Gourmet Dining in Sevilla Dining options in Sevilla have certainly changed over the past 15 years when the majority of places only offered the traditional dishes; pescaíto frito (fried fish), jamon, coquinas (little clams, exquisite), gambas al ajillo (prawns sizzled in garlicky chili oil), arroz con mariscos (rice with seafood), chipirones a la plancha (grilled…
The Medieval Villages of Catalunya
Two Atmospheric Medieval Villages (Barcelona) While spending a few days relaxing in the tranquil setting of the Parador Vic-Sau, we were able to explore some of the surrounding countryside and came across the charming and virtually isolated stone village of Tavertet. This small retreat at the end of the road is filled with weekend homes…
The 12 Days of Christmas in Catalunya
El Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos The weather in the Catalan Pyrenees is not always the best for skiing in late December/early January, but even without the snow it doesn’t dampen the spirit of the 12 days of Christmas as celebrated throughout the region. The festivities begin on December 24th, Christmas Eve, with the…
A taste of the Algarve
Dining in the Algarve You’ll find a number of excellent options for enjoying a taste of the Algarve’s cuisine, which is essentially centered around fresh grilled seafood; Atun (Tuna), Dourade (Sea Bream), Sea Bass (Robalo), Sardinhas (Sardines), Espadarte (Swordfish), Tamboril (Monkfish), Raia (Rays) Pregado (Turbot), Linguado (Flounder), Imperador (Alfonsino) as well as shellfish; lagosta e…
The Algarve, West To East
From Sagres to the Spanish border The Algarve, with its year around mild climate, attracts visitors from around the world, especially those from northern Europe who come year after year seeking the sun, surf and seafood the region has become famous for. The former fishing village of Albufeira, lying 30 km west of Faro as…
Monuments in the Belém District
Plan on spending a half-day, from 10:00 am 3:00 pm if you want to see them all, but not on a Monday when monuments shut tight. And don’t leave Lisbon without the Belém tour with its spectacular sights from Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery. To reach Belém you can take the modern tram 15…
Portugal’s Coastal Capital
Lisbon’s Top Attractions Discovering Portugal’s coastal capital can be an invorgating experience, from the imposing 11th-century Moorish castle of São Jorge overlooking the city and its bay, to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, high atop the Bairro Alto, one of the city’s seven hills, to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia with its views over the Alfama….
Exploring Alfama
Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes, take a self-guided tour through the historic and picturesque heart of Lisbon, as you wander the steep, and at times, narrow, maze-like cobblestone streets of the Alfama. The walk, about 2 km or 1.24 miles, can be done in less than two hours with stops along the way to…
The Spanish Basque Country
Planning your trip to the País Vasco The capitals of the three Basque Provinces of Spain are San Sebastián-Donostia in Gipuzkoa, Bilbao-Bilbo in Bizkaia and Vitoria-Gasteiz in Álava. Euskadi is the politically correct term for the Basque Country, but some prefer the more historically inclusive Euskal Herria, which means the Basque Lands or home of…
Exploring Cap-Ferret
Lunch at La Canfouine-au-Canon, Lège-Cap-Ferret After a morning touring Cap-Ferret, we enjoyed a typical feast overlooking the bay at La Canfouine-au-Canon. The day was warm and sunny, the oysters and shrimp perfect, and the bottle of Le Canon De Cote Montpezat Rose chilled! Contact Iberian Traveler – Maribel’s Guides to request a custom itinerary to explore the…
Travels With Maribel 