The Sand Dunes of Maspalomas

The remarkable Dunes of Maspalomas is a four square km field of sand; well located in the popular tourist town of Maspalomas in the south of the island of Gran Canaria of Canary Islands. The sand originated from coral reefs crushed into reasonable golden grains of limestone by the grinding action of glaciers approximately more than thousands of years ago. The present ocean dragged them to the shore and ultimately wind accumulated them into dunes.

The sand is blown inland from the beach and amasses around the shrubs, recognized as balancon that dots the landscape. Once the gathered sand grows larger than its protective shrub, it starts to move across the dune field and so creating the fabulous, undulating landscape. These days the dunes are moving at the rate of two to five meters from east to west. Therefore the area has declared a Natural Reserve in 1987.

From the heart of the dunes the stunning views of the island's mountainous interior are terrific and the adjacent hustle and bustle in the neighboring resorts is all but forgotten. Few secluded areas of the dunes are widespread with naturists. If you'd rather not stumble over the dunes on foot, there’re opportunities to see the sights them from the comfort of a camel's back.

Just a little further on from the Maspalomas Palm Tree plantation (Palmeral) is another protected natural space “La Charca”, a beautiful pond which lies between the sea and the sand, providing a relaxing spot for birds migrating from Europe to Africa. The massive expanse of sand dunes start beyond this “pond”, varying their shape frequently, chiseled out by the wind coming off the ocean.

In 1861 there was a decision made to build the lighthouse which actually took 28 long years to finish, the 68 m tall lighthouse, called “El Faro de Maspalomas”, at the southern point from where the 12 kilometers long beach and dunes lead to the resort Playa del Inglés, a popular destination of tourist. This is deserves a place on every visitor's itinerary. These days everything around it has changed. Now it is at the start of an eventful promenade area with a whole host of restaurants and gift shops.

However; Maspalomas continues to be the perfect place to unwind, enjoy the sea or simply while away the hours sunbathing. This hasn’t changed, and neither has the long shadow of the Lighthouse, in the same place as ever. Whereas before it looked out for boats crossing the Atlantic, it now envies beach-goers spending their days under the gentle sun in Maspalomas.

Island of Gaztelugatxe Spain

Gaztelugatxe is a small island located in the Bay of Biscay just outside the Spanish coast in Basque Country. The island is crowned by a slight hermitage called San Juan de Gaztelugatxe mainly dedicated to John the Baptist that dates from the 10th century, but could be as early as the 9th century. With another little neighboring island, Aketze, they form a protected biotope that extends from the town of Bakio until Cape Matxitxako, on the Bay of Biscay.

The beautiful island is well connected to the coast by a narrow path, crossing a two-arch stone bridge and the most glorious staircase containing of over 230 steps that head to the hermitage. The island is a planned spot for controlling the coast. However, the history tells us that Gaztelugatxe constituted one of the bastions of resistance against the vanity and rapacious desire of Alfonso XI, the King of Castile. This treacherous enclosure was defended in thirteen century (somewhat in 1334) by seven knights who resisted the attacks of a well-organized army for over a month. But they having failed to siege the island, the Monarch withdrew humiliated. Well, in 1593 it was attacked again and sacked by Francis Drake, whose troops plundered everything to be found in that sanctuary and threw the hermit off the cliff.

Nowadays, the serenity of the island, the magnificent views of the rugged coast, the persistent sea pounding against the rocks and the flocks of seabirds is what drives tourists to this not-so-remote island adjacent the towns of Bakio and Bermeo. Moreover; the best place to visit the island is during spring and autumn season. However; summer months are often crowded with tourists.

“Gorbea Natural Park” A Mystical Forest in Spain

Gorbea Natural Park is a protected area located between the provinces of Alava and Vizcaya in the Basque Country of northern Spain. Gorbea takes its name from its highest peak, the Gorbea (or Gorbeia) at 4,862 feet above sea level. The natural park is located near a number of adjacent cities and towns and is a widespread destination for hikers, climbers and nature lovers that relish the rich flora and fauna. Below are a series of enchanting photos by Jesus Ignacio Bravo Soler. The ancient trees combined with the foggy atmosphere gives the area a mystical quality. You would love the atmosphere that these photos have captured. Also the color contrasts that are present in the forest’s palette are incredible.Check out more photos of Jesus Bravo @ 500px.com

Palau De Les Arts Reina Sofia is an Opera House in Valencia, Spain

Palau De Les Arts Reina Sofia is an opera house and cultural center in Valencia, Spain. It opened on 8 October 2005. An opera house is a theatre building used for opera performances that consist of a stage, an orchestra pit, audience seating, and backstage facilities for costumes and set building. A remarkable building, designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, dedicated to promoting the performing arts. The maximum capacity of the Theatre is rather low; nevertheless it is a very comfortable theatre. If you visit Spanish country then an Opera House is breathtaking theatre and don’t forget to miss festival held in April to June. With an extension of 55,000 square meters, the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia will become one of the finest international venues for theatre.  

From an architectural point of view; the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía is equally inspiring. Remarkable in size and silhouette, coupled with state-of-the-art equipment and an exciting program, it is certain to swiftly find a place for itself among the mythical opera houses of the world. Opera houses like those in London, Vienna, Sydney, and Milan. The Opera house is measuring more than 70 metres in height, and is divided into four separate halls; all are well equipped with latest technological advances conceived to stage all kinds of opera, musical and theatrical performances. However; the main Hall is at the heart of the building, both formally and structurally speaking. Designed to seat over 1800, it will be used for opera, zarzuela, classical ballet, contemporary dance, symphonic music, musicals and theatre. If the architecture of the new opera house in Valencia is outstanding, the quality of its programming is no less impressive.