Posts tagged SELF DRIVE

MUST EATS IN GRANADA, SPAIN: MIRADOR DE MORAYMA

MUST EATS IN GRANADA, SPAIN: MIRADOR DE MORAYMA

If you have been following along on my Instagram and blog, then you know that I just recently returned from an amazing trip to the Andalusia coast of Spain + Mallorca.

While in Granada, we ventured to the ancient Moorish quarter, the Albayzín, where we had an incredible dinner at Mirador de Morayma. If you go, then make sure to request a table with views of the Alhambra.

We walked here from our hotel, Hospes Palacio de los Patos, which took about 25 minutes. As I said earlier, you walk through the Albayzín. On your way, you pass down this super narrow street that has so many shops on it. It feels like a bazaar. It was so cool! I wish that we would have had time to stop and check out some of the shops but we didn’t. We would have went back the next day, but I drank too much and proceeded to stay in bed until 1 pm :p.

WHAT WE ORDERED:

I ordered the roasted suckling pig while Jarad ordered the grilled beef tenderloin with pumpkin and potatoes with spices.

If you’re heading to Granada anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

MIRADOR DE MORAYMA

C/ Pianista García Carillo, 2
Granada 18010
Spain
WEBSITE
PHONE: (+34) 958 22 82 90 - 958 22 48 12

ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

—

Follow me: @thatblondetravels

FOODIE FRIDAY, CITY LIFE, SPAINLauren BaileyNovember 15, 2019MIRADOR DE MORAYMAFOODIE, Foodie Friday, Eats, best cities to visit in europe, WINE, WHERE TO EAT, CUSTOM ITINERARY, ANDALUSIA SPAIN, ADVENTURE TRAVEL, TAPAS, WOMEN TRAVEL, FAMILY, LUXURY TRAVEL, TRAVEL AGENCY, ESSENTIAL, bespoke itinerary, FOOD, BESPOKE TRAVELING, DALLAS FOODIE BLOG, CITY GUIDE, COUPLES TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL IS MY PASSION, BESPOKE TRAVEL PLANNING, ITINERARY, EATING, VACATION, TREAT YOURSELF, itinerary, SELF DRIVE, HOW TO PLAN, SPAINISH, SPAIN, HOW TO TRAVEL, EUROPE, ANDALUSIA, DALLAS FOODIE, DALLAS FOOD BLOG, TRAVEL IS MY JOB, RELAXING VACATION, ACTIVE TRAVEL, SEVILLA, SEVILLE, FUN, MARRIED LIFE, COUPLES, CITY, travel, LUXURY, MICHELIN STAR, STEAK, VEGATARIAN, DALLAS BLOGGER, CUSTOM TRAVEL, MUST-SEE SPAIN, BLOG, TRAVELING, BLOGGER, TRAVEL AGENT, TRAVEL ADVISOR, Foodie, CHEF, THAT BLONDE TRAVELS, SOUTHERN SPAIN, DALLAS BLOGComment

MUST EATS IN MALLORCA, SPAIN: CAS X'ORC

MUST EATS IN MALLORCA, SPAIN: CAS X'ORC

If you have been following along on my Instagram and blog, then you know that I just recently returned from an amazing trip to the Andalusia coast of Spain + Mallorca. This region of Spain has some of the most breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with interspersed villages beautifully located along the winding roads.

When we were in Mallorca, we had so many amazing meals. The one that we had a Cas X’orc stands out as one of the best meals that we had during our entire trip! Cas X’orc is a local Finca (or hacienda or plantation) that is located at the top of the mountain and overlooks the valley below. The views here are incredible!! We made a reservation at their restaurant, which is a converted olive oil mill. The restaurant is so quaint and when you walk in they had a roaring fire going (this was during the fall - I’m sure that would not happen during the summer months!).

Cas X’orc was amazing, from the food and the atmosphere, so I’m adding it to my must try list when visiting Mallorca. Located on a hill between the artists’ village Deià and the picturesque Sóller lies our romantic Mallorcan gem at the edge of the Tramuntana Mountains. The carefully restored 18th century estate is characterized by olive groves, lemon trees and flourishing Mediterranean gardens. [Cas X’orc]

WHAT WE ORDERED

ASSORTMENT OF HOMEMADE BREADS

This fabulous assortment of homemade breads, including sourdough - my fav! This was served with an herb butter, aioli, and fresh hummus. Don’t forget about their fresh homemade olive oil!

