Tag Archives: Spain

Canary Islands, Spain: Tenerife

Short break in Tenerife

Hi everyone! Once more on the front page of the blog, an old article of the beautiful Tenerife which I hope will entertain you. And why not planning your next vacation when the borders reopen. Direction The Canary islands! 

After a 4h30 flight

We collect the rental car for our mini road trip in Tenerife. Our hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is located in the south of the island. The sandy arid landscapes with from time to time banana plantations, are reminiscent of Africa. The huge rose-colored resort surrounded by a lush oasis of green plants, offers superb views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as several swimming pools. I immediately have a feeling of space, nature and comfort. The quality of the various restaurants is outstanding and we particularly liked El Mirador and the Beach Club. We could easily consider never leaving the hotel!

Day 2: in the morning, we stop at the Mirador Archopenque to see Los Gigantes cliffs. Then we reach the north of the island. Second stop in the picturesque village of Icod de los Vinos, for the famous Drago de Icod. This unique specimen is an endemic arboreal plant (Canary Islands dragon tree) and it is believed to be between 800 and 1000 years old. Its base is 20 meters in diameter. Next stop: the volcanic sand beaches of Puerto de la Cruz, what a show! The ultramarine blue ocean, the white of the foam of waves on the shiny black sand, currents and a few surfers.

Day 3: very early departure and “sporty” long road to the Teide National Park to admire the eponymous volcano. It summit rises to 3,718 meters high. Stunning landscapes, incredible light. Sometimes, it feels like in a road movie in the south of the United States. Sometimes like in a lunar setting with a strong wind that pushes you far ahead! A must see! We take a short break in the postcard village, La Oratava. And back to the south of the island, we relax El Medano beach frequented by kitsurfers.

                                 Enjoy the travel's pictures below !

Day 2: Drago de Icod & Puerta de la Cruz

Day 3: El Teide, La Orotava & kitesurf

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

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Many thanks to the Ritz-Carlton and its lovely team for this beautiful invitation. As always, these opinions are my own.

Our Second Roadtrip in Andalusia, Spain: Cádiz

Stunning Architecture

A Walk In The Old Town

Finally in Cádiz on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia! We left the surroundings of Malaga around 10 a.m. this morning. On the way, we stopped at a beautiful deserted beach in Tarifa. Then on the road, we allso stopped at another beautiful beach in a natural reserve lost in the middle of nowhere. In short, we arrive in the historic center of Cadiz in the middle of the afternoon. Better late than never! 

Big crush for the city: the seaside reminds me Havana! The old buildings are superb. The pace is indolent in the oldest city of the West founded by the Phoenicians 3000 years ago. A movie set in a soft light, without tourists at this time of the year. The old town is small, we quickly made the tour: I take pleasure in losing myself in its streets and take the same route several times.

        

Castillo de San Sebastián

While we are looking for a café overlooking the ocean, we come across an entrance to this fortress surrounded by water (left photo below): the Castillo de San Sebastián. A very pleasant walk where we can see another point of view of Cádiz (first photo of the article). 

  

The Outdoor Café

  

Very cool, close to the cathedral of Cádiz and facing the ocean: the dream! On the left, when you are facing the Cathedral (back to the ocean). Relaxed atmosphere and great panoramic view! Excellent green olives with our drinks, I don’t want to return to Malaga (our base for this second roadtrip in Andalusia).

And if we stayed in Cadiz, darling? “The beauty of Cadiz has velvet eyes, Chi-ca! Chi-ca! Chic! Ay! Ay! Ay!“, translation: “The beauty of Cadiz has velvet eyes, Chi-ca! Chi-ca! Chic! Ay! Ay! Ay! ” (by Luis Mariano). Sorry (not sorry), I couldn’t help myself! Lol! A little vintage operetta. To be continued beautiful readers … 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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Our Second Roadtrip in Andalusia, Spain: Marbella

  

A late afternoon in Marbella

  

Olá Marbella!

After a first roadtrip in Andalusia few weeks ago, here we are again! The itinerary between sea and mountain is differen. We arrive at 4 p.m. from Mijas, a very pretty (and very touristy) village in the mountains. Olá Marbella! First surprise: the city is much bigger than I thought.

We park on the beach side of Marbella, at Playa del Faro, where we start our discovery of the city. The long walk stretches along a huge beach (first photo of the article). Many 70s-80s buildings, some cafes and restaurants. The whole remains really pleasant despite a lack of architectural harmony. 

As night quickly falls, we prefer heading towards the very charming old town with its small streets and squares, mandarin trees and old stones. Second surprise, everywhere people are friendly. I like to walk without a goal. At a random street, we have a drink in a lovely small hotel.

    

A Short Stop in Puerto Banús

Before Marbella city,

we made a stop in Puerto Banús, the marina of Marbella. To be honest, I was not impressed. The buildings housing luxury shops and restaurants are outdated and deserve a facelift.

Of course, there are yachts … But I saw some more impressive ones in the beautiful small port of Bonifaccio (Corsica). My advice, go directly to Marbella, much more nicer! 

     

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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