Skiing in Baqueira Beret (The Pyrenees, Lleida)

 The ski resort of Baqueira Beret is one of the best known in Spain due to the high quality of its snow and the great extension of its ski slopes. It has the advantage that, due to its location, it often has snow in winter, or almost always, and therefore the slopes are open, which is not easy. 

Baqueira is located in the eastern part of The Pyrenees, in the province of Lerida/Lleida (Catalonia), very close to Aragon, Andorra and France. 

Baqueira Beret has more than 160 kilometres of pistes of all levels of difficulty and is especially recommended for medium-high level skiing enthusiasts. In comparison, other major ski resorts in Spain are, for example, Formigal in Huesca (Aragon) with more than 140 km, or Cerler (Aragon) with 80 km, or Sierra Nevada in Granada (Andalusia) with 110 km. 

 

Places to stay, ski passes and other activities

Baqueira can be reached by car without difficulty on the N230 road, which passes close to the border between Aragon and Catalonia. To sleep in, you can book accommodation in hotels, hostels, appartments, etc. There are places both almost at the foot of the slopes and in the nearby villages. Near Baqueira are the towns of Tredós, Arties, Betrén, Vielha (Viella), the latter, highly recommendable to visit as a tourist in a free moment.

The ski passes can be bought at the bottom of the slopes, near the car park, as in any other resort.

In addition, other activities you can do in the mountains, apart from skiing, are excursions on foot or with snowshoes, snowmobile routes, sledging, etc. 

  

Ski piste map

Other ski resorts in the Pyrenees

Other Catalan ski resorts are La Molina, Masella, Boí Taül or Port del Compte.

Other ski resorts you can visit in the Pyrenees are the resorts in Aragon. These include Formigal and Cerler. On the other hand, Panticosa (40km of pistes) is a smaller resort, ideal for beginners or occasional skiers (and which has a connection with Formigal). Other resorts in Aragón are Astún, Candanchú and Valdelinares. On the other hand, in the south of Aragon (Teruel) is Javalambre - Valdelinares.

In the Pyrenees you can also find other ski resorts, for example in France or Andorra. 

In the south of the country, another resort that stands out is Sierra Nevada, in Granada.  Near Madrid, meanwhile, is La Pinilla (15km), which is small but suitable if you live in central Spain and want to ski for a day without travelling far. Others are Valdesquí and Sierra de Bejar.

Visiting Las Catedrales Beach (Galicia) / Playa de Las Catedrales

Playa de las Catedrales is possibly the most famous beach in northern Spain, on the Rias Altas Coast (Atlantic Ocean) due to its beautiful landscape of sea, nature, animals, plants and rocks, which make it ideal for discovering and photographing. 

The beach is located in Galicia, halfway between Ribadeo (to the east) and Viveiro, Cangas, Burela and Foz (to the west), and about 100 km north of the city of Lugo. In this article we will tell you the main things you should know if you want to visit Las Catedrales Beach:

What to see in Las Catedrales Beach and tips to prepare your visit

- Tides and waves: Before planning your visit, you should check the daily tide schedule (it changes every day) as the beach can only be visited when the tide is at its lowest. At high tide the beach disappears completely, while during the 30-60 minute period of time when the tide is at its lowest, you can walk along the entire coastline all the way to the nearby villages.

- Walking route: At low tide, you can walk from Las Catedrales beach to the nearby beaches (almost all of them can be reached very quickly on foot):  To the east is Carricelas Beach, Esteiro Beach, Playa das Covas, Seborro Beach, Dos Castros Beach (Os Castros), Marbadás Beach, Os Castros Viewpoint (Miradoiro da Praia dos Castros) and further on, Os Xuncos Beach, all equally beautiful. Along the way you can pass through various nooks and crannies and natural caves where you can enter and see beautiful scenery.

Depending on the tide, it may not be possible to reach Os Castros, as at many times the water may cover you above your waist, and the waves can be strong, so if the sea is not calm, you cannot go all the way. 

In addition, the sea level rises and falls very quickly, so it may be possible that you can go from Las Catedrales to Os Castros along the seashore, but you cannot return, and in that case, you will have to go back along a path that is further up, behind the cliffs.  In any case, it is well worth a visit. The visit can take between 1 and 3 hours.

- Reservations: To be able to access the beach, you must book your ticket well in advance (usually one or two weeks in advance) as they sell out very quickly. Reservations can be made through the Xunta de Galicia website. At the entrance there are guards who will check that only those who have booked a reservation can access the sand.