Mughal chicken korma served with Pappadum and spicy rice

This delicious dish was the perfect medley of chicken tikka masala with a Mediterranean flare.

Carob Waffle, Almond Ice Cream and “Palo” Sauce

If you’re ordering dessert, might as well go all out and get the coffee too! Please don’t be like my husband though and stay up all night when you have a 6 am flight..lmao.

If you’re heading to Mallorca anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

CAS X’ORC

Carretera de Deia, 56.1km
07100 Sóller Islas Baleares
Spain
WEBSITE
PHONE: (+34) 971 638 280

See my review on Yelp!

ABOUT ME:

—

Follow me: @thatblondetravels

FOODIE FRIDAY, CITY LIFE, SPAINLauren BaileyNovember 8, 2019Cas X'orcFOODIE, Foodie Friday, Eats, best cities to visit in europe, WINE, WHERE TO EAT, CUSTOM ITINERARY, ANDALUSIA SPAIN, ADVENTURE TRAVEL, TAPAS, WOMEN TRAVEL, FAMILY, LUXURY TRAVEL, TRAVEL AGENCY, ESSENTIAL, bespoke itinerary, FOOD, BESPOKE TRAVELING, DALLAS FOODIE BLOG, CITY GUIDE, COUPLES TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL IS MY PASSION, BESPOKE TRAVEL PLANNING, ITINERARY, EATING, VACATION, TREAT YOURSELF, itinerary, SELF DRIVE, HOW TO PLAN, SPAINISH, SPAIN, HOW TO TRAVEL, EUROPE, ANDALUSIA, DALLAS FOODIE, DALLAS FOOD BLOG, TRAVEL IS MY JOB, RELAXING VACATION, ACTIVE TRAVEL, SEVILLA, SEVILLE, FUN, MARRIED LIFE, COUPLES, CITY, travel, LUXURY, MICHELIN STAR, STEAK, VEGATARIAN, DALLAS BLOGGER, CUSTOM TRAVEL, MUST-SEE SPAIN, BLOG, TRAVELING, BLOGGER, TRAVEL AGENT, TRAVEL ADVISOR, Foodie, CHEF, THAT BLONDE TRAVELS, SOUTHERN SPAIN, DALLAS BLOGComment

MUST EATS IN SEVILLE, SPAIN: ESLAVA

MUST EATS IN SEVILLE, SPAIN: ESLAVA

Written by Lauren Bailey

—

www.thatblondetravels.com

I just recently returned (i’m talking on Sunday) from an amazing trip to the Andalusia coast of Spain + Mallorca. This region of Spain has some of the most breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with interspersed villages beautifully located along the winding roads.

While visiting this region of Spain, we had so many amazing meals that it honestly is very hard to pick a favorite. Some restaurants had amazing views and ambiance, some had ambiance plus delicious tapas, and some not so much. Fortunately, the bad meals were few and far between and usually because we just stopped in for a quick bite while touring a local monument. I hate how in large tourist areas, it seems like a lot of the terrible restaurants are right beside the tourist spot. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have an amazing meal AND see the local attraction at the same time?!

Anywho, this post is about one of the wonderful restaurants that we had the pleasure to dine at while visiting Sevilla.

When you first walk into Eslava, expect to see a crowded tapas bar with a great atmosphere. Ask one of the servers to recommend you a class of Vino Tinto to start (Spanish wines are delicous!). When you get you glass of wine, you will also be served some homemade sourdough bread and some fresh aceitunas (olives) that are mixed with fava beans - you MUST try these! They are so yummy!). Aslo, don’t forget to request some aceite de oliva (olive oil) with some sea salt. I think Spain could give Italy a run for their money on olive oil - it was literally the best! The olive oil is the best when it is produced on a local Finca (or hacienda or plantation). We bought some to bring home from a local Finca that you can actually stay at in Mallorca, called Cas X’orc (another post for another time).

TAPAS TO TRY

Tataki de buey con gominola de jengibre

Beef tataki with ginger - These thin strips of beef topped with sea salt and drizzled with olive oil will leave your mouth watering for more! We actually ordered two plates of these. As you can tell, it is not a huge portion but the flavor is outstanding. There are dollops of ginger sauce on the plate that enhance the flavors of the beef.

Croquetas caseras de cerdo y ternera

Pork and beef homemade croquettes (bechamel-filled, breaded and deep-fried) - I must say that I thought that I would absolutely love the croquettes in Spain since it is definitely a staple tapas at most Spanish restaurants. While the croquettes were definitely delicious, they were not my favorite of all the tapas that I sampled. That being said, you still must try them!

Yema sobre bizcocho de boletus y vino caramelizado

Slow-cooked egg served on boletus cake with caramelized wine reduction (1st Prize, Sevilla en Boca de Todos 2010 contest) - This one is very interesting and worth a taste!

Un cigarro para Becquer (3º premio Sevilla en Boca de Todos 2013)

A cigar for Becquer. Brick pastry cigar-shaped with cuttlefish and algae) - The texture on this definitely different but the flavor was surprisingly good!

Costilla de cerdo con miel de romero al horno

Roasted pork ribs glazed in rosemary honey - MUST get these!! These are like a Korean BBQ style short rib with incredible flavor!!

Tataki de buey con gominola de jengibre Beef tataki with ginger

Yema sobre bizcocho de boletus y vino caramelizado (Mejor tapa Sevilla en Boca de Todos 2010) Disponible también sin gluten It is also available without gluten Slow-cooked egg served on boletus cake with caramelized wine reduction

Costilla de cerdo con miel de romero al horno Roasted pork ribs glazed in rosemary honey

Here is a link to the entire tapas menu. We didn’t get a chance to try everything but if you’re feeling up to it, then I would recommend at least sampling a few more of their delicious tapas!

If you’re heading to Seville anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

ESPACIO ESLAVA

Eslava, 3
41002 Sevilla
WEBSITE
PHONE: (+34) 954 906 568

See my review on Yelp!

ABOUT ME:

—

Follow me: @thatblondetravels

FOODIE FRIDAY, CITY LIFE, SPAINLauren BaileyOctober 30, 2019EslavaFOODIE, Foodie Friday, Eats, best cities to visit in europe, WINE, WHERE TO EAT, CUSTOM ITINERARY, ANDALUSIA SPAIN, ADVENTURE TRAVEL, TAPAS, WOMEN TRAVEL, FAMILY, LUXURY TRAVEL, TRAVEL AGENCY, ESSENTIAL, bespoke itinerary, FOOD, BESPOKE TRAVELING, DALLAS FOODIE BLOG, CITY GUIDE, COUPLES TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL IS MY PASSION, BESPOKE TRAVEL PLANNING, ITINERARY, EATING, VACATION, TREAT YOURSELF, itinerary, SELF DRIVE, HOW TO PLAN, SPAINISH, SPAIN, HOW TO TRAVEL, EUROPE, ANDALUSIA, DALLAS FOODIE, DALLAS FOOD BLOG, TRAVEL IS MY JOB, RELAXING VACATION, ACTIVE TRAVEL, SEVILLA, SEVILLE, FUN, MARRIED LIFE, COUPLES, CITY, travel, LUXURY, MICHELIN STAR, STEAK, VEGATARIAN, DALLAS BLOGGER, CUSTOM TRAVEL, MUST-SEE SPAIN, BLOG, TRAVELING, BLOGGER, TRAVEL AGENT, TRAVEL ADVISOR, Foodie, CHEF, THAT BLONDE TRAVELS, SOUTHERN SPAIN, DALLAS BLOG Comment

UPDATE TO MY ULTIMATE ICELAND RING ROAD ADVENTURE BLOG POST

Before I left for Iceland, I took my planned itinerary and made a blog post about it. If you remember it, then you probably remember that it was a little over-zealous and included a lot of activities!

Here is the updated version of my Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Adventure!

SUGGESTIONS:

In order to see the entire ring road, I would recommend no less than 10 to 12 days. We did the entire ring road, but it involved a TON of driving. We had to cut some stuff out so that we could make it to our next destination before midnight.

