Spain 101 : El Palacio Real De Madrid
Madrid is known for the Palacio Real, which means Royal Palace, not only because of the monuments, sculptures, and gardens that encompass it but also for its elegant design. The Palace took 25 years to be built, and until 1931, the Palace was occupied by a line of Spanish rulers, who used it as the center of a powerful dynasty that controlled half of the world – or what was known of it during the 18th century.
Even though less than 10% of the palace is open to the public, there is still far more than you could see in a single day. It’s made up of nearly three thousand rooms, 240 balconies and over forty staircases, and lavish and lush furniture, decorations, ornaments and other objects can be seen everywhere.
You can see the Throne Room, which once operated as the war room for the world’s primary superpower, and also the Royal Armory, which features a large quantity of armor and weaponry in addition to implements of torture left over from the Spanish Inquisition.
The tour also takes in the famed Royal Library, where various first editions of significant Spanish literature are held, the Royal Pharmacy, where you’ll gain an insight into past medical practices, and a magnificent banquet hall, at which some of the most famous European rulers ever have dined.
Additional adventures at Palacio Real include viewing the changing of the guards, strolling through the Royal Gardens, named the best in Madrid, and take in the view of the Manzanares River.
A guided tour of Palacio Real can take up to two hours, and it’s a great way to learn the history of the Royal family as well as get to see how and where they lived. A tour costs only $30, but you should register in advance as they sell out quickly – especially during the summertime. Photography is prohibited, but you do have the option of purchasing picture books and postcards when the tour is over, so you can remember what you saw inside.
Find Out More : Spanish Phrases
Budget Holidays in Lanzarote
Despite the current economic climate and the depreciation of sterling against the euro the small Spanish island of Lanzarote, in the Canaries, expects to welcome well over one million tourists during the course of 2009. With British and Irish holiday makers comprising the largest contingents of visitors.
This is great news for the tourists visiting the island as there are some great deals to be had on Lanzarote Villas and Lanzarote apartments.
This figure will still be way down on previous years however. As island tourist authorities have already recorded a 20% drop in arrivals during the first quarter of this year. As some consumers opt to either stay at home or journey outside of the euro zone. But many more still find that a good value break in a destination such as Lanzarote can even work out cheaper than a holiday in the UK.
Many Lanzarote apartments for example offer room rates that start from around €170 per week – which is the price per room, not per person. With the best offers usually available on apartments in Puerto del Carmen – the largest and oldest resort on the island. Which boasts the highest concentration of complexes of any destination on Lanzarote.
The bulk of these tend to be located in the New Town area. Usually in close proximity to the beach (within ten minutes walking distance) and all of the other amenities of the resort. Puerto del Carmen has also enjoyed a makeover in the last twelve months. And now boasts a smart new beachfront promenade and an upmarket marina in the Old Town harbour area. So further enhancing the resorts appeal.
There´s a wide selection of high quality Lanzarote villas available for rent across the island. All offering high standards of accommodation with prices starting from around €400 per week. For a two bedroom villa with private pool. There are more villas in Playa Blanca, the newest destination on the island, than in any other resort. Thanks to the fact that hundreds of overseas investors have snapped up property here in recent years to rent out to their fellow tourists.
Playa Blanca is an ideal location for a break in the sun. Not least as it enjoys the best microclimate on the island. And is also home to some of Lanzarote´s finest beaches – such as the set of coves at Papagayo, which are just fifteen minutes walk from the town centre. Along with Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo in the heart of the resort itself.
Visitors to the Canaries will get a warm welcome and have a fantastic holiday regardless of their choice of destination.