Castell d'AlaroMallorca's most popular hiking trail is the climb from the town of Alaro up to a ruined castle and hilltop chapel, which offers panoramic views of the sea and plains as far as Palma. From Alaro the walk takes about two hours to complete. The castle ruins on the hilltop date from the 15th century and dominate the landscape. At the summit there is a restaurant and bar to refresh weary climbers. On Sundays the trail becomes rather busy.
GolfThere are four world-class golf courses on Gran Canaria. 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.
Camel ridesOne 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 SafarisThe 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 TripsBoat 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 FishingGran 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 TripsBoat 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 TenerifeThere 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; dolphins are not so much of a certainty but are generally seen - often 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 TenerifeThe 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 BarcelonaBarcelona 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 http://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.
CruiseA 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 holiday option.
