Spain Travel Guide

Golf

There are a number of world-class golf courses on Gran Canaria and golf is a popular thing to do in the Canary Islands. El Cortijo and was home to the Spanish Open in 2002 and is just outside Las Palmas. The Real Club de Golf is nearby in Bandama and is Spain's oldest golf club, founded in 1891; it is closed to non-members at weekends. The Maspalomas Club de Golf is located close to the sand dunes within a nature reserve, while the newest club, Salobre, is just 10 minutes drive east of Puerto Rico. Other notable golf courses on Gran Canaria include Las Palmeras Golf, Oasis Golf, Anfi Tuaro Golf and Meloneras Golf. Las Palmeras Golf Course is located in the city center and boasts views over the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque Canteras beach. The Oasis Golf Course in Autopista del Sur is a quirky miniature copy of famous American courses and many consider it to be one of the best replicas in the world. It also has floodlights which allow visitors the opportunity a round of golf at night when the daytime heat has dissipated. Anfi Tuaro Course in Mogan features both a pitch-and-putt course of 9 holes and a par-72 18-hole course complete with lakes, flowers and spectacular mountain views. Golfers traveling to the Canary Islands also have the option of playing on the Meloneras Golf Course which is split so that nine holes focus on gorgeous mountain scenery and the other nine feature stunning ocean vistas.

Camel Rides

One of the most popular activities in the south of the island is a ride around the Maspalomas Dunes on the back of a camel. The trip usually lasts for around half an hour - the camels generally carry two passengers and walk behind one another as part of a 'caravan'. Although camels can gallop at up to 35mph (56kph) they usually go at a more sedate pace. Camel rides can also be enjoyed at Fataga.

Jeep Safaris

The most spectacular scenery on the island can be found within the mountainous interior around Mount Tejeda. Jeep safaris take visitors around this area which has been almost completely untouched by tourism and offers wonderful views over rocky peaks, alpine forests and scenic reservoirs. Full-day tours can be organized in the resorts and leave most days of the week. Be aware of the changeable weather - in winter it can be snowing in the mountains while people soak up the sun on the beaches, up to 6,562ft (2,000m) below. Jeep safaris cost around EUR35 per adult and EUR25 per child.

Boat Trips in the Canary Islands

Boat trips of all sorts can be arranged from the resorts. The choice of boats is quite extensive, ranging from an all-day booze cruise aboard a 350ft (107m) liner, to smaller cruisers, yachts, catamarans and glass bottomed boats where visitors can take in the marine life below. In addition to cruising around the coast many boats drop anchor and offer swimming, snorkeling and banana boat rides. Jet skis and parasailing can also be arranged. The highlight of any cruise is usually the sight of dolphins playing around the boat.

Big Game Fishing

Gran Canaria is one of the best spots in the world for big game fishing and there are a number of companies competing for business. While blue marlin are the most highly prized trophy fish there are plenty of other species including white marlin, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and mako and hammerhead sharks. Regular catches of blue marlin range from 331 to 496 pounds (150 to 225kg) with last year's record standing at 794 pounds (360kg). Trips cost around EUR45 including all equipment, but excluding lunch.

Boat Trips around Lanzarote

Boat trips and submarine tours can be organized from Puerto Calero, just outside Puerto del Carmen. Catamarans sail along the coast and drop anchor by one of the spectacular white-sand beaches at the south of the island and offer snorkeling equipment and lunch. Some boats also offer free jet ski rides. Visitors can also take the Submarine Safari from Puerto Calero for a thrilling close-up view of the island's underwater world.

Boat Trips from Tenerife

There are a huge number of companies offering boat trips to tourists and these vary from a 'booze cruise' on a cruiser offering lunch, drinks and watersports to a trip around the island on a sailing boat or catamaran. One of the main attractions is the chance to see whales and dolphins in the wild. Visitors on most trips spot whales, while dolphins are not so much of a certainty but are often seen very close to the boat. Trips go from either Puerto Colon in Playa de las Americas, or from the port at Los Cristianos and most operators offer a free bus service from the larger hotels in the main resorts.

Big Game Fishing around Tenerife

The Canary Islands are one of the best spots in the world for big game fishing and there are a number of companies who offer fishing trips in Tenerife. While blue marlin are the most highly prized trophy fish, there are plenty of other species including white marlin, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and mako and hammerhead sharks. Regular catches of blue marlin range from 331 to 496 pounds (150 to 225kg).

