Playa de las Catedrales - The must-see beach of Galicia

Spain is famous for its grand variety of beaches. Long stretches of golden sand along the Costa Daurada, the white beaches of the Atlantic coast in Cadiz and Huelva, the rocky coast and hidden coves of the Costa Brava, and the paradisical blue waters and beaches of islands like Formentera are by all accounts one of Spain's natural treasures. But perhaps the most spectacular of all of Spain's beaches is in a region more known for its seafood and rivers than its beaches. In Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain, lies the Playa de Aguas Santas.

100 foot high arches carved by the water and the wind tower over the beach, like the frame of some massive open air church (hence the popular nickname, Playa de las Catedrales, or Beach of the Cathedrals). Walking along this beach along the Cantabrian Sea at low tide you will discover some of the most beautiful works of art nature has carved out for itself. The almost 1 mile long beach offers some majestic panoramic shots from both the top of the cliffs as well as from the beach itself, and is an ideal place for hiking routes as well.

If you are interested in discovering more about Galicia or want join us on one of our Tours in Galicia, please contact us:

The Spanish Touch

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Horse Festival in Jerez - an equestrian must-see event

Throughout the first week of May the town of Jerez de la Frontera will be home to the annual Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair) in honor of the famous Andalusian horses so closely associated with the town and its remarkable Royal Equestrian School. The  González Hontoria Park will once more turn into the focal point of the city's main celebrations, with over 200 temporary "casetas" installed for the week long celebration. Traditions and cultural activities such as Flamenco dancing, visits to the Sherry houses and of course equestrian events will make Jerez the place to be for horse lovers this week. 

For more information or to book a private tour in Jerez, Cadiz or Seville, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

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The Strawberry Train- a historical train ride to a royal palace

Last weekend marked the beginning of one of Madrid's most intriguing seasonal events: the Tren de la Fresa, the Strawberry Train. Every year for over 30 years the strawberry train takes weekend passengers to Aranjuez Palace on a classic train which has been modified and updated for modern comforts.


In 1851 the second railway in Spain connected the capital city of Madrid with the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. It was called the "Tren de la Fresa", the Strawberry Train, as it went past vast fields of strawberries in Aranjuez. While these days the steam engine runs on cleaner fuel than coal, it still offers its guests all the benefits of a mid-19th century train, including waitstaff dressed in the fashion of the time and spectacularly restored coaches. The train departs on weekends in Spring and Autumn (not July or August) at 10am and returns to the city at 6 in the evening. A ticket includes roundtrip train fare, transfer from the train to the sights, a guided visit of the Royal Palace at Aranjuez and a giant strawberry treat.

For more information or to book a private tour in Madrid, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

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The Spanish tradition of a 'vermut' and the best places in Valencia to enjoy them!

Let's go for a "vermut" is a common and popular past time throughout Spain. As the name suggests (vermut is vermouth in English), the idea is a social gathering for a drink. It can happen before or after a meal, although most commonly it's used by friends to meet up after work or on the weekend and just spend some time talking and hanging out.


In fact, you don't even have to order vermouth (if, like some of us, you just don't like the taste very much). Have a glass of wine, or a beer, or even a coffee. The idea is really about being with friends and having a good time, not about what you are drinking.

Here is a list of some of the best places to catch up with friends in the Mediterranean city of Valencia:

Bar Vermudez: They make vermouth their specialty. With a wide variety of vermouths in a number of flavors, this is a great bar for non-vermouth lovers to find their own "vermut".

En La Parra: This traditional tapas bar offers a local vermouth "made in Valencia", and is right in the heart of one of Valencia's best evening/nightlife areas.

La Vida es Bella Vermuteria: Located on a pedestrian street in the quieter area of Benimaclet, a great choice for those looking for a more relaxed evening. For those looking to extend their meeting to include dinner, they offer a menu of the day.

La Bernarda: Right in the heart of the city, in the Tapineria Market you will find this classic Valencia locale, where the owner makes a different rice dish every day and the serve a locally produced vermouth and some of the best sandwiches in the city.

For more information or to book a private tour in Valencia, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

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Unique chance to visit The Caves of Nerja (Málaga)

Throughout the month of April, visitors who take the opportunity to explore the Caves of Nerja just outside of Malaga will have an added bonus to their visit: for the first time ever several of the cave's larger caverns will be opened to the public. These newly opened rooms include the hole through which the caves were first re-discovered in the 1950s, as well as a look into the archeological dig and some of the oldest inhabitated areas of the cave, where people lived over 25,000 years ago!

For more information or to book a private tour in Malaga, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

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The Moscatel Museum - The intertwining of culture, tradition, history and a good wine

Just up the road from the ancient city of Cadiz is the town of Chipiona. This coastal town has a history almost a old as the city itself, and is home to a tradition that is even older: Muscat (Moscatel) wine producing in the region dates back to the Phoenicians. As producing wine has been a cornerstone of the region for as long as there have been people there, the Museum of Moscatel is much more than just a "wine" museum. It is a display of the tradition, culture and history of the region and its inhabitants.

In the museum itself you will discover the traditions, festivals and culture that have grown side by side with the wine and which so infuse the people who live here. The museum offers seven distinct areas which explain everything from the science of winemaking through the centuries to a cultural wine route through the town.

Only an hour and a half outside of Seville, the museum is great escape from the normal tourist routes and a wonderful way to discover more about the traditions and culture of the region.

For more information or to book a private tour in Cadiz or Seville, contact us!

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

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Spend a night with Sharks in Spain

All around Spain, something is happenning at the local aquariums. For years people have been content to go to the many impressive aquariums around the country to see the diverse fish and different ecosystems that they have to offer. It is a surefire success to spend a few hours away from the heat of the midday sun or on a rainy day.

Sharks have always been one of the big draws, with the shark tunnels becoming ever more popular as a way for visitors to feel even closer to the animals. Now, however, there is a new breed of adventurer visiting these aquatic havens. More and more people are looking for that unique thrill of a different experience, and the aquariums have stepped up to the plate. 

In aquariums in Seville, Barcelona and Valencia, visitors are now being offered the chance to see how the underwater world changes away from the light of the day and the constant stream of visitors. Nighttime visits to the aquariums provide you with an in-depth look at the world most people don't get to see, at a time when many of the most interesting animals are most active. For the most daring divers, there is even the possibility of swimming with the sharks!

For more information or to plan your next private trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch. 

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

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Seville's Magic Island, the amusement park in Seville: a great idea if you are coming to Seville with kids

If you've come with your family to spend a few days in Seville, you might be interested to know that starting on April 16, the Isla Magica amusement park will be open for the season. The park, which is actually in the city itself, is an amusement park with a clearly Andalusian flair where you can enjoy shows with Andalusian horses with tradional music and of course, Flamenco dancing. Additionally, the park offesr different "themed" areas, including 'Sevilla, Puerto de Indias' (Seville, port to the Indies), where the setting is Seville in the 16th century, when it was the biggest city in the kingdom at the heigh of Spain's Golden Age. Other interesting areas are the 'Agua Mágica', the aquatic park with two waterfalls you go through as a way of greeting you to the area, and the 'Puerta de America', with the Fuerte de San Felipe (St. Phillip's Fort), a huge building that is a reproduction of the fortress at Cartagena.

If you want us to design a personalized tour for you in Seville do not hesitate to contact us:

The Spanish Touch

Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

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