of the gods”.

Finally one of the main attractions of this great aquatic complex is its peculiar summer cinema. The stage is set up in the water and viewers can watch the movies from the pool steps or by renting a boat to watch from the water. The films are usually related to the aquatic world and during the projection the lighting of the pool is played with, which changes colour offering spectacular effects.

There is no doubt that Spain has some fantastic beaches and Murcia has its fair share. The Region of Murcia is a Mediterranean area with a contrasting landscape from arid basins to wooded areas in the inland mountains, the meadows of the Segura River and the Mediterranean coastline. It is bordered by the province of Alicante, Granada, Almería and Albacete and finally to the south is where it meets the sea and we can find a string of idyllic beaches and coves.

If you are visiting the region be sure to check out some of the beaches:

These are some of the beaches in the Region of Murcia in no particular order:

1. Playa de Calblanque (Cartagena)

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2. Playa de La Manga 

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3. Playa de los Cocedores del Hornillo(Águilas)

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4. Playa de Bolnuevo (Mazarrón)

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5. Playa de Estacio (San Javier)

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6. Playa de Puerto de Mazarrón (Mazarrón)

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7. Playa de La Llana (San Pedro del Pinatar)

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8. Playa de El Portús (Cartagena)



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9. Playa Mar de Cristal (Cartagena)

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10. Cala Cortina (Cartagena)

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The Summer is nearly here and the beach is the number one destination this time of year. However most people tend to think of the south of Spain or the Mediterranean coastline is the best place to visit, but Spain has fantastic beaches in every corner of its landmass, here are 10 great beach destinations that can be enjoyed all year round whichever corner of the country you choose to visit..  (the list is in geographical order, more or less, so not in order of greatness!)

1. Playa de Rodas, islas Cíes 

This beach joins the islands of Monteagudo and Faro on the archipelago of the Cíes Islands. Its fine, white sand and crystalline emerald waters bring delight to anyone who visits it and encourages bathers to confront the cold sea. Next to the beach there are natural dunes which are currently being recovered. You can spend the night in an idyllic campsite, located among large pine trees, with a beautiful ocean view.

2. Playa Torimbia, Llanes

It is one of the wildest and prettiest beaches in Asturias and is also well known for the great atmosphere provided by the people who visit it. Because it is a cliff, which makes it rather difficult to reach, when you see the beach from above you will be sure to want to climb down. Its white sand, stretching for nearly 500 metres, makes it look idyllic. It is very popular with nudists and also surf-lovers, thanks to the fierce waves caused by the wind in the area.

3. Playa de Mataleñas, Santander 

This beach is very near Santander, between Cabo Menor and Cabo Mayor, and it owes its beauty to its location, surrounded as it is by high cliffs. Even though the beach is isolated, a great many people visit it during the summer, which is easy to understand since it is one of the best beaches along this coast. It is accessed on foot, by way of steep steps. Its waters are clean and it has a lovely seaside promenade from where you can enjoy some unbeatable views. 

4. Cala Estreta, Palamós, Girona 

A picture postcard cove, ideal for anchoring boats and enjoying the transparency of the sea, it is perfect for snorkelling and watching a large number of fish. Access is difficult because you can only reach the beach on foot or by bike (in summer cars are forbidden) There is some privacy and maybe for this reason it is popular with nudists. The beach is very narrow - which is how it came by its name [Estreta, meaning narrow] - and on many stretches it is no more than two metres wide. 

5. Playa Macarella, Menorca 

This virgin beach emerges in the midst of a thickly forested area, filling the Menorcans with pride and offering pure delight to visitors.  Its crystalline waters are a real pleasure that invite bathers to switch off from everything and rest. You can visit several caves in the area, one of which is at the entrance to the cove called “Es Castell de Macarella”. Less than 500 metres away is Cala Macarelleta, just as pure and pretty but slightly smaller, which makes it even more charming.
 

6. Dénia, Alicante 

These beaches and coves will surprise you with every step you take. They all hold international certificates for quality and environmental management; a real guarantee in the services offered. In addition, along the coast of Denia you can find numerous flora micro-reserves. For example, the Cabo San Antonio Marine Reserve is of notable interest: a protected area that possesses an ecosystem with great natural wealth, which can be discovered by means of several underwater routes (subject to prior permission). 

