Optimal Hotels & Residences

Spain is plenty of small towns and villages worth to visit if one wants to meet with the ancestral traditions, culture and heritage of the country. The community of Navarre is no exception, and a clear example of what we just said is Fitero, located in what is called the Ribera Navarra, in the “merindad” (a traditional regional administrative division) of Tudela.

The village, with little more than 2.000 inhabitants, remains today as a brilliant watching scenario for Roman Empire’s history and buildings. Many years ago it was named “Tudején”, it was situated below the Castle Mountain (3km to the west of the current location) before it was re-founded by the town monastery’s abbot.

But if we want to dive deep in Fitero’s history, we have to take into account its ancient heritage: still today there are remains of a Celtic Prince tomb, which is dated in the 9th Century before Christ was born. Also, in the east part of river Alhama, one can find the vestiges of what it was a sheperd’s community in the Bronze Age.

Saint Mary's Monastery. Photo CC by Luis G. Cabello

If we go on with the historical heritage, the visitor must not miss a couple of buildings and edifications. First off, Saint Mary’s Monastery (Monasterio de Santa María), which construction started in the late 12th Century and still today’s preserves a precious relic: the Reliquary of San Blas, dated on the 13th Century.

Other important sightseeing spots include the “Arabic Cave” (Cueva de la Mora), the Fitero’s Thermaes (Baños de Fitero) or the Castle of Tudején. All of them a really great expression of Fitero’s past and, in some way, present, as still today numerous traditions and cultural examples live in the heart of the villagers.

If one is looking forward to explore and discover every little aspect of Fitero’s life, this week is probably the best chance to do it. This is like this because on March 15th the town celebrates its Patrons’ day: San Raimundo Abad and the Virgen de la Barda. The whole town dresses up the traditional way and lots of different acts for all the family are performed. Definitively a must-live experience in Navarre.

And, of course, Optimal Hotels & Residences makes it easy to the traveler when speaking about great accommodation: the Hotel RuralSuite – Optimal Hotels Selection, just 20km away from Fitero, is the perfect choice for those looking for a quiet and relaxing place to stay after the trip, not only not missing every little detail  but also in a unique natural environment.

Huesca, in the community of Aragón, is a city in the north-eastern part of Spain. With “just” a population of little more than 50.000 (one of the least populated provincial capitals in the country), Huesca still today preserves the culture, gastronomy and tradition of what it was many years ago.

The city is situated in the Hoya de Huesca, an immense natural depression. Huesca, therefore, is characterized by its particularly varied geography, which includes not only plains but also important heights like the Pyrenees or the Monegrinas, not to mention the famous Monegros desert.

Speaking about nature, Huesca has nothing to envy to another destinations. The National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido is an impressive natural reserve worth to visit, very rich in protected fauna and flora, and also very popular in the world of mountaineers, spelunkers, paragliders and water rafters.

Historically, Huesca is also a place to mention. Lots of Romanesque architecture and art examples can be found in the province, the heritage of centuries of Aragón’s Kingdom. One clear example could be the Jaca Cathedral –one of the first places of Romanesque pilgrimage– but villages like Jacetania, Ribagorza or Sobrarbe are also great expressions of this kind of art and culture.

But one cannot leave the city without enjoying the local cuisine. Determined by the low temperatures of the regions, the dishes are highly nutritional and calorific, plenty of meat and with a great variety of cheeses. Soups, diverse fish (like the fantastic trouts), all kind of potatoes-based receipts and, of course, a fine selection of garden fruits and vegetables are just some clues of what the visitor will really be delighted with in Huesca. Don’t miss the local and traditional receipts!

If all of this is not enough, there are more secrets to discover in Huesca that surely will surprise even the more skeptical traveler. Optimal Hotels & Residences offers a great way to discover the region: the Hotel El Mirador – Optimal Hotels Selection, situated in the very heart of the Valley of Broto, surrounded by an impressive natural environment and decorated in the style of charming mountain houses, is the perfect choice for those willing to enjoy Huesca as its maximum.

The island of Majorca has a lot to offer for those willing to find spiritual places worth to visit. The Monastery of Lluc, situated in the municipal term of Escorca, is the most important place of pilgrimage in the bigger of the Balearic Islands, as here the traveler can find the Virgin of Lluc, the Patron of Majorca.

Located at little more than 500 meters above the sea level, deep inside the mountains of the Sierra of Tramuntana, the monastery is considered a sacred place which also contains a botanical garden (Lluc’s Botanical Garden) installed in the year 1956.

Apart from that, it is important to say that due to its central location in the mentioned Sierra of Tramuntana, it is a good starting point to diverse walking mountain routes.

