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Let’s shake things up a bit! Welcome to “El Rincón de Pensar” by Casual Hoteles—a blog (or whatever you want to call it) where ideas overflow, and dreams become reality.

Here, we don’t beat around the bush: we say what we think and dream what we say. No filters, no excuses.

In this space, we’ll share everything that excites us: news that will surprise you, insights that will make you think and thoughts that will make you smile. From the latest hotel trends to the stories hidden behind our doors, you’ll find a little bit of everything here.

So, if you’re ready for a journey without a map—join us!
Dog-friendly route through Valencia: a day of parks, cafes and beach with your dog

Dog-friendly route through Valencia: a day of parks, cafes and beach with your dog

There are plans that you know your dog is going to love even before you leave the house. Just grabbing the leash is enough: ears up, tail in propeller mode, and that "come on, we're late" look.

If you are looking for a plan to walk around Valencia with your dog, this dog-friendly route combines green areas, neighborhoods with terraces, and even a closing stop by the sea. You can complete it in a full day or split it into two if you prefer to take your time, avoid the hottest hours, or adapt the walk to your dog's pace.

The trick is to choose the sections well: walk through the Turia Garden, make urban stops in comfortable neighborhoods, and reserve Pinedo beach as a flexible ending, rather than an obligatory trek from the city center.

A day in Valencia with your dog: paw print by paw print

Valencia works very well for a getaway with a dog because it combines long green areas, walkable neighborhoods, and open spaces near the sea. Even so, it is wise to plan the route in sections, especially if it is hot or if your dog is not used to walking for many hours.

The most convenient part can be done on foot between the Turia Garden, the city center, and neighborhoods like Ruzafa or El Carmen. Pinedo beach, on the other hand, fits better as an afternoon closing if you can travel there comfortably, without turning the walk into a marathon of tired paws.

Map of the route in one day

The plan follows a simple logic:

  • Early start passing through El Carmen, exploring a bit of the historic center.
  • Moving forward through green sections connected to the Turia Garden.
  • A break in El Carmen or Ruzafa, depending on the pace of the walk.
  • Flexible ending in other parks or Pinedo beach.

Estimated time: the urban route with parks, breaks, and lunch can take up a large part of the day. If you add Pinedo, think of a full day, starting early and avoiding the hottest hours, or split it into two days so your dog can also enjoy the plan.

#CasualTip: Don't just calculate the walking time. On a route with a dog, you have to add rests, water, shade, playtime, food, and travel. That extra buffer is what makes the journey enjoyable rather than a marathon on a leash.

Arriving through El Carmen to wander the streets and take the first break

If you start from the downtown area, a great idea can be to walk through El Carmen until you reach the river. El Carmen is handy for swapping historic streets, small squares, and facades with urban art for the greenery of the great walk that awaits us.

It is one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in Valencia's old town: here you will find the Serranos Towers and the Quart Towers, ancient medieval gates of the city, as well as the CCCC, a cultural center housed in a former 13th-century convent.


For this route, there is no need to see it all. The key is to use El Carmen as an urban break: walk a little, take photos, look for shade, and choose a comfortable spot before moving on. It is highly enjoyable if at any point during the route we want to return to El Carmen.

Before sitting down, confirm that they still accept dogs and that they have enough space for your route companion to rest without getting in the way of passersby. In El Carmen, it is best to take a proper break, not over-walk: the neighborhood has a great atmosphere, but with a dog, it is best enjoyed by seeking out quiet terraces and avoiding the loudest hours.

Starting the day at the Turia Garden

The Turia Garden is one of the best places to start a route with a dog in Valencia. It occupies the old riverbed and crosses the city as a large green corridor of more than 9 km if you want to complete it entirely. It is a park where dogs must be kept on a leash, but it is spacious enough for them to have their own space and enjoyment.

When you walk with your dog, you notice this quickly: there are fewer crossings, more space to walk, and areas to stop without interrupting the stroll.
If your dog gets agitated around bikes, runners, or scooters, avoid the busiest hours and stick to the sides of the garden. The route remains comfortable, but much quieter.

