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Book Categories
| Experiences of moving to Spain | Travel Writing | Lonely Planet | Travel Guides | Rough Guides | Walking | Maps |
Amazon.co.uk's Latest Travel Recommendations
Experiences of moving to Spain | ||
A Brit's Scrapbook: Going Native In Murcia
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Full of useful tips straight from a British couple who bought their cave-house high in the Murcia hills with sea views amid acres of olive trees and almond trees - all the little secrets for successfully finding your ideal holiday home, investment property or simply enjoying your stay by going native. |
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Books on how to buy, sell and rent property
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1000s of Spanish language and culture books, cds and dvds, together with free lessons, forums, travel agency, information, and directories of Spanish courses, teachers and property services worldwide. |
Travel Writing | ||
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Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucia Chris Stewart took one look at the Alpujarrás, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and decided that's where he wanted to be. This is the story of his adventures coming to terms with the terrain, the lifestyle and, of course, the locals, who possess all the rugged, homespun charm you'd expect. Stewart soon discovers all the hidden foibles of his bargain purchase, and describes the following year in detail, installing the little luxuries of life like, say, water! However, just when you're worrying that it might degenerate into a rose-tinted, 'Englishman finds nature' idyll, Chris' wife enters the fray. No-nonsense, straight-talking and relentlessly unsentimental, Ada calls a peasant a peasant. With her on board, Stewart has the perfect counterbalance to his declared optimism. "A wonderful book: funny, affectionate, no hint of patronage, a true portrait of place and people, reaching deep into the flesh and bones beneath the skin. Tuck it into your holiday luggage and dream" |
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Parrot in the Pepper Tree: A Sort of Sequel to Driving Over Lemons Chris Stewart gently introduces the reader to a series of Spanish adventures involving his small family, his guitar, his mountain farm and a whole cast of characters, both human and animal. Even when his farm is threatened, his writing remains upbeat. |
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Last Chance to See.... Douglas Adams is hilarious, witty and touching in this title. Mark Carwardine's knowledgable input make it a highly informative and enlightening read. The subject is endangered animals. The tone is never preaching, although it certainly makes you realise just what we're doing to the planet. This book manages to stir your conscience and be wildly funny at the same time! Adams ranges from insightful and philosophical musings to hilarious accounts of all the (mis)adventures that he and Mark had while travelling to find the endangered animals. The hopelessness of fighting against primitive human stupidity and greed in the battle to preserve the remaining wildlife on Earth is vividly portrayed. Adams’ opinions of religion shine through in a few places, adding further joy to reading this book. “I don't like the idea of missionaries. In fact the whole business fills me with fear and alarm. I don't believe in God, or at least not in the one we've invented for ourselves in England to fulfil our peculiarly English needs, and certainly not in the ones they've invented in America who supply their servants with toupees, television stations and, most importantly, toll-free telephone numbers. I wish that people who did believe in such things would keep them to themselves and not export them to the developing world.” |
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Iberia Iberia is a travel log compiled over years of trips to Spain. The author's love and respect for this, "Castle of old dreams and new realities," is evident in his poetic and informative language. People discussed in the the book, though nonfictional, are characterized as larger-than-life members of a fantastic story. The book was written over thirty years ago during the Franco era but is still a wonderful primer on the country. Local people have commented that his insights are still spon on today. This book is fundamental in understanding the Spanish mind - the contrasts of the land and people are astonishing. Includes photographic illustrations. |
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Snowball Oranges: One Mallorcan Winter About a Scottish farming family who swapped the harsh Scottish climate for the more idyllic option of a small farm in Spain. Mixes dreamy descriptions of the real Mallorcan sensations alongside hilarious accounts of some of the incidents that befel the family.... Gives a real feel - warts and all - for rural life on a mediterranean island, brought to life between your ears by the flowing prose. A personal experience of moving to Spain but reads more like a novel, brimming with charming characters and good humour. Read it and see Mallorca in a new light. You never know, you may well end up feeling a little tranquilo yourself. |