But even more interesting is to know about the legend behind the Virgin, popularly called ‘la Moreneta‘ (‘the Brownie’). According to the ancient texts and speeches, a monk and a shepherd found the image of the nowadays sacred woman on a rock in a flowing torrent.

The day after, when all the town’s inhabitants went to see the Virgin, it disappeared. Well, in fact it returned back to its original place. This strange event happened at least two more times, so the villagers decided to build a small oratory to venerate their new symbol and religious image.

Historically, the place had a chapel since year 1268 because of its sacred attributes, heritage of ancient thoughts and writings. Furthermore, there are not only  rests and objects from  Bronze and Iron ages but also the evidence that the Knights Templar owned the surrounding lands after helping King James I in his conquest.

For sure the Monastery of Lluc will be a must-see for those who would like to dive deep in Majorca’s history and culture enjoying the natural environment. Optimal Hotels & Residences, by its side, offers to the traveller a more than complete selection of hotels in Majorca, which will fit in everyone’s needs, requirements and, of course, budget.

Nowadays there are so many kinds of tourism attractions in almost every place that is difficult to decide a plan when going on a holiday. Today we are going to talk about rural tourism in Navarra, a more than interesting option brought to you by Optimal Hotels & Residences.

Ten kilometers away from Tudela, we find the Hotel RuralSuite – Optimal Hotels Selection. It is a complex of maximum quality, fully accessible and completely respectful with the natural environment — a top-class rural hotel situated on a plot of more than 23.000m2, just in the heart of Southern Navarra.

The unique and innovative facilities and the impressive surroundings are a perfect cocktail for a green, quiet and relaxing vacation in this part of Spain, where gastronomy meets tradition and wine tasting reveals itself as a new form of culture. Let’s take a look at the main natural attractions near the complex.

The hotel is located between the Biosphere Reserve of Bardenas Reales and the Natural Park of Moncayo. The first is probably one of the most beautiful semi-deserts not only in Spain but also in all Europe. Its sparse vegetation and its unique erosive formations (clays, gypsums and sandstones) will be the best allies for those photography lovers.

On the other hand, the second is an incredible mix of colors that constitutes a permanent visual reference which makes beautiful contrasts between both zones. Some say it is great to go across the Natural Park towards Aragón and experience all the environmental and cultural changes step by step…

But even nearer (just 50m away from the complex) the traveler will have another great option: the Vía Verde del Tarazonica, a 22km green path full of sightseeing attractions — a very good option to see, feel and enjoy the natural environment.

If all of this is not enough, the visitor has another possibilities to make the most of its vacation. For example, the charming village of Cascante is just 2km away, diverse wineries are just a few minutes away by car and, if you are willing to finish your stay in the more relaxing way, needless is to say you must take a look at the Thermoludic Resort of Cascante.

If something of the above is awaking your curiosity, do not hesitate to look at our special promotions and reserve your stay now!

What would you think if we talk about a small village? Most people would believe that a thousand inhabitants are enough to say that a town is definitively small. And what if  we say that Huesca, in the community of Aragon, has even smaller –way smaller– towns? Probably one would be surprised to hear about Oto, with just 84 people living there (even its name is small!).

Well, the traveler looking for a really quiet place to stay, in complete harmony with nature and historical heritage, has the perfect option in one of the most charming villages known in Huesca. One can breath and feel another completely different way of life there, if we are used to the stressful day to day that we use to have.

Nature, tradition and gastronomy meet in this exceptional location, situated in the heart of the Ordesa National Park (an amazing natural environment worth to enjoy) and a few kilometers away from another must-see sightseeing places, like the town of Torla or the Valley of Bujaruelo.

Small villages tend to talk more by themselves. In other words, Oto, like other Spanish inner locations, has a kind of special atmosphere that needs a full-time stay in order to be able to say something about it. Good or bad, for sure it will not deceive anyone looking for a relaxing vacation or a deep dive into Spain’s oldest traditions and ambience.

If luck accompanies the visitor, one could enjoy exquisite home-made dishes exploiting the best aspects of Aragon’s gastronomy. Spanish people are very serious about this: when it’s time to have something to fill our hunger, no place is like home! And Oto, due to its exceptional location, charming people and direct relation with nature, is probably a good place to feel like at home.

Optimal Hotels & Residences makes things easy to anyone willing to live this cultural experience. The Hotel El Mirador – Optimal Hotels Selection, just half a kilometer away from Oto (and just also a half kilometer away from Ordesa National Park) is an option worth to think about if we are planning to do this “life exchange” trip. Eighteen rooms decorated in the style of typical mountain hotels are waiting for you!

Although Majorca may seem an isolated point in the Mediterranean Sea –nothing to do about exploring the vast lands of any continental country– the truth is that even though its relatively small extension, the island has a lot to offer to those looking for the best experience combining sightseeing, nature and discovering a whole new world via all kind of walks.