The ideal approach is to start early, when the park is quieter and the ground hasn't accumulated as much heat yet. Near the Pont de Les Arts, there is an Agility Circuit (Section IV) useful for giving your dog a first moment of play before continuing the route. Along the way, there are 3 dog socialization areas where they can go off-leash (Sections VII Dog Park at Pont del Real, X next to the Palau de la Música, and XI at the height of CaixaForum and El Oceanogràfic), in addition to the aforementioned Agility Circuit (Section IV).

The Turia Garden park or, as the locals call it, "el Parque del Antiguo cauce" (the Old Riverbed Park) or "el río" (the river), encompasses the green lung of Valencia. It is easy to join it from neighborhoods like Ciutat Vella and it is the best way to orient yourself in the city, as it can be accessed from numerous pathways and there are plenty of bridges.


If they still have energy, Parque de Cabecera is one of the best green extensions of the tour. It is integrated into the Turia Garden and adds walking paths, rest areas, picnic tables, a lake, and corners where you can slow down the pace before heading back toward the city.
This park connects to yet another one, La Canaleta. Come on, if you feel like walking through parks, things could easily get out of hand. Our proposal is for you to enjoy it, making it as manageable and pleasant as possible for your pet. You don't have to check off every single point on the route, which is exactly why we leave you some information on dog-friendly terraces so you can escape the park at almost any point.

A change of pace in Ruzafa

The transition to the city comes naturally. After the green section, Ruzafa changes the pulse of the route.

This neighborhood, located south of the center and belonging to the Ensanche district, has that touch of a former independent area that is evident today in its streets with a life of their own: cafes, terraces, restaurants, small shops, and a local atmosphere.

It is a good area to take the long break of the day: have a bite to eat, sit down without rushing, and let your dog rest before deciding if the route ends here or continues a bit further.

#CasualTip: In Ruzafa, the best plan is not to rush to the next stop, but to slow down: choose a comfortable table, hydrate, rest, and decide if the route ends here or if there is still energy left to extend the day.

Although it goes slightly beyond our proposal, at the other end of Ruzafa we have the Parque Central (Central Park), featuring plenty of water areas and more green walks.


Back to the greenery towards Turia River Park, Cabecera, and Central Park

Depending on how far you got in the morning or how much energy is left, after Ruzafa, you can return to the green axis to regain space, shade, and walking rhythm. The Turia River Park maintains that feeling of a wide corridor cutting through Valencia: paths to walk along without so many crossings, areas to stop, and room for your dog to wind down before continuing.


Here it helps to go with a clear idea: take advantage of the dog zone or walk on a leash, without assuming that the entire park works the same way for dogs.

The key is not to do it all, but to choose the section that best fits the day: more shade if it's hot, longer breaks if your dog is already tired, and fewer detours if you want to arrive in Ruzafa with energy.

The sea as a grand finale at Pinedo beach

If there is still energy left after the urban route, the dog-friendly beach of Pinedo can be the seaside plan to close out the day. It is an area authorized for dogs in Valencia, wide, sandy, and with views toward the port, but it is best approached as a flexible extension rather than an obligatory stop after walking across half the city.

To enjoy it fully, organize the trip according to the heat, available time, and your dog's energy. In high season, the wisest thing to do is to avoid the middle hours of the day, bring water, check that the sand isn't burning, and verify the access conditions beforehand, because the dog area may operate under specific dates, schedules, and regulations.

Once there, the route changes its rhythm: fewer streets, more sand, and a calmer ending by the sea.

Keep your dog's documentation up to date, respect the marked area, and keep them under control at all times. Pinedo is worth it if you arrive with time to spare, not if it feels like a final effort after an excessively long route.


How to get around Valencia with your dog without disrupting the plan

Getting around efficiently prevents the day from being cut short halfway through. In Valencia, the urban part of this route is best enjoyed on foot, as it allows you to link green areas, neighborhoods, and breaks without relying so heavily on public transport.

#CasualTip: For longer stretches, it is advisable to check the conditions beforehand based on the size of the dog, the carrier, and the type of transport.

What you can do and what to avoid during the route

During the tour, there are situations where the environment sets the limit:

  • Urban areas require keeping the dog under control at all times.
  • Urban beaches have restrictions outside of designated authorized areas.
  • Public transport operates under specific conditions depending on size and format.

Adapting to each space keeps the plan smooth and uninterrupted.

