
Few countries can match the allure of Spain. The endless summer of the Costa del Sol. The busy tapas bars serving up the freshest dishes west of Rome. And the late-night buzz of its ancient towns and cities. All these help make it one of the most exciting destinations in the world.
While vacationers seek the simple pleasures on the beaches of its southern and western coasts, Spain's long history means its art and architecture are among the best in the world, pulling in cultural tourists to Barcelona, Madrid, Grenada and Seville. Foodies and wine buffs, meanwhile, have plenty of options, with fabulous Rioja in the north and Andalusia to the south just two of the country's gastronomic hotspots.
Spain is famous for its friendly inhabitants, relaxed lifestyle, its cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous folklore and festivities, and its history as the core of the vast Spanish Empire. Spain shares the Iberian Peninsula with Andorra, Gibraltar, and Portugal. It has the second-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites after Italy and the largest number of World Heritage Cities.
With great beaches, mountains, campsites, ski resorts, superb weather, varied and fun nightlife, many cultural regions and historic cities, it is no wonder that Spain is the most popular tourist destination in Europe for any kind of trip. A country of large geographic and cultural diversity, Spain may come as a surprise to those who only know of its reputation for great beach holidays and almost endless sunshine.
Key Facts
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There is everything from lush meadows and snowy mountains to huge marshes and deserts in the south east.
While summer is the peak season, those who wish to avoid the crowds should consider visiting in the winter as not only is it normally mild and sunny, but attractions such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada and La Gran Mezquita in Cordoba will not be overcrowded.
Many Spaniards share a common ethnic background: a mixture of the early inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula, the Celts, and later conquerors from Europe and Africa. The origins of the Basque people in the north of Spain remain unknown. Recent immigrants from North Africa and Latin America have added to the mix.
Spaniards are known for their love of life and for eating and drinking with family and friends. Regional dances and music are almost as important as soccer and religious festivals.
Spain’s pleasant Mediterranean climate, its dramatic coastlines, charming landscapes, rich historical legacy, eclectic culture, culinary expertise and vibrant nightlife have made it a much sought-after destination.
The Capital City of Spain
Madrid is a beguiling place with an energy that carries one simple message: this city really knows how to live. Madrid is best known for its great cultural and artistic heritage..
a good example of which is the El Prado Museum. Madrid also boasts some of the liveliest nightlife in the world.
The culture of Madrid is largely influenced by its royal history, as the center of the Spanish Empire. The Royal Palace, big places and buildings used by the Spanish Monarchy, enormous cathedrals and churches are plentiful in Madrid, as well as medieval architecture, although nowadays Madrid is just as much a cosmopolitan city as Berlin or London, full of new architecture, lifestyle and culture.
Rising above the humble claims of its local cuisine, Madrid has evolved into one of the richest culinary capitals of Europe. The city has wholeheartedly embraced all the creativity and innovation of Spain’s gastronomic revolution. From tapas in sleek temples to all that’s new to sit-down meals beneath centuries-old vaulted ceilings, eating in Madrid is a genuine pleasure.
Spain's broad sweep of architectural history provides a glorious backdrop to city life, from medieval mansions and royal palaces to the unimagined angles of Spanish contemporary architecture, from the sober brickwork and slate spires of Madrid baroque to the extravagant confections of the belle époque. Put simply, this is one beautiful city.
Spain’s Major Mediterranean Port
Barcelona is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene...
The cradle of Catalan culture, amongst many other cultures and civilisations, and a witness to major transformations such as the Industrial Revolution or the Civil War amongst many others, Barcelona has a fascinating history.
Barcelona's architectural treasures span 2000-plus years. Towering temple columns, ancient city walls and subterranean stone corridors provide a window into Roman-era Barcino. Fast forward a thousand years or so to the Middle Ages by taking a stroll through the shadowy lanes of the Gothic quarter, past tranquil plazas and soaring 14th-century cathedrals.
If we're talking about gastronomy in Barcelona, we can't fail to mention Catalan cuisine. The pleasure of eating and drinking is an integral part of the history and culture of Catalonia and Barcelona. Catalonia is a gastronomic paradise, where Catalan cuisine is a mouthwatering blend of heritage, produce, terroir, tradition, creativity, innovation… All of these things, together with an endless love of fine-dining culture, make discovering it with your palate a truly appealing option.
Barcelona offers you all kinds of services and facilities so that you can enjoy your favourite activities while you admire the city's coastline and beaches.
The capital city of Andalusia
Seville is one of the largest historical centres in Europe with the minaret La Giralda, the Cathedral (one of the largest in Christian history), and the Alcázar Palace..
Other treasures include Casa de Pilatos, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies (the historical records of the American Continent are kept here), the Fine Arts Museum (the second largest in Spain), as well as many beautiful and historical convents, churches and palaces.
Seville is the administrative capital of Andalucía and the largest town in Southern Spain. Aside from its important monuments and captivating history, Seville is well known for being a joyous town. The Sevillians are known for their wit and enthusiasm and the city itself is vibrant and striking for its vitality. Seville is the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro.
But while history reverberates all around, Seville is as much about the here and now as the past. It’s about eating tapas in a crowded bar or seeing out the end of the day over a drink on a buzzing plaza. The sevillanos have long since mastered the art of celebrating and the city’s great annual festivals, notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, are among Spain’s most heartfelt.
Some cities blast you away, others slowly win you over. Seville disarms and seduces you. Its historic centre, lorded over by a colossal Gothic cathedral, is an intoxicating mix of resplendent Mudéjar palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval lanes.
Home to the Alhambra Palace
Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a National Park designated Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986...
The River Darro flow through the old town, dividing the hills of Sacromonte and Albaycin, that of the Alhambra. The main rivers of Granada are the Genil, Trevélez and Poqueira. The coast of Granada is called Costa Tropical and its main municipalities are Almuñécar, Salobreña and Motril.
Walk through beautiful gardens, charming narrow streets filled with flowers, sit down in one of those typical taverns to have some of that famous "Trevélez" ham and local wine, and breath the centuries of history around you anywhere. There are gypsies singing "Flamenco", and don't miss to visit their famous "Cuevas" - caves - in the mountain of the monastery of Sacromonte where some of them really live still nowadays making magnificent artisany. Granada's popular festivals, based as well on Moorish as Christian tradition, are most attractive.
Granada is home to a wide variety of restaurants. