The Spain Travel Deals Blog

This time around I’ve got a bit of general advice for you regarding your vacation planning strategy, that I believe will help you to get the best Spain travel deals for your money, and also help you to enjoy your time in Spain a lot more.  In fact, I think this advice will be helpful to you when you want to save money on travel to other places as well.

What I would like to discuss with you today is my preferred method of travel structure when on holiday.  I want to suggest that in order to get the best Spain travel deals, you should pick one specific area of the country to explore on any one holiday, and plan your tour of this area in a way that has you enjoying the kinds of sites and activities that really match up your your personal preferences.

A quick example should make this quite clear.  I have mentioned on the blog a number of times, that I enjoy visiting historical sites of interest whenever I take a trip.  Aside from making the rounds at such places, I also enjoy a nice beach holiday, as Spain has a lot to offer for the beach lover.

If I were asked to recommend a destination in Spain for someone with similar kinds of interests, I would probably point them toward Granada.  I said in a previous post that I believe the Alhambra to be one of Spain’s most impressive and historically important sites.  Indeed, no history lover would want to miss it.  Granada would also be a nice choice because of its close proximity to the beach resort town of Mortil.  I feel that Mortil offers one of the best Spain travel deals for a day trip from Granada, because it can be reached by bus in less than two hours, and the cost to get there should be no more than 5 Euros.

So, for me, a few days touring Granada, combined with some time at the beach in Mortil, would make for a nice holiday for two reasons.  Firstly, the trip would offer something that peaks two of my interests when it comes to travel.  Secondly, I would really have time to see both places well because I would not be trying to cover too much ground in one trip.

Now, I realize that many people, particularly those on their first visit to Spain, may be tempted to try and cover many cities at once.  Indeed, if you have never seen Europe before, you may be tempted to try and see many countries in one trip.

This is understandable, but not recommended.  I have found that when traveling in Spain or anywhere else, you don’t really get to know anyplace better unless you have time to see it in some depth.  Also, you can’t expect to get the best Spain travel deals, if you are spending a lot of time and money moving from place to place.  In addition to spending a lot on transport, you’ll have less time to get to know where the best deals are in each city you visit.

So, try to find one city or area that peaks your interests (this blog can help you there), then make that the base for your Spain holiday.  You’ll get to know the place better, and save money in the process.

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In a previous post, I told you about some great Spain travel deals being offered by a beachfront Hotel in Nerja.  In that article, I expressed my opinion that the town of Nerja is a still a bit neglected by many tourists, and I promised to share with you some information about a few of the best things to do in Nerja.

In this p0ost, I want to discuss some Spain tourist attractions in the town that I think will be of real interest to those who enjoy natural sites. 

I’ll start with a beautiful attraction in the center of the town known as, Balcon de Europa, or the Balcony of Europe.  There you’ll find a man made outlook built on a beautiful cliff that overlooks the sea.  Local tales state that the cliff itself got the title of Balcon de Europa when King Alfonso XII of Spain visited the area, and was moved by the beautiful view.  Accordingly, a statue of the king now stands at the site.

I would say that the balcon is certainly one of the best Spain tourist attractions for photographers, and lovers of natural beauty.  It offers wonderful views of the rocky coastline below the cliff, and a crystal clear view of the water for some distance.  There are also beautiful views of the Aljimara Mountains, and the palms around the cliff.

As a lover of historical sites, I am also intrigued by the fact that a Moorish castle stood on this cliff in the ninth century, and was later replaced by a fort that remained on the site for several hundred years.  One can imagine what striking views those residing in these structures must have had.

If you’re intrigued by natural Spain tourist attractions, the caves of Nerja are also a must see during your visit to the town.  The beautiful and extensive cave complex was discovered in the late 1950’s, and has a rich history dating to prehistoric times.

Archeological studies have revealed that humans were using the complex as a shelter as early as 25,000 BC.  Over time, tribes of prehistoric hunters began to use the caves as a year=round shelter.  This practice would continue until the Bronze Age.

Today, you can visit the caves to see paintings done by prehistoric inhabitants, and an impressive number of items discovered during archeological digs at the site.  Interestingly, one of the chambers which are open to the public is also used for several festivals and concerts, due to the natural acoustic effects which are produced. 

If you want to see areas of the cave which are generally not open to the public, it is possible to join a tour led by professional spelunkers. 

Access to the cave complex will cost you a very reasonable 6 Euros (discounts are available for children, elderly, and groups).  This makes the complex one of the best Spain travel deals for the naturalist on holiday in Nerja. 

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For this article, I want to let you know about the very reasonable Spain travel deals on offer for a room at the Riu Monica hotel in Nerja.  I am bringing you this review today not only because the hotel in question is an excellent value, but because I believe the town of Nerja is greatly underappreciated.  While the town has certainly built itself up around tourism in recent years, I feel that more tourists should consider Nerja when selecting a holiday destination in Spain.  I will be bringing you more articles about Nerja in the future, in an effort to show you what the city has to offer. 

For now, let me tell you a bit more about Riu Monica.  The first big draw for this hotel is that it is located right on Playa de la Torrecilla, just far enough outside of Nerja’s city center to offer you a quiet stay in a relaxed environment.  You’ll have fantastic access to the beach anytime you wish to go, and you can easily book a room that has great views of the water. 

Its prime location aside, the hotel has a lot of other things to offer.  The rooms here are spacious and modern with television and air conditioning available.  You’ll be pleased to find that everything here is very tidy, as the cleaning staff visits rooms daily.  Additionally, you also have the option to hire the use of a safe in your room for added security, 

Another reason why Riu Monica can be seen as one of the best Spain travel deals in Nerja is the fact that it offers quality dining for guests.  You can eat wonderful buffet style meals at the restaurant that always includes a wide variety of quality local food among the choices.  Indeed, the offerings are extensive enough here that you should have no trouble finding cuisine you will enjoy.

If you do choose to dine elsewhere, the fact that this hotel is just a short walk from central Nerja means that other restaurants and stores are close at hand.  There is a bus stop located conveniently close to the grounds if you decide you want to go into town via public transport. 

When you’re back at Riu Monica, you will find that you can enjoy a swim in either the indoor or outdoor pool.  Both are clean and inviting, and the outdoor pool offers a lot of space for those who just want to sunbathe. 

There is also a gym available for guest use, a beautiful hotel garden, and daily entertainment for both children and adults. 

When you want to keep in touch with those back home, you can access the internet in the reception area for a small fee.  Should you require anything else, I think you’ll find that the staff here is very hands on and eager to please. 

Taking all this account, along with the fact that nightly prices average just over 67 Euro ($100 USD), I think you find this place is a great choice. 

Thanks for visiting Spain Travel Deals Blog, and please check back soon for more information about vacationing in Spain.

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In this article I want to give you some details about a site that will help you to do a bit of comparison shopping when looking for the best Spain travel deals.  The site I am referring to is called Travel Grove (www.travelgrove.com).

Now, most of us who have traveled by air have seen some of the websites that allow you to check airline ticket prices that are being advertised by different companies.  By doing this, they save you the effort of going to each company’s site individually to check for the best offers.

Travel Grove does this as well.  So, if you visit the site, you will be able to check with a number of the major ticket brokers to find the best Spain travel deals they offer for your flight.  However, what makes Travel Grove special when compared to other sites offering a similar service is the fact that they allow you to comparison shop for every other aspect of your trip as well.

In, other words, you will be able to use Travel Grove to search a number of major hotel booking sites, in order to find the cheapest price for a room.  After doing that, you can shop around for the cheapest car rental company.  All you need to do when looking for deals for any particular facet of your trip, is type where and when you are going, and tell Travel Grove which of the major booking sites you want it to search for deals.

If you are planning a cruise based vacation, there is also a facility on the site to search among several different cruise lines to find the best offers.

Another nice feature on Travel Grove is the deals page.  Just click the deals tab, and enter in your destination in the search box.  If you want the best Spain travel deals that the site can currently find, you could just enter Spain in the search, and then see where in the country you can get the best offers.  If you have already made a definite decision about where in Spain you want to travel, you can also enter a city name in the search box for a more focused list of offers.

Finally, check out the quick reference travel guides that are available on Travel Grove to get an introduction to Spain, and anyplace else you might want to visit during your holiday.

As a final piece of advice for this article about getting the best travel deals, I highly recommend that you also check out the great offer on the sidebar of this blog.  The product listed there will show you some lesser known ways for getting good deals (particularly on airline rickets).