The municipality of Calvià, in the south-west part of Majorca, has the best green walks and amazing routes by foot. In fact, the ‘Passeig of Calvià’ (Calvià’s walk) is exactly 32km long, plenty of short walks inside the full walking route. Nature is everywhere (this part of the island is considered the ‘green lung’ of the zone), charming people will make the experience even better and, of course, good weather lights up this kind of touristic attraction for families, couples or groups of friends.

Long as it is, the Passeig connects almost every town in the municipality, providing the visitor lots of must-see hotspots, needed stops in order to enjoy local cuisine and, why not, the pleasure to enjoy a more than quiet way of life.

Taking into account the huge amount of possibilities that the place has to offer, here at Optimal Hotels & Residences you will find a small pinch of what you can find exploring the all-in-one walking route center in the heart of Majorca.

The so-called “Camí dels Reis” (Kings’ path) was an ancient route that went from Santa Ponça ending at Alarós’ Castle through Calvià. This walk has almost disappeared, however still today the remains of what it was the route of royal carriages and kings of Majorca are enjoyable for those with a special feeling for natural environment.

Starting at the top of the Bendinat residential state, just where the road ends, one can start walking but an absolutely green path towards the Moorish Water Channels and Reservoirs which will finally end in the lower part of Bendinat. In between, history, culture, nature and a significative number of special hotspots that the traveller itself has to discover. The route has lots of signs which make the possibility of feeling lost almost impossible; however it is always an exciting idea to go ahead for yourself and see what you can discover.

For those looking for more of those short walks or the joy of doing the complete 32km route, do not hesitate to look at Cap Vermell Beach Hotel – Optimal Hotels Selection, Hotel Sa Franquesa Nova – Optimal Hotels Selection or Hotel Sa Franquesa Vella – Optimal Hotels Selection, three suggestions by Optimal Hotel & Residences for a perfect holiday in Majorca.

The north of Spain is plenty of small locations worth to make a stop at. The community of Navarre is no exception, but today we are not going to talk about the city that is probably the most famous: Pamplona. Instead of that, we are going to enjoy the beautifulness and history of Tudela, the second Navarre city.

Located 100km below Pamplona, just in the Ebro Valley, Tudela is the capital of the so-called “Ribera Navarra”, the most important agricultural region in the south part of the autonomous community. Gastronomy, of course, is one of the main attractions as in every little spot of northern Spain, but the small city (it has little more than 35.000 inhabitants) has even more to offer and reveals itself as a unique big town, with charming people and ambience that seems to be stucked in the past.

History in Tudela is more than interesting, as some archeological excavations have shown the area of the city has been populated since the lower paleolithic. Many years after, the Romans founded what is now the current city in Celt-Iberan settlements. Nowadays, one can still see the remains of the mix of those cultures and the impressive heritage that “Tudelanos” and tourists can enjoy as if it was a present sent from our ancestors.

Although almost every little corner in the city is worth to look at, the main sights in Tudela can be summarized making a chronological list taking into account the differences in building’s architectonical styles. For example, probably the first attraction to visit could be the churches of Magdalene and San Nicolás, both in a Romanesque style dated on the 12th Century.

After that, one could enjoy the majesty of The Cathedral, built between the 12th and 13th Century with examples of the Romanesque architecture (as the “Door of Judgement”), influences of Gothic style and some Baroque additions; a historical cocktail that every Histoy lover will definitely enjoy.

The end of the 17th Century left us the Baroque Church of San Jorge and the setting-up of what it would be from that time the main city centre: the public square of Plaza Nueva or Plaza de los Fueros, the perfect location to enjoy the local wine and food with the best atmosphere.

There are many spots that could not be explained in so few words. Said that, Optimal Hotels & Residences offers the traveller the perfect combination to enjoy Tudela and rural environment. Hotel RuralSuite – Optimal Hotels Selections, just 10km away from the city and in a unique location could be the perfect place to enjoy Navarre and Tudela as its maximum.

Huesca, one of the three cities belonging to Aragón, has one of the many beautiful Natural Parks in Spain. Ordesa and Monte Perdido Natural Park, with an area of more than 150.000km2 reveals itself as one of the natural attractions that every visitor must see and enjoy.

Located in the Pyrenees of Huesca, the park has everything to satisfy the needs of everyone looking for holidays staying constantly in touch with flora and fauna.

The morphology of this magic place comes from the heritage of subsequent molding and erosion dated in the Tertiary and Quaternary eras. The orography is dominated by the Three Sisters (“Treserols” in Aragonese): the biggest calcareous massif in Europe whose highest point belongs to Monte Perdido’s peak. The mountain then descends to a series of glacial valleys (the most important one the so-called Ordesa Valley) and canyons (like the Añisclo Canyon).

