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24/03/2017

SHOPPING IN GRAN CANARIA

Shopping in Gran Canaria: tax free zones, street markets, shopping center.


Canary islands is very popular for being tax free zones. This very beneficial situation gave a boost to the economical activity in the islands for all sorts of commercial activities especially perfumes, electronic devices, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
You shall find this type of stores in all the shopping malls of the south and in the area of Parque Santa Catalina in Las Palmas. The price offers are vast and very competitive helping you to get away with a good purchase.

SHOPPING IN GRAN CANARIA


STREET MARKETS: handcraft is the best souvenir you can take from the island. You can find a good variety of creations in different artisan fields: pottery, table covers, handkerchiefs, fancy rags and other articles made of cloth.
You can find this articles in the street market of craftsmanship and culture of Vegueta in Las Palmas (open monday-thursday 6.40-14.00 friday-saturday 6.30-15.00) and in other traditional street markets of the island:
- Las Palmas: sunday 8.00-14.00
- San Fernando: wednesday and saturday 8.00-14.00
- Arguineguin: tuesday 8.00-14.00 in Plaza Negra, thursday 8.00-14.00 Ancora shopping center
- Puerto de Mogan: friday 8.00-14.00
- Vecindario: wednesday 8.00-14.00
- San Mateo: saturday 8.00-20.00 and sunday 8.00-15.00 farmer's market
- Aguimes: thursday 8.00-13.00 in front of the swimming pool
- Teror: sunday 8.00-14.00 near the Basilica
- Telde: saturday 8.00-14.00 near the bus station
- Galdar: thursday 8.00-14.00 church square
- Maspalomas and Puerto Rico: every 2 weeks on sunday 8.00-14.00


GRAN CANARIA SHOPPING CENTER

SHOPPING AREA: there are 7 in the entire island. They are big enough to find anything you need. They provide you with cinema halls, ample parking space, hypermarket chains ad restaurant area.
In Las Palmas:
- C.C. Las Arenas: (carretera del rincon), located at the end of Las Canteras beach, it has beautiful views from the roof top.
- C.C. El Muelle: (muelle de Santa Catalina), with wonderful views to the sea avenue and the Port of Las Palmas from any of the roof tops of the mall. It does not have any supermarket.
- C.C. La Ballena: (av. Gral del Norte, 112)
- C.C. Siete Palmas: (av. Pintor Felo Monzon, 44)


In Telde:

- C.C. El Mirador and C.C. Las Terrazas: (motorway GC1 exit 5 El Mirador and 6 Las Terrazas), located next to each other at a 2 minutes distance by car. The main characteristics of Las Terrazas is that it is the only OUTLET in the island, it also has numerous outdoor spaces and it offers ample entertainment options.


In Vecindario:

- C.C. Atlantico (motorway GC1 exit 28)


In Maspalomas:

- C.C. El Tablero (motorway GC1 exit 48)


Gran Canaria shopping


Sales period: summer from 1st July to 31st August. Winter from 7th January to 6th March.
Usually many stores and shopping malls are have continuous opening hours from 10.00 to 22.00.
On sunday and public holidays th shops close. In the tourist area some very specific stores remain open.

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAN CANARIA?
If you like the warm south of the island, cast a glance in my holiday apartment:


I hope the information is helpful to you, if so share the news clicking the "social buttons" under the article. Thank you! 😚
December 2016
Laura

31/12/2016

BEST GRAN CANARIA BEACHES

Opinions and advice on the most beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria: the biggest, the best beach to go in winter, best beaches for kids and family, white sand beaches and less windy.

best Family beaches gran canaria
Best gran canaria beaches

In this article I'll talk about the most beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria. Some of my readers are planning a trip to this island so I thought to write a useful guide-article to direct them to the fullest. Carve out a break in a warm place all year round, it's always a good solution. Taking advantage of the favorable climate of the Canary Islands you can go back to work sporting a nice tan. To avoid making mistakes, here is a list of the best beaches of the island where you can swim and sunbathe.   

In this article we'll see in detail:
  1. Opinions and tips about the best beaches of Gran Canaria
  2. The most beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria
  3. Gran Canaria white beaches
  4. Gran Canaria less windy beaches.
  5. Most beautiful beach in the north of Gran Canaria (biggest beach).

21/12/2016

Hotspot wifi canarias: free and paid service.

Wifi Access in the Canaries all the solutions. Free or paid service. Hotspot area maps and prices.

