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Cape Finisterre, located on the northwestern coast of Galicia, is rugged and beautiful. Having cycled from Santander through beautiful Galicia, I found myself gradually climbing from the town of Fisterra towards Faro de Fisterra. The road leading up to it is popular with Camino walkers who walk the additional 3km from the town to get to "the end of the world". The name "end of the world " was given to the locality by the Romans, and it is this name that has stuck around for all those years. For many pilgrims who complete the Camino de Santiago, Cabo Fisterra is their journey's end. A lot of these pilgrims used to burn their belongings here in order to purify themselves and leave behind anything they don’t want to carry anymore. Nevertheless, the authorities prohibited for safety and environmental reasons. The route towards the lighthouse gradually climbs providing you with the most spectacular views. Along the route is a statue of a pilgrim (La Peregrina) which is a popular spot for those perfect photo opportunities.
The lighthouse is the most famous one in Galicia, not just because of its name, but also of its stunning scenery. Where we call the area stunning, it is also known as Costa da Morte because of the huge amount of ship wrecks. The lighthouse, sitting high above the Ocean, provides stunning views of the Galician coastline. Arriving at the lighthouse, there is ample parking space for the many visitors who are there to admire the views. The lighthouse itself was built in 1853 to guide the boats that were passing this dangerous stretch of coastline. The area is dangerous not just because of the the many sharp rocks, but also of the fog that makes visibility as good as zero. Because of this, a siren was installed in 1889 that alerted vessels. This siren was known as the Vaca de Fisterra (Fisterra's cow) and was designed to emit two strident noises every minute with a range of 25 nautical miles. The foghorn's distinctive sound became a local legend, contributing to the rich cultural history and folklore of the area. Nowadays, the foghorn isn't operational anymore, mainly because ships being fitted with modern navigation tools.
Faro de Fisterra is also a popular destination to watch those magnificent sunsets.
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The museum of history of Catalonia is located in the former General Trade warehouses, a fabulous building in Barcelona's old industrial port. Nowadays, the area is a great place to relax, with many restaurants and bars surrounding the museum. With Barcelona organizing the Olympic Games back in 1992, the decision was made to open a museum in this fabulous building that would educate visitors on the rich history of Catalonia. The museum takes you on a journey through Catalonia's history, starting in prehistoric times going the whole way through the historical timeline to our times. The visit starts on the second floor.
2nd floor: Starting from the Palaeolithic area the whole way to the 18th Century, discover what life was like in Catalonia. From the medieval castles to the monasteries, admire the many displays. The displays are structured in four subject areas:
3rd floor: The third floor takes you on a journey through the contemporary era, the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. This floor is structured again in four areas:
Ground floor & first floor On these floors, you find temporary exhibitions, a bookstore and souvenir shop.
4th floor: On the 4th floor, you find the 1881 Restaurant which offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Located around the stunning large outdoor terrace, site down and enjoy the stunning views of the Barcelona skyline while enjoying some of the freshest seafood. Other information: Website: Inici - Museu d'Història de Catalunya Entrance: Permanent exhibition “The Memory of a Country”General admission: 6 euros Reduced admission: 4 euros Temporary exhibitionGeneral admission: 4 euros Reduced admission: 3 euros Combined ticket (permanent exhibition + 1 temporary)General admission: 8 euros Reduced admission: 6 euros Combined ticket (permanent exhibition + 2 temporary)General admission: 12 euros Reduced admission: 8 euros Note: When we visited, it was the first Sunday of the month. This means free entrance to many of Barcelona's museums, including the museum of history of Catalonia The Port Vell Aerial tram (Teleférico del puerto) in Barcelona connects Miramar (Montjuic) with Port Vell, Barcelona's old harbour. The aerial tram first opened in 1931 and has since been providing passengers with stunning views of the city and the port. The route brings you from Miramar (57m) located on Montjuic via the middle tower (Torre Jaume 1 - 107m) to the port destination Torre Sant Sabastia (86m) over a distance of 1292 meters. It takes about 10 minutes to cover this distance providing you with stunning views. Designed in 1926 by Carles Buigas, the tramway was meant to be an attraction at the 1926 Barcelona International expo, but due to its size was only completed by 1931. The entire tramway fell into disrepair during the Spanish civil war and at one stage, plans were put in place to demolish the structure all together. The tramway got a second lease of life in 1960 when it got reopened, first the restaurant on top of Torre Sebastia followed 2 years later by Torre Jaume 1. Again , numerous new owners and the lack of income meant that the tramway once more closed down.
In 1996, Barcelona decided to redevelop Port Vell and to build the world trade centre. This new construction pushed the city to renovate and reopen the tramway once more. Nowadays, it is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions who all want to make a spin across the harbour. More info: Website: telefericodebarcelonaen - Barcelona cable car Cost: oneway: €12.5 return: €20 (keep in mind that this needs to be paid separately , it's not part of the travel card you can by in Barcelona for unlimited travel on public transportation) Tip: We took the tramway from Miramar direction Port Vell and walked back to the city centre. Port vell is a lively district with many restaurants and bars, a fabulous beach and the museum of history of Catalonia.
For anybody who reads our adventures, you all know we love those Spanish food markets. Recently, we found ourselves in Mercat de la Boqueria, a stunning colourful market located in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona. The market came into existence in 1217 as a meat market, and has grown into one of Barcelona's main tourist attractions. The current market hall dates back to 1840 and was built on the site of the former Convent de Sant Josep that was destroyed by a fire in the early 19th Century. Walking into the market, you can't but admire the striking stained-glass Modernista gate and metal roof that were added at a later stage. Once you enter the market, you are greeted by the freshest locally sourced ingredients that are displayed on the overflowing counters. From cheese to seafood, from vegetables to olives, you can find it all at the market
The best time to visit the market is early morning when the local restaurateurs buy their ingredients from the stall holders and the tourists are just not there yet. Where the market's has been plagued by over tourism, we would advise to arrive at 8am when the market opens and enjoy the stalls, the chatting and the tasting to its fullest. Once you bypass the central tourist-focused stalls selling colourful juices kept cool by ice, ... that is when you start discovering the stalls selling local classics like percebes from Galicia, jamon from Extremadura,.... The cheese stalls are so tempting, especially for a cheese-lover like myself. There is even a stall selling nothing else than eggs, but the amount of variation on offer is just stunning.
Another part to the market are the many tapa bars where you can taste some of the freshest ingredients. These bars are popular for lunch or just a light snack. You be doing well finding a seat, but you always do in the end. Sample some cured ham, try some of the local cheeses or just enjoy a drink. In Barcelona, there are many other markets worth a visit. a) Mercat de la Concepció: Located in the heart of the Eixample district, it hosts food related events and workshops. b) Mercat de Sants: Located in the Sants district, this lively market is housed in a stunning brick building in the Modernista style. c) Mercat de la Merce: Located in the north of the city, it has a great offering of fish stalls. A typical local market with friendly stallholders. d) Mercat de la Barceloneta: This is the seafood market to visit. From its fine restaurants to its tapas bars, it's a great market to visit. These are only a few of the markets in Barcelona, there are plenty more in the city.
Navigating around Monda for the first time in the dark isn't easy. We had arrived in Malaga airport with a three hour delay due to heavy rainfall in October '24, and after those delays we rolled into Monda at 11pm. With one of the main streets being worked on and many streets being one-way traffic streets, we ended up touring around the town numerous times . And it must be said that many of Monda's streets are narrow. Finally, we were able to find our hosts at the agreed rendezvous point. But that was just our initial impression of Monda, after a few days , we were well familiar with the network of one-way streets and navigated around it as swiftly as the locals. So welcome to Monda, a small town in the mountains just inland from the Costa Del Sol. With a population of less than 2000, you are off the beaten track away from the busy tourist resorts. The town is overlooked by Castillo de Monda, a hotel that sits atop a three covered hill where once stood the Moorish castle named Castillo de Al-Mundat. The town doesn't receive many tourists, and the few bars and restaurants are frequented by locals. Things to do in Monda: 1. Plaza de la Ermita: The central square of Monda has a few bars and is a meeting point for the locals. It is here that you find the monument of the miner, a life-size bronze sculpture representing a cisquero. The cisqueros used to transform oak wood/cork wood into charcoal
2. Fountains: Monda's history has always been closely linked to water. In Andalusian times, the Muslims developed and exploited this vital resource. In Monda, they developed four spring fed fountains and public wash houses which in turn fed beautiful orchards downstream. Laundry & Fountain La Jaula La Fuente and Lavadero de La Jaula are located in the centre of the town. The fountain dates from the 16th century and owe their name to the Arabic term al-Haura, which means “the outskirts”. It is located in a hollow of the La Lucía stream, which runs through Monda. The fountain was restored in the 18th century. Fountain De La Villa: In the direction of the municipality of Guaro, there is another fountain that has provided water to the town for centuries. This fountain has three cast iron pipes that protrude from a whitewashed wall to pour water into a long pillar that served as a trough for cattle. Fountain Mea Mea: This modest fountain was moved to its current location due to the town expanding around the 1890's. , which once stood at the lower end of Calle Marbella. Fountain La esquina: This is a small 19th century fountain, topped by an iron cross. This three spouted fountain has provided drinking water to the village for more than 500 year. Animals watered here and water was collected for all domestic activities, cooking, cleaning,washing,... It is located in a small square building with four water fountains.