7. Playa de Mazarrón, Murcia 

A lot of sun, warm, calm blue waters and the good weather all year long make Mazarrón (Murcia) the ideal place for resting. You immerse yourself in its depths, lose yourself in its coves and feel the emotion of water sports. The 35 kilometres of coast in the region mean there are beaches that will satisfy everyone's taste, from crowded, urban beaches to hidden beaches in natural areas, where an air of solitude reigns. 

8. Playa de los Muertos, Almería 

Located at the northernmost end of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park – Níjar, it is a totally straight beach, as if it had been drawn with a ruler. It affords wonderful views and its waters are an amazing blend of bluesThere is also a small island which is regularly used by nudists. According to local belief, the colour is due to the whirlpools and currents of the water, so if you decide to visit it you must take care not to have a nasty surprise while you are bathing.

9. Playas del Cabo de Roche, Cadiz 

A group of beaches that stand out for their coves, well known for their incredible sunsets. Each one has its own charm: on the one hand, there is Playa de los Bateles, a large, family beach with a seaside promenade, spectacular for its size and the quality of the sand. And, on the other, the jewel in the crown of this coast, the Playa de Castilnovo, which is practically virgin and with a wild appearance that is ideal for surfing. Considered to be a Place of Community Interest, it is a natural beauty spot with walking access to the estuary of the Salado river.

10. Playa del Papagayo, Lanzarote 

It is one of the most spectacular beaches in the Canary Islands and is situated inside Los Ajaches Natural Monument. It is a stunningly beautiful cove sheltered by the cliff walls that surround it on both sides. You need to go well prepared to spend a day there: although it is easy to access, because it is some way from the nearest towns, there are few services around. Its golden sand and crystalline water will make you feel as though you are in paradise. 

Lying on the sand and enjoying the sun, diving into the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean, playing volleyball, taking a pedal boat out to sea, working out in one of the fitness areas, eating an ice-cream or taking a sailing course are just some of the activities you can enjoy on Valencia's endless beaches. Admittedly, Andalucia and Murcia has some wonderful spots but some of my favourites are to be found in the Valencian Community. Playa La Granadella tops the list because it is certainly my favourite in the region as I am not really a fan of sand and Granadella is a shingle beach. But the rest of the list is in no real order. So I hope this helps to show you around a little and maybe even gives you ideas for alternative places to visit when on holiday along the coast of Valencia.

1. Playa de la Granadella de Jávea (Alicante)

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2. Playa Norte de Gandia (Valencia)

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3. Playa de Levante de Benidorm (Alicante)

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4. Playa del Portet de Moraira-Teulada (Alicante)

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5. Playa Norte de Peñíscola (Castellón)

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6. Playa de Cala del Penyal de Calpe (Alicante)

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7. Playa de El Russo de Peñíscola (Castellón)

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8. Playa de Canet d´En Berenguer (Valencia)

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9. Playa de Els Terrers de Benicàssim (Castellón)

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10. Playa de la Concha de Oropesa del Mar (Castellón)

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Navarra has some of the most beautiful villages in the country, not often a region that foreigners really think of visiting, but it really must be considered as there is so much to see. Here are 10 of the most beautiful villages worth visiting...

1. Olite

The sleek and harmonious silhouette of the Castle-Palace stands out against the skyline of Olite, a small town in the centre of Navarre just 42 kilometres south of Pamplona that was the seat of the Royal Court of the kingdom in the Middle Ages. The thick walls and crenelated towers of the Palace were home to monarchs and princes. Declared a national monument in 1925, it is the best example of civil Gothic architecture in Navarre and one of the most notable in Europe.

A walk through the narrow streets of Olite will take you past noble stone houses with coats or arms on their facades and grandiose wooden eaves, mediaeval galleries and splendid churches, and the Roman wall surrounding the town. Its Mediterranean climate has also made Olite a wine capital. Visit its bodegas (wineries) and try their wines. Let yourself be guided, the town will take you back to an era of tournaments, kings and princesses, wizards and jugglers, falconers and archers; they all return to Olite every August for a Mediaeval Fair.

2. Roncesvalles

The collection of the historic buildings in Roncesvalles, located in the westernmost side of the Pyreneen mountain range, are erected on the bottom of the southern slope of the Ibañeta hill and near the wide plain of Auritz- Burguete.

