Reina Cristina Hotel Algeciras

Toledo

by Rieke

Always dreamed about visiting Toledo, the former capital of Spain, and finally I got there early October 2000 with my best friend !
The cathedral is very impressive! We also visited the Jewish mosque. What I did not really like was that most parts of the old town were very touristic. We stayed in a nice hotel - Reina Cristina - that I can recommend : good food, large clean rooms, friendly people. The temperature was around 23 °C (beginning October) and just a great temperature to visit a town.

The cathedral : one of my favourites, especially on the inside.

View on the surrounding area, taken from the old wall of Toledo.

Heading towards Segovia, we drove through a part of La Mancha - I now understand why, ages ago, Don Quichote must have gone crazy. The monotone landscape on a horseback in the heat of the summer ...

The Ins and Outs of Carnaval PART 5

by blint

On the first Sunday of Carnaval you can go and see the choirs (Coros) in Plaza de las Flores (officially Plaza Topete) by the market. This is held in the morning and is more of a family affair though it doesn't stop people drinking Moscatel

In fact Carnaval isn't only a night thing but takes place during the day as most people are on holiday if they work in Cadiz Capital.

During the day and at night you can also see the 'illegal' street Chirigotas which do not take part in the competition in the Falla. These are formed by groups of friends and are worth seeing too. They tend to be highly satirical and sing about the woes and passions of Cadiz.

You can see them station all over the old centre. In fact they tour around the town stopping in the squares and streets to entertain the public.

In the photo along side you can see my Friend Rafa's Chirigota dressed as the mayoress of Cadiz (Teofila).

Carnival clossing day

by Carmela71

The last night they burn on the beach the Witch “Piti” at La Caleta Beach. In most of Spain carnivals what it gets buried is the “sardine” I will ahve to check why here is the witch, maybe Celtic influences, not sure….

Followed by the fireworks at Castillo de Santa Catalina, the best place to see it is at the left side of the Caleta beach

Arcos de la Frontera

by Carmela71

This city is compared to Antequera or Ronda in tourist beauty and still not as tourist. With incredible views and lots of buildings of interest, maintaining the white village spirit. I do not know what is better, the views form the top or to see the city from down lol

By bus to the Atlantic coast

by SirRichard

There is no train along the coast from Cadiz till Gibraltar, so if you wanna visit the famous "Costa de la Luz" beaches (unless U rent a car) you will have to use buses.

There are basically 2 companies:
- Transportes Comes, based at a tall building in the western extreme of the harbour. Buses to all the coastal villages, several each day. Sevilla too.
- Los Amarillos. Buses to the north coast and some other villages. They depart from Canalejas Park, in front (middle) of the harbour.

For timetables, look at the web below.