Canary Islands and Spain
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Cruises are a fantastic way to see the world and take the worry out of travel. If the ‘great British weather’ is, perhaps, a little less than great, there are plenty of last minute holiday deals available to help you plot your escape.
One of the best things about cruises is that they allow you to mix-and-match your holiday; spend time soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful cities and soaking up the sun on idyllic beaches. A Mediterranean cruise around the Canary Islands and Spain gives you the best of both worlds.
The Canary Islands are a popular holiday destination for a reason and beautiful beaches are Mallorca’s speciality: full of long stretches of white sand and secret, romantic coves. If you’re lucky you might catch one of the colourful fiestas that happen throughout the year there, but if not you can still enjoy the monasteries, monuments and extraordinary Caves of Drach (Caves of the Dragon) the island has to offer.
Thousands of years old, the caves have been made by seawater forcing its way through, and inside is what is thought to be the largest underground lake in the world. There are countless stalactites and stalagmites to feast your eyes upon (although I challenge you to remember which is which a week later), and a classical music concert is even provided by musicians floating in boats. For a taste of a traditional Mallorcan town, head to Sineu in the middle of the island. Sineu is steeped in history and has its own market where you can pick up almost anything, including live snails.
If it’s city culture you’re looking for Barcelona has a lot to offer. Check out Gaudi’s creation the Sagrada Familia, the hugely intricate cathedral which looks as though it belongs in a Tim Burton film. Take a stroll down the famous La Rambla, the pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants where you can cool down and get refreshments. Do try to remember that the sangria is alcoholic even though it is very easy to drink! If you’re looking for some tapas remember prices are at a premium there so it might be best to wander a little further afield.
Barcelona influenced Picasso hugely during his teenage years, and was the place he considered to be his true home. The city’s Picasso Museum traces the development of the artist’s early work and despite its huge collection manages to remain strangely intimate and leave a lasting impression on you. It is located within five enormous refurbished townhouses in the Gothic Quarter which date back to the 13th century, and is worth seeing for the architecture alone.
In September, the Festes de la Mercè comes to Barcelona, a huge street party which started as a religious festival but is now more about celebrating everything Catalan. Music, fireworks and sports events are all part of the festivities, and highlights include the Parade of the Giants (wooden puppets rather than tall people) and the human tower competition, which is quite terrifying.