3. Casa Museo Marigloria: The Marigloria house museum is an old traditional house that is very well preserved by its owner. Within the museum, you ca admire a large collection of traditional tools from the countryside and rural life. The house itself displays traditional Andalusian architecture with its whitewashed walls, windows and balconies decorated with bright coloured flowers that fill the air with its fragrance and a gable roof covered in Maroccan tiles. Within the detailed rooms within the museum, it appears as if time has stood still. An old bedroom with its wrought-iron bed, the kitchen with its bread oven and the traditional Andalusian patio with a stable full of farming tools show the traditional way of life of a typical Andalusian town.  4. Walking: The area around Monda lends itself perfect for walking and hiking. With La Sierra de las Nieves on its doorstep and many paths leading up the hills/mountains around Monda, it's perfect for a short or longer hike. A short walk from the town is The Mirador de la Peragüera, a viewpoint located between the Marbella road and Calle Consejo. From the viewing point you get magnificent panoramic views of the town of Monda in the foreground and the Sierra de las Nieves behind. Another worthwhile walk is towards the old Roman path. It is located on the outskirts of the town, in the direction of Coín, It was the road that connected with the city of Malaka through the Guadalhorce Valley. Products such as oil, cereal and wine were taken to the port to be shipped to other parts of the Roman Empire.
So, when you are staying in one of the Costa Del Sol seaside resorts, venture off the beaten part and discover the beautiful region around Monda.
Avilés is one of Asturias larger cities. This commercial city is nowadays a major iron and steel centre, and many of this industry can be found on the outskirts of Avilés. The city has a long seafaring tradition that goes as far back as medieval times, and up until today, the fish market auctions almost 70% of the fish caught in Asturias. But it is the historic quarter of Avilés that attracts visitors. With its stunning palaces, churches, arcaded houses,... Avilés is often overlooked by tourists but is so worth a visit. The old historic quarter is one of the best preserved ones in Northern Spain with many stunning buildings dotted along the pedestrianized streets. In 1955, the old town was declared a Historic-Artistic site due to the stunning architecture , the interesting shape of the arcades,... Let's have a look at some of the interesting places you should definitely visit during your visit: Plaza de Espana El Parche Plaza de Espana El Parche is the historic center of Avilés. This main square, which dates back to the 17th century, came into existence when the walled town of Avilés started outgrowing the walls due to demographic pressure. During that period, the square was opened up with the construction of three important buildings: the Municipal palace or city hall, the Llano Ponte Palace and the Ferrera palace. Some of Aviles main streets start from the square which nowadays is used for local celebrations such as feasts and processions, but also for relaxing and people watching from one of the many restaurants or cafes. Fuente de los Canos de San Fransisco This unusual but historically significant fountain is located in Plaza Carbayo nearby the church of Saint Nicholas of Bari. The fountain has a front panel with six spouts of human heads from which water flows into a rectangular basin. There are three shields above the heads, two from Avilés with the royal coat of arms in the centre. Built in the 16th century, this public fountain provided domestic water to the local inhabitants, but over time transformed into a social hub where people would gather while washing clothes or collecting water.
Palacio of Valdecarzana: The palace with its gothic style was built in the 14th and 15th centuries by a wealthy merchant as a private residence. It's the oldest civil building in Asturias and was in 1997 rehabilitated so that it could be used as the Municipal Archive of Avilés. Nowadays, the building is also used for many activities like literary presentations, concerts, film screenings,... Galiana street: Calle Galiana is one of Avilés most popular streets which stands out with its popular architecture of porticoed houses. Underneath the arcades, you can see two types of floor, one paved for animals and one with smooth paving slabs for people. Nowadays, you can enjoy a refreshing drink on one of the many terraces underneath the houses. An interesting thing is that between house number 40 and 44, you can see some holes in the ceiling. These served as a peepholes so that occupants could see who was at the door.
Iglesia de San Nicholas de Bari: The church, which dates back to the 13th century, was built as part of the monastery of the order of San Fransisco. Where it was built outside the walls of the walled citadel, there have been numerous modifications over the centuries making the building into what it is today. Plaza del Carbayedo: This area was once a wooded area, and nowadays it is still a green square with large trees providing shelter from the Asturian sunshine. Until the mid 20th century, it was used as a cattle fair. The animal trough can still be seen as it was transformed into a fountain. Also present is a barn (Horreo) , which is a typical agricultural structure you find in Asturias. The reason these barns are raised from the ground is to preserve the stored food by protecting it from rodents and humidity.
Museum of Urban History of Avilés:
To learn more about Avilés, head to the museum of urban History where you can admire a large exhibition about the history of the city. Spread across three floors, it shows the evolution of Avilés since prehistoric time. Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Center: Next to the estuary, you will find the well-known Niemeyer Centre, a cultural centre designed by the Brazilian Óscar Niemeyer that takes centre stage in the city’s landscape due to the contrast of its modern architecture. The site comprises several buildings including an auditorium, an observatory tower, an exhibition hall, a cinema, and a restaurant. So, when you find yourself with a couple of hours spare in Asturias, we highly recommend visiting this stunning city. The Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema is located between the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. The parque was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1977. As one of Spain's most spectacular kastic areas, the area is marked by deep gorges, mountains and stunning forests. But it is what lies beneath the surface what makes this area so special. With a vast complex of underground rivers, cavities and galleries, it is here where you find some of Spain's largest cave systems. With all these caves, it is here that you find one of the largest colonies of bats in Europe. We started our trip into the parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema from Zahara de la Sierra following the CA-9104. This road zigzags its way higher and higher into the natural park. Along the road is a stunning viewpoint called "Mirador Puerto de los Acebuches" that provides you with stunning views towards Embaise de Zahara el Gastor.
