Where to go for peace and luxury in Spain
When you think of a going on holiday to Spain, it’s easy to think of overcrowded package holidays with screaming kids and acres of sunburn.
This truly is an undeserved reputation, especially when referring to Spain’s surrounding islands. They have all of the appeal of a beach paradise and cultural hub and the amazing weather is worth the journey alone.
There are a wide range of Majorca holidays on offer that might surprise you.
The island has the infamous party scene – especially party capital, Magaluf – that caters to young adults that visit the island looking to enjoy the nightlife and families looking for affordable holidays in the sun. Golden beaches with clear blue waters are in abundance, along with plenty of family waterparks, bars and restaurants.
However, this is by no means the only attractions the island has to offer. Those seeking peaceful sunset walks on the beach, culture tours or are just simply looking for some peace and quiet have a varied choice of luxury hotels attached to private beaches and secluded hideaways in the mountains.
In among the regular tourist hotspots there are some real gems, such as Bronze Age settlement Ses Païsses (the most important best-preserved prehistoric sites in the Balearic Islands), the gorgeous architecture of Palma, spectacular limestone Caves of Drach and tram rides through the island’s tranquil citrus groves. You’ll soon see why Majorca was frequented by the likes of Chopin, Miró, Churchill and Grace Kelly who were searching for inspiration and relaxation and found it on the island.
The same can be said of the nearby island of Lanzarote. The constant warm climate and plentiful five-star beach resorts has made luxury Lanzarote holidays a popular choice for Brits abroad the whole year long.
You can stay in hotels overlooking the beautiful white sand beaches and surrounded by tropical gardens or luxury villas in one of its many picturesque villages.
The small village of Yaiza was voted the prettiest village in Spain, while the neighbouring villages of Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen have the same rustic charm but with some of the best shops and seafood restaurants in all of the Canary Islands.
You can spend days exploring the rocky terrain and discovering secluded beaches and coves, and still find time to have fun at the island’s spectacular sites for diving, watersports and mountain biking.
Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote is well known for its unique landscape, formed by a series of volcanic eruptions which created the breathtaking mountain range and supports numerous species of interesting flora and fauna. Over a third of the island is covered by the Timanfaya National Park, which was formed from a lava flow from the largest eruptions ever recorded between 1730 and 1736. This natural disaster created the island’s most iconic natural landmarks, such as the Montañas del Fuego (the Fire Mountains), and provide the volcanic soil for Lanzarote’s many lush vineyards.
The most weird and wonderful feature of Lanzarote’s volcanic environment is that temperatures just below the surface can reach up to 600°C, a feature that has been utilised by a truly one-of-a-kind restaurant El Diablo – a ‘volcanic grill’ that uses the geothermal heat to cook the delicious local cuisine.
Another must-see attraction that uses the landscape is the Fundación César Manrique, the one-time home of local architect César Manrique, which uses the natural formation of five volcanic bubbles for the main rooms within the house. As well as being a spectacle in 1960s modernist architecture, the house is used as an art gallery exhibiting works from famous painters Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. 🙂 – Travel Feeder, the ultimate travel photo blog
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