How to travel around Valencia with a dog

The metro can restrict your plans if you travel with a dog. Access is limited to small animals under 15 kg, always in a carrier and with the EMT Mascota card, which requires prior paperwork and carries a cost. Assistance dogs can also travel.

#CasualTip: Walking allows you to better link the Turia Garden, the neighborhoods, and the breaks along the route, without worrying about access conditions on each section.

Where to sleep to start the route seamlessly

When the day ends, with sand on their paws and that calm that remains after having explored the city, there is one decision that influences everything that comes next.

Choosing the right place to sleep makes the route start before you even leave.

In Valencia, staying near the Turia Garden or in central areas makes it easy to move around on foot from the very first moment. The route maintains its logic uninterrupted, with parks, neighborhoods, and the coast connected to each other.
There are more and more pet-friendly hotels, but when there is true passion for furry friends, it shows.

Options like Casual Vintage, Casual del Cine or Casual Socarrat are located right in Ciutat Vella, at points where the plan fits perfectly from the start. You step out onto the street and you're already on the route.

Casual Natura or Casual de las Civilizaciones connect with green areas and urban parks, expanding the walk without changing its dynamics.

Beyond the location, there is something else that adds comfort to the trip. At all Casual hotels, pets up to 25 kg (under 7 kg if it's Casual Natura) get a free little bed to rest, their own canine dining set with food and water bowls included, and a welcome snack to start off on the right foot. Or rather, the right paw.

When the accommodation fits, the day doesn't start when you go out.
It starts before.

Options that fit within the route

The bus allows for occasional trips under specific conditions, mostly with small dogs in carriers. It serves as a support at specific moments, without the need to depend on it for the entire route.

When the plan is well mapped out, most of the route is completed by walking.

Basic keys to keep everything flowing during the day

There are small details that sustain the route from start to finish. Bring water, bags, a comfortable leash, and some snacks if your dog usually needs breaks. If you plan to stop at a terrace, a light blanket can also help them rest without being uncomfortable on the ground.

On hot days, prioritize shade and rests over completing every single point on the route. The best route is not the one that hits the most places, but the one that allows you to enjoy it without your dog winding up exhausted.

Regulations and coexistence in shared spaces

Law 7/2023 reinforces the idea of responsible ownership and coexistence, but on an urban route, that translates into very specific gestures: keeping the dog controlled, respecting restricted areas, avoiding risky situations, and adapting the walk to their needs.

#CasualTip: Not all spaces work the same way. Parks, transport, terraces, and beaches can have their own conditions. Reviewing them before leaving avoids interruptions and makes the plan more comfortable for everyone.

Adjusting the plan according to the day and environment

The route works best when adapted to the day. If it's hot, it's best to start early and save the sections with the most shade for the middle of the day. If it rains, you can reduce park and beach time, and anchor the plan in neighborhoods with more options for indoor breaks.

If your dog is not used to walking a lot, divide the route into two blocks: a green morning and a quiet afternoon.

Route on hot or rainy days

#CasualTip: On hot days, the most recommended option is to do the Turia Garden in the morning and avoid asphalt, sand, and long walks at midday. Paws also feel the temperature of the ground, so it is best to prioritize shade, breaks, and water.

If it rains, Ruzafa and El Carmen can work as an urban alternative, but with realistic expectations: the plan becomes more of a short walk, coffee, and a break rather than a long route. In that case, Pinedo can be saved for another time.

Areas to stop without leaving the route

Ruzafa asks you to stop for lunch or coffee almost without warning: lively streets, a neighborhood vibe, and several pet-friendly spots to slow down the pace a bit. Around the area, you can check out places like Chick Shack, Circo Burger or Matoque, which fit well if you want to take a break without straying too far from the route.


El Carmen is in a different league, with small squares, historic streets, graffiti, and short walks that bring you back downtown without looking too closely at the map. For a stop in this area, you can keep on your radar Mestizo, Brunch Corner - La Virgen or La Fábrica de Huellas, places to eat, have a drink, or take a break with your dog.


In the Turia, the break is simpler and more dog-centric: shade, a bench, water, and keeping on when energy returns. If the walk takes you toward Viveros or the City of Arts area, you can also consider Somos Raro, between the old Turia riverbed and Viveros, or the Aqua Shopping Center if you need a more practical stop.