A place for the pilgrims to rest after the rough ascent from the lower Navarre valleys, "The Collegiate church of Santa María de Roncesvalles" is surrounded by some mountains like: Astobiskar (1266 m.) and Ortzanzurieta ( 1570 m), distinguished because they are the oldest territories of Navarra, more than 450 million years old.

3. Puente La Reina

Puente la Reina, "the crossroads of the ways", is a medieval town where the two main routes on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela converge. It is one of the enclaves with the greatest affinity with Compostela in Navarre. The constant transit of pilgrims, the scallop shells and the walking sticks all form part of the urban landscape of this town, a magnificent example of a "street-based" town just 24 kilometres south-west of Pamplona.

Walking along the narrow Rúa Mayor is a very pleasant exercise that allows you to discover architectural gems such as the churches of the Crucifix, St. James and St. Peter and beautiful buildings peppered with details of the influence of the Pilgrim's Way. However, there is no doubt that the Romanesque bridge across the river Arga is the most amazing sight of all. It is one of the most beautiful and distinguished examples of Romanesque architecture on the way to Santiago and is what gives its name to this town of barely 2,500 inhabitants.

4. Ujué

Lost up on the heights of a plateau with no rivers to refresh it and no trees to shelter it, seemingly intoxicated with its solitude, stands Ujué, a delightful medieval village of narrow streets that climb steeply upwards to reach, at the top, the Sanctuary-Fortress of Santa Maria de Ujué. Located in the Central Zone, Ujué is one of the most important places of worship in Navarre and a spectacular lookout point over the Pyrenees and riverside plains.

The Sanctuary, a national monument, is one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in Navarre, and is at the centre of a beautiful legend. On your journey, lose yourself in the maze-like layout of this tiny village of just 300 inhabitants; stroll slowly along its cobbled streets and don't miss the opportunity to try the delicious migas de pastor ('shepherd's breadcrumbs'). There are very few places that make them like they do in Ujué.

5. Elizondo

Elizondo, the capital of the Baztan valley, will amaze you with its numerous mansion houses and palaces. Its most emblematic building is the Baroque palace of Arizkunenea, but there are also other monuments of artistic interest such as the town hall, the Datue Palace, the Viceroy's house and the church of Santiago. Set in idyllic natural surroundings, the hustle and bustle that typify Elizondo have made this locality the valley's inhabitants' favourite place for holding fairs and markets.

One of the most long-standing traditions is the Baztandarren Biltzarra, a festival of colourful dances and processions that brings together all the villages in the valley. On your visit to Elizondo, be sure to try its famous urrakin egina (chocolate with whole hazelnuts). Elizondo lies at the geographical and nerve centre of the Baztan valley . Located in the north of Navarre, the valley encompasses fifteen towns within its municipal boundaries, which are dotted throughout the luxuriant green landscape of the Atlantic Pyrenees.

6. Sanguësa

A border post on the Pilgrim's Way and a hospitable and monumental town, Sangüesa is a mixture of the mountains and the plains, a place to see and experience. Located 44 kilometres from Pamplona and with a population of just over 5,000, the most important town in medieval Navarre is well known thanks to the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela and its architectural treasures, particularly the facade of the church of Santa María, a superb example of Romanesque architecture that has been declared a National Monument. Its interesting civil buildings, churches and convents evoke epochs of splendour and reveal a town that is very closely linked to its traditions.

On January 6th every year the Auto Sacramental de los Reyes Magos (allegorical religious play about the Three Wise Men) takes place, one of the five that has been conserved in Spain. Stroll through the old streets of Sangüesa and stop to take a look at every one of its splendid buildings; take part in its medieval traditions and try its famous pochas (succulent white beans). In a land of transition between the first peaks of the Pyrenees and the plains along the river Ebro, Sangüesa stands on the banks of the river Aragón on slightly raised ground in the eastern part of the Central Zone of Navarre, 44 kilometres from Pamplona.

7. Artajona

A magnificent medieval fortification crowns the top of the hill on which Artajona stands, a small village 30 kilometres from Pamplona which invites you to close your eyes and step back into a past inhabited by monarchs, noblemen, bishops and popes. This stunning eleventh-century fortress, known as "El Cerco", rises up imposingly over the village that descends down the slopes to the plain in a maze of narrow, cobbled streets, marked along the way by monumental houses and palaces.

On your journey you will discover a town of 1,700 people which, as well as "El Cerco", still preserves other buildings of interest such as eighteenth-century palaces, the Gothic church of St. Peter and, on the outskirts, the basilica of Our Lady of Jerusalem and the chapel of St. Bartholomew. You can also discover why its bells and the "fork and sickle race" are so important. The walls of Artajona, a small town in the Central Zone halfway between Puente la Reina and Tafalla, conceal a wealth of history that will take you back to the Middle Ages, times of territorial conquest and marriages of convenience when the town became the wedding present of King García Ramírez to his wife, Lady Urraca.

8. Estella - Lizarra

Half way between Pamplona and Logroño, in an area between the mountains and the plains, lies Estella, a historic city that came into being when pilgrims were travelling along the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela in large number. In the 15th century it was known as "Estella the elegant" and to the present day it continues to live up to this epithet. It is a romantic city that places great value on its palaces, stately homes, churches, convents, bridges and beautiful buildings, which have earned it the nickname of the "Toledo of the North".

The city of 13,000 inhabitants will surprise you with its flourishing commercial life and bustling Thursday market, its passion for music and theatre, as well as its impeccable cuisine. Strolling through the city you will pass pilgrims and visitors eager to explore the old streets of the Franks and the Jews and see proof that the phrase coined by Aymeric Picaud is as true today as it was in the 11th century: "Estella is a city of good bread, excellent wine, much meat and fish and all kinds of pleasures."

9. Ochagavia

Ochagavía is the perfect photograph, the one that always looks right; the day or the light conditions do not matter. It is the picture postcard of the Pyrenees of Navarre, with its cobbled streets, its well-kept houses with steep roofs and the river with an old mediaeval bridge crossing it. The stone church, crowned by a robust and elegant tower, is an interesting perspective that breaks up the skyline. A landscape of high mountain peaks and dense forests complete the image, in which the very ancient dances in honour of the Virgin Mary of Muskilda must be present.

The town of Ochagavía is located 764 metres above sea level at the northernmost point of the Pyrenean valley of Salazar, in north-east Navarre. Surrounded by high peaks and beech and Scots pine forests, it is one of the most picturesque places in the Navarrese Pyrenees thanks to the architecture of its caseríos (large houses) and its location at the confluence of the Zatoia and Anduña rivers, which join here to form the river Salazar.

10. Amaiur/Maya

A picturesque one-street village that receives the visitor with its peculiar entry arch. The people built their houses along the route of the Pilgrims' Way in the Baztan valley. The lack of alignment and uniformity of the façades avoids monotony and leads to some excellent perspectives. The characteristic reddish colour of the stone from the quarries at Almándoz impregnates, as in the rest of the Baztan valley, its houses.

Noble house architecture has left some magnificent examples in the village, such as Palacio Arretxea or Casa Arriada, where council meetings were held in the 16th century. One of the most emblematic spots in Amaiur/Maya is located at the entry to the village. It is a restored mill that still operates, and where visitors can buy corn or wheat flour or taste recently baked talos, fine corn flour pancakes that are eaten with other products such as cheese, chocolate, or chistorra (spicy sausage).

Spain's coastline is peppered with spectacular beaches and I most certainly haven't visited them all...but here are my favourite beaches to date! Why not share your favourite ones in the comments section!

1. Es Talaier (Ciudadela, Menorca) 

After a 15-minute walk from Son Saura, everything conspires to push the traveller into this voluptuous pool of translucent waters that shine under the bright sun. Its pine groves are seductive like snake’s eyes, and the beach is free of tourist boats.

2. Cala Fonda, Waikiki (Tarragona) 

The proximity of a petrochemical compound only underscores the value of this Mediterranean relic. It is necessary to park at the restaurant Mirall d’Estiu, on Larga beach, and walk for two kilometers. The pine groves then give way to an uncomfortable final stretch before the actual beach is reached. Some walk about in the nude, others go for a swim. Everyone talks wonders about this place.

