Blood at the Iglesia de la Encarnación Madrid

One of the most traditional and bizarre celebrations takes place annually at the Iglesia de la Encarnación in Madrid. An ancient relic containing the blood of the doctor, San Pantaleón, who was martyred in the 4th century AD is shown to the devout onlookers who watch with awe as the congealed blood liquefies before them.


Originating from Pope Paul V´s time, when the relic was bequeathed to the Viceroy of Naples in the 7th century, it found its way to Madrid through the viceroy´s daughter who served as a nun there.


Although this event may not be to everyone´s taste, it is a fascinating phenomenon, and is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Once liquefied, the relic containing the blood is paraded through the church to shouts of celebration from the locals.

Contact details: Iglesia de la Encarnación. Tel: 0034 91 5470510. Fax: 0034 91 547 6947.

When: July, (annual).Entrance:.Free.

Opening hours: Daytime.

Getting there: Metro: Opera / Santo Domingo

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Autumn Festival Jerez

In a city known for its fine wines and sherries, Jerez´s Autumn Festival is one of the citys most popular events of the year.

Hosted to celebrate the annual grape harvest, the famous Andalucian horses and the tradition of the flamenco dance, this celebration fills the town with music, dancing and street entertainment.
Boasting the best chalky soil for grape growing, Jerez is at the centre of the ´sherry triangle´ and produces some of the worlds best fortified wines. The Royal School of Equestrian Art is also based here, and the city is renowned for the quality and training of its horses.

Street entertainment including puppet shows, singers, dancers, theatre and a grand procession in honour of the Virgin de la Merced and the blessing of the grapes also takes place.

Contact details: Jerez de la Frontera Tourist Office, Alameda Cristina, Edif. Los Claustros, 11403, Jerez. Tel: 0034 956324747.

E-mail: turismoinfo@aytojerez.es

When: September,

Entrance:. Various.

Opening hours: Various but mostly evenings.

Getting there: Flights direct to Jerez or Cadiz.

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Madrid Festival May

The 2nd May Celebrations, Madrid

Held annually in the Plaza Dos de Mayo, this traditional celebration pays homage to the amazing spirit of the Madrileños who fought courageously against the French army on 2nd May, 1808.
Napolean´s brother, Joseph Bonaparte, enjoyed a brief spell as King of Spain in the early 1800s, the French were finally forced out in 1813, and this historic day is now celebrated in the Masalana district of the city with music and dancing.

Festivities take place in and around Masalana, which was named after the seamstress, Manuela Masalana, who was shot in the struggle.

Dos de Mayo celebrations herald the beginning of Madrid´s summer street fiestas which take place throughout the city.

Contact details: Madrid Tourist Office. Tel: 0034 91 588 2900. Fax: 0034 91 366 5477. E-mail: infomadrid@munimadrid.es

When: 2nd May annually.

Entrance:.Free.

Opening hours: All day and evening.

Getting there: Take the metro to Tribunal, Bilbao.

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Distressed and repossessed properties for sale on the Costa del Sol

Distressed and repossessed properties for sale on the Costa del Sol

Owing to the steep decline of the property market in Southern Spain and the UK, many owners who have bought off plan properties in Andalucia find themselves in an impossible position.
The situation is confusing for buyers and sellers, and particularly for people looking to move to the Costa del Sol. Conflicting points include:

-People are still making lots of money from off-plan investments on the Costa del Sol.
-People buying off-plan properties are making little or no profit on the Costa del Sol.
-The market on the Costa del Sol is strong and is still increasing by over 10% per year.
-The market on the Costa del Sol is saturated with off-plan investors attempting to sell before completion.

The truth is that all of these statements are true – depending on the location and purchase price of the property.

Five or six years ago, many investors made fantastic profits from buying properties off-plan, before they had even started being built, and then flipping them (selling them on)before completion. This is not always the case and owners are increasingly having their properties repossessed by the developers when they cannot complete on the purchase, or selling on at well below their original purchase price to try and claw some money back.

With increased internet and television publicity, off-plan investment was easy to understand and became easily available to the general public who may have previously never considered buying property in this way.

The off-plan concept was to buy property with developers offering a discounted price if the investor exchanged at planning stage (before being built). Many investors bought with the sole intention of selling 2 years later at an increased price of approximately 20-30%. With investors only paying 30% before completion, returns were very profitable. The benefits of the investors selling before completion were that tax and completion costs, could be avoided.

