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Landmarks of the Civil War in Alicante, 80 years on

On April 28, 2019November 2, 2020 By viewfromlavilaIn Civil War in AlicanteLeave a comment

The Spanish Civil War left many marks on Alicante, some still visible 80 years after the conflict ended. The city was bombed repeatedly; one raid caused more casualties than any other single attack in the entire war. You can now visit two of Alicante's Civil War shelters.

Gateway to exile: the last secret headquarters of Spain’s Civil War leaders

On April 13, 2019August 6, 2020 By viewfromlavilaIn Civil War in AlicanteLeave a comment

Eighty years ago, the Spanish Civil War ended and the Republican government went into exile. Its last days in Spain were spent at a secret headquarters in the hills behind Alicante.

Exploring Finestrat: a mountain town with a toe in the sea

On January 19, 2019December 19, 2020 By viewfromlavilaIn Things to do and see around Villajoyosa, Things to do and see in and around AlicanteLeave a comment

The little community of Finestrat has a split personality. It's a pretty old town perched on a limestone cliff a few kilometres from Benidorm. But it's also a beach resort with some of the worst over-development you're likely to see anywhere on the Costa Blanca.

How to order the best seafood in Spain

On November 25, 2018December 16, 2020 By viewfromlavilaIn Food in SpainLeave a comment

Fresh seafood, perhaps with a chilled glass of white wine, is one of the best things about Spanish eating. Here's how to find your way round a seafood menu, with English translations

Dining at Hemingway’s table at the oldest restaurant in the world

On November 10, 2018January 8, 2021 By viewfromlavilaIn Food in Spain, Great places to visit in Spain2 Comments

The oldest restaurant in the world has been serving meals in Madrid for almost three centuries. And over the years, they've had some interesting guests...

Bulls and brandy: the story behind Spain’s roadside icons

On October 27, 2018December 19, 2019 By viewfromlavilaIn Great places to visit in Spain, Things to do and see in and around AlicanteLeave a comment

They're a regular roadside sight in Spain. Huge black bulls dominating the skyline. But why are they there, and who put them up in the first place?

Ávila: the spectacular city of saints and stones

On October 12, 2018July 25, 2020 By viewfromlavilaIn Great places to visit in SpainLeave a comment

Ávila has the most spectacular medieval city walls in Spain. They look like something out of a fairy tale, especially floodlit at night.

A tale of two cities: Santander and Bilbao

On October 1, 2018March 17, 2020 By viewfromlavilaIn Great places to visit in SpainLeave a comment

Plenty of tourists head for Santander and Bilbao on the ferry. Most then disappear southwards to the costas...but both cities, though completely different, are well worth a stay.

Spain’s green north: driving through the Aragón Pyrenees

On August 24, 2018July 31, 2020 By viewfromlavilaIn Great places to visit in SpainLeave a comment

The Pyrenees are green and spectacularly beautiful in summer, a real contrast to the Costas. Here are some highlights we found in the mountains of Aragón.

Moros y Cristianos: why Villajoyosa’s fiesta is unique in Spain

On August 12, 2018March 17, 2020 By viewfromlavilaIn FiestasLeave a comment

The little town of Villajoyosa has a great Moros y Cristianos fiesta. It’s unlike any other in Spain - and let’s face it, there’s quite a lot of competition in that department

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  • Civil War in Alicante (5)
  • Fiestas (3)
  • Food in Spain (12)
  • Great places to visit in Spain (8)
  • History (2)
  • Things to do and see around Villajoyosa (10)
  • Things to do and see in and around Alicante (6)
  • Top walks around Villajoyosa (10)
  • Wine in Spain (2)

Recent Posts

  • Going underground: the Moorish caves of Bocairent December 20, 2020
  • The mini-Sagrada Familia – El Santuario de Novelda November 26, 2020
  • Exploring Xàtiva: home of the Borgias, two Popes, and a great castle February 28, 2020
  • Take time out from the Costa and explore Málaga February 14, 2020
  • Walking El Caminito del Rey – once the world’s scariest footpath January 25, 2020
  • Sunshine rugby on the Costa Blanca January 13, 2020
  • Top walks around Villajoyosa: Torre de Les Caletes November 15, 2019
  • Miguel Hernández: the power and emotion of Alicante’s Civil War poet November 1, 2019
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