It is no secret that Barcelona is home to many of the world’s most popular works of architecture. “Where the modern world meets the old” has been used to describe the city, because of its beautiful mix of historic buildings with contemporary designs.

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Also, many world class architects became famous from their work in Barcelona: from Antonio Gaudi to Zaha Hadid, it there is little doubt that Barcelona is clearly one of the most important cities for architecture.

If you are interested in architecture, you may have heard before that Barcelona is famous for its display of 'Modernism'. This descriptive is commonly used to reference the city's distinctive style of architecture. Antonio Gaudi’s work can be easily related to that style. In reality, Modernism was an art movement present not only in architecture, and it gained notoriety when the Catalan renaissance was taking place.

Barcelona was Catalonia’s capital, so it’s only natural that it was vital for the Modernism movement, and it was here that many distinctive Catalan characters such as politicians, writers, poets, architects and artists helped in lifting the then little known, traditional and rural Catalan culture to match the progressive natures of Europe's most developed countries.

Gaudi is probably one of Barcelona most famous architects, but it was Lluis Domenech i Montaner who really kicked started Modernism. Montaner was born in 1850, and was notorious for being a prominent politician and also director of the Barcelona School of Architecture. He is considered as one of Gaudi’s most influential teachers. He published an essay in 1878 called 'In Search of a National Architecture', in the art journal La Renaixença. Montaner’s essay is now considered a seminal text of the Modernisme movement and reflects the Catalans' need of creating an independent identity by using the beauty of architecture and other arts.

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Along with Barcelona's other world class architects, such as Gaudi and Puig i Cadalfach, Domenech i Montaner focused his vision towards a style that would clearly reflect the Catalan culture, as well as give Barcelona an aesthetic unique not only in Spain, but the rest of the world. There is no doubt that they achieved this with extraordinary success, and nowadays Barcelona owes much of its world class fame to 'the look' which these important men helped develop.

 Modernista architecture can be easily recognized by the use of the curve over the straight line, organic and botanical shapes and details, the use of rich and vivid ornamentation, bright colors, and most importantly a disregard of symmetry and a very wide use of symbolism.

If you visit anywhere in Catalonia, you will easily see traces from traditional Catalan rural life and Catalan mythology, as well as Arabic patterns and decorations all over the buildings. The overall effect is a very particular style of architecture which is very organic and very colorful.

However, it is sometimes absurdly over the top with details and ornament. There are many people that find Barcelona's architecture a little too exaggerated with the details and ornaments. However, many of those decorations and mind-boggling shapes certainly look great on camera.  It's easy to understand why they are so popular with tourists.

More information about Barcelona here.

In the past few years, Lanzarote has emerged as a hot favorite year round holiday destination. Lanzarote, or any of the adjoining Canary Islands are great for enjoying your vacations with your family and friends.

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While there are many all-inclusive resorts in Lanzarote, if you are interested in living your life and saving money during your vacation, then you should consider Villas in Lanzarote for rent. If you do not know much about Lanzarote, it is the Eastern most Canary Islands. Actually, due to its location, it is right off the coast of Africa and quite near to Spain.

Since it is considered as a part of Spain, so usual EU rules apply to this place. Lanzarote enjoys mild weather throughout the year. It is blessed with minimal rain and a nice breeze on this land which brings warm African air right through the island.

Lanzarote is still not well known as other Canary Islands, but this place has some of the best restaurants and shopping centers you can come across.

This island is world famous for ecology, flora and fauna, but not that much for nightlife. Therefore, you can easily get some of the most beautiful villas in Lanzarote for rent at affordable rates.
Some of the villas cater specifically to family type vacations.

Some villas even advertise all about their amenities, such as proximity to golf courses or swimming pools.
Few others describe tranquil and beautiful landscape. But still, all those who vacate here feel that this island is the place to be.

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In fact, many rural villas are high in demand. By spending few hundred dollars a week, you can feel like a millionaire. Villas in Lanzarote for rent that are close to towns will also cost the same amount of money.
On this island, you are not far from anything, irrespective of where you are staying.

Most of the villas have pools, computers, internet, gardens and televisions. Many families that visit this magical island every year enjoy every second of their visit by relaxing on its sun soaked beaches. This would be really enjoyable if you have a family with kids.

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The elderly would want to explore this island and see what else is on offer. Lanzarote has a turbulent history. Its fiery mountains of Timanfara Park were formed after years of volcanic eruptions and today it is a protected national park.

Aside from the natural attractions on this island, there are many attractions created by Cesar Manrique, who was an artist who lived on this island, and lost his life in a car accident. His legacy is apparent in architecture to logo designs on various tourist guides.

If your kids are adventurous types, then they can enjoy kite surfing, wind surfing, and surfboarding at various places on this island. On the northern side of this island, there is Famara, which is shadowed with a huge cliff that faces the sea, but conditions here are perfect for extreme sports.

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In fact, hundreds of sportsmen take villas in Lanzarote for rent during international extreme sport competitions held every year on this island.

Families visiting this island can enjoy local culture, and do shopping in local crafts markets at all big resorts.
There is a Sunday morning market held at Tenguise where local clothes, crafts, produce and much more is on sale at reasonable rates.

Aside from the natural attractions on this island, there are many attractions created by Cesar Manrique, who was an artist who lived on this island, and lost his life in a car accident. His legacy is apparent in architecture to logo designs on various tourist guides. If your kids are adventurous types, then they can enjoy kite surfing, wind surfing, and surfboarding at various places on this island. 