The area is rich in flora and fauna. From Mediterranean firs to oak forests, the area is rich in flora with almost 1300 species being found in the area. Some are exclusive to the area, like the poppy of Grazalema and some Geraniums. As to the fauna, you can spot mountain goats, otters, marten, badgers,... Griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and eagles soar high in the sky looking for their next prey.
The lively town of Grazalema is located within the park, and the village its steep cobbled streets are immaculate. The whitewashed houses are beautifully decorated with flowers and wrought-iron rejas while the many restaurants and bars have inviting outdoor seating areas. The town is the highest and most mountainous one in the province of Cadiz, but also the rainiest one. On the day when we visited , the weather was stunning.
I had planned to visit Corsica for a long time, and the decision was made to visit Corsica by bicycle and cross the island from North to South. Having already cycled from Girona (Spain), I arrived early at the port in Marseille. Checking in with Corsica Linea is very easy. You cycle/ or drive towards the ticket booth and hand over your documentation and passport. In return, you receive a few documents for you to use on the ferry. The ticket for the crossing is actually cheap, with a price in the month May around 40euro. This off course doesn't include a vehicle or room. I opted for the crossing, a bicycle (€12), a room with shower/ toilet and window (around €70) and a three-course dinner (€34.9). It is advisable to book your meal in advance as it is cheaper than paying for the meal on the ferry. Also, where there is no need to book a room, we would advise to get a bed so you get a decent rest. If you book a room and a meal, you get tickets for both together with your embarkation voucher at check-in. I decided to skip the terminal and start queuing between the cars. Once we got closer to departure, cars, motorbikes and bicycles were allowed to progress towards the ship. Bicycles and motorbikes were allowed to embark first. A special room is available to store the bikes safely. Leaving the deck behind and heading upwards a few decks, I followed the signs towards my room. A simple keypad provides you with access to your room. The bedroom: Where there are different types of sleeping options ranging from a chair to a deluxe bedroom with double bed, I had opted for the room with bathroom and window. The room had two comfortable beds and a television where the bathroom provides you with a shower and toilet. For your convenience, the room is supplied with bottles of water and some soap/shampoo in the bathroom. At night, the ship tends to be very quiet and a good night rest is provided.
The ferry leaves Marseille around 6pm and arrives the next morning in Bastia around 8pm. Leaving Marseille is just fabulous, and i would highly recommend to head one of the outdoor decks to admire the city and its surrounding coastline. One of the first views you get upon the ship's departure is that of Fort Saint-Jean, Vieux Port de Marseille and Palais Du Pharo. On the other site, you pass Frioul Archipelago, a group of four islands located of Marseille. The entire evening, the ferry keeps following the French coastline passing places like Parc National des calanques and Toulon to eventually start its crossing to Corsica.
The restaurant on the ship is large and can easily cater for a huge number. When you arrive 10 minutes before the restaurant opens, there tend to be a line forming already. I went about 10 minutes after the restaurant opening and got a seat almost immediately. The menu is varied with plenty of starters, main courses and desserts. It needs to be noted that this is not a self-service restaurant , but that you actually gets service at your table. I opted for the meat platter followed by seabass. As desert, i enjoyed a delicious cheese table. On the ship is also a bar where you can also order some small snacks and sandwiches.
After a great meal and some TV, I decided to go to bed early enough. After a quiet night, I arrived refreshed in Bastia where the cyclists were allowed to embark first. The terminal in Bastia is actually right in the city, so you can straightaway admire some of the landmarks in the city.
I knew I had to get to Calvi that day, so the early departure was handy. It meant starting the day with a climb up Col de Teghime (536 meter). All by all, if you are looking for a relaxed start to your holiday, the ferry might just be the way to travel to Corsica. The Forêt d'Aïtone is a stunning piece of nature on Corsica. The forest of a diverse range of pines is located at a height of 800 to 2000 meters and covers an area of 24 square kilometers. A recommended route is to follow the road from Porto to Évisa, a stunning road that gradually climbs higher and higher towards the beautiful village of Évisa. Located at the western part of the forest, Évisa is surrounded by chestnut trees. And these chestnut trees form the basis for the annual chestnut Day which is celebrated every November. The chestnuts of this region have a rich flavour and are distinguished from other chestnuts by the fact that they don't have compartments. And it must be said that chestnuts can be found in many Corsican dishes throughout the year. Where i visited this village during early May, it was nice and quiet. But in the summer season, it can get rather busy in the village as it is located at one of the crossroads of many hiking trails,...
Forêt d'Aïtone is the perfect spot to go hiking. With its many walking routes, you can admire the beauty of the area and more than likely bump in some local wild boars or other animals that roam the forest. Walks: a) Sentier des Chataigniers: This linear rail takes you through the heart of the chestnut grove. Along the route are educational panels explaining the history of the chestnut trees since the Genoese times. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.1km). b) Évisa to Ota: this point-to-point path takes you away from Forêt d'Aïtone, but brings you through the stunning Spelunca Gorges. The path runs along streams. (duration approx. 2 hours - 6.4km) c) Mare e Monti / Mare a Mare Nord: Both these long distance path (multi-day hikes) traverse through Évisa and are both stunning routes that bring you along some of Corsica's most stunning scenery.