However, with so many investors trying to sell properties in each development, at the same time, the market became saturated on that particular development. This results adversely on their selling price. Therefore, many investors have now decided to keep their properties and let them out, and gain some income to go towards the mortgage costs. The properties can then be put up for sale when the market picks up and the vendor will achieve a better price.
This means there are a wealth of distressed and repossessed properties for sale on the Costa del Sol.

In many cases, investor´s circumstances may have changed drastically and, in most cases if they cannot complete the payment on their properties, the developer will not only repossess the property but also keep the 30% deposit which the purchasers will have paid at the outset.


As always, there are two sides to every coin, and there are now many bargains to be had in and around Marbella and the Costa del Sol, which is quickly becoming a buyers dream. Often properties are selling for up to 30% less than their market value, and with 80-100% finance available, buyers are starting to flock back to the Costa del Sol.

A distressed sale does not mean there is a problem with the property, but simply that the vendors need to sell quickly for financial or personal reasons. English speaking lawyers are also on hand throughout Marbella and explain all of the ins and outs of buying property in Spain. Many of the distressed properties are now built with occupation licences and can be viewed immediately.

When a developer completes a project, he has no alternative but to foreclose on uncompleted sales. Occasionally, units which have been repossessed by the developer will come back on the market. As the developer will already have retained the original 30% deposit from the buyer who has been unable to complete, he will often let the repossessed units go at the same price as they were 2-3 years previously. These properties, particularly in Marbella, are an investors dream, and usually sell within weeks if not days.

This is the perfect time to invest in Marbella, and there are hundreds, if not thousands of bargains to be had.

things to do in spain

Information about Barcelona Airport

Barcelona International Airport

Also known as ´El Prat´, Barcelona International Airport is situated only 10km from the centre of the city, and serves the whole of Catalonia.With over 32 million passengers passing through BIA each year, the airport is currently undergoing huge expansion, with the construction of a new south terminal. This will allow the airport to handle up to 55 million travellers a year.
Spain´s second busiest airport, after Madrid´s Barajas International, the BIA also operates the world´s busiest shuttle route between Madrid and Barcelona, with 971 flights per week.Mainly serving domestic and European destinations, flights to and from South America, North America and Asia are also available through several major airlines.

Contact Barcelona Airport on 0034 932 983838 or 0034 932 983349.

How to get there

The airport is accessible by Renfe commuter train on the R10 line, which runs from Estació de França, with a major stop at Sants train station providing transfer to the Barcelona Metro system. The TMB public bus on line 46 runs every 25 minutes from Plaça Espanya. A scheduled private bus line (Aerobús) from Plaça Catalunya, stops at Sants and Plaça d'Espanya. Taxi stops are available at each terminal. The C-32B highway connects the airport to a main traffic interchange between Barcelona's Ronda de Dalt beltway and major highways.

As part of the major expansion, a new train station will be built nearby, connecting the airport to the Spanish AVE network, and to both Line 2 and Line 9 of the Barcelona Metro.

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With the centre of Barcelona only 10km from the airport, one of the most economical ways of getting around during your stay, particularly if you want to travel to different areas, is by hiring a car. Prices are very competitive, and free courtesy buses take passengers directly from the arrivals hall to the car hire garages, and deliver you back at the airport on your return. Special offers and deals are always available, and often include no insurance excess payable and no charge for a second driver.

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Airport Parking

With over 12,500 parking spaces, BIA boasts some of the most secure and well connected car-parks in Spain. 2,300 spaces are located in the building connected to terminal C by an air bridge, and 2,600 can be found opposite terminal A. All entrances provide access to the entire parking area, with controlled exits and entrances plus public information points.Luggage trolleys are available from the stands located in the centre of the parking area, and in the terminal buildings. Payment must be made at the pay machines before returning to your car.