#CasualTip: Before sitting down, always confirm if they accept dogs, if there is enough space, and if the conditions are still in place. On an urban route, preventive breaks extend the day and make the walk much more enjoyable.

Options if you want to extend the route

If you have more time, you can extend the plan toward more natural environments like Pinedo, El Saler, the Valencian orchard (huerta), or the Albufera. Mind you, it's better to think of them as a separate outing rather than an improvised addition at the end of the day.

They require more travel, more planning, and a prior review of access points, rules, and conditions for going with a dog.

In the case of Pinedo, keep in mind that the dog beach usually operates during the summer season and with specific hours. Before going, check dates, access, documentation, and current regulations to avoid surprises. The beach deserves more than arriving in a rush after a long urban route.

#CasualTip: If the idea is a relaxed getaway, you can do urban Valencia one day and reserve the second day for the beach, nature, or a long walk outside the center.

Valencia with a dog, hassle-free

Valencia has its own way of being explored. Scale, climate, and spaces that connect effortlessly.

When the route works, the plan changes. Fewer decisions. More walking. More shared time. Valencia sets the stage. And your dog already knew how the day was going to end the moment they saw the leash.

Summary of the route in one day

The plan fits best when organized by sections. The urban route can be done walking, but it should be adapted to the heat, available time, and your dog's energy.

Route paw by paw

  • Walk through the historic route in El Carmen.
  • Great walk in the Turia Garden.
  • Passing through Ruzafa to eat, rest, or have a drink.
  • Flexible afternoon according to the pace of the day.
  • Green section toward Turia River Park, Parque de Cabecera, and Central Park.
  • Optional extension to dog beaches, always checking the season, schedules, and access conditions.

Key areas of the route

  • El Carmen as a historic and urban break.
  • Turia Garden as the main axis.
  • Parque de Cabecera, Turia River Park, and Central Park as an extended green section.
  • Ruzafa as a pet-friendly gastronomic break.
  • Dog beaches as a flexible seaside plan, only if current conditions allow it.

Recommended time

The urban route with parks, breaks, and lunch can occupy a large part of the day. If you add the beach, think of a full day or leave that plan as an alternative for another day.

Sources consulted

To build this route, real urban usage criteria, current regulations, and official Valencia services have been taken into account:

In addition, practical factors such as hours of use, weather conditions, urban environment behavior, and real experience touring with a dog have been considered to ensure that the route works in practice and not just on paper.

25/05/2026
Lisbon, a beautiful city from head to toe

Lisbon, a beautiful city from head to toe

When you visit Lisbon, one of the things that usually surprises you the most is its typical sidewalks paved with mosaics of black and white cobblestones.

These stone floors, one of the most emblematic jewels of the Portuguese capital, have become an inescapable attraction for those lucky enough to walk on them.

The Portuguese cobblestone, known as "calçada portuguesa", is an art in itself. Made of irregular stones, usually limestone or basalt, they are meticulously arranged to form intricate decorative patterns and patterns.

This type of paving has its roots in the 15th and 16th centuries, but it was the devastating earthquake of 1755 that marked a turning point in its history. The city was left in ruins and the Portuguese cobblestone technique, due to its complexity and cost, fell into disuse during the arduous stage of reconstruction. However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Portuguese cobblestone found its redemption in the 19th century, specifically in 1842.

The push to revive this ancient tradition was led by Lieutenant General Eusébio Pinheiro Furtado, who led prisoners in paving work under his command as Governor of Arms of São Jorge Castle.

What started as a simple zig-zag path turned into something unusual and revolutionary for the time. Praça do Rossio was one of the first areas to experience the renaissance of this art, and quickly its popularity spread throughout the city and beyond, even conquering the Portuguese colonies.

It is important to recognize the work of the "calceteiros", as the artists and pavers who carry out this meticulous task are known in Portuguese. His dedication and ability to bring intricate designs to life deserved a tribute, and this is how in 2006 a monument to the "calceteiro" was erected in front of the church of San Nicolás, on Rua da Vitória in Lisbon. This monument is an eternal reminder of his talent and contribution to the cultural identity of Lisbon.

Book your stay: Casual Belle Epoque Lisbon .