- How to get there: You can get there by public transport or by car. If you choose to go by car, there are free parking spaces in open spaces very close to the site, as well as bars where you can have a coffee or something to eat. It is advisable, if you go by car, to arrive and park a while before the time of low tide, in order to be at the site in good time and to avoid the car park getting full.

- Swimming in the sea: You can go to the beach to swim in the sea, although this is not the most common thing to do. Most visitors go for a walk along the coast to discover the landscape and take photos, so bathing is not their priority (nor is sunbathing... in any case, besides, the sand will be wet). However, to get to Os Castros you will have to get wet more than once (and know how to swim) as the waves reach the rocks in several places along the route.

- Other nearby beaches and landscapes: Although Las Catedrales Beach is probably the most famous and photographed beach in Galicia, the truth is that in Galicia, as well as in Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country, you can find many other beaches almost as beautiful and with much less people. It is therefore advisable to find out about the beaches and nature trails in the areas you are going to visit, as you will certainly be surprised. 

The Roman Museums of Zaragoza: The Caesaraugusta Route

Caesaraugusta (Zaragoza) was the only city in the Roman Empire that enjoyed the privilege of bearing the full name of the Emperor Caesar Augustus, founder of the city.

The Caesaraugusta Route is composed of four museums located in the historic centre of Zaragoza, which will allow us to discover how life was lived in this city during Roman times two millennia ago. These museums are a must for anyone who wants to learn about the history of the city and the Iberian Peninsula. 

Each of these sites are excavated underground in their original location in Roman times. The buildings that can be visited date from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. All four sites can be visited on foot in one day, and tickets can be purchased together or separately at a very affordable price.

The museums: Theatre, Thermal Baths, Forum and Port

Below you can see what each of the museums consists of:

- Theatre Museum: The Roman theatre of Zaragoza was discovered in 1972 after an intense search, as its exact location was unknown, as it was hidden under the earth and the buildings that were built on top of it for several centuries. Since its discovery, work has been undertaken to accommodate the area and restore it to convert it into the current museum that can be visited today. 

The theatre was built in the 1st century AD, at the time of Emperor Tiberius and had a capacity for 6,000 spectators, one of the largest in Roman Hispania.

- Thermal Baths Museum: The thermal baths of Caesaraugusta also date back to the 1st century AD. The thermal baths were the place to go to cleanse, relax, as well as to have a social life. They had warm and cold rooms, as well as attached rooms such as changing rooms and a gymnasium.

- Forum Museum: This museum is located in the underground of the Plaza del Pilar, next to the Cathedral of La Seo. The forum was the public part of the Roman city where you could find shops as well as administrative buildings, and it was also the centre of civil, political and religious activity in the Roman city. 

In the museum you can see the foundations of the buildings, as well as all kinds of objects from the period, as well as video projections on the history of the city.

- Port Museum: Finally, this museum is next to the Ebro River, and shows us what the city's river port was like in Roman times. 

Photos of the Roman Theatre:

 

 

Photos of the Forum (exterior facade, as the site of the visit is underground):

 

 

Location map

Below you can see the map with the museums (click to zoom). You can walk from one place to another. 

The approximate duration of the visit is: 1:30 hours Theatre, 1 hour Forum, 30 minutes Baths and 30 minutes Port.

 

Other places to visit in Zaragoza

- Plaza del Pilar: Facing the Basilica del Pilar and the Cathedral of La Seo, the Plaza del Pilar is one of the best known and most emblematic public spaces in Zaragoza.

- Monument to Caesar Augustus and Roman Wall.

- Puerta del Carmen.

- La Aljafería: A must-see for all tourists coming to Zaragoza. This is the most visited historical site in the city: A medieval Islamic palace built by the Muslims in the 11th century.

- Other museums in Zaragoza: Pablo Gargallo Museum, Museum of Natural Sciences, Pablo Serrano Museum, CaixaForum Zaragoza, Aquarium of Zaragoza, etc.

The Moncloa Lighthouse (Madrid)

The Moncloa Lighthouse (Faro de Moncloa) is a 110-metre-high viewpoint tower located at the entrance to the University City of Madrid, in the District of Moncloa.

The lighthouse can be reached on foot in about 5 minutes from the exit of the Moncloa Metro Station along a pedestrian walkway.

The entrance to the lighthouse costs about 4€, and once inside you will take the panoramic lift to the top floor. From there you can enjoy a privileged 360º view of the whole city of Madrid and its surroundings. The visit lasts about 30 minutes.