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The Bible In Spain This "classic" travel writing piece is based upon George Borrow’s adventurous travels around the Iberian peninsula in the early nineteenth century while distributing and selling copies of The New Testament in Spanish. It is a marvelous evocation of the variety to the Spanish countryside, the Spanish people, the customs and eccentricities from region to region, and a sharp review of Spanish history to that point. In a picaresque style Borrow’s idealistic quest to enlighten the people lead him into extraordinary situations with Gypsies, Galicians, Andalusians, Castilians and Catalans and the odd displaced Italian or Greek. In his mind, the people have been enslaved and kept ignorant by the Catholic clergy and Pope. The idea of the British Bible Society, who hired Borrow to take the New Testament to Spain and arrange for its printing and distribution, was to make directly available to the people a clear translation of Christ’s teachings, minus the lengthy critiques of clerical scholars and priests, thus freeing people to approach God on their own. Borrow lands himself in many amazing situations, often hilarious, sometimes dangerous, always interesting. This book is worth reading for pleasure as well as information. |
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Lonely Planet | ||
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Valencia and the Costa Blanca This guide has everything an adventurous holidaymaker or English speaking local might need. Well-researched and clearly presented, the guide covers the region's history, night life, cuisine, customs and culture. A special section on the region's raging fiestas shows travellers where to go to burn effigies and fling tomatoes. The book has the added advantage of pieces on Alicante, Calpe, Benidorm and more, making it an essential guide whether you are in the city of Valencia or travelling the coast. Written by a veteran traveller and resident of Valencia with plenty of useful information and a handy size for back-packers. |
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Travel Guides | ||
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Time Out Guide to Mallorca & Menorca Mallorca and Menorca - two of Europe's most popular holiday resorts - are often unfairly maligned as overdeveloped package tour playgrounds. This guide seeks to redress the balance by revealing the variety to be found on these small islands. For Mallorca this "Time Out" Guide is recommended above The Rough Guide to Mallorca and Menorca by holidaymakers. |
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Rough Guides | ||
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The Rough Guide to Spain A guide to the intense and dramatic scenes of Spain. Features in-depth coverage of all the great historic cities and monuments and provides information on the best hotels, restaurants, beaches and nightlife. Rather than bland descriptions gives some opinions too. The publishers make an exceptional effort to keep this book up-to-date. It is very useful if you are going somewhere in Spain for the first time and pretty useful even if you know the area well. |
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The Rough Guide to Barcelona Good value for money for that weekend break or longer. This book is good on practical information, such as restaraunts and getting around the city, and background information, such as history and architecture. The book gives excellent tips on using a Barcelona card for travel, which gives discounts on lots of sightseeing and saves a fair bit of money. The Rough Guide to Barcelona describes the places perfectly. People say, "Don't got to Las Ramblas," but the book says it how it is. Readers of this book have been to Las Ramblas and found it a perfect starting point as everything leads from there. |
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The Mini Rough Guide to The Costa Brava This book offers an insight into the less well-known towns and activities and a fresh take on the more famous pursuits in the Costa Brava. It includes a history of the region and the many historic places worth a visit; coastal walks; the characteristics of each beach and secluded cove; and a taster of the area inland from the sea. This book's guidance allows you to find places you wouldn't otherwise find, and would definitely miss out on. A very honest and well written book. With this rough guide in your pocket you'll manage to bypass all the naff tourist traps and see the real place. |
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Mini Rough Guide: Ibiza and Formentera This guide to Ibiza and Formentera features detailed accounts of every attraction, from Ibiza's historic capital to the added bonus of Formentera island, and the plentiful idyllic beaches tucked away at dotted locations around the island away from the British riff-raff. The guide details the best places to eat, drink and sleep, as well as the clubs and music scene. The restaurants recommended are very well chosen. The guide also includes coverage of the islands' history. Ibiza is not an island that is thought of as an archetypal cultural hotspot. This guide tries to show that there are sights to see other than the Superclubs, cafes on Sunset Strip and the hundreds of feeder pubs. For those who have some individuality and go this book is perfect - It leads you to some incredible locations which are completely unspoilt. Complementing this, if you are interested in the clubs this guide also includes valuable information on those too. |