In the interest of full disclosure, the sidebar product is an affiliate offer, so if you do purchase it through any link on this site, I will receive a commission for the sale.

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I have written quite a lot on this blog already about how and where to find the best Spain travel deals when looking at accommodation and dining options.  This is because these two elements of travel generally account for the largest part of your financial outlay on any holiday.  That being said, there are some ways to save money on many of the activities you do while in Spain.  Indeed, it is possible for tourists to find discounts on everything from sightseeing, to shopping, to enjoying a night out at a local club.

In this article, I want to discuss the Spain travel deals that can be had on a visit to the Spanish capital, when you choose to purchase the Madrid Card.  I will do my best to outline for you what this card does and does not offer, and give my opinion as to when it represents the best value for a traveler.

First of all, the Madrid card is a discount card for tourists that will get you into a number of attractions and events in Madrid for free.  It will also save you some money when you choose to purchase various products and services that are generally of interest to tourists. 

Tourist sites are definitely the places that offer the greatest number of deals for Madrid Card holders.  Indeed, you will be given free access to several dozen museums, and other areas of cultural significance in Madrid.  The types of museums offering free access are quite varied, so there is certainly something for everyone in that respect.  In my opinion, there are several sites granting free entry which I think represent the highlights of the Madrid Card’s offerings. 

For art lovers, the Prado Museum is not to be missed.  While in the capital, the royal palace, and royal monasteries are also must see destinations.  As someone who is keenly interested in historical sites, I would put the Nation al Anthropology Museum on my list of top destinations as well.  It has exhibits encompassing the full scope of Spanish history.

As I have already briefly mentioned, the card offers Spain travel deals on more than just tourist sites.  You can save at nearly 50 restaurants, about 20 clubs, and a number of car rental companies among other things. 

Now, do be aware that the card does not get you any discounts for public transport (although there are other discounts available for this that we will discuss later).  However, it does give you free access to a sightseeing tour bus which I highly recommend.  Using the bus, you will save time visiting sites, and help you get the full value out of the card. 

You can purchase a Madrid Card that is valid for 1-3 days at tourist information centers throughout Madrid, or purchase it online.   Prices range from 47 to 74 Euros ($70 to $110 USD).

I hope you found this article useful.  Come back again soon for more Spain travel deals and information.

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Typically when I am recommending restaurants which I feel offer the best Spain travel deals for tourists to any Spanish city, I generally try to refer them to the best options for local cuisine.  I feel that one of the most enjoyable things about any international holiday, is having the opportunity to sample the foods that a country is most known for.  That being said, I realize that travelers do have their favorite dining preferences, and they may want to look for a specific variety of cuisine while in Spain.

For this reason, I want to tell you about a particular Chinese restaurant that I think offers excellent Spain travel deals for your money.  The establishment I am referring to is the China Garden restaurant at Avenida Doctor Severo Ochoa, 2 in Benidorm. 

Now there are quite a few Chinese restaurants in Benidorm, but I have yet to find one that offers food at such a high level of quality for such low costs to the customer.  When you visit this restaurant for the first time, you will notice that they have quite an extensive, and varied menu.  This is always a plus for me when selecting a restaurant, especially if I am dining with friends or family.  Such a large menu means that you will find something to suit every taste at China Garden.  If you are not very familiar with Chinese cuisine, the restaurant can also be very enjoyable as it affords you the opportunity to sample such a good variety of foods.

If you’re looking for low cost options, be sure to check out the set menu items  at China Garden.  I find these options particularly impressive as they include several courses with a half bottle of wine for around five Euros.  Such a good price is fairly unusual for a resort town like Benidorm.  Even if you don’t order from the set price menu, you are unlikely to spend more than 10 Euros per person for an evening  here.

What makes this restaurant an even more attractive dining option is the staff.  They help to create a very inviting, and laid back atmosphere for the restaurant.  They also seem to remain upbeat and attentive to each individual customer regardless of how large the evening crowd is.  (I will say, this place does seem to be full most of the time, and you will find that many locals recommend it for visitors).  When looking for the best Spain travel deals at restaurants or for anything else, I have found that the opinion of locals is often the best indicator of how good an establishment is apt to be. 

