Category: Travel

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Travel

Must-sees during your stay in Portugal

If you are touring Portugal or you are thinking of traveling to Portugal, you should know some places or sites that are a must-see during your stay in Portugal.

Portugal is located in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, and is a true land of sunny beaches and amazing cities that attract millions of tourists for its attractions and excellent wines.

Some places and cities worth seeing in Portugal

These are some of the places worth seeing in Portugal and where you can find the most offers, which offer tourists everything they can look for, such as the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, the most admirable places and the most beautiful cities in Portugal.

Lisbon, sunny capital

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the most captivating cities in Europe. Besides a bustling Atlantic port located on the banks of the Tagus River, it is a must-see destination.

Visiting the city’s historic center is like taking a journey into its fascinating past, and is also a legacy exemplified by famous tourist attractions, such as the imposing St. George’s Castle, the oldest part of Lisbon.

Here you will find a world-class collection of museums and extensive cultural experience, ideal for admiring monuments and traveling back in time by visiting places like the Carmo Archaeological Museum.

To the east, away from the city center, you can admire the modernity of Parque das Nações and the brilliant Lisbon Oceanarium.

In the west of the country, in Belém, the golden age of Portugal’s discoveries is reflected in the magnificent Monasteiro dos Jerónimos and the monumental Torre de Belém, two of the must-sees during your stay in Portugal.

Porto, a multicultural city

Porto is a city located at the mouth of the Duero River and situated on the waterfront of the Ribeira, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The city is very different from the Portuguese capital thanks to its solid granite architecture and commercial layout. It is a place where you can see many well-preserved baroque churches and neoclassical buildings.

Particularly noteworthy are the spire-like Torre dos Clérigos and the imposing Sé Cathedral.

Another landmark is the Ponte Dom Luís I, a spectacular two-level iron bridge that crosses the Douro River and connects the city with Vila Nova de Gaia, signed by Gustave Eiffel.

A pleasant walk through Ribeira do Duero will allow you to relax and experience the charms of the city while admiring its magnificent surroundings and landscapes.

You can also take a boat trip to the Duero Valley, terraced green hills dotted with villages and towns that resemble cascading tea plantations in Asia, or visit some of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, including Lello e Irmão.

Madeira, the island of the eternal spring

Madeira is an island located in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North Africa. It is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe that has gained popularity for its lush green landscapes, flower gardens, wines and annual New Year celebrations.

The island’s natural beauty, year-round mild climate, and virtually crime-free status attract tourists from all over the world. On the coast of the island there are pebble beaches with crystal clear water and beautiful natural rock pools.

Madeira’s main attraction is the wealth of green landscapes, from lush parks, colorful gardens, enchanting forests and nature reserves to high mountains and rocky beaches lapped by blue ocean waves.

Madeira’s capital and largest city is Funchal, a place not to be missed as it is home to historic churches, fortresses, resorts, museums, restaurants and markets.

Algarve

Algarve is another must-see during your stay in Portugal, especially if you want to disconnect with sun and beach.

In Algarve you will find landscapes that cause addiction and become a place you will want to visit again, with fine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and monumental stone walls. In addition, places like Faro with white houses facing the sea or Sagres.

Lagos

Lagos is one of the main vacation cities in Portugal. It is bathed in the warm rays of the Algarve sun, the city is a favorite vacation destination for thousands of tourists who flock to the southern coast of the country each year.

The place is known mainly for the fabulous beaches that surround the city on both sides of the international marina.

On the other hand, Lagos is also home to some rock formations and sandstone cliffs that rise above a series of oddly and unusually shaped sea caves and grottoes.

On land, Lagos’ cultural highlights include the Municipal Museum and the adjoining cathedral, Igreja de Santo Antonio, which has one of the most ornate interiors in the region.

The lighthouse is a favorite spot for tourists who come to contemplate the view of the sun sinking below the Atlantic horizon. Without a doubt, Lagos and the entire Algarve region is a great destination for a vacation.

Sintra

Sintra is a town located at the foot of the Sintra Mountains on the coast of Lisbon, and is characterized by a green landscape, hills dotted with beautiful villas, royal residences, palaces and castles dating back to the 8th century.

The hills of Sintra will allow you to experience an unforgettable climb up its peaks, while the accompanying views are worth all the effort.

For those who are not interested in walking, you can explore the area by bus, and enjoy all the attractions of the town, such as the Pena Palace, a fantastic castle.

