Finca Fantastica Travel Blog

Did you know, you can ski in Southern Spain from December to mid April?  Well, if you didn't, you do now.

It's rather extraordinary that you could enjoy your breakfast on the balcony of your rental flat in Granada in the morning, with the warm sun caressing your face and bare arms, and then be skiing in the Sierra Nevada in the afternoon.

Granada is further more only a good hours drive from the beaches of Costa Tropical and Costa del Sol, where it might be too cold to swim, however, if the wind behave, not too cold to do a little serious sunbathing on the beach.

Check flights to Granada and Malaga

Granada is world famous for the Alhambra Palace and its beautiful gardens. Alhambra is a UNESCO World heritage site and one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Spain. This is definitely a must, if you are into art, culture,  history, and peaceful water arrangement and walkways in a stunning garden.

You have a beautiful view over Alhambra from the Albaicin, the old town, in Granada. This  is a very atmosferic part of Granada with narrow winding streets reveiling its Medieval Moorish past.

You have several choices for Granada rentals in the Albaicin quarter, including a holiday house with a 17th century garden  and private swimmingpool, just opposite the Alhambra. 

A tradition, which is dieing out many places in Spain, is free tapas with your drink. However, this tradition is still alive in Granada, so most places, you will recieve a tasty little bite with your beer or wine.

If you feel like spoiling yourself, visit the Arab baths  and relax in seven different bathing pools or/and enjoy a soothing massage with aromatherapy oils in the center of Granada.

If you have never seen flamenco live, Granada is the place to have your first experience watching this passionate dance, or if you are up to it - your first flamenco lesson!

There is so much to see and do in Granada. You can take a cooking class and learn how to make paella, take a daytrip to the coast or a weekend up to Sierra Nevada to ski.
In other words; combine citylife, skiing and sunbathing!

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Europe's most southern ski resort, Sierra Nevada, is less than 50 minutes drive from Granada. The World Alpine Ski Championships were hosted here in 1996.

The ski season runs from the beginning of December until the end of April. With 300 days of sunshine, you stand a very good chance of skiing under blue skies in sunny weather. You can furthermore be absolutely certain of snow in this period, as the artificial snow machines will make sure, you get snow, even when there is no natural snow.
Staying in Granada, you can easily go skiing for 1 day. However, if you want more than a day, book yourself a weekend skiing in the Sierra Nevada or even better - why not a week?

Melia Sol Y Nieve (Sun and Snow) offers you indoor swimming pool, fitness facilities, full-service health spa, massage, steam room and sauna,  so why not spoil yourself?

The trip from Granada to Costa Tropical can be done within a good hours drive. If you rent a car and drive yourself, you can spend the whole day by the beach. If you don't want to drive, you can book a day trip to Nerja on the Costa del Sol (see Granada attractions) and visit the caves and the beach.

Holidays are fabulous, whenever and wherever you decide to take them. Whether it’s a day trip to the seaside with your trusty bucket and spade or a week-long sojourn abroad, a break from the norm is something for you and your family to look forward to every year. Travelling with kids, showing them the world and letting them truly enjoy themselves is a real treat and can be affordable too with all inclusive holidays from Direct Holidays.

If you have never been abroad with the kids before, you may want to tread water in the shallow end and plump for short haul breaks rather than plunging head first into long haul alternatives. Luckily, Europe is awash with some incredible resorts that are family-orientated, fun filled and best of all, hot!

With an array of Spanish Costas to choose from, you can head for the mainland and enjoy the beaches and family-friendly activities that are available to you. Costa Dorada is excellent for kids, with Salou being a family favourite, while the theme park, PortAventura, is popular with thrill-seeking locals and tourists alike. Alternatively, Costa Almeria offers a more laidback break, perfect if you want to unwind and recharge your batteries on the beach, while your kids dig for treasure in the golden sands.

As the largest of the Balearic Islands, it’s no wonder that Majorca is a central hub for British holidaymakers. Palma Nova in the south is ideal for families, while a trip to neighbouring Magaluf would be perfect if you have some restless teens travelling with you. Alternatively, Alcudia in the north east of the island is chilled out, stress-free and home to plenty of family excursions including a waterpark and a thrill maze.

As one of the Canary Islands, just off the coast of North Africa, you can expect pleasing climes and a relaxing stay. All inclusive breaks here are in abundance, with Maspalomas being a popular resort due to the notorious sand dunes that can be found here. Puerto Rico is also a popular haunt, although very hilly so not for the less-able.