Þórsmörk is absolutely breathtaking! You could easily spend 3 to 4 days in this area hiking, snowmobiling on a glacier, or taking a Superjeep Tour (See my post here about our Superjeep adventure with Southcoast Adventures.)

While our Cozy Campers campervan was amazing, I highly recommend splitting up the trip and spending a couple nights in a hotel just to stretch out your legs. While I’m mentioning the campervan, it takes a while to get organized and head out from the campground in the morning. We would wake up, make breakfast, clean our dishes, then shower and get dressed. Depending on the campsite, the showering is sometimes more difficult than at other places.

Do yourself a favor and skip the DC plane - it is a 4 mile walk round trip and there is absolutely nothing to look at during the walk - OR you can pay 2500 kr to take a shuttle bus. It was the biggest tourist trap. I felt like they just placed this plane out in the middle of nowhere and were like these stupid tourists are going to walk all this way to see this - insert evil laugh here.

Hot Springs:

The Blue Lagoon: Like Disney World for adults (If you go, I would recommend staying at Silfra so that you have your own private hot spring.) Also, VERY IMPORTANT, do not get your hair in the water at the Blue Lagoon unless you have a ton of conditioner in it or your hair will be dry for weeks!
Grettislaug Pool: There is a campground here! I would recommend camping here overnight so that you can enjoy this amazing hot spring!
Secret Lagoon: While touristy, this was one was by far my favorite. The bottom is rocky instead of slimy like others and the water does not have a ton of floating algae in it.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula - If you remember back to my full itinerary post, then you will see that this is at the end of our trip. We were exhausted by this time due to all the driving that was involved during our last few days. We had planned to start the next day with the Glymur Waterfall hike but there was a monsoon the night before and morning of so we weren’t able to do it.

These are just a few of my suggestions to changes that I would make to the itinerary that I blogged about a few weeks ago! Updated itinerary Iceland post coming soon!

DAY 1:

Arrive into Reykjavik and head to pick up your camper van at Cozy Campers. Grocery shop at the local Bónus. Once you’re loaded up and comfortable, head out to begin your roadtrip!

TIP: It is recommended to get to know your camper van and rest before heading out on the Ring Road. We had limited time to explore so we headed out immediately.

Begin your week long Iceland adventure with the Golden Circle Drive. Along the way, you will check out Flosagjá fissure, Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Geysir - Geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin). This drive takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete.

End day one with the Reykjadalur hike - ~45 min to 1 hr hike that ends in a hot spring river!

Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling

DAY 2:

This morning drive to Seljalandsfoss/Gljúfrabúi base for the Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Trail (25 km trail; 15.5 miles) if you’re feeling up to it with Southcoast Adventures. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can do one of their superjeep tours thru Þórsmörk.

DAY 3:

Get up early this morning and beat the crowds to see Seljalandsfoss. While there, continue north to the waterfall Gljúfrabúi, which is found partially hidden behind a rock face. The rest of the morning is spent sightseeing - Seljavallalaugh Swimming Pool, Skogafoss, Solheimasandur Plane Crash, Loftsalahellir Cave, Dyrhólaey, and Reynisdrangar.

After all the beautiful sights, head into Vik to have a yummy lunch at Halldorskaffi.

Continue on from Vik, stopping at Laufskálavarða, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (3 km round trip hike), and Systrafoss.

End the day at Skaftafell campground, which is the perfect location to begin tomorrow’s adventure!

DAY 4:

Today starts bright and early in Skaftafell National Park with a 3.4 km hike to Svartifoss (Black Falls) and Sjónarsker viewpoint.

TIP: If you have time to burn, then spend an entire day in Skaftafell National Park. There are tons of hikes in this area!

After your hike, head to the town of Hof to get some groceries and then continue to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.

Next is the town of Höfn for lunch at Pakkhús Restaurant and stop at Hoffell hot tubs if you have time.

After lunch, take Scenic Fjord Route 92 towards Egilsstaðir. Along the way, you will see, Djúpivogur (Lighthouse), Breiðdalsvík, and Litlanesfoss/Hengifoss (40 min detour for a 2.5 km hike).

DAY 5

Starting off over half way around the Iceland Ring Road today! Head over to the Lake Mytvan area for today’s sights!