The cost of public car-parking is as follows:

Up to 30 minutes 0,60 euros
More than 30 minutes 1,50 euros
Two hours plus 3,00 euros
Three hours plus 4,50 euros
Four hours plus 6,00 euros
Five hours plus 7,50 euros
Six hours plus 9,00 euros
Seven hours plus 10,50 euros
Eight hours plus 12,00 euros
Nine hours plus 13,50 euros
Maximum daily rate up to four days 15,00 euros
Maximum daily rate up to five days 12,00 euros
Ticket loss 75,00 euros

Bus Service

A frequent Aerobus (A1) service runs from outside terminals A, B and C to Plaza Catalunya in the centre of the city.The bus leaves Barcelona Airport-Plaza Catalunya, Monday to Friday from 6am-midnight, every 12-13 minutes, and runs from Plaza Catalunya to the airport from 5.30am and 11.15pm. Weekends and bank holidays, the service runs from the airport between 6.30am and midnight, and from Plaza

Catalunya-BIA from 6am-11.15pm.
Contact: Tel: 93 415 6020.
Cost: €3.45.

Service 105 & 106
Similar services also run from outside Terminal B, to El Prat and the Plaza de España, every 30 minutes.
Cost: €1.05.

Rapid Bus

The Rapid Bus service travels to different destinations including Girona, Tarragona, Lleida and Figueres, and leaves from outside Terminal B.BIA-Girona departs:
8.00am,
8.30am,
1.30pm,
1.45pm,
2.15pm and 9pm.

BIA-Tarragona-Reus:
8am,
12.30pm,
5pm and 9pm.

BIA-Lleida:

9.30am and 6.30pm.
Journey times to Girona: 1h35m,
Figueres, 2h15m,
Tarragona, 1h,
Reus, 1h30m and Lleida, 2h.

Taxi ServiceThe central taxi service is situated at the exit of terminals A, B and C.Prices in Euros to the most popular areas of Barcelona, on weekdays, including an airport supplement are:BIA-Plaza Catalunya-
15.50 BIA-Plaza España-
12.90 BIA-Sagrada Familia-
19.00 BIA-Sant Cugat del Vallés- €25.00

These prices increase during weekends and bank holidays, and a suitcase supplement of 90 cents is also added.Contact: 0034 93 235 151.


Train Service

The fast and efficient train service, the Linea Mataró, runs between the main Renfe Station in the city and the airport every 30 minutes. Trains leave the airport from 6.13am to 11.40pm, and from the central station to BIA from 5.43am-22.16pm.Journeys from BIA take 17 minutes to Sants, 23 to Plaza Catalunya, 26 to the Arc de Triomf and 30 to Clot-Aragó.Contact: (from Spain): 902 240202.Price: €2.20

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Things to do in Albons - Girona

Situated in the beautiful Catalan province of Girona, Albons is located in the north east of Spain, and forms part of Catalunya.

What to do in Albons

Enjoying a typically Mediterranean climate. Albons is the perfect holiday destination, and attracts visitors from all over Europe. Whether you are looking for a cheap hotel in Albons, a last minute hotel in Albons or a luxurious villa, you will find it close to the town.
If you are looking for things to do on the Costa Brava, Albons is the perfect base to travel from. The best way to see Albons and the Costa Brava is to hire a car from Girona Airport, and explore at your own leisure.

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The Costa Brava is much more than sun, sea and sand. Figueres is home to the Dali Museum, and Girona hosts some of Spain´s best bars, shops are restaurants. Golf holidays are popular in the area of Girona and the Costa Brava, plus hiking holidays and trekking holidays around the local countryside.

Surrounded by ski resorts, Albons attracts skiers from all over Europe between December and March. Experience the attractions of Barcelona, which is just 1 hour away by bus or hire car.

How to get to Albons

Fly to Girona Airport. Flight time from the UK is approx. 2 hours only. Several budget airlines book cheap flights from the UK to Girona. Transfer from Girona Airport to Albons is 40 minutes by hire car.

About us

Things2dospain.co.uk is a website about things you can do in Spain. If you are looking for places to go, places to eat, discos, nightclubs, beaches, music festivals, events, places of interest, family fun days out, local ferias or even boutique hotels, you will find the information on things2do. Most important of all, we want to hear from you. Users of things2do can contribute content by entering reviews and articles on our forum. That way, we keep our finger on the pulse by getting up-to-date reviews from the people who matter most. You can also contribute to our blog, and promote your own business by sending us your details on the ´submit form´ on the site. You get free classified advertising and a free listing, and we will encourage readers to review and rate your business.

things to do in Aguadulce - Costa del sol

Situated to the east of the Costa del Sol, Aguadulce forms part of the province of Almeria. Almeria is one of 7 Andalucian provinces.