WIFI Gran Canaria

free hotspot gran canaria

WIFI FREE in Gran Canaria:

If you need an occasional and sporadic use...

TIP: Find McDonalds... They always have free wi-fi access.
If you go in Puerto Rico (Gran Canaria) you can find McDonalds in the downtown (usually you can sit and use internet even without consuming.)

Even in many shopping centers wi-fi service is free.
In the South of Gran Canaria you can find:.

Shopping Center El Tablero
Free wi-fi
Avda. Francisco Vega Monroy, nº21
El Tablero - San Bartolomé de Tirajana / output: 48 de la Autopista G.C.1

FREE WIFI for a Drink:

There are several internet cafes around the most popular beaches that offer internet access in exchange for a drink (usually the service provided is highlighted in some sign at the entrance.)

22/09/2016

SIRMIONE WHERE TO STAY?

BEST AREA SIRMIONE where to stay


WHERE TO STAY IN SIRMIONE?

I suggest you to choose an accommodation with parking included otherwise you will have to pay a parking space in this area and they are quite expensive. 

If you are traveling in the summer, I suggest you to stay in this Holiday Village near Sirmione where the parking space is included in the price and you can enjoy a beautiful swimming pool.
Staying in the center of Sirmione is not comfortable, the area is a ztl (Limited traffic zone).
Better to stay just outside the Scaliger castle or in neighboring towns like Colombare and Lugana, it is less expensive. However, if you want to experience the magic of staying in the center of Sirmione, prefer this structure where you can park in the backyard, for free: ⇨ stay in Sirmione peninsula.

To know: There is a convenient shuttle bus service that from Colombare takes you directly in front of the Sirmione castle gate. The cost is € 1 each way per person (simple travel ticket can be purchased on the ground for € 1.00 or € 1.50 if you buy the ticket on board the bus).


WHERE TO STAY IN SIRMIONE
SIRMIONE

Lake Garda is also one of the most famous. It's an extremely popular destination for tourists specially in summer.

Reasons for choosing the Lake Garda



  • Sunbathing and swimming,
  • Water sports, 
  • Have fun in the various clubs, 
  • Enjoy Italian cuisine, 
  • Shopping and visiting the beautiful and picturesque villages. 

If you travel with your children you can plan some day trips to three popular parks in the area:


  1. Gardaland with the numerous attractions for everybody. Gardaland is located in Castelnuovo del Garda around Peschiera.
  2. Movieland in Lazise, where you can relive the scenes of several famous films 
  3. CANEVA in Lazise a beautiful water park.


HOW TO REACH SIRMIONE 

and other destination on the Garda lake



BY CAR:
  • Italy Highway A4 
Exit Brescia East if you want to reach the towns of Salò, Gardone, Toscolano, Gargnano, Tignale, Tremosine, Limone.
Other exits are Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera to reach the mentioned towns.
  • Italy Motorway A22 
Exit To Rovereto Sud / Lago di Garda Nord if you want to reach the towns of Torbole, Riva del Garda, Malcesine, Limone, Tremosine;

Exit Affi / Lago di Garda  if you want to reach the towns of Garda, Torri del Benaco, Bardolino, Lazise, Peschiera.

BY TRAIN: 
Railway stations are in Peschiera, Desenzano and Rovereto; from here, with buses, you can reach the various places of the lake.

Nearest airport to Garda lake:


  • VILLAFRANCA AIRPORT  (VERONA) 20 km away.
  • MONTICHIARI AIRPORT  (BRESCIA) 30 km away.
  • ORIO AL SERIO AIRPORT  (BERGAMO) 80 km away.
From these airports, there are bus service or transfer services for the city centre or railway station.

A TRIP TO SIRMIONE


Medieval town Garda lake
Sirmione

Sirmione is a beautiful village located on the south of the lake on a strip of land that juts out like a promontory. Beginning of the village you will find the famous castle / fortress, visited for a fee.




Parking of car in small towns near the Lake


Public Car Parks in Sirmione: 

I suggest you to park a few kilometres far away from Sirmione in a free car parking near bus stop and take public bus called BUS NAVETTA. Even rent a bike could be more convenient.

CAR PARKING in SIRMIONE:  you can leave your car outside the old town in the various paid car parking (about 1,80 - 2,10 per hour) and walk to the village centre. It'a an old town with narrow streets full of shops, bars, restaurants, ice cream parlors. 


Here is a beautiful spa where you can relax and regenerate. (SPA CENTRE ACQUARIA open from March to December, from 14.00 to 22.00 on Monday, from 20.00 to 22.00 from Tuesday to Thursday, and until 24.00 on Thursdays). To get there just go to the north starting from the ferry dock and after about 600 meters you get there.



WHAT TO SEE in Sirmione


GROTTE DI CATULLO:

Archaeological site of a Roman villa of the fifteenth century. Paid entrance. 
Opening times: 

Winter from Tuesday to Saturday: 8.30 to 17.30; 
Sundays and public holidays: 8.30-14.00. 

In summer, from Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 to 19:30; closed on Mondays.
Sundays and public holidays 9:30 to 18:30; 
To reach them, starting from the ferry dock to continue heading north and after about 800 meters you arrive.

AQUARIA SPA: 

Aquaria offers you everything to be rejuvenated in Sirmione. The Spa and Wellness Centre has indoor and outdoor thermal pools. More than 10,000 square meters of thermal spa including a few swimming pools, whirlpools, Kneipp, relax areas...

Take a walk discovering the promontory tasting a delicious ice-cream.


WHERE TO EAT in Sirmione:


TRATTORIA LA FIASCATypical cozy restaurant on a side street off the main square, which offers customers traditional dishes prepared with local produce.

TRATTORIA LA SPERANZINAa stone's throw from the castle away from the lakefront chaos. Possibility to eat outside in the shade of olive trees offers dishes including fish from the lake and other tasty dishes.

Sirmione study in deep:

Beaches,
Camper Areas,
Events,
Markets,
Car parkings,
Bycicle rides... 

I hope the information is helpful, if so, please, share it. Click your preferred social buttons under the article. Thank you! ^ _ ^

October 2018
Moira R.J.

15/09/2016

BERGAMO Italy: best area to stay

Bergamo is a lovely city located in the center of Lombardy, 50 km far away from Milan.
The city is divided into 2 parts:

Bergamo what to do and see

In this article I will talk about the medieval city of Bergamo.
A city easily accessible from the airport of Orio al Serio, or for a day trip from Milan.
You can read useful information about what to see and do in this Lombardy city.
  • bergamo italy points of interest
  • bergamo italy map
  • bergamo things to do
  • 3 best accommodation in Bergamo, for your need.

09/09/2016

ITALIAN traditional FOOD: what to eat in Italy

Tell me where you are going to holiday in Italy and I'll tell you what to eat. 

Travelling in MARCHE 


Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Senigallia, San Benedetto del Tronto, Gabicce Mare, Loreto, Ascoli Piceno?

Sea and mountains, this region, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, offers a variety that combines the flavors of the sea to those who are of the countryside and hills.
Famous dish in the area of Ascoli Piceno are Olive all'Ascolana.

COOL STUFF TO BUY IN THIS REGION:

PASTA: MACCHERONCINI DI CAMPOFILONE

WHAT TO EAT IN MARCHE?

- BRODETTO MARCHIGIANO (soup)
- VINCISGRASSI (pasta: lasagna marchigiana - see the first pic)
- OLIVE ALL'ASCOLANA (appetiser)

The stuffed olives, appreciated and known all over the world, are the most famous dish of Italian culinary tradition of the Marche. The olives are stuffed with small doses of the meat filling, then they go breaded and dipped in beaten egg with a pinch of salt.

what to eat in Marche, Italy
Olive all'ascolana: source pinterest

Travelling in UMBRIA


Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Assisi, Orvieto, Gubbio, Perugia?

Simple and natural dishes seasoned with the famous extra virgin olive oil one of the best of Italy in these areas. Other typical products are the black truffle from Norcia one of the ingredients of many pasta dishes, and lentils from Castelluccio di Norcia as well as wild boar meat.

SHOPPING IN UMBRIA:

FRIEND GIFT: A BASKET OF TYPICAL PRODUCTS.
  1. CHOCOLATE PERUGINA
  2. SALSA TARTUFATA
WHAT TO EAT IN UMBRIA?

- AGNOLOTTI AL TARTUFO (pasta)
- ZUPPA DI LENTICCHIE (vegetable soup)
- CARDI AL GRIFO: Cardi al Grifo is dish made from thistles, eggs, breadcrumbs, lean veal, chicken livers, onion, olive oil, white wine, mushrooms, tomatoes and parmesan.
- TORTA AL TESTO (bread and cold cuts).

what to eat in Italy
Torta al testo. Source.

Travelling in LAZIO


Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Roma, Gaeta, Ostia, Anzio, San Felice Circeo, Cerveteri, Tarquinia?

In this region you can find plenty of pasta dishes with all kinds of seasoning such as bucatini amatriciana, spaghetti alla carbonara, bucatini cacio e pepe. Another typical meat dish is the lamb: saltimbocca alla romana and oxtail.

BEST THINGS TO BUY IN ROME:
  • PECORINO ROMANO
  • SAUCE FOR PASTA
WHAT TO EAT IN ROME?

GNOCCHI ALLA ROMANA  (pasta)
- SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA  (pasta)
BUCATINI ALL'AMATRICIANA  (pasta)
- ABBACCHIO ALLA CACCIATORA (meat)
- MARITOZZI (sweet)

The maritozzi fluffy and delicious sweet rolls stuffed with whipped cream are served for breakfast in every bar in the capital and its surroundings. Often the dough is enriched with pine nuts, raisins and candied orange peel.

what to eat in Rome
Maritozzi: tiypical Roma sweet. Source



Travelling in ABRUZZO

Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Alba Adriatica, Pineto, Roseto, Pescara?

A journey through the flavors of the Adriatic sea of Pescara, vineyards and olive groves of Chieti and Teramo, L'Aquila with its strong mountain flavors.

3 THINGS TO BUY IN CENTRAL ITALY:

FRIEND GIFT: A BASKET OF TYPICAL PRODUCTS.

- WINE: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
- CONFETTURA: Marmalade


WHAT TO EAT IN ABRUZZO?

- MACCHERONI ALLA CHITARRA (pasta)
- CODA DI ROSPO ALLA CACCIATORA (fish)
- PARROZZO (Original typical dessert of Christmas Abruzzo cuisine)
- CICERCHIATA (sweet)

Struffoli abruzzesi (cicerchiata) are small balls of sweet dough, fried and then dipped in honey.

Italian sweet
Struffoli abruzzesi. source



Travelling in MOLISE


Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Termoli, Campobasso, Isernia?

Dishes of pork, and the coast dishes of fish stews, soups and rice.

WHAT TO EAT IN MOLISE?

- BRODETTO DI PESCE
- PAMPANELLA
- CANCELLE
- PICCILLATI

BEST FOOD TO BUY IN MOLISE:

- OLIVE OIL
- PASTA: i cavatelli

The cavatelli are a fresh semolina pasta, typical of the regions of Molise and Puglia. They have an elongated and hollowed shape. The cavatelli are great topped with tomato sauce and ricotta cheese or with meat sauce or with vegetables.

Italian pasta
Cavatelli pasta: source and italian recipe

Related articles:

ITALIAN CUISINE



Italian cuisine is creative and imaginative and one of the richest in the world.
The climate varies in different regions allows to obtain different products.

It is a cuisine rich in tradition with authentic dishes, simple that enhance the natural flavors of the various local products.
We make an overview of the various regions of Italy in order to understand better the specialties.


ITALY'S REGIONS
NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE



Travelling in Liguria? Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Alassio, Bordighera, Camogli, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Portovenere...

Here you can find dishes based on fish and herbs including the famous pesto that is used as a condiment on pasta or added to vegetable soups. Always present pies with vegetables and various types of buns.

italian dishes
PASTA AL PESTO


What to eat in Liguria:

  • Torta pasqualina (salty cake)
  • Focaccia di Recco (street food)
  • Trofie al Pesto (pasta)
  • Canestrelli e Baci di dama (sweet)

To BUY in this Region:

Travelling in PIEDMONT - PIEMONTE. Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Torino, Sestrière, Lago Maggiore...


One of the most refined cuisines of Italy; stand out dishes based on rice as the "paniscia", the famous Alba truffles, "bagna cauda" typical hot sauce with vegetables dipped bread and anchovies. Famous various boiled meats and delicious chocolates Gianduiotti typical of the area.

Traditional Piedmont food
Agnolotti: fonte Pinterest


What to eat in Torino:

  • Vitello tonnato (meat)
  • Agnolotti (pasta)
  • Brasato al barolo (meat)
  • Pesche ripiene  (fruit)
  • zabaione (sweet)
To BUY in Piedmont:

Travelling in AOSTA VALLEY - VAL D’AOSTA. Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Aosta, Saint Vincent, Courmayeur...


Dishes based on cereals, beef and pork, dairy products including cheese Fontina Val d'Aosta fondue and typical sauce made of various cheeses.