LAKE MYTVAN SIGHTS:
Leirhnjukur Lava Fields and Geothermal Area
Krafla/Viti Crater
Myvatn Nature Baths
Grjotagja Lava Cave and Geothermal Spring
Dommuborgir hike to Hverfjall Cinder Cone and Crater
Dimmuborgir Lava formations and “The Church”
Skutustadir Pseudocraters

DAY 6

This morning head to Dettifoss, which is said to be the most powerfull waterfall in Iceland.

Stretch your legs on a 5.5 mile hike to see Hafragilsfoss and Ásbyrgi Canyon both located in Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon or Vatnajökull National Park.

Stop in Husavik for lunch and a whale tour if you have time.

After lunch, head to Godafoss via scenic route I-85 (~40 min off the ring road).

Once you leave Godafoss, you will head to the town of Akureyri where you can spend some time exploring Akureyrarkirkja church.

Last stop of the day is Sundlaugin á Hofsósi (Hot pool by the ocean) for some relaxation.

DAY 7:

Begin the morning with a short drive to Grettislaug Pool, then spend some time relaxing and enjoying your last day on the ring road!

Once you’re good and relaxed, head over to Kolugljúfur Canyon for some breathtaking views.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is your next stop and where you will camp out tonight.

SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA SIGHTS:
Gerðuberg Cliffs
Búðakirkja
Budhahraun
Arnarstapi
Snæfellsjökull
Londrangar
Djúpalónssandur beach
Saxhóll Crater
Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufell
Berserkjahraun

DAY 8:

Today is your last day in Iceland and we are going to make the most of it! Leaving the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, head towards Glymur Waterfall (~2 hour drive) for a short waterfall hike.

Grab lunch and head out to Reykjavik. If you have time, why not do a free walking tour of the city. If not make sure to check out these well-known sights: Sun Voyager Sculpture, Harpa Cultural Center, and Hallgrimskirkja Church.

TIP: Don't miss the hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur! They are world famous!

Finally, drop off your trusty van and head out to the Blue Lagoon. Why not treat yourself after spending an entire week in a campervan? Tonight, we are having dinner at the Moss Restaurant, which was recently recommended by the 2019 Michelin Guide, followed by a stay at the Silica Hotel.

Your stay includes entrance into the Blue Lagoon as well as a mud mask. Treat yo-self!

DAY 9:

Say your final goodbyes to Iceland and head to the airport for home today.

This is the itinerary that I have planned for my husband and I’s trip to Iceland at the end of August. If you have any suggestions as to anything that we MUST see or do, please leave them in the comments below! I know that this is an over-zealous itinerary so I will let you know how it goes!

ABOUT ME:

—

Follow me: @thatblondetravels

TRAVEL, ICELAND, ITINERARY, CITY LIFELauren BaileyAugust 19, 2019ICELAND, MICHELIN STAR, RING ROAD, LAND OF FIRE AND ICE, itinerary, ITINERARY, HIKING, CITY, TRAVEL AGENCY, travel, TRAVEL AGENT, TRAVEL, THAT BLONDE TRAVELS, REYKJAVIK, TRAVELING, TRAVEL ADVISOR, ACTIVE TRAVEL, HOW TO TRAVEL, CUSTOM TRAVEL, ADVENTURE TRAVEL, WOMEN TRAVEL, LUXURY TRAVEL, COUPLES TRAVEL, TRAVEL SIZE, TOP ATTRACTIONS IN ICELAND, 9 DAY RING ROAD ITINERARY, 9 DAY RING ROAD ADVENTURE, HOW TO PLAN, VIK, SELF DRIVE, EUROPE, best cities to visit in europe, HOT SPRINGS, 5-STAR HOTEL, TREAT YOURSELF, CUSTOM ITINERARY, bespoke itinerary, ULTIMATE ICELAND ITINERARY, BLUE LAGOON, NATURE, WATERFALL, BEAUTY, GLACIER, HIKE, SUPERJEEP, SOUTHCOAST ADVENTURES, COZY CAMPERS, COUPLES, VACATION, ADVENTURE, ACTIVE VACATION, RELAXING VACATION, ICELAND VACATIONComment