Cruising in Barcelona

Barcelona is a Spain's liveliest city, celebrated for its architecture, two millennia of history, and liberal, fun loving atmosphere. These features, coupled with its position in the heart of the Costa Brava, make Barcelona the cruise capital of the eastern Mediterranean.

Big operators such as Crystal, Princess and Costa are based here, departing and returning from Barcelona's Port Vell after cruises taking in the best of southern Europe. In doing so, these vessels are emulating great seafarers such as the Phoenicians and the Romans who plied these waters for centuries.

Port Vell is perfectly positioned at the foot of Las Ramblas, the key tourist thoroughfare leading into the city. It's also one of the most modern and well thought-out cruise facilities in the world, with a currency exchange, duty-free shops and restaurants all serving to maximise the comforts of passengers. The cruise ship berthing positions and the old city are linked the Blue Bus.

For those wanting to maximise their time exploring the city and beyond, Avis car hire has an office right on the docks near the World Trade Center building. The port area also has ferries departing for the Balearic Island of Mallorca, Minorca, and Ibiza. For more port information visit www.apb.es.

Barcelona is packed with attractions such as La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's famous modernist fantasy church; the maze-like wonder of the medieval Gothic Quarter; the Picasso Museum's astounding collection of Pablo Picasso's work; and FC Barcelona's shrine to football at the Nou Camp. It's worth spending at least three days here, including at least one day to relax and take in the passing scenery at one of Barcelona's famous cafes while enjoying tapas and a jug of ice-cold sangria.

Cruising Spain

A cruise in Spain is a wonderful way for visitors to see Spain's many coastal attractions. Spanish cruise operators offer Mediterranean tours generally boarding in Barcelona and featuring stop-overs in destinations such as Seville, Vigo and Malaga. Other ports of call include Gibraltar, Palamos, Alicante and Bilbao. Visit Els Quatre Gats, Picasso's old stamping ground in Barcelona, or Malaga's 8th century Alcazaba fortress. Corunna boasts the world's oldest working lighthouse, the Hercules Tower, and the Rock of Gibraltar is often en route. The Salvador Dali Museum is definitely an attraction worth disembarking for in Palamos.

Most of the cruises available have on-board facilities such as swimming pools, spas and gyms, as well as scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. The vessels used range from large cruise liners to sailing yachts and riverboats. Aside from the Mediterranean voyages, there are various river cruises available, such as the River Guadalquivir trip from Seville, and the River Guadiana cruise along the Spanish-Portuguese border. A cruise vacation is a fantastic way to enjoy the pleasures of Spain without having to drive anywhere or take tedious bus trips.

While a cruise in Spain can be taken at any time of year, the most popular months are from May through to September, when the weather is warm and sailing conditions are at their best. However, the off-peak winter season (November to April) is also pleasant and just as safe, often featuring discounted cruise rates, mild weather and not too many people at the tourist attractions. A cruise of Spain's coastal regions is a very relaxing vacation option.

Hiking and trekking in Spain

Hiking is one of the many popular outdoor activities available in Spain. With lakes, cliffs, ravines and spectacular views the Pyrenees Mountains offer the perfect hiking destination for beginner hikers and more experienced trekkers and rock climbers. Naranjo de Bulnes and Monte Perdido National Parks offer wonderful climbing and hiking opportunities, while treks in the Grazalema National Park follow the ancient route of the bandoleros (bandits). Horse riding options along bandoleros route are also available.

The Way of Saint James/ El Camino de Santiago de Compostela

Cycling Spain

Spain may not have an official 'tour de Espana' but cycling Spain, or a region of Spain, is becoming increasingly popular with vacationers traveling to the region. Cycling in Spain is the perfect way to get off the beaten track and truly enjoy all this country has to offer. With hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline, the majestic Pyrenees and the picturesque Sierra Nevada, cycling through a region or a few regions of Spain offers visitors a more intimate view of the real Spain. Cyclists can choose to hire bikes and panniers when they arrive in Spain, or they can fly their own equipment to Spain and enjoy a healthy and relaxing vacation full of quaint villages and superb food.