Next to the Moncloa Lighthouse is the Museum of America (Museo de América), as well as other unique buildings in the University City that can also be visited. Also nearby is the Parque del Oeste, from where you can walk to the Madrid Cable Car, the Temple of Debod or Plaza España.

 

History of the Moncloa Lighthouse and views from the viewing point

This unique building was built in 1992 as a lighting tower. During its history, the tower has gone through different phases, having been closed to the public for some years. Nowadays, the tower is open to anyone who wants to visit it as a viewpoint.

From the viewpoint on the top floor you can see the whole city of Madrid, and from the place itself it points out and explains where the main buildings of the city are, for example, the main skyscrapers of La Castellana, the buildings of Plaza España, the Royal Palace, the Casa de Campo, the Parque del Oeste, the Palacio de la Moncloa, etc. as well as the surrounding areas (mountains, places of interest, etc.). Therefore, this is a good place for both tourists and residents who want to have an overview of Madrid from the sky.

Below you can see some pictures of the viewpoint from the inside:

 

Other touristic places of Madrid, near the Moncloa Lighthouse

- Plaza de España: In Madrid's Plaza España you can see the first skyscrapers built in Spain. It is only 4 minutes away from the Temple of Debod.

- Gran Vía: Gran Vía is one of the most famous avenues in the Spanish capital. This street connects Plaza de España with other areas such as Cibeles, Sol and the neighbourhoods of Malasaña and Chueca.

- The Royal Palace (Palacio Real): The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Spain Juan Carlos I, who uses it to organise important events, as the king actually lives in La Zarzuela. The palace was built between 1738 and 1755, and King Felipe V (1683-1746) ordered its construction.  The Royal Palace is a 6-minute walk from the Temple of Debod.

What to see in Monasterio de Piedra (Stone Monastery), Nuévalos (Zaragoza)

Nowadays, Monasterio de Piedra (Stone Monastery) is one of the best tourist destination in Nuevalos, (Zaragoza Province, Aragón, Spain) for people who like enjoying of the flavour of the traditional cuisine, good wine, natural environments and impressive landscapes. In fact, the medieval Monasterio de Piedra is now an outstanding complex with an excellent hotel and a beautiful natural park well known for its fascinating waterfalls.

Monasterio de Piedra is located on the left bank of the River Piedra, only 27 km from Calatayud, 111 km from Zaragoza/Saragossa and 200 km from Madrid.

Monasterio de Piedra: Buildings

The first buildings of the monastic settlement were built of wood and mud bricks (adobes) by Cistercian monks who had arrived from Poblet Monastery in 1194.

The construction of the Medieval Monastery de Nuestra Señora de Piedra was begun in the year 1203 in a quiet place near Pied

ra River in Gothic architectual style and in 1218 was the consecration of the abbey church. The buildings were built as many cistercian monateries, a standard layout or a typical design of the cistercian order was repeated with its abbey church beside the cloister and the rooms spread around the cloister. Besides a vegetable garden and a high wall surrounding the monastery. In addition a Renaissance Palace and others Barroque building were built between 15th and 16th centuries.

In 1809 the cistercian monks were expelled from the Monastery and 5 years later the monks returned to the Monastery. In 1820 they were expelled from the Monastery again and they returned to the Monastery in 1823. The monks remained in the Monastery until 1835.

Monasterio de Piedra: Natural Park

In the middle of the 19th century the medieval monastery and the vegetable garden were bought by Pablo Muntadas. The buildings of the monastery were adapted as a first class hotel to provide all services. The vegetable garden was transformed into a space with an exceptional landscape where people can also walk and

enjoy the impressive waterfalls, lakes, caves and nature. In addition, if tourists like outdoor activities in natural surroundings such as hiking they will never forget this park.

Monasterio de Piedra: Hotel

The 12th century tower of the tribute gives visitors a cozy welcome before going into the walled Monastery of Piedra Hotel. The buildings of the medieval monastery were transformed into a comfortable hotel, the church of the Monastery which is in ruins is used for events, there are others magnificent buildings which are well preserved. So visitors can see and enjoy the cloister from 13rd century, the chapterhouse, the refectory, the kitchen, the cilla, the dormitories, the library, and so on

If tourists like nature, flora and fauna do not miss the opportun

ity to visit the Monasterio de Piedra.