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Travel

Recommendations for your visit to the Balearic Islands

If you are thinking of visiting the Balearic Islands, and what you are looking for is entertainment and tourist attractions for your next vacation in the Balearic Islands, you have come to the right place, because in this website you will know the best options and recommendations for your visit to the Balearic Islands.

Undoubtedly, the Balearic Islands are one of the favorite destinations for both Spaniards and foreigners, thanks to its incredible beaches, villages, gastronomy and viewpoints to appreciate the beauty of the area. Get to know the best destinations in the Balearic Islands and live the best experience.

Some of the main attractions of the Balearic Islands

In the Balearic Islands you will find different attractions, that is why we have selected the best things to see in the Balearic Islands for all ages and budgets.

You can choose from world-famous tourist attractions, places of interest and fun things to do in the Balearic Islands, as well as discover famous cities, resorts, islands and countryside.

Ibiza Old Town

It is a small medieval world enclosed in ancient walls on a hill above the rest of the city. Here tourists can discover the Mediterranean landscape of charming cascading houses.

The fortifications were built in the 16th century on the remains of the Moorish walls, with three gates and seven bastions at the corners.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is located along the bay of Mallorca, and is full of historical and cultural attractions. The lively La Lonja fish market in the old town harbor and Plaza Mayor, the main square in the old town, are worth a visit.

Many tourists visit Palma de Mallorca not only for the sun and sandy beaches, as it is the perfect destination for a vacation by the sea. In addition, about 10 kilometers from Palma de Mallorca is the beach of Palma, one of the best on the island.

Cathedral of Majorca

The Cathedral of Mallorca is a magnificent and historic building, well worth a visit. On a sunny day, the illumination through the stained glass windows is amazing.

If you don’t have a guidebook, there is plenty of information in the exhibition, and among the favorite sights of many are the stained glass windows and Gaudi’s chapel.

Beaches on the island of Formentera

In Fomentera you will find excellent beaches with crystal clear and warm waters. In addition, it is a quiet place ideal for reading a book or to play in case you go with your friends. Without a doubt, you will find great beaches, and definitely some of the best in Europe.

Alcudia Old Town

In the old town of Alcúdia you will find many ruins to see and nice stores to visit, as well as charming narrow streets with many exclusive bars and restaurants. It is also worth seeing the interesting buildings inside and the views outside.

Serra de Tramuntana

Venturing up the winding mountain roads to see this area of Mallorca and taking a trip up the coast, and seeing the beach of Sa Colabra and Torrent from Pareis is an adventure not to be missed.

In addition, the views are incredible, high rocky mountains and its roads are some of the most picturesque.

Pregonda Cove

Cala Pregonda is a good alternative to enjoy the best beach day of the island, because its beach looks different from the others for its colors and the water is very clear. Undoubtedly, it is worth going early or in the late afternoon.

Es Vedra

The view of Es Vedra is breathtaking, without a doubt it is a truly magical place. The place is not affected by fences, however, you will have to be careful near the edge.

Katmandu Park

In Katmandu Park it is worth playing Mini Golf, watching a 4D movie, visiting Inverted House, Splash Park and Soft Play Adventure.

The Zombie attraction is very interesting, where there are real zombies trying to scare you.

Macarelleta Cove

Cala Macarelleta is a beautiful beach, with warm water and excellent views, and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Menorca, for its crystal clear water and white sand.

Alcúdia Beach

Alcúdia beach is a lovely shallow beach and safe for children. It is also very wide, so there is plenty of space to relax.

Drach Caves

Visiting the Cuevas del Drach is a good alternative, as the price is very reasonable and there is good parking.

After entering the caves, you can follow the path at your own pace until you reach a subway lake, where a short classical music concert takes place.

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Travel

What to see and do in Barcelona. Recommendations and guided tours

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Spain due to its unique location.

Thanks to the 1992 Olympic Games and its key position in the Mediterranean Sea, this great city opened up to the world and has managed to consolidate itself as one of the main European capitals of tourism. Its architectural jewels, its modernism, its diverse cultural activities, the product of all the cultures that currently cohabit and its extensive gastronomic offer make Barcelona a desired tourist destination for anyone from the old continent.

Its main monuments include unique pieces in the world such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, all of them the ultimate expression of modernism built by the late Antonio Gaudí.

