Discovering Playa del Carmen, Mexico's Next Big Thing

Playa del Carmen's popularity is growing more and more each year. It now ranks as the third-largest city in Quintana Roo and competes with Tulum as one of the Riviera's rendiest cities. The town is ideally located: close to Cancún’s international airport, but far enough south to allow easy access to Cozumel, Tulum, Cobá and other worthy destinations. So If you're looking for your next tropical destination download the Playa del Carmen Travel Guide and Offline Map now!

1.  Cenote Diving

What’s a cenote you ask? It’s an underground cave filled with fresh water. The Yucatan has tons of them—sinkholes that open up into underground rivers with the clearest water you’ve ever seen. If you have your PADI license, you can go scuba diving in these caves with a guide. Because there’s daylight near the entrance a more technical cave diving license isn’t required. Not a diver? No problem. You can also go snorkeling at most cenotes.

2. Visit Mayan Ruins

The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum are located South of Playa del Carmen in the town of Tulum. A must-visit if you’re in the area.

Tulum was once a small but important port city for the Mayans. Along with impressive structures on the edge of a cliff, it has a beach below where you can swim too. Because Tulum is so popular, it can be crowded unless you arrive early in the morning. Coba is another Mayan site near Playa del Carmen which sees less visitors. You can still climb the pyramid there too.

3. Swim With Sea Turtles

Who doesn’t want to swim with sea turtles? I’ve always wanted to, that’s for sure. I got my chance at Akumal beach, 30 minutes South of Playa del Carmen. The shallow blue-green water here is home to Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead sea turtles that you can swim with.

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The Ultimate Foodie Guide to San Sebastian

Oh, San Sebastian, one of the dreamiest cities in the world. It's so dreamy, that it's definitely very hard to resist falling in love with it at first glance. Its charm doesn't only lie in its spectacular landscape, but in its culture of indulgence--especially in food. Its tapa culture is unparalleled anywhere else in Spain and Michelin stars being given left and right to its restaurants. It is often a city that tops lists of the world's best places to eat. Foodie or not, download the San Sebastian Travel Guide and Offline Map and expect to be blown away.

1.     Parque de Cristina Enea

The hustle and bustle of San Sebastian might be too overwhelming for the faint hearted--there's just so much to see and so much to eat! Thank goodness, there is the Parque de Cristina Enea. Created by the Duke of Mandas in honor of his wife, the park is the considered to be the local’s favorite escapes. It is home to a variety of plants and even ducks and peacocks roam the open lawns. It is definitely an oasis in the middle of busy San Sebastian.

2.      Playa de la Concha

Probably the most iconic beach in San Sebastian and rightfully so. All summer long, a fiesta atmosphere prevails in Playa de la Concha. Asides from sunning and swimming, here you can also marvel at the beautiful beachside sceneries. On one side of the bay you will find the Urgull Mountain and on the other side of the bay, you will find the Igueldo Mountain. How many beaches out there can give you such magnificent views?

3.     Pintxo Bar Hopping

San Sebastian is known to be the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita. And for good reason, culturally the people of San Sebastian enjoy food so much that you’ll literally find Pintxo Bras in every nook and cranny. The streets of the Old Town of San Sebastian are packed with these bars and it the best place to start your Pintxo tour. Each bar offers several different plates; after all, like everything else, Pintxos are never created equal.

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Why Visit Alicante, the Spanish City Set in the Mediterranean

The port city of Spain's Alicante in southeastern Costa Blanca s a melting pot of the old and the new. Nestled in this waterfront, Mediterranean city is a medieval castle, and old quarter, and a long waterfront with amazing hilltop views of the coast. Despite the sweeping medieval sites, Alicante is definitely one of the Spanish cities that is most influenced by tourism. So you'd also best expect an exciting dining scene and a legendary nightlife that's buzzing all year-round. So what are you waiting for? Download the Alicante Travel Guide and Offline Map now and make your way to this beautiful city!

1.      Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Set on Benacantil Mountain this large 16th-century castle offers a great panoramic view of the city at 166 meters above sea level. Archeological remains have been found on its slopes dating back to the Bronze Age, Iberian, and Roman times. The castle itself houses a museum that depicts the history of the city and as well as dedicating a couple of chambers for a temporary exhibition.

2.      Playa del Postiguet

This lively beach town is famous among locals where the young and young at heart spend their day. If you don't mind a little bit crowd especially during the Summers then Playa del Postiguet is the perfect getaway for a blissful day at the beach. If you don't want to sunbathe or go swimming then you can stroll along the promenade and its many chiringuitos, cafés, and restaurants. There's definitely plenty to do for both city breakers and families.

3.      Basílica de Santa María

As the oldest active church in the whole of Alicante province, the Basílica de Santa María was built in Valencian Gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries over the remains of a mosque. The basilica stands tall with its single nave and six side chapels located between the buttresses. By the request of the city of Alicante to the Holy See, the church was promoted to the rank of basilica in 2007.

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