3. Escorxada and Fustam (Es Migjorn Gran, Menorca) 

Water taxis were created for those who dislike walking. Taximar (www.menorcataximar.com), based in Cala Galdana, organizes trips to the remote coves of Escorxada and Fustam, with stops at Trebalúger and a couple of sea caves. The parasol-and-cooler-carrying traveler can then choose a beach to enjoy for the next five hours, until pick-up time. The cost of the service is €25.

4. La Granadella (Xàbia, Alicante) 

There is nothing quite like enjoying the majestic Mediterranean early in the morning outside high season, and to practice your swimming strokes as you listen to the rhythmic sound of the pebbles being swept by the waves. Sur restaurant (www.restaurantesur.com) has its own boat and vegetable garden.

5. Melide (Cangas de Morrazo, Pontevedra)  

To say Melide is to evoke the Cíes islands: there are only three kilometers separating Melide from the national park, and no need to stand in line at the ship docks. Both share a creamy-colored sand, freezing waters and loads of pine trees. Its remote location ensures that the masses stay away. A foot trail begins in Donón and ends in Punta Subrido, home to Pedro Piñeiro’s beach bar.

6. Playazo de Rodalquilar (Níjar, Almería) 

Located inside Cabo de Gata, this is a crowded beach (access is easy) but its sand is a joy to behold, and it is set against a cliff of such a pale yellow as to appear white. It was the filming location for the 2015 movie ‘Lejos del mar’ (or, Far from the sea), by Imanol Uribe. The Los Patios hotel is nearby (www.lospatios.net). It is a good idea to walk the 1.4 kilometer trail from San Ramón castle to Cuervo cove.

7. Güí-Güí (La Aldea de San Nicolás, Gran Canaria) 

This is the beach at the end of the (Canary Islands) world. The two-and-a-half hour mountain trek from Tasartico is worth it (remember to bring at least two liters of water per trekker). Anyone who makes it to these two strips of sand with views on Mount Teide should be eligible for a certificate of achievement.

8. Aigua Xelida (Palafrugell, Girona) 

The pungent smell of the pine grove, its narrow shape, the fact that the nearby residential estate is nearly unnoticeable... Everything conspires to make us disconnect from the outside world. A plaque on the fisherman’s shack reminds visitors about the times when the writer Josep Pla spent time here, drawing inspiration from the coastline and the wind to write about a legendary, extinct Costa Brava that we may nevertheless explore in kayaks (www.kayakingcostabrava.com) from the homebase of Tamariu.

9.Xarraca (Sant Joan, Ibiza) 

This cove in northern Ibiza is located next to the road, and its waters are of an arresting turquoise color. This is a pebble beach, meaning that it is good for snorkeling and paddle boats. Rising up from the water near the shore is Penya Grossa, a rock that doubles as a diving board, and the nearby Penya Petita, a small reef where swimmers stop for a break.

10. Barayo (Valdés / Navia, Asturias) 

Anyone approaching Barayo from Navia will be treated to one of the parking lots with the most sublime views on the Cantabrian coast: salt flats, marshes, dunes, tall grass and cane fields, pine trees and eucalyptus on a cliff.

Lying on the sand and enjoying the sun, diving into the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean, playing volleyball, taking a pedal boat out to sea, working out in one of the fitness areas, eating an ice-cream or taking a sailing course are just some of the activities you can enjoy on Valencia's endless beaches. Admittedly, Andalucia and Murcia has some wonderful spots but some of my favourites are to be found in the Valencian Community. Playa La Granadella tops the list because it is certainly my favourite in the region as I am not really a fan of sand and Granadella is a shingle beach. But the rest of the list is in no real order. So I hope this helps to show you around a little and maybe even gives you ideas for alternative places to visit when on holiday along the coast of Valencia.

1. Playa de la Granadella de Jávea (Alicante)

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2. Playa Norte de Gandia (Valencia)

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3. Playa de Levante de Benidorm (Alicante)

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4. Playa del Portet de Moraira-Teulada (Alicante)

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5. Playa Norte de Peñíscola (Castellón)

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6. Playa de Cala del Penyal de Calpe (Alicante)

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7. Playa de El Russo de Peñíscola (Castellón)

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8. Playa de Canet d´En Berenguer (Valencia)

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9. Playa de Els Terrers de Benicàssim (Castellón)

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10. Playa de la Concha de Oropesa del Mar (Castellón)

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