 

More places to visit in Zaragoza Province

– Zaragoza city: With almost 700,000 inhabitants, Zaragoza (Saragossa) is one of the biggest cities of Spain. Its strategical location between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao, and its proximity to The Pyrenees and France, make Zaragoza one of the most important logistic points of Spain.

– Calatayud city.

– Tarazona city: Tourists visiting Aragón region should not miss the chance to visit Tarazona. In fact, the town really has an impressive ensemble of Mudéjar buildings, as well as an interesting old quarter (casco antiguo) with an exceptional historic and artistic heritage where Jews, Muslims and Christians coexisted for a long time in the medieval times leaving an unmistakable cultural imprint on Tarazona.

Visiting Playa de Aro (Platja d’Aro), Costa Brava, Catalonia

Playa de Aro (or Platja d’Aro) is a town with a population of about 20.000 inhabitants in winter and over 100.000 in summer, which is located in the province of Girona (Gerona) in the Catalonia region (Cataluña) in the Costa Brava, Mediterranean Sea. It is a tourist destination with beautiful beaches and quiet coves of fine golden sand, clear blue water, breathtaking landscapes and natural surroundings to take a peaceful stroll for lovers of the outdoor activities, golf, watersports, leisure and children activities to 100 km away from Barcelona City.

What to visit in Playa de Aro

Castell d’Aro (Benedormiens Castle) is an interesting castle which dates from 1041 and currently is an art galery and exhibition, one place especially worth visiting for those who are interested in art and Santa María Church’s are in the history center town. Cavall Bernat is a way through the mountains which lets us to find beautiful coves, it is recommended to those who are in search of a different holiday and the opportunity to enjoy some beautiful sceneries. The Poeta Sitja Park is situated in the old town. Aquadiver, a watersport park. The spertacular promenade is the main meeting point of the town, it is in a parallel diretion to Large Beach, in which people can find a great number of bars, cafés, restaurants, hotels and shops and so on, people should spend at least one hour of their free time to stroll by this nice promenade in the evenings to enjoy its outstanding views.

Obviously Playa de Aro is also known for other things apart from its delicious cuisine, excellent wines and traditional gastronomic events, so many tourists will definitely be going back in the next years.

 

More touristic places to visit in Catalonia / Cataluña

– Sitges: Sitges is situated on the Mediterranean Sea coast in the province of Barcelona (Catalonia) in the east of Spain just to 40 km away from Barcelona city.

– Castelldefels: Castelldefels is located on the Mediterranean Sea coast of Catalonia,  just to 18 km away from Barcelona city.

– La Pineda: With only 3,000 inhabitants, La Pineda (Vila-Seca) is a small town located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, at Tarragona Province.

– Salou: Salou is a reference for the holydays of Spring and Summer in Spain.

Visiting Sitges, Barcelona (Gold Coast)

The town of Sitges is situated on the Mediterranean Sea coast in the province of Barcelona (Catalonia / Cataluña) in the east of Spain just to 40 km away from Barcelona city. With a population of about 30.000 inhabitants, its exceptional warm climate during all the year round due to its favorable geographical location and its 4 km of beautiful sandy beaches make Sitges an ideal holiday destination in Spain. Moreover, Sitges also has a lot to offer in the way of culture, gastronomy, sport, water sport activities, festivals, cultural events for people who like enjoying its excellent cuisine, lively atmosphere, activities for children, leisure and outdoor activities. In fact, Sitges attracts a lot of visitors every year from all over the world and never loses its own unique charm.

Sitges is also known for its Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, the Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rallys and its Carnival Celebration amongst others as well as its museums and its old neighborhood are also worth visiting. The “Arroz a la Sitgetana” (Sitges style rice) and Malvasía (wine) are the best products known in Sitges.

Nowadays, hotels, restaurants, cafes, terraces, clubs, pubs, bars, shops have managed to keep their traditional styles and makes Sitges goes on being a tourist destination of the highest quality in Spain where in a modern town as Sitges, which has a vivid nightlife, local people and visitors are usually open-minded. One thing is certain, nobody will never get bored in this town.

 

Other touristic places to visit in Cataluña

– Barcelona city:  La Barceloneta, Ramblas Avenue, La Sagrada Familia…

– Castelldefels: Castelldefels is located on the Mediterranean Sea coast of Catalonia,  just to 18 km away from Barcelona city.

– La Pineda: With only 3,000 inhabitants, La Pineda (Vila-Seca) is a small town located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, at Tarragona Province.

– Salou: Salou is a reference for the holydays of Spring and Summer in Spain.