Another interesting place to visit is the Cascades d'Aïtone, a series of waterfalls where you find the clearest of water, perfect for a refreshing dip in the summer. And when we say, refreshing, it is really refreshing with temperatures never really going above 11 degrees Celcius. The stunning Laricio pines provide great shade in the summer, and climbing higher and higher, you will eventually reach Col de Vergio (Bocca di Verghju) located at a height of 1478 meters making it Corsica's highest paved pass. A good way to reach the col is to cycle from Porto, a 34.5km constant climb with the most stunning views. I done this route in early May, a time when temperatures are not to high and the tourist season is only commencing making the roads much quiet. Still , this route is popular with bikers who tend to travel around Corsica in groups. The climb is never to steep (maximum gradient 6%) making it an easy enough climb, still come prepared with some food and plenty of water.
The stunning Forêt d'Aïtone should be on everyone's bucket list. It doesn't matter if you want to hike, cycle or drive, the area is worthwhile discovering.
The wild beauty of the Dingle Peninsula needs to be seen to be believed. From the stunning coastal road, you're faced with history and stunning beauty. The Atlantic waves pounding and shaping the coastline, the stunning beaches inviting to be discovered and the towns and villages providing you with friendly locals. Driving around the peninsula, take your time to discover the hospitality and scenery the area is famous for. Inch Island: Inch Island juts out into Dingle bay. It is here that you find the stunning blue flag Inch beach backed by a wind swept dune system. The beach is popular with adventure sport fanatics and water lovers in general. Close to the beach is a car park with public toilets and a cafe, accommodation and tourist shop are nearby. Annascaul village nearby inch island is where the young Tom Craen dreamed of far fledged adventures. Eventually, he would serve on three Antarctic expeditions with Shackleton and Scott. When he retired, he ran a pub, but barely ever spoke about his adventures to Antarctica.
Slea Head: The Slea Head Drive is a must when you are visiting the Dingle peninsula. This spectacular route weaves and twists around the coast. Along the route, there are plenty of tourist attractions to keep you occupied. Dun Beag Fort: The fort is dramatically set on a sheer cliff overlooking Dingle Bay. This promontory fort dates to 580BC and is one of the few remaining in Ireland. Excavations within the fort have shown that the fort was primarily occupied between the 8th and 11th Centuries AD, when it was defended by a series of ditches and earthen banks. Within those earthen banks was a substantial stone wall with on the inside steps allowing soldiers to defend the fort during an attack. To discover more, visit Visiting Dun Beag Fort
Fahan Beehive huts: A bit past Dun Beag fort, you'll find the Fahan Beehive huts which were once inhabited by monks during medieval times. Coumeenoole beach: With its pristine golden sand and jagged black cliffs, the beach will leave you spellbound. Enjoy the stunning coastal views or embark on a coastal hike. One thing we can definitely advise is to bring your camera. Dumore Head: The stretch of water between Dunmore Head and the Blasket islands is called Blasket sound. Where Blasket Sound provided ships with a shortcut, it came with its risks. The vessels risked unpredictable tides and offshore rocks. In 1588, at least 5 ships of the Spanish Armada negotiated the rocks at the entrance to Blasket Sound to take shelter. The 'Santa Maria de la Rosa' was less fortunate and hit Stromboli rocks and sinking immediately. The islanders used to cross Blasket Sound using lightweight, canoe-like naomhogs made of tared canvas over a wooden frame. Where small, Naomhogs were used by the people of the Blasket islands as fishing vessels as well as a transport vessel. They were very easy to manoeuvre and handle and would allow closer access to the rocky shoreline.
Dunquin Harbour: With its iconic twisty road that leads down to the harbour, it is a much photographed place along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. From this pier, you can catch the ferry to the deserted Blasket island. Back in the day when the Blasket islands were inhabited, the pier was a lifeline for the islanders. They would transport livestock to the mainland to have it sold at the market in Dingle, the teacher would cross to the island to start a new term or tax collectors would make the sometimes treacherous crossing. During storms, the island could be cut-off from the mainland for weeks on end.
The Blasket visitor Centre After its 2.9 million refurbishment, the Blasket Visitor centre is a must visit. Learn about island life, discover more about the wildlife found around the island,.... To discover more, visit The Great Blasket centre . After your visit to the centre, walk out towards the viewing platform and enjoy the stunning scenery. Each year, there is a competition to become caretaker of the Blasket islands. Your role is to manage the coffee shop and 4 holiday cottages on the Great Blasket Island. This involves meeting and greeting overnight guests, serving tea and coffee to day visitors and ensuring the day to day running are being met. The job is for 6 months (1st April to 01st October) and includes accommodation, food and a wage. Days off are determined by the weather. You could have a week of bad weather with no sailings to the island, or you could have a few weeks of stunning weather.