So, in short, upon taking into account the quality of food and service, the special attention that is taken to ensure that you have a good dining experience, and the low price of a meal, I would recommend China Garden to any tourist to Benidorm.  The restaurant offers some of the best Spain travel deals for a Chinese meal that you are likely to find in the city.

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In any list of Europe’s best attractions, the Alhambra will almost certainly appear near the top.  I would say that it is by far the best of the Spain tourist attractions that a visitor to Granada will find.  Indeed, if you are in southern Spain, this is one sight you can’t afford to miss.

For those that aren’t familiar with the Alhambra as yet, it is a large palace and fortress complex, perched atop a hill overlooking Granada.  Built largely in the fourteenth century, this sprawling structure served as a home for Muslim rulers in Granada, during a period of time when Christianity was becoming a much more powerful force in Spain. 

The Alhambra complex is a place of majestic atmosphere, populated with many ornate palaces and looming towers that offer fantastic views of the city below.  The architectural and artistic elements in each area of the Alhambra complex makes for an awe inspiring visit. 

You will be particularly impressed with the Patio de los Leones.  This courtyard area is home to twelve beautifully carved lion figures surrounding a central fountain.  All around this area are beautiful pillars and colored tiles that make the Alhambra such an amazing place to visit.

This area of Alhambra is part of the Nasrid Palace, perhaps the most popular and exquisite area of the structure.  This palace alone serves to make the Alhambra one of the best Spain tourist attractions in the southern part of the country.  Throughout this section be sure to take note of the ornate arches, and finely crafted carvings you will find.  (Do keep in mind  that because this palace is so popular, you will be allotted a specific time to view it when purchasing your ticket).

The Generalife Gardens of the Alhambra offer another wonderful element to your tour which you can’t afford to miss.  The greenery here is beautiful, and gives the gardens area its own special atmosphere.  The rushing of fountains that you will hear while visiting the garden area only heightens this atmosphere. 

As a side note, if you are particularly interested in viewing the gardens, they are generally at their best in the early summer.

One final thing to keep in mind when planning a visit to the Alhambra has to do with ticketing and arrival time.  You do have the option to purchase tickets online; however, you might also choose to buy them at the ticket office so you can be sure that you won’t miss your time slot for the Nasrid Palace.  If you do plan to purchase on site, I recommend getting to the complex  as early as possible to maximize the time you have to spend at Alhambra.

Finally, if you are still looking for Spain travel deals on hotel accommodation for your time in Granada, I encourage you to take a look at one of my earlier posts which highlighted a nice centrally located option.

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I realize that many of the people who are likely to visit this site are undoubtedly looking for Spain travel deals in well traveled  areas of the country.  They may want to enjoy one of Spain’s many beaches, or just take in some of the best sights.  For this reason, I have decided to put together a post about accommodation in another Spanish resort town that is popular with tourists.  Today, I want to let you know about the Terralta Apartment complex in Benidorm.

The complex offers visitors a quiet stay in a suburban residential area that is still well connected with the main tourist areas of Benidorm.  A walk from the property to the old town area should take you no more than 20-25 minutes.  That being said, I will caution you that the complex sits on top of a sizable hill.  The walk should still be no problem for most, but those with any mobility issues might find it more difficult.  Luckily, if you’re not up for the trek, a bus stops right outside the complex and taxis are also close at hand.

I have decided to profile this accommodation for a number of reasons.  Firstly, rental properties can often offer better Spain travel deals than hotels, especially for those traveling with a larger group.  Second, this place offers a more peaceful alternative to a city center stay. 

The rooms at the Terralta complex are well maintained and frequently cleaned.  I think you will also find that they are surprisingly spacious, making the place an even better deal for the money.  Each apartment has a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave for preparing small meals.  There is also satellite television in the apartments, and you’ll have a balcony from which you can enjoy the outdoors and surrounding scenery.

There are two very well maintained swimming pools on the grounds.  The pool area is staffed with a lifeguard throughout the day, and is spacious enough for guests to really enjoy sunbathing.  It is also nice that one of the pools is kept as adults only so that older guests can have a more relaxing experience. 

In addition to the pools, there is fairly reasonably priced bar and cafe on the grounds, if you want to dine in.  You will also find an on-site convenience store, with a larger grocery store easily reachable by bus. 

More restaurants and a wide variety of entertainment can also be reached with a few minutes bus ride, or on foot.  You will be pleased to see that Lavante beach is within easy reach as well. 