Due to its massive extension, the flora inside the Ordesa National Park is more than diverse: forests of beeches, pines, oaks, birches, ashes or willows are just a few species that paint our view in green, not to mention the many endemisms or “The Edelweiss”, one of the symbols of this park.

In respect of the fauna, is sad to know that its most characteristic species, the “Bucardo” or Pyrenean Ibex, became extinct in 2000. However, still today the animal seeker will be grated to meet some unique goats (the Pyrenean Chamois), marmots, boars and water-moles (the Pyrenean Desman).

Flying beings as the spectacular golden eagle, the griffon vulture, diverse hawks and the impressive royal owl makes the tourist to not stop paying attention to the immense blue sky that tops the offer of one of the most beautiful views one can see in Spain.

Ordesa National Park is, for sure, a great opportunity to explore nature as its best. Most probably words could not explain the beauty and the unique connection between nature and ourselves. Said that, Optimal Hotels & Residences makes sure that anyone is able to enjoy the harmony of natural tourism: the Hotel El Mirador – Optimal Hotels Selection, just a few minutes away from the park, is the perfect place to relax after a great journey of exploring and discovering. Eighteen rooms decorated as mountain houses and a typical Aragonese restaurant are factors not to be missed when looking for perfect, sustainable holidays.

If one thinks about Spanish wines probably won’t have in mind the Island of Majorca. La Rioja, Navarra or Galicia have more chances to be on our heads as they are internationally recognized. However, the biggest of the Balearic Islands it’s making its appearance in this scenario with its own, unique, traditional wines.

In 2007 Majorcan wines were awarded with the “Vino de la Tierra” (wine from the Land) label, just a step below of the “Denominación de Origen” (Designation of Origin – DO) wines, for sure the best ones in Spain. But in this aspect, recognition is not the only feature to take into account. Tradition, culture and love for local flavors meet in every Majorcan wine bottle.

In fact, from many years on, the “vins pagessos” (peasants’ wine in Catalan) have been accompanying families in local festivities as a sign of culture and appreciation for the own land. There is no “sobrassada” without a glass of “vi pagès”, period. It’s a kind of non-written contract that the locals accept and obey in every special occasion.

Little by little wines from Majorca start to get their reputation, and lots of wineries emerge in a land that, although it is surrounded by water with not-so-good weather (in terms of wine elaboration), continues to prove that affection for the things well done always makes good products.

More than 20 wineries are currently working on good quality wines and more are likely to appear in the next few years. With that, wine routes also start to show themselves as a real alternative for beach and sun tourism, a common cliché when talking about holidays in Majorca. Against that stereotype, a few names one should not forget if looking for good wines: Son Vives, Mortitx, Binigrau or Miquel Oliver, probably the most famous wineries in Majorca.

Optimal Hotels & Residences knows about this emerging kind of tourism and makes it easy for the visitor willing to enjoy wines and wineries’ routes in Majorca. Our selection of hotels in Majorca, strategically situated to get the most of the environment and location, may be the best option to enjoy Majorcan flavors in all its magnificence.

The island of Majorca has more things apart from good weather, beautiful beaches and excellent food. Less known are the small towns in the inner zones, but that is no reason for not take the time to visit and enjoy them. Petra is one of those villages that the tourist cannot miss for any reason.

The town has less than 3.000 inhabitants, which makes Petra the perfect stop to the quiet traveler, who loves to breathe the culture and history as one native. Actually is not difficult to feel that way when walking across Petra’s small streets: the essence of the Roman Empire is still there. In fact, the village’s name comes from the Latin translation of “stone”, the main characteristic of Petra’s cultural heritage.

Nature is mixed with history in a perfect cocktail. One can find more than interesting the Top of Bonany (“Puig de Bonany”), which although is just 200m high, can provide a more than beautiful view of the surrounding valley. Lots of different kinds of vegetation an also be seen there, but the more interesting thing is to look at the animals: Mediterranean turtles, dragons, diverse types of butterflies or endemic rabbits are just a few examples of what the visitor can meet with when travelling to Petra.

Tradition is not forgotten, either. Every Wednesday a local market, inspired in those organized many centuries ago, is hosted in the Ample Street. There you can find many traditional food and beverages, typical souvenirs and every-day stuff. Also, first in January 16th and then in July 21st, the town is lightened with nightly bonfires and street theater plays worth to take a look at.

If one wants to get even more, Optimal Hotels & Residences provides healthy, relaxing and an unforgettable experience in Hotel Son Burgués – Optimal Hotels Selection. This rural hotel combines quietness and excellent natural surroundings while offering a great variety of activities which go from wine tastings to horse riding.