Clogher Head: Clogher Head has some fantastic views. The enchanting circular bay of Clogher Beach with its small but stunning beach is encased by battered cliffs. In the distance, you can see the three sisters, three hills known as Binn Hanrai, Binn Meanach and Binn Diarmada. Sybil Head was selected as a filming location for the Star Wars movie “The Last Jedi”.
Reask monastic Site: This early medieval monastic site was excavated during the 1970s. The monastery, surrounded by an enclosure wall, contains the remains of a church, some round houses, a workshop , graveyards,... There are also stunning inscribed stones. Gallarus Oratory: The Gallarus Oratory is located a bit further passed the Reask monastic site and is believed to be about 1300 years old. The building is one of Ireland's most iconic buildings. The visitor centre provides a great introduction to the old church. The church itself is the perfect specimen of dry rubble masonary. The roof is formed by the gradual rise of the side walls from the base upwards. For more info, visit Gallarus Oratory, County Kerry
Dingle: Dingle is a colourful town that attracts many tourists throughout the season. For many years, Dingle's most famous local was a dolphin called Fungie. Fungie first appeared in the harbour in 1983 and stayed around until 2020. Unfortunately, Fungie hasn't been seen since. You can still admire his statue near the harbour. Dingle is the place to be if you like great food, brilliant live music and art galleries. Where Dingle has a thriving arts community, there are plenty of galleries around the town.
Conor Pass: If you are visiting Dingle peninsula, it is a must to drive over Conor's pass. It's one of Ireland's highest mountain passes and provides the most stunning scenery. But it comes with a warning, the road is twisty and narrow with some locations only room for one car, so keep your eyes on the road , which is difficult when you have magnificent scenery around each bend. Vehicles over 2 tonnes in weight are prohibited from using the Conor pass. There is a fabulous car park and view point at the top, but hold your door tightly when opening it as it can be very windy. Ice shaped the landscape around this area. Where the glacier covered the area, once it melted around 14,000 years ago, it left a new alpine landscape.
Castlegregory beach: Castelgregory beach is the longest beach along the Wild Atlantic Way. A stunning beach and adventure playground brings you the pristine Atlantic and golden sand.
Casares is a beautiful white washed town in Andalusia, more precise in the province of Malaga. The village was built on a rocky outcrop making some of the streets steep (comfortable shoes advised). The area around Casares is known for its biodiversity and its variety of landscapes. In the area, three different natural areas can be found:
Arriving by car? The easiest way to explore the town is by parking your car somewhere along the MA-8300 rather than driving into the town itself. As an example, there is a large car park nearby the Centro De Educacion Infatil Y Primaria Blas Infante when you enter the town from the coast. From here, a lovely wooden path brings you safely along the MA-8300 providing you with stunning views of Casares along the way.
A network of tiny streets While walking through this pretty village, it is easy enough to get lost in the many narrow streets. But that is not necessary a bad thing. Admire the little patios and gateways, enjoy the colourful flowers,.... Calle Coperas In the 18th century, the street was home to the Coperas Street Kitchens. The name comes from the hollows in the walls which would have been used as street kitchens. The locals would prepare cured meats, sausages and animal fat from slaughtering pigs. Historically, it has been a street where mainly vineyard owners lived.
The main plaza Plaza de Espana is the perfect place to stop for a drink or something to eat in one of the many bars /restaurants and watch the world go by. Nearby Fuente de Carlos III, a beautiful 18th century fountain is the gathering place for the locals. Seated on the many benches enjoying the early morning sun, they share stories and tell each other the latest news. Visit the small 17th century Church of San Sebastian as well.
Blas Infante Cultural centre The 16th Century building is housed in the former Major church of the Incarnation which was constructed on the foundations of the Moorish fortress old mosque. From its Islamic past still remains a part of the minaret in the bell tower. Where the church was in ruins, the building was nicely restored and is nowadays used as a meeting point for cultural events, a library,... The sound of church bells is part of the cultural heritage of casares. With different chimes or ringing, mass was called on special days or the town people were informed of deaths, identifying the deceased person was a woman, man or minor. This task was last carried out by Ana Vargas Mateo, known locally as Ana "La Carla". She learned the trade in her childhood when her father was absent for a period of time. After he returned, she started her work as bell-ringer. She received financial compensation from the town hall for hourly chimes and from the church for religious chimes and from relatives when there was a death.
Castle and Arab walls The construction of the castle dates back to the Arab-Moorish period and was the origin of the town of casares. Built on the top of a rocky massif, you will need to climb to the highest point of the town to admire the castle and the stunning views. The castle built was purely defensive and would have provided an early detection for impeding attackers arriving from Camp de Gibraltar, Ronda and Algeciras due to its magnificent views. The jagged defence walls follow the cragged landscape with the main entrance point still visible in Villa Street and Arrabal street.