27/08/2025
The best places to go for tapas in Seville

The best places to go for tapas in Seville

It is equally essential to see the Cathedral than to go out for tapas in Seville. That is why we have selected some of the most recommended places to go for tapas in the city. Bar Eslava , in the neighborhood of San Lorenzo (Eslava, 3), they have some delicious tapas. They combine tradition and modernity. You can order both homemade croquettes and the Egg on boletus sponge cake and caramelized wine. Oh amazing desserts too. One of the best places for tapas in Seville. Casa Morales is a traditional tapas bar that gives it a special charm. With the typical Sevillian tapas such as pork rinds, squid, octopus, cod pavia, salad,... you can also choose from an extensive wine list. It is near the cathedral at Calle García de Vinuesa, 11. La Azotea , located at Calle Jesús del Gran Poder, 31, although there are three others in Seville. They offer more modern tapas, such as roast beef burger, fresh salmon tartar, coquinas with artichokes, Iberian cheeks or brick bags with cheese, leek and prawns. They also have a careful wine list. The Old Grocery Store of San Lorenzo , on Calle Teodosio, 53. Located in a Sevillian house from the 17th century, it is a cozy place where you can savor its delicious tapas such as Ramón's eggs, Pisto with chorizo, ham and egg, cured meats and cheeses, although it is best to be recommended by them and try the dishes of the day.
 

Tapas in Seville and more

We continue with our list of options. Of course, we recommend some more plans for sightseeing around the city on our blog, but first, let's continue with the tapas tasting. Bodeguita Casablanca, located at Calle Adolfo Rodríguez Jurado, 12, next to the cathedral. Good place for tapas, you can't miss the famous whiskey or migas omelette. Ovejas Negras Tapas , on Calle Hernando Colón, 8. A modern place with a more creative tapas concept, you can try risotazzo, some good bravas, cheeks or a chicken wok. Perro Viejo, a nice place with a very careful decoration and very spacious, which is appreciated compared to other tapas places. With the kitchen in sight they prepare gourmet tapas. Delicious are the Iberian prey tears, the ox hamburgers or the tuna tataki. And for dessert, don't miss the brioche French toast. In Arguijo street, 3.
 
La Brunilda , in the heart of Seville, on Calle Galera, 5. It will be hard for you to choose between all its tapas, which one is tastier, for example the tuna tataki with couscous and vegetables, the grilled squid with farmhouse crumbs and herring roe or cod fritters with pear alioli. El Rinconcillo , at C/ Gerona 40 and C/ Alhóndiga 2, in the heart of Seville and apparently the oldest restaurant in Spain. Enjoy spinach with chickpeas, roasted peppers with tuna or Iberian cured meats. Ideal for a glass of wine or a very cold and well-drafted beer. Dúo Tapas is on calle Calatrava, 10. They have the typical Sevillian tapas but with a modern touch. You cannot leave without trying the tuna tartar, the Elvis hamburger, the Iberian pork or the prawn capirotes. Accompany it with a very cold beer. Vega 10 , in Rosario Vega street, 10, in Triana. The bull macaroni is their star tapa but they are all delicious with an innovative touch such as arepas with beef, Moroccan pastry or hummus and carrot pâté. All of them are usually quite crowded so, if possible, we recommend booking in advance. If you prefer, we can do it from our Casual Sevilla de Las Letras hotel, right in the center of the city. Discover our hotel in Seville.
03/09/2024
Madrid in autumn with children

Madrid in autumn with children

It is time to travel to Madrid in autumn with children. The city is a destination that can be visited throughout the year. However, in September with the return to school and the change of season, the summer heat gradually leaves the city. It is a period that is usually accompanied by more pleasant temperatures when it comes to sightseeing. An issue to consider if traveling with children. In addition, for the smallest of the house, the capital of Spain has reserved some surprises that will undoubtedly draw a smile on their faces apart from making the whole family enjoy. Below, from Casual Hotels, we have selected a series of plans to carry out during the month of October in Madrid and that are designed to delight your children.
 
These ideas can be informative, which doesn't mean they aren't fun too. This is the case of the activities scheduled for the European Researchers' Night , which will be held on September 30 in Madrid, as is the case in 300 other European cities. In the National Museum of Natural Sciences during the afternoon of this day, a scientific gymkhana will be held to approach paleontology, zoology and ecology through play. If you are one of the most daring, you can also dare to spend the night inside the museum, camping next to the giant squid, the Asian elephant, the fossils and the dinosaur skeletons. Reserve a place in advance with your children for this peculiar family camping trip.
 