It doesn’t matter where you go on holiday; kids will thank you for it. Do your research and book into a hotel that caters to them – kids clubs, entertainment and animation teams – you get the picture!

Nothing beats Barcelona! This is where you go when you need to charge up your batteries and get exited and inspired. The city of art, culture and beaches has more to offer than it's possible to do in a week or two. However, Barcelona is addictive for most people, so you will most likely come back!

The Art Nouveau architect and designer, Antoni Gaudi, has created some of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona. Here's a few suggestions that should keep you occupied, if you are a Gaudi or Art Nouveau fan...

La Sagrada de Familia:
April to September:  9am -  8pm
October to March:  9am -  6pm.
Address : Mallorca, 401

Park Guell:
May to August:  10am - 9pm
November to February: 10am - 6pm
March and October:  10am - 7pm
Address : Carrer D'Olot

La Casa Milà :
Summer: Monday to Sunday:  9 am - 8 pm
Winter: Monday to Sunday:  9 am - 6.30 pm
Address : C. Provença, 261-265

Barcelona Gaudi Tour by Scooter

Skip the Line: Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour

Skip the Line: Best of Barcelona Tour including Sagrada Familia

Picasso was born in Malaga, Andalusia, but he moved to Barcelona as a young boy and later he divided his time between Paris and Barcelona.
In Barcelona's Gothic area you will find five medieval palaces linked together and these buildings are home to  more than 3,500 works by Pablo Picasso - from his early years.

Picasso Museum
Tuesday to Sunday:  10am -  8pm
Address : Montcada, 15-23

TheBarcelona Museum Pass includes tickets to the below listed museums and the pass is valid for 10 consecutive calendar days from the time of first use. The price is approximarely 30 EURO and besides from saving money, if you are visiting more than 2 museums, the great advange is that you get to skip the long ticket queues!
Who wants to line up in a sweaty queue when on vacation?

Picasso Museum

National Art Museum of Catalonia

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art :

The Fundation Joan Miro:

Fundacio Antoni Tapies:

All the beaches in Barcelona are well maintained and provide lifeguards and access for people with disabilities. Barcelone has a 4 - 5km long stretch of beaches  in approximately 20 minutes walking distance from Las Ramblas. How perfect is that?

The 4 most popular and well-known beaches:

Barceloneta: Closest to the city and packed with American style  restaurants and bars.

Mar Bella: Windsurfing, kayaks and all sorts of water sports.

Nova Icaria: Near the Olympic Marina and full of delicious beachside bars and restaurants.

Bogatell: A more laid-back beach area with cyclists and joggers.

You can visit museums, sightsee the city or shop in the morning, then enjoy some tapas and some cool drinks.... and off to the beach in the afternoon, when it gets to hot to be anywhere else than right by the sea. Watch out for the sun though - it's much stronger than you think!

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Barcelona Attractions
Barcelona Cooking Class 
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It's that time of year when the skies are clearing and the temperature is warming, which can only mean one thing: it's time to start searching for summer holidays!

If you're after a sun-filled holiday with plenty of beach action and a number of local amenities, there are scores of European destinations that are bound to tick all the right boxes. The Greek Islands are an obvious choice. They offer a scorching summer climate with beautiful beaches, fascinating historic sights and plenty of family-friendly attractions. Try laid-back Samos for a quiet retreat, stunning Kefalonia for a romantic escape, or the popular islands of Corfu, Crete or Rhodes for a diverse experience that will appeal to everyone from families and cost-cutters to clubbers and party animals.

Spain is another summer holiday hotspot, and it's just a short distance away too - which makes it ideal for those who want a quick escape without the hassle of a long flight. This also makes it prime last-minute holiday territory. You could opt for the cheerful ambience of Benidorm in the Costa Blanca region, which offers cheesy entertainment and plenty of sun, sea and sand. Perhaps try family-friendly Costa Brava, or opt for the more exclusive resort of Costa de la Luz - a fabulous spot with luxury hotels and a chic, stylish ambience.

The Algarve is a great place for family escapes. Here you'll find a wide range of summer resorts dotted along Portugal's sunny south coast, ranging from non-stop Albufeira with its cheerful buzz and lively bars, to lovely Praia da Rocha and quiet Carvoeiro.

Malta is another summer holiday favourite. Enjoy its bubbly beach resorts, historic sites and beautiful rolling countryside, and spend a day in the capital Valletta where you can discover the island's important military past and soak up its lovely cafe culture.

Which summer holiday sizzler gets your vote?