Inhabitants of the sky From the castle grounds, take the time to look up to the sky and admire the many birds of prey soaring above the town. The Lesser Kestrel, a small colonial raptor that feeds on insects and small reptiles nests in the nearby church tower. The Griffon vulture is another inhabitant you can see high above the town. This vulture uses the hot air to rise slowly only to come soaring down again.
Casares, declared a Village of Historical and Artistic Importance, is absolutely worth a visit.
Púbol is a medieval village located in the province of Girona. The famous artist Salvador Dali lived at the castle from 1982 to 1984. During that period, he was named Marquis of Dali of Púbol. When you arrive early in this beautiful small town, take the time to wander along the beautiful streets and enjoy the quietness. Later, it gets much busier when the busses arrive with the many tourists. La Plaça Major Historically, the Plaça major (main square) was the main meeting place where the women came to the public wash house do the laundry and later on, the stone bench was built for the cobla (the orchestra that accompanies Sardana dancing) for celebrations and festivals. This square is surrounded by houses with beautiful portals, arches and facades.
Púbol castle Púbol Castle was mentioned in documents as early as the 11th Century. Its current basic structure places it in the second half of the 14th Century and the early 15th Century. Salvador Dali redesigned and customised the castle after his arrival in 1969 with just one person in mind, Gala, his wife and muse. When he gifted the castle to Gala, she laid down a unique condition. Dali wasn't allowed to enter the castle unless he was ivited in writing. Nowadays, the castle houses the Gala Dali Castle museum. Caterina Roma ceramics In a magnificent farmhouse of medieval origin located beside the Gala Dali Castle museum , you find Caterina's work on display in the old animal pens that have been transformed in a stunning exhibition hall. To discover more on Caterina's work, visit Caterina Roma - Ceramics
Sant Pere Church
This 14th century church was one of the richest in the region until the Civil War, when its treasures were destroyed, with the exception of the 15th century Gothic altarpiece by Bernat Martorell. This altar piece is now kept at the Girona Diocesan Museum. The area around Púbol is stunning, so wandering beyond the town is worth it. Admire the hills, forests and fertile fields and visit other medieval gems like Monells (discover more about this medieval town Monells, Catalonia ),.... The coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella is seriously developed, but here and there you still have a natural piece of undeveloped land. One of these places is the Dunas de Artola at Cabopino. This natural dune landscape once spanned the Marbella coastline and covered some 20 kilometers. Currently, it's 1200 metres long and the area was declared a Natural monument in 2001. Within this natural area, there are three different types of dunes. Right on the seafront, you have dunes that move with the northwesterly winds and coastal currents. Further inland, you have the stationary dunes that are covered in vegetation and even further inland, you have the dunes that are covered in a dense pine forest.
The area is perfect for a relaxing day at the beach or an active hike along the many boardwalks. Within the Dunas de Artola, you find the Los Ladrones tower, a defensive military structure. The tower is the tallest watchtower on the Malaga coastline, therefore providing the best views. The tower linked Marbella and Fuengirola during the Nasrid period. Given it's importance, the Catholic Monarchs established a watchtower there and increase its garrison in 1501 to control the Mudejars.
Practical information:
Car park: public parking is available on the esplanade and beside the dunes Dogs: Not allowed on the beach Trail: Sendero Dunas de Artola is a 2.6-km loop trail The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. We arrived early in the morning in Setenil de las Bodegas after a night with continuous thunderstorms. Once we arrived in this unique white village in Andalusia, the sun started to make a welcome appearance. The town, located in the province of Cadiz,is nestled deep within a canyon with many of the houses built within the rocks that overhang the streets. Where the town has been inhabited since prehistoric times, it's during the late Roman and Byzantine occupation the settlement gave structure to the urban layout of Setenil. However, it was during the time of the Nasrids that the Muslims created the settlement we see today. The first advise we will give you is to park your car outside the village and walk around it instead. The further you get into the heart of Setenil de las Bodegas, the narrower the streets become. And by the looks of the many dented cars that drive around the village, even the locals find it though to navigate through these streets. What's special about the houses in Setenil de las Bodegas is that in contrast to other semi-troglodyte dwellings in Andalusia, the inhabitants didn't dig into the rocks, they merely sealed up the naturally-existing recesses. Calle Jaboneria The houses in Calle the Jaboneria are all still inhabited. The caves/overhanging rocks with blackened ceilings were used as shelter as far back as prehistoric times. From this street, there are great views towards La Pena with the remains of the medieval fortress and the Iglesia Mayor.
Calle Cuevas Del Sol Probably the most photographed street in Setenil de la Bodegas. This narrow street located beside the river trejo is typical for the town. The houses are carved into the overhanging rock surface and many are now converted to bars or shops. It's an ideal place to watch the world go by from one of the many tables, most of them receiving sunshine for most of the day.
Calle Herreria This is one of the oldest streets in the town. The houses on either side are adapted to the downward slope of the landscape and many of these houses are carved into the rocks.