What to do in Aguadulce

Visitors flock to Aguadulce to enjoy the warm year-round climate and hot summers. Aguadulce apartments, hotels and self-catering accommodation are all highly recommended. Whether you are looking for a cheap hotel near Aguadulce or a luxury resort, you will find it all nearby. Winter temperatures are moderate with an average temperature of 13 degrees centigrade, and average temperatures in Aguadulce in Summer are 30 degrees centrigrade.

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The perfect holiday destination, Aguadulce offers visitors beautiful beaches and all the amenities of a modern city only ten minutes away in Almeria. To explore and enjoy Aguadulce, the best way to get around is by hiring a car. Car hire can be pre-booked and picked up at the airport.Aguadulce Beach is one of the biggest in Almeria, and offers visitors plenty of water sports and beach activities. Volleyball, windsurfing and skiing are three of the most popular water sports in Aguadulce. Also boasting many fantastic restaurants, bars and shops along the seafront, Aguadulce is a holiday maker´s paradise. Golf in Aguadulce, Almeria is also the perfect destination for golf holidays as the weather is dry and the scenery is stunning.

How to get to Aguadulce

Fly to Almeria Airport . Flight time is approx. 3 hours from the UK. Several budget airlines now fly to Almeria from UK airports. Hire a car and transport time from the airport to Aguadulce is only 15 minutes.

About us

Things2dospain is a website for people interested in Spain. We will help you discover and explore the best towns, discos, car-hire, pubs, restaurants, monuments, theatres, kid´s activities, boutique hotels and much more in the area you are travelling to. Local events including ferias, processions and religious parades are also covered. Your views count with things2dospain, and we want to hear from you. You can post your ideas on our forum board, add reviews and articles and even list your own business details. You get free classified advertising and a free listing, and we will encourage readers to review and rate your business.

Awesome Arona in Tenerife

Locatd south of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Arona is divided in two by Mount Teide. The northern part of Arona is much cooler and greener than its southern counterpart, which is hot and dry. The most popular tourist resorts of Arona are San Eugenio, Playa de las Americas and Toviscas. Beaches consist of black, volcanic sand.

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What to do in Arona

There are plenty of things to do and see in Arona and the Arona Gran Hotel, Tenerife is well worth a visit. Not the cheapest hotel but definitely one of the best, the Arona Gran Hotel is perfect for family holidays. If you are looking for a cheaper Arona Hotel you will be spoilt for choice. A wide selection of hotels and self-catering apartments are situated in Arona to suit every budget and taste.


100,s of Things to do in Tenerife - Arona


Famous for its Rogue del Conde, which is a high flat-topped summit popular with hikers, Arona is a fantastic destination for holidaymakers. Also a wonderful location for watersports, Arona, Tenerife is calso close to theme parks such as Parque Loro in Puerto de la Cruz and Parque Aguilas in Los Cristianos.


The best way to explore Tenerife is by hiring a car which can be pre-booked. Tenerife has everything for the holidaymaker and offers lush green forests, deserts, and some of the most exotic fauna and flora in the Canary Islands. Combine this with Tenerife´s beaches, Arona´s wide promenades which run all the way to Los Cristianos and its wonderful fish restaurants, and you will find the perfect holiday destination.

How to get to Arona

Tenerife has two airports. Los Rodeos Airport is situated in the north and Reina Sofia in the south of Tenerife. Budget airlines fly regularly from Tenerife to the UK and the flight time is approx. 4 and a half hours. Car hire and taxis can be pre-booked and regular bus services travel around the island.

About us Things2dospain is a website with you in mind. We include details of interesting and exciting things you can do in Spain. If you are looking for places to go, places to eat, discos, nightclubs, beaches, music festivals, events, places of interest, family fun days out, local ferias or even boutique hotels, you will find the information on things2do. You can even get online directions from google maps, and bookmark your page to create your own itinerary.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Users of things2do can contribute content by entering our forum board , and adding reviews and articles. That way, we keep our finger on the pulse by getting up-to-date reviews from the people who matter most. You can also contribute to our blog, and promote your own business by sending us your details on the ´submit form´ on the site. You get free classified advertising and a free listing, and we will encourage readers to review and rate your business.