Barcelona is a city worth getting lost in. The neighbourhoods of Gracia, Gothic or Barceloneta have a special attraction for visitors thanks to their wide cultural offer and the whole range of cultures that inhabit them. Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, its beaches and its climate make it even more attractive to tourists.

We must not forget its gastronomy, varied and with a unique Mediterranean flavour that will delight the most demanding palates.

To find out more about this city, Glovalus offers visits to the main monuments, places of entertainment for all the family or to taste the most demanding dishes.

The must-see places in Barcelona

The Sagrada Familia. Without a doubt, visiting Barcelona and not seeing the Sagrada Familia is almost impossible. An unfinished work, due to tragic circumstances, by the genius architect Antonio Gaudí, the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism. Its construction began in 1883 and, after his death in 1926, its construction has continued thanks to the plans and documentation that Gaudí was able to create.

It is unlike any church you have ever visited. It has 3 façades dedicated to the Birth, Passion and Glory of Jesus, as well as a tower that will be over 170 metres tall when completed, which is expected to be in 2026. Visiting this monument, apart from being an essential activity, can be tedious due to the long queues as the monument only has a number of places per day for the visit. At Glovalus we suggest that if you are going to visit the Sagrada Familia you make your reservation in advance.

Gothic Quarter.  It is the oldest district of the city of Barcelona and is located in the historic centre. It dates back to Roman times and its streets are home to architectural gems such as Carrer del Bisbe, Plaça de Sant Pelip Neri, Palau del Bisbe and Plaça Reial.

Getting lost in its streets can be a great plan for your visit to the city, but if you want to discover all its charm, don’t miss the opportunity to book one of our guided tours.

Güell Park. A World Heritage Site, this is another place not to be missed. Entering this park means travelling to a fantasy world created by Antonio Gaudí. Its entrance staircase, the Pórtico de la Lavandera or simply the views of the city of Barcelona make the magic enter the travellers.

Like almost all monuments of this type, there are a number of restricted visits, so if you want to visit it and not get a scare, the best thing to do is to book a tour with us.

Barcelona Aquarium. Located in the Old Port area of Barcelona, it is the only aquarium in the city and one of the most important Mediterranean theme centres dedicated to the marine world.

It is a family visit where the little ones will have a great time seeing the large number of species that live there. The older ones will learn a lot about how to maintain the health of our seas and the cities necessary for the marine world. Remember to book in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Its gastronomic offer

Visiting Barcelona is synonymous with good food. Typical dishes, tastings, exclusive places or incredible tapas in Montserrat or the Raval. What’s more, Barcelona’s position as a major tourist destination has meant that major brands in the sector have decided to set up in Spain through this marvellous city.

We can suggest a few options:

Icebarcelona. A place that leaves no one indifferent. To enter you will have to put yourself in the shoes of an Eskimo as the whole interior is made of ice. Come and discover it

Tapas in the Raval. If we have already talked about neighbourhoods like Gracia or Gothic, now we bring you another of the most unique places in the city, the Raval neighbourhood. We suggest a visit where you can taste the best tapas that its restaurants have to offer. Book a different experience

Picasso’s footprints. The famous Pablo Picasso once said “Barcelona is the place where it all began, the place where I could see how far I could go”. Of course, his 9 years in the city left an indelible mark on him. With our tour you will visit places like the Art noveau bistro Els 4 gats, a meeting place for bohemians where you will taste high quality dishes and wines. Ask for more information

Tapas and wine in Montserrat. One of the most unknown experiences is to visit the Oller del Mar winery and take one of its wine tasting courses. Set in a castle dating back to the 10th century, the winery extends over 1000 hectares and has a golf course. We will pick you up and take you to enjoy a unique moment for the most demanding palates.

Come and discover Barcelona with us

As you can see, Barcelona has an infinite number of places to show you. In this city there is room for all kinds of people, whether they are adults, children or young people. Its culture, gastronomy, architecture and its proximity to the sea make it a unique destination within the Spanish geography.

At Glovalus we can offer you all kinds of excursions and guided tours. Let us advise you on what to see so that you can simply enjoy your trip.

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Travel

National trips. Alternatives to large-scale travel by COVID

It is common knowledge that most people are now opting for domestic travel rather than major COVID trips. This is because, faced with the risk of contagion, people prefer to stay close to home.

Glovalus has compiled a list of reasons why you should opt for domestic travel rather than major COVID trips. However, pandemic disease won’t be the only compelling reason we’ll give you. Ready?