An interesting building to visit is the Tourist office. It's located in Antigua Casa Consistorial, a rectangular building that was built in the 16th Century. The building is noteworthy because of its ceiling, a rich coffered ceiling with Mudejar tracery. Climbing higher in the town, you will be rewarded with stunning views across the town. High above the town is Castillo de Setenil de las Bodegas , a ruined castle of which only the keep and the cistern is preserved. The cistern, which is located underneath the castle, consists out of two barrel vaults which are supported by two central pillars and three brick arches. The cistern was used to collect rainwater to supply the fortress. In 1402 John II of Castile tried unsuccessfully to conquer the castle from the Muslims, and from that moment on the town was besieged seven times. The last of the sieges, on September 21, 1484, meant the victory of the Christian troops. The conquest of the town was fundamental for the Crown in its advance towards Granada.
Ermita de san Benito was originally an old mosque, its current configuration is from the late 19th Century and has an altar that houses the image of Padre Jesus Nazarena, the patron saint of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads and one of the most venerated sculptures in the town. Cueva de la Sombra is another must see in the town. It looks like the houses are squashed by the huge overhanging rock above it. The rock together with the house underneath it form a tunnel for cars to drive through.
Setenil de la Bodegas is worth a visit, and we highly recommend arriving early. In general, there aren't many tourists around yet and you can easily mingle with the locals while enjoying a coffee or some churros from Antonia.
The Ulster American Folk Park brings you on a journey back in time. The Ulster American Folk Park tells the story of Ulster people’s emigration to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn more about lives left behind, the hardships endured on the journey and the pioneering spirit of building new lives in a new land. Visitor Centre Upon arrival, Check in with the team at the Visitor Centre and find out what’s happening around the Park. Start your adventure and discover the stories of the families and individuals who left Ulster in hopes of a better life. Explore the emigration timeline then head outside. In the visitor centre, you also find a shop and restaurant. At the Ulster American Folk Park, they organize plenty of special weekends. Celebrate St Patrick's Day, visit during Halloween, ..... these special weekends add another dimension to this very interesting park.
Ulster: Walk in the footsteps of bold migrants who set sail for America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn more about the life they left behind and the hardships they endured on the journey. Wander the well-trodden pathways of rural Ulster, complete with a bustling street and welcoming farmhouses. From the simple single room cabin to the weaver's cottage to the large Campbell's house, discover life as it was in Ulster. Talk to the people dressed in 18th and 19th century attire, taste some of the soda bread baked above one of the open fires or learn more about life in these cottages. A visit to the Mellon homestead is a walk back in time. Thomas Mellon was born in this small farmhouse in 1813, and it still stands on its original site. In 1818, at the age of five, he emigrated with his parents to Pennsylvania. He would grow up to become a lawyer, a judge, and the founder of the Mellon Bank, which remains one of America’s largest. The Mellon Homestead is a living building – there are ducks and hens in the yard and soda bread on the griddle – just as it was in the 19th century
The Journey: Say goodbye to the familiar sights and sounds of Ulster as you walk along the cobble-stoned streets lined with original 19th-Century shopfronts. Step into the stores and admire the shelves at Hill's chemist or the extensive range in Blair's printers. Stock up on provisions from Reilley's pub grocers. Enter the dockside and get your ticket for your voyage from the ticket office. Board the Brig Union, a replica of an emigrant sailing ship that carried many passengers to a different life in the USA. Experience the cramped quarters where hundreds of people lived during their twelve-week Atlantic crossing. Emerge from the crossing and learn how our resourceful ancestors created new lives in a new land. The port of arrival gives you a taste what the first hours on the new continent were like. The street with its many American shopfronts was what greeted the emigrants on their arrival in cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York or Boston. Explore a general store with an original interior, a tinsmith’s exhibition, a wheelwright’s workshop and a replica of the first Mellon Bank.
America: Like all of the buildings you will see from this point, most of the houses were constructed on land taken at some point from Indigenous Peoples. An example of this is the Samuel Fulton Stone house. When Samuel arrived in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania from Donegal in 1724, the Conestogas, a community of Native people, were still living and trading nearby. Their lands were whittled down by colonists and in 1763 they were massacred by the Paxton Boys, a gang with mostly Ulster emigrant backgrounds, in revenge for unrelated raids on the frontier. Walking through the America's keep an eye on the details. For example, the fields contain plants that would have been grown in America, from corn to tabacco to the many medicinal herbs. Another house you will see along your travels is the Tennessee Rogan Plantation House. Francis Rogan’s prosperity is reflected in this red brick home. However Rogan’s wealth owed to the work of enslaved people who worked his fields growing wheat, tobacco, sweet potatoes and corn,... Records show Rogan was exploiting at least 71 enslaved people in 1860, making him one of the most prolific enslavers in the state of Tennessee at the time
A visit to the Ulster American Folk park is a great day out for both old and young. By stepping back in time, learn about life in Ulster and in America.
With many picnic benches around the park, enjoy a picnic with the family. Make sure to wear suitable footwear, this as many of the paths are gravel ,.... |
About the AuthorWe are Peter & Dolores De Bie. We love the great outdoors, discovering new parts of the world and writing about our adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way and further afield Categories
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