If you’re looking for more things to do on the site, you can also enjoy the fitness area, and a games room.  There is entertainment for families traveling with children as well.

Other services worth a mention are the on-site laundry facilities, internet access (3 Euro/hour), and paid parking facilities. 

With apartments renting for about 47 Euro ($70 US dollars) per night for two people, this complex offers very reasonable Spain travel deals for your stay in Benidorm.  You can find this reasonably priced accommodation at Avenidada de Nicaragua, 44 in Benidorm.

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If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife, in the area of Playa de las Americas, then you can find some excellent Spain travel deals for a room at Parque Santiago III.  This resort with apartment style lodgings is  a great place to stay for those who want to be right on the beach (Note: There are several Parque Santiago complexes, so be sure to book number 3 if you want a beachfront stay). 

The apartments at this complex are very well maintained.  The rooms are kept clean, and the staff is very diligent about helping guests with whatever they may need.  Employees here are English speaking, and do everything they can to ensure that the resort itself is well kept. 

This accommodation is particularly well suited for families traveling with their children.  You have a number of apartment sizes to choose from here.  Studio apartments sleep up to two people, or you can select something with up to four bedrooms, so that your entire family can stay comfortably.  All apartments enjoy satellite television and kitchen facilities (studios have a kitchenette).  However, if you want to dine out there are a good number of restaurants on the grounds.  This makes Parque Santiago 3 one of the better Spain travel deals for a beachfront stay, as you can meet all your dining needs without leaving the property.

Food options at the resort include establishments serving local island dishes, Spanish cuisine, Italian, and Chinese food.  There are also various cafe style eateries where you can by snacks and drinks, including some poolside options.

With regard to the pools,, they are large and well maintained with ample space for sunning.  There is a separate pool for children, and a water park that is always supervised by members of staff.  There are also playground facilities on the property.

Another nice addition to this resort is an onsite mall with over 150 different shops.  This is quite nice for guests should their happen to be a day of bad weather during your stay.

If you do want to venture away from the resort at any time, there are many good restaurants in the area, as well as clubs for nightly entertainment.

If Parque Santiago sounds like the right place for your holiday, you can find it at Avda. Litoral s/n in Playa de las Americas.  Rates for studio apartments can be as low as 50 Euros (75 USD) per day.  So, if you are looking for Spain travel deal on a beach holiday, I think you’ll find this an excellent choice. 

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One of the goals I have for this blog is that it should offer you  information about as many notable Spain tourist attractions as possible.  Today, I would like to start this off by telling you about Castillo de Loarre in Huesca Provence, Spain.  Located less than an hour by train from Madrid, Huesca and the castle make an unforgettable side trip if you are based in the capital.

Being a fan of historical attractions myself, I would highly recommend a visit to Loarre Castle.  With its construction started in the eleventh century, Loarre is the oldest fortress castle complex in Spain.  It is remarkable how well this structure has stood the test of time.  Indeed, two of the rowers which still stand on the grounds today are from the first period in Loarre’s construction.

Considering that they date back to about the fourteenth century, the imposing outer walls of the fortress, and their accompanying towers are equally impressive.  The historical significance of the complex has long been recognized.  A major restoration of the castle, took place in the early nineteenth century, and there have been a number of other campaigns which were undertaken to preserve the structure in more recent times.  More than a century ago, the castle became one of Spain’s national monuments, and it remains a popular attraction today.

Some of the contemporary interest in Loarre Castle can no doubt be attributed to its presence in film.  (Several scenes from the popular 2005 movie Kingdom of Heaven were filmed on the grounds).  Hollywood’s interest in Loarre Castle will come as no surprise to you once you have had an up close view.  Although the entrance to the complex can be reached by car, I recommend arriving on foot if you are able.  Walking from the village below to the entrance will afford you some great photographic opportunities, and a more atmospheric experience.

Once you arrive at the castle, you can elect to undertake one of the 50 minute guided tours that are offered in several languages (including English), throughout the day.  The price of admission for adults is 2 Euros or 3.50 Euros with guide.  Given the low cost of entry, and the fact that the castle is an easy, and relatively inexpensive side trip from Madrid, I would say that Loarre Castle is one of the more exceptional Spain travel deals in the northern part of the country for tourists interested in historical sightseeing. 

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