"When you make as many speeches and you talk as much as I do and you get away from the text, it's always a possibility to get a few words tangled here and there."Dan Quayle
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Cyprus - The Divided Country, Travel Guide
Nestled into the eastern part of Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus history for the past 10,000 years has seen civilizations come and go and famous historical figures such as Alexander the Great to Cleopatra ...
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I met a European couple (the guy from the Netherlands and the girl from UK) in Australia a couple of years ago. They are now planning to come visit South Africa later this year and I thought it may be useful for European travellers to hear a South ...
St. Tropez - A "Must-See" Part Of The French Riviera
A visit to the French Riviera would not be complete without a stop in St. Tropez. Renowned for its miles of glistening white beaches, exotic food and as a playground for the rich and famous - it is THE place to see and be seen. A true jewel of the ...
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Parador Hondarribia
The Parador of Hondarribia is near the French border just a short distance from San Sebastian, and within easy visiting distance of Bilbao and the wonderful Guggenheim museum. Parador Hondarribia is a 10th century castle built by the King of Navarre in the early days of the Christian re-conquest. The powerful Caliph, Al-Mansur, was a constant threat to the area in the those times, but King Sancho Abarca and the castle at Hondarribia were spared because the King had given one of his daughters in marriage to the Caliph - there have always been advantages to "keeping it all in the family!"
The castle was remodeled in the 16th century by Emperor Charles the Fifth. Napoleon stayed here for some time during the wars between Spain and France and many other notable figures in the history of Spain and Europe have stayed here as well.
The Parador of Hondarribia is situated on the banks of the Bidasoa estuary and provides beautiful views out to the sea. This is every bit the castle people imagine castles to be with its monolithic stone walls (still pockmarked by cannon-fire from old wars), and interior decorations of medieval armor, weaponry and tapestries. The Parador contains many charming nooks and corners perfect for quiet sitting, reading and intimate conversation.
Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Hondarribia:
- The fishermen's area of the waterfront, and the La Marina quarter.
- The wonderful castle at San Telmo.
- Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y Manzano parish church, Gothic 15-16th c.
- Calle Mayor and Plaza de Guipúzcoa (admire the many stately houses).
- There are nearby golf courses, and plenty of opportunities
for diving, sailing, surfing and fishing.
Interesting day trips include:
- Pamplona - Parador Hondarribia is a good place to find accommodations during the Fiesta San Fermin (running of the bulls) when they are nearly impossible to get in Pamplona itself.
- Bilbao - the Guggenheim museum is a "must see."
- Rioja wine country - visit the wineries and vinyards along the Ebro river near Logrono.
- Biarritz and Bayonne - wonderful beaches, casinos and nightlife.
The Hondarribia Parador does not have a restaurant, but there are fine restaurants within a short distance, and the cuisine of this area of Spain is renowned. A well, the fascinating city of San Sebastian is only a few miles away, and it has some of the finest restaurants in all of Spain. The Parador does serve a buffet breakfast in a wonderful little dining room overlooking the water.
For intrepid travelers visiting north central Spain or Southwestern France - the Parador of Hondarribia makes a historically fascinating and culturally interesting place to stay for a night - or for a week of nights!
For more on all of Spain's wonderful Paradors, go to: http://www.SpainParador.com
About the author:
Gary Bumpas has traveled extensively across Spain. He lived in Spain and has pursued a love affair with that country over the span of 34 years. He studied flamenco guitar with various gypsy masters in the 70's, and explored villages rarely seen by tourists.
A professional travel consultant and acknowledged expert on the Paradors of Spain - he helps travelers plan vacation experiences that will create memories to last for a lifetime.
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