Italian traditional Aosta food
Fonduta


What to eat in Aosta:
  • Fonduta Valdostana (cheese cream)
  • Gnocchi alla fontina (pasta)
  • Caffè valdostano (drink)
To BUY in this Region:

Travelling in Lombardy - LOMBARDIA. Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Milano, Bergamo, Como, Lago di Garda...

Dishes abound in this region based on freshwater fish, especially in the Lombardy lakes area, the milk cheese, the meat with its boiled and stews, rice and corn. Widespread and 'the use of polenta as a side dish to accompany meat with various sauces. One of the many specialities' of this region are the pork tripe, and sausage. In Milan the lively Milano, you can enjoy a good risotto alla Milanese, the tasty schnitzel and under the Christmas period also typical dessert par excellence Panettone.

Lombardy traditional food
Pizzoccheri Valtellinesi


What to eat in Milan:
  • Ossobuco (meat)
  • Cassoeula (meat)
  • Pizzoccheri (pasta)
  • Cotoletta alla milanese (meat)
  • Bresaola della Valtellina (meat, cold cuts)
To BUY in this Region:

Travelling in TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE. Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Merano, Pinzolo, Riva del Garda, Canazei...

In this region abound dishes with soups of all kinds, for example, the Panada. Very important also cheeses and cold cuts including the famous Speck.

Traditional italian food Alto adige
Canederli. Fonte: Pinterest


What to eat in Trento:
  • Canederli (pasta)
  • Wurstel (meat)
  • Carne salata (meat)
  • Polenta (dish made of corn flour)
  • Strudel (sweet)
To BUY in this Region:
  • Speck 
  • Formaggi: Caprino di Cavalese, Graukase, Puzzone di Moena...

Travelling in FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA. Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Caorle, Grado...

It is a rustic and simple cuisine but offers so many different flavors, from cereals and vegetable soups, vegetables and meats to the cotechini combinations and turnips.

italian food
Baccalà alla triestina. Fonte: Pinterest


What to eat in Friuli:
  • Polenta pasticciata (dish made of corn flour)
  • Baccalà alla triestina (fish)
To BUY in this Region:

Travelling in VENETO. Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Venezia, Verona, Cortina d Ampezzo…

A typical dish is the famous salt cod, especially the one at Vicenza, as well as the Treviso Radicchio that finds various uses in the kitchen. Another typical dish is the Venetian liver. Inevitable here too the polenta that accompanies various meat dishes.

Italian dishes
Risi e Bisi, Fonte: Pinterest

What to eat in Venezia:
  • Baccalà (fish)
  • Bigoli (pasta)
  • Risi e Bisi (rice)
  • Fegato alla veneziana (meat)
  • Pandoro (sweet)
To BUY in this Region:
  • Vini veneti: Soave, Valpolicella, Bardolino, Recioto.

Travelling in EMILIA ROMAGNA. Are you thinking about taking a vacation in Rimini, Imola, Bologna…


Rich and tasty dishes based on pasta of various types accompanied by the famous Bolognese sauce made with meat and tomato. The tortellini in broth are another popular dish in these areas. Another speciality is stuffed sweet or savoury flatbread. In coastal areas, various dishes based on fish meals including soup.
Regional italian food
Lasagne alla Bolognese; Pinterest


What to eat in Rimini:
  • Cappelletti (pasta)
  • Lasagne alla bolognese (pasta)
  • Passatelli (pasta)
  • Tagliatelle al ragù (pasta)
  • Zampone (meat)
To BUY in this Region:
Related article: 
I hope the information will be helpful, if so... share the news clicking one of the "social buttons" under the article. Thank you! ^ _ ^

September 2017
Simona R.

16/06/2016

Italy: Floating Piers, Iseo Lake, Montisola

One of the 10 most important events at world level in 2016 takes place in Italy this year, on Lake Iseo, a town a few kilometers away from Milano.
A short event, called "Floating Piers" which lasts only 2 weeks (opening on June 18, 2016), but which will provide an enormous tourist flow from all around the world.

floating on lake

If the idea attracts you to walk on a floating bridge on the water of lake Iseo, in this article you find all the information for participating to the annual event.
  • Floating Piers: tickets and bookings Iseo Lake
  • Opening hours of the bridge over Lake Sebino.
  • How to get to Lake Iseo and how to reach the floating walkway.
  • Safety and rules for going onto the Floating Piers bridge.
I WENT IT!

ENDED EVENT... but YOU CAN always VISIT THE ISEO LAKE and MONTISOLA.

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