You’ll save money

While the holiday period is the time of year when we spend the most, it may not always be the best time for you to go on a big trip. Some people finish their holidays dry, and regret having spent so much, even though they’ve enjoyed their holidays like children.

But what if we told you that you don’t need to go broke to have a full and total fun? Going on domestic trips as an alternative to the big COVID trips could be the solution you are looking for to save money and go to paradisiacal destinations.

Yes, we said paradise. On many occasions we don’t tend to value what we have in our own country and we think we need to go out to enjoy something different.

In fact, I will tell you more if you are one of those who love to spend, even if you find it hard to do so afterwards, you can spend as much as you want within Spain and save money on flights.

Domestic travel: you’ll be helping the environment

You probably don’t care about global pollution and the greenhouse effect, especially when you’re planning your holiday, but it can be a plus, can’t it? Travelling slowly in your own car, taking the train, bus or carpooling will not only save you money, but also help the environment survive longer.

Broaden your mind

People often think that their whole country is like the neighbourhood they live in, but that’s not exactly the case. Within the same country you can find places that suck and places of dreams, it all depends on where you go.

At Glovalus, you can explore your options and choose the one that suits you best. If we go one step further, we realise that within Spain there are even places that have their own dialect and customs. End of form

Alternatives to the big COVID trips: you will learn general culture

If you thought you knew your country, you will realise that this is not so. We tend to think we know everything about the place where we live from what we see on the news or from the pictures we see of other people, but the reality is that you need to spend some time in a place to know what it’s really like.

The way of speaking, the gestures, the day-to-day life and even the price at the supermarket can surprise you if you go with the predisposition to enjoy and discover a new world, even if it is the same country where you spend the rest of the year.

Besides, there are many things that are told that are not true, so don’t you think it’s time to discover them for yourself?

Meet foreigners

Being a tourist in your own country gives you a great advantage over others. Knowing the local way of doing things will help you avoid the typical tourist accidents where your bag is stolen or you get lost in the metro.

National travel: you’ll know how to answer for yourself

Although it’s impossible to know everything about every place in the country, living in the same place will help you answer questions that if you were in another country, you’d be racking your brains.

For example, you might want to find the best restaurant in the area. But of course, if you go to England and you don’t know English, you might find it difficult to ask the locals or look it up on the Internet.

You’ll understand the importance of knowing your own home.

Every travel lover will tell you the same thing. To know how to enjoy the pleasures of travelling to unfamiliar places, you must first savour what you have at your fingertips.

You will see the value of the little things and you will be happier.

Say goodbye to jetlag

If you travel within your own country you won’t have to spend a few bad days to adapt to the new time, unless you go to the Canary Islands, but don’t worry, you’ll get used to it quickly.

We are waiting for you at Glovalus.

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Travel COVID19

How to travel during COVID

Since the start of the COVID pandemic, the way of life around the world has changed dramatically. Even shopping and eating in a restaurant have become completely different tasks. However, travelling with COVID is possible if you really want to do it. Glovalus tells you how to do it safely.

Considerations before making the journey

Whatever the time of year, we can all use a break, especially if we have had an intense day of continuous work. However, travelling with an active COVID, while not impossible, has a number of requirements that you didn’t have to think about before.

For a start, if possible, you should ideally be vaccinated against pandemic disease. It’s a bit of a blow when someone has a whole trip planned and gets sick or has someone close to them who does, but the best thing to do is to prioritise your health.

At Glovalus we tell you what are the burning questions to ask yourself before travelling with COVID: Have you been vaccinated? Are you a patient at risk? Do you live with someone who has coronavirus? Does the place where you live or where you are going have many restrictions?

Another thing that Glovalus recommends you to do when travelling with COVID is to check the current situation of the country regarding this issue. Not only the restrictions, but also what activities you can and cannot do, or if there is a curfew.

Travelling with the COVID: protect yourself

If you finally decide that taking a few days off in times of coronavirus is something you need, no one can stop you if the law allows it. However, as a travel agency specialising in dream trips, we advise you to protect yourself at all times.

Keep in mind that the restriction measures are put in place based on what has been happening in recent times, so take heed, and nothing should happen. To be on the safe side, one suggestion that might come in handy is to take out travel medical insurance.

Take a good look at hotels

Some people think that staying in one place is the same as staying in another, but this is not true. Even if you try to have a positive attitude and think that the worst is over, the truth is that you don’t know if this will be the case.