On the northern side of this island, there is Famara, which is shadowed with a huge cliff that faces the sea, but conditions here are perfect for extreme sports. In fact, hundreds of sportsmen take villas in Lanzarote for rent during international extreme sport competitions held every year on this island. 

Families visiting this island can enjoy local culture, and do shopping in local crafts markets at all big resorts. There is a Sunday morning market held at Tenguise where local clothes, crafts, produce and much more is on sale at reasonable rates.

Trips to the Canary Islands are usually associated with lazy beach breaks and finding things to do for the kids. But Tenerife holidays offer so much more. Forget the zoos, theme parks and water slides which litter the island. We’re avoiding them like a potent Margarita and focusing on the many unusual and unique things to do instead. So, this is our guide to the Top Ten other things to see and do on this spectacular island. Enjoy!

1: See the Finger of God

Make of it what you will, but this is just one of many eerie formations created by ancient lava flow and vertical streams of magma. Located in Teide National Park, these twisted pinnacles bear such names as the Finger of God, the Cathedral and Roque Cinchado - and are quite spectacular to look at. The area is flanked by the Llano de Ucanca, vast plains stretching as far as the eye can see with numerous trails for hiking and biking.

2: Visit a Volcano

While you’re in the National Park contemplating the Finger of God, take a trip to see the incredible volcanoes of Tenerife. The last to erupt was Pico Viejo - meaning 'old peak' - which spat magma and delivered a torrent of lava in the not-too-distant year of 1798. It’s a fascinating glimpse of volcanic power and its devastating effects - the lava snuffed out everything in its path and the trail remains desolate and barren.

3: See Men in Tights

Carnaval is an annual celebration taking place in Santa Cruz for two to three weeks before Lent. See the local men dress up in fishnet tights and gaudy dresses to take part in this fun-filled spectacle, which is the biggest carnival in Europe and certainly gives Rio a run for its money.

4: Sunbathe on Christmas Day

Unless you live in Australia, sunbathing on Christmas Day just seems odd. Like suits with trainers, or fish without chips. But it’s certainly not an unpleasant experience, so if you’re holidaying here for Christmas you can enjoy the smug satisfaction of working on your tan while those back home have the central heating on overtime.

5: Build a Snowman

During the festive period it’s sometimes possible to build a snowman using the snow around the foot of Mount Teide, and even partake in a snowball fight. Some say it’s a local tradition that once you’ve built your snowman, you place it on the bonnet of your car and try to make it to the coast before the whole thing melts in the sun. Yes, you heard right.

6: Go Surfing

The waters around the island and especially Los Cristianos are perfect for surfing. Book a week-long course, a day, or just a single lesson. You’ll get all the gear and expert tuition from the local pros who will help you learn to control your board and maybe even stand up. It’s an energy-sapping experience but a lot of fun and well worth it.

7: Go Golfing

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, Tenerife is riddled with golf courses of every size, shape and stature imaginable. It’s a popular sport here and you can book lessons, or just hire some clubs for a few leisurely hours.

8: Taste the local Tipple

After all that hard work on the golf course, you deserve a little break. And what better way to take it easy than with a glass of the local tipple? The first vineyards originated here in the 16th century and Tenerife has never looked back. Today you’ll find a thriving wine industry covering numerous locations all over the island producing mostly red and white varieties, and some rose too. Join a local excursion to explore the vineyards where you’ll have plenty of time to taste the goods.

9: Visit Masca Valley

The former pirate village of Masca is nestled at the bottom of a lovely valley, accessible via a series of hairpin bends and steep trails down the mountainside. It’s a rewarding trip with spectacular scenery and plenty of hiking opportunities and lookout points. Hire a car and negotiate the bends with caution, or pass on the responsibility to a professional and hop on a tour bus.

10: Soak up La Laguna

The former capital of Tenerife, La Laguna is considered the island’s second city. Located in the Aguere Valley, this cultural hotspot is home to the famous Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción - the Church of Our Lady of Conception - which is the oldest church in the city. It has a superb bell tower, a carved wooden ceiling and a Baroque pulpit dating back to the 18th century.

If you fly to Mallorca Spain between June and August be aware that it is peak season and the busiest time for hotels in Mallorca. Therefore, book your hotel in Mallorca and car rental in advance.

If you want to beat the crowds and get cheaper hotel accommodation, I would suggest to travel during the winter months (temperatures are not too bad reaching near 20 ºC).

Things to do in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:

* Take a Palma de Mallorca city tour which features stops at Bellver Castle and La Seo Cathedral.

* Take a one-day excursion to Palma de Mallorca’s countryside. During the excursion you can visit the Carthusian monastery at Valdemosa.

* Visit the Peraires Pier where you’ll be able to purchase Mallorcan pearls and other handcrafted artwork.

* Visit the Mallorca Museum which features a great collection of mediaeval and eighteenth century arts.

* Visit Cabo Formentor for great scenic views of the north of Palma de Mallorca Spain.

* Tour ‘Las cuevas del Drach’ (the caves of Drach) where you’ll be able to explore this amazing cave system and natural lake.

* Experience the Sant Joan festival held on 23rd of June and it celebrates the coming of summer with bonfires on the beach.

* Visit the Spanish Contemporary Art museum or ‘Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani’, which features art works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.

See. Top 10 Summer Destinations in Spain
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