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The Mini Rough Guide to Madrid Handy pocket-sized, clear, comprehensive and brilliantly well written, containing much interesting infomation, this rough guide has the added advantage of being written by a resident of the city. It offers the reader a glimpse of the less well-known sights, as well as complete coverage of the leading tourist attractions. All the museums and art galleries of this historic capital city are reviewed and there is information on many fantastic nearby sights from Santa Ana to Retiro Park, with coverage of Toledo, Segovia, and the monastery-palace of El Escorial. Bars, accommodation, eating out and football are covered, with additional sections on architecture and famous former residents, such as Goya. Readers have found the hostal and restuarant recommendations particularly good. |
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Rough Guide Tenerife & La Gomera Directions Describes the best these islands have to offer, from the best beaches to the pick of the hotels and bars. The Ideas section is packed with things to do from exploring the cultural highlights to finding romantic hideaways, and from outdoor activities to relaxed late night bars. The Places section is ideal for exploring the island, with every attraction, walk, restaurant, bar and beach given a lively and opinionated write-up and organised by geographical area so you always know what's immediately around you and what's worth making a special trip to see. All the listings are referenced to easy-to-use maps pinpointing their location, which are complimented by hundreds of photos. |
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Walking | ||
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Holiday Walks in the Alpujarra In the Alpujarras region moorish villages cling to the steep sides of the valleys in a landscape drawn on a grand scale. Ancient donkey trails linking the villages make ideal walking routes. This book is aimed at independent travellers with a sense of adventure. Route information is clear and accurate. Coverage of a wide area is included. This book contains insightful information into the various cultural, gastronomical and historical quirks of the region, which make it a thouroughly useful and enjoyable read. The author really knows the area and is very keen to share his knowledge with the reader. This book is invaluable for both planning your trip and as a handy trail side refernce. |
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Trekking in the Pyrenees This is an excellent guide with good directions and mentions landmarks to help with route finding. This book gives an invaluable, day-by-day plan of a trek along the GR10 or GR11 paths, detailing accomodation, services, and water points en-route. Other routes in the Pyrenées are also covered so if your walk takes you in other directions off the GR10 you won't need another guide. This book conveniently fits in a trouser pocket. This book is highly recommended by trekers but bear in mind that the author's estimates of the time needed to cover the ground are underestimated for the average walker's pace. The link refers to the latest (2005) edition. |
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Maps | ||
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AA Road Map: Galicia and Northern Spain A series of five regional sheet maps of Spain & Portugal. Produced and fully indexed by Anaya, who are Spain's leading cartographic publishers. All roads are shown, from motorways to dirt tracks and are clearly classified. Settlements are classified by population size. Shows road tunnels, mountain passes, railways and international, national and administrative boundaries. Places of interest are included, such as national parks and nature reserves. |
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The Rough Guide to Barcelona Map The colours used have been chosen after research into what works best in different light conditions, so the map is as easy to read under street lamps as it is in daylight. The full city is covered, with an enlarged city centre street map on the reverse. A comprehensive street index and clearly marked one-way streets and pedestrianized areas make this map ideal for use on foot, driving, or using public transport. Packed with information, double-sided and printed on waterproof paper. |
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Rough Guide to Madrid Map The essential companion to this lively and vibrant city. This map provides a highly legible guide to the city's streets, pinpointing places of note for the first-time visitor as well as hidden gems for frequent visitors. There are also listings of the best places to stay, eat and drink. There is a full street index and a 'Time Map' outlining opening hours to help plan the day and avoid wasted trips to closed attractions. There is a comprehensive public transport map to help the visitor master the metro line and bus route networks. |
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Some book descriptions shown here contain text taken from reviews written by customers at Amazon.co.uk