In the past, it was very common to go to hostels to cut travel costs. Having a few days of relaxation in times of coronavirus and doing this can be counterproductive.

Our sincere advice is that you should choose to share a room only with those with whom you are going to share the rest of the trip to avoid contagion.

What is COVID certification?

Everyone is talking about it. Spain issues this certificate, which is valid throughout the European Union. It is compulsory for travel, if you wish to undertake a COVID trip. Through it, citizens can stipulate whether they have already overcome the condition, suffer from it or have been vaccinated.

If you have already been vaccinated and want to travel without worrying, do so and you will be backed up in case of any eventuality. It is safe and respects your privacy. You can rest assured that the data provided will only be used for the purpose for which it was created.

Can I travel without this certificate? Yes, but the process for you to stay in a place will be much slower.

Why it is important to have a PCR before and after travel

Some people find it a real pain to have to be tested over and over again. But we can assure you that it is much more tedious to have to go to the hospital every few days to get it done.

The COVID-19 self-test lets you know whether you are positive or not without the need for a doctor’s intervention. There are two types of test: antigen and antibody. It is up to you to choose one or the other.

Travelling with COVID: when to get tested

We recommend that you get tested before and after you travel so that you can enjoy your stay for longer. By law, the test must be done within the first 7 days of going to a place, as it is understood that 5 days after becoming infected is when you start to develop symptoms.

This is when the viral load is highest and therefore easier to detect.

With all these tips, and our good wishes, we wish you the best trip with Glovalus.

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Travel

How to choose a good holiday destination

The holiday period is one of the happiest for everyone. It is the time when we get to disconnect from what happens in our day to day lives and start thinking about ourselves. So choose a good destination for your holidays to make this happen.

As time goes by, new travel options have become more and more popular. New hotel companies have been created and unthinkable facts about places that nobody knew about have been discovered.

There are those who think that a good destination is a place that is cheaper and others who opt for luxury, even if it has fewer features. To choose a good holiday destination, you not only have to know which places you can visit, but also what each one has to offer.

You may know the friend who has happily told you that he went on holiday to New York, but when you ask him why he went, his answer disappoints you.

Maybe he thought it was a good idea to go to the same place all his workmates have gone, but he didn’t really know what the place has to offer. Although we’re talking about a trip that usually everyone knows about, these kinds of cases exist and are much more common than you think.

But we have the perfect solution for you to find a great holiday destination. At Glovalus we have created a list of tips that you should take into account when making the big decision of the year.

Stop thinking about your pocket

The idea that only people with money can go on a trip is outdated. There are great places that are very cheap, you just have to want to have a good time and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you are one of those who think that a good destination for your holiday can only be a place of high standing, you can opt for a time that is not considered high season. It will be cheaper and less crowded.

Create a list of priorities

Before you go away for a few days of relaxation, consider what your priorities will be once you are there. Depending on what kind of person you are, you may enjoy your trip in one way or another.

For example, you might go on a trip to Italy and wander around all the city’s iconic sights. However, if you are a beach lover, instead of going to Rome, you will go to Sicily.

This can also happen in the city itself. There are some people who only travel to taste the gastronomy of the country and choose specific destinations to eat the dish.

Your trip will be what you want it to be.

Good holiday destination: think about the best time of year for you.

By this we don’t mean think about the times when there are fewer people, but when you can. As they always say, you can’t have everything in life and you may not be able to take a holiday in the low season, so you will have to organise yourself as well as possible.

To make a decision that you will be happy with, you will also need to consider what activities you want to do on your trip, and whether they can be done at the time of year you plan to go.

For example, if you want to go surfing, it doesn’t make much sense to go in winter, no matter how low season it is, unless you’re a daredevil and have a friend who’ll let you borrow a board.

Also, depending on the country you are going to, it is advisable to educate yourself about the laws and social circumstances at the time. Avoid any comments that could have a negative influence on other citizens so that you can enjoy a pleasant stay.

Good holiday destination – attitude is everything

The attitude with which you go will determine how much fun you will have. If you have an open mind and a positive attitude, you will be surprised wherever you go and enjoy every second of it.

On the other hand, if you are one of those people who find negativity wherever you go, no matter where you go, you will be bitter the whole trip. So, as you will see, it’s up to you to have a great time.

Now that you know what a good holiday can do for you, we invite you to contact us and experience the best holiday of your life.