Activities for children in Madrid

The city also offers the possibility of traveling back in time, specifically until 1851, to get on a historic train that made the Madrid-Aranjuez route. The Strawberry Train now departs from the Príncipe Pío station and in its day inaugurated the second section of our railway network after the original Barcelona-Mataró (1848). During the journey, the hostesses, dressed in period costumes, go through the old wagons offering passengers the famous strawberries that are found in the Madrid town. Upon arrival at your destination, a day will await you in Aranjuez, a city that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. One of the most original ways to enjoy Madrid in Autumn with children.
 
And the last of the surprises that these plans for Madrid in Autumn with children will bring you can be found in the 125 hectares that make up the El Retiro park. This green lung of the capital has more than 15,000 trees. The enclosure can be explored on foot, by bicycle, on skates, on scooters or even by boat if you dare to rent one. Ideal for sailing with your children through the pond presided over by the monument dedicated to King Alfonso XII. In short, a series of plans to have a great time with the little ones in the house while you stay at our Casual Madrid del Teatro, located in the center of Madrid, very close to Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía and the main monuments of the city. town. Find the offer that suits you best and remember that we offer you our free baby pack.
07/09/2022
Traveling as a family is sharing experiences

Traveling as a family is sharing experiences

More and more importance is given to union, protection and knowledge about family members. And the best way is to travel as a family , living experiences to discover and know what the closest people who are part of your life are like.
 
When children are young, they are more likely to create emotional bonds that will last a lifetime, so it is advisable to create shared experiences. As they get older, they spend their time with their friends and distance themselves from their parents. The best opportunity to resume long conversations, discover new hobbies and reinforce values is to choose a few days of adventure to get out of the routine and bet on traveling as a family.
 
Any trip that you propose, however close it may be, can be a lot of fun. Breaking with the routine has very positive effects:
  • disconnect from stress and daily routine
  • allows you to rediscover yourself and others
  • you meet other realities and live an unforgettable experience.
If you haven't planned your summer vacation yet, we recommend that you don't put it off any longer and get to work looking for hotels with family rooms, so that you can share space but... with space! You will like traveling as a family.
 
Our themed hotels offer a variety of rooms to choose from, including triple and quadruple rooms, in which each one will have their own bed! In addition, we have a pack for babies, which includes a stroller, baby carrier, cot and bathtub. If you are interested, you just have to book on the website and enjoy the free Baby Pack.
 
And, one last recommendation: if you decide to travel as a family, it is a nice opportunity to start a unique collection of souvenirs that represent the place you have visited. Why not buy a wooden box or trunk to store every detail of all the places that have been shared as a family? So when the children become independent, there will be a time to meet and remember TOGETHER.
 
 
One chooses to create the habit of traveling as a family. Remember that the mission is to be together and there is always a solution to achieve it. The family is the strongest union and the important thing is to share time together and know how to enjoy each member of it. Choose a date and organize it!
22/07/2019
25 years of the Oscar-winning 'Belle Époque'

25 years of the Oscar-winning 'Belle Époque'

Exactly 25 years ago, Spanish director Fernando Trueba collected the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film for 'Belle Époque ,' filmed in Portugal. A quarter of a century later, Casual Hoteles opened its first hotel there, specifically in Lisbon, named after the award-winning film. And what better way to do so than by recalling the filming locations?

Casual Hoteles opens its first hotel in Lisbon

The mansion and village in the film are located 20 kilometers from Lisbon, between Alverca and Arruda dos Vinhos, amidst hills and vineyards. Also featured are the station in Ríos, the church in Sobral de Monte Agraço, and the river in Azambuja. In 1994, the film starring Penélope Cruz, Ariadna Gil, and Jorge Sanz made history.
Today, the opening of Casual Hoteles in Lisbon with the Casual Belle Époque Lisboa hotel marks a milestone for the chain. It is the first step in its international expansion. The launch of its hotel in La Baixa , with 28 themed rooms, located on the central Rua da Madalena, is the beginning of an international expansion that will continue with other establishments in Porto and other European cities .
Fernando Trueba was looking for a location to film his Oscar-winning feature film, one that was difficult to identify and far removed from the clichés of the Spanish plateau. And he found it in Portugal. Casual Hoteles is designing a hotel in the modern center of the Portuguese capital. Surrounding it are the corporate headquarters of prominent companies and major Portuguese banks. Lisbon has established itself as an international tourist destination.
Portugal hosted the filming of 'Belle Époque,' but other Spanish directors also found the perfect location for their films there.
Imanol Uribe filmed 'Carol's Journey ' and Pilar Miró filmed 'The Dog in the Manger' there. Other foreign filmmakers chose different locations in the country for their films, such as John Malkovic in 'Dance Steps' and Roman Polanski's 'The Ninth Gate'.
21/03/2019
Malaga, nominated for best European destination 2019

Malaga, nominated for best European destination 2019

We are not surprised. Malaga has been nominated for the best European destination 2019 to visit by the European Best Destinations organization . There are plenty of reasons for it: the Malaga Fair, the Film Festival, its more than 300 days of sunshine, its gastronomy, its beaches, its museum offer... This is a city that leaves no one indifferent.
 
Malaga aspires to win the title of 'European Best Destination 2019' . The capital of the Costa del Sol competes with other destinations such as Vienna, Rome, The Azores, Geneva, Berlin, Lisbon or Edinburgh.
 
The title will be decided through an online vote between January 15 and February 5, a key period that will determine which city wins the title of best European destination 2019.
 
But until that date arrives, we suggest that you come to our Casual Málaga del Mar hotel and get to know all the benefits of the city.
 
Malaga is a beach, as reflected in our centrally located hotel with rooms themed around the seabed, seas, oceans and islands. That and much more. This is a city that perfectly combines tradition and modernity. We recommend that you read the post: Malaga, combines the culture of a big city with the best beaches.
 
You can also visit the most important archaeological site in the city, made up of the Alcazaba, the Gibralfaro Castle and the Roman Theatre . It is also obligatory to walk through the Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of the historic center of the city. Nor can you miss the Cathedral and its cathedral museum. In fact, the museum offer of the city is unquestionable. From the Picasso and Automobile museums to the Carmen Thyssen museum and the Malaga Center for Contemporary Art.
 
All this seasoned by a unique and seafood gastronomy. Here you can taste the typical fried fish and sardine skewers, an experience that will be completed by visiting the Pedregalejo fishing district and the seafront promenade.
16/01/2019
Malaga, combines the culture of a big city with the best beaches

Malaga, combines the culture of a big city with the best beaches

Enjoy a great city and its beaches

Málaga's beaches enjoy the privilege of being part of a large city , with all the services and attractions that this entails. The city boasts a total of more than 14 kilometers of beaches—don't forget your swimsuit! Málaga also offers the option of combining gastronomy and cultural richness with the opportunity to enjoy the city's beaches in one destination.
You definitely can't miss the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, the Roman Theatre, and the work of the renowned Picasso, among others.
A climb to Gibralfaro Castle would be a good way to start your visit. Its origins date back to Phoenician times and, along with the Alcazaba , it forms a fortified complex stretching along the hill. From the top of Gibralfaro Castle, you have excellent panoramic views of the city of Málaga, which will help you plan and assess your visit. Our recommendation is to go up there and tell us what you see!
Among the various museums Málaga has to offer, we recommend visiting the Picasso Museum , a paradise for art lovers where you can enjoy some of the prestigious painter's works. Plus, all of these sites are just a 17-minute walk from Casual Málaga del Mar , a themed hotel inspired by the marine world located in the center of Málaga!
Another highly recommended option is to take a city tour , where guides will take you around all the city's monuments, explaining their history in detail.
On the famous Malagueta beach, you can enjoy the best sun combined with fried fish, one of the delicacies of Andalusian cuisine. You can also find numerous beach bars and restaurants along the promenades where you can enjoy traditional Malaga cuisine. La Malagueta is the beach par excellence for Malaga residents, who come here in their leisure time to play sports or simply stroll. The beaches have urban promenades that separate them from the traffic, making them true havens of peace, undoubtedly an oasis of tranquility.
Plus, all Casual Hotels are pet-friendly , so your pet can enjoy their vacation too! Six dog beaches will be open in 2018.
Book your vacation with us and come enjoy a great city.
16/05/2018
Christmas in Seville

Christmas in Seville

Street markets, light and color shows, exhibitions for the Murillo Year, concerts, ice rinks, nativity scenes, bell ringing choirs and parades. That and much more Seville offers at Christmas. We invite you to enjoy these Christmas dates with us at the hands of Casual Hotels, from its centrally located Casual de las Letras. More than 80 cultural and leisure activities for young and old await you here.
 

Light and colour:

Seville shines with its own light throughout the year. It is a city with a unique light, but at Christmas it also takes on a special glow at night. Audiovisual shows are added to the traditional lighting, such as those in the Plaza de San Francisco, with three huge crowns referring to the Three Wise Men, which allow visitors to walk under them and offer a light and sound show every half hour.
 

Christmas markets

The surroundings of the Cathedral are filled with Christmas figures. You can also visit the Prado market in San Sebastián and the Luis de Morales market in Nervión. Don't forget to stop by the Craft Market in Plaza Nueva.
 

Murillo Year

We are entering the final stretch of the Murillo Year celebration. Nothing better than visiting the exhibition 'Murillo. IV Centenario' to enjoy 55 canvases by the Sevillian painter from countries such as England, France, Germany, Mexico or the United States, on loan from the Tate Gallery in London, the Louvre in Paris or the MET in New York.
 
In addition, the Murillo Children's show will be performed on the façade of the Exhibition Casino and for free. It will have 3 sessions a day on December 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 and January 2 and 3.
 

Ice rinks and trees for the little ones

The Alameda de Hércules brings together attractions for the little ones. The traditional ice rink could not be missing. The offer is completed with a Christmas market and entertainment shows with juggling, storytelling and stilt walkers. All this headed by a Christmas tree 13 meters high with artificial snow cannons.
 

the nativity scenes

If you come to Seville on these endearing dates, be sure to visit the traditional Belén del Arquillo, the Mudéjar of the Palacio de los Marqueses de la Algaba and the Hogar Canario in the Apeadero room of the Town Hall.
28/11/2017
Popular races in Madrid for 2017

Popular races in Madrid for 2017

If you search for the popular races in Madrid for 2017 that you shouldn't miss, we will give you some clues. Are you a runner? Then we are sure that April 2nd and 23rd are marked on your calendar. Yes, two days in which Madrid becomes the capital of running. Two of the most important national races that no runner wants to miss await you. And the plan is perfect if it allows you to do some sightseeing and get to know this very welcoming city better, with so much to discover and spectacular gastronomy. We start with the EDP Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon & ½, which celebrates its fortieth edition this year on April 23rd. In addition, this year will be very special, since the IAAF has granted the race its highest award, the Gold Label, placing the marathon on par with the best races in the world. So one can boast that the popular races in Madrid are "galactic".
The start is at the iconic Plaza de Cibeles and the finish at El Retiro Park. Its route will take you through the most beautiful sites in the capital, the Paseo del Prado, the Puerta de Alcalá, Neptuno, the Santiago Bernabéu, the Royal Palace or Madrid Río. And if you are not prepared to run the Marathon, you can choose two other modalities, the half marathon or a parallel 10K race. During the route, several rock bands will play live to encourage the runners, in addition, of course, to the entire public of Madrid.
Bib numbers for the Madrid Marathon
A little earlier, on April 2nd, the Asics Madrid Half Marathon awaits you. A good opportunity to prepare for the Marathon and get your bib numbers. Another one of the popular races in Madrid that you shouldn't miss. The best half marathon in Madrid will celebrate its 17th edition this year. It will have the start on the Paseo del Prado and the finish at El Retiro Park, with an ideal route to enjoy Madrid while running. It is not an easy race since there are many ups and downs, but it is worth it. And if the half marathon is too hard for you, you can participate in the 5K. The parallel race that takes place mainly through El Retiro Park. Don't miss the chance to live and feel the atmosphere that surrounds one of the most important events in Spain and Europe.
What better way to get to know Madrid than by enjoying your great passion, running. And of course, we will be happy to welcome you to our Casual Madrid del Teatro, right in the city center. Just a few steps from the Puerta del Sol and the Plaza de Cibeles, where the starting signal for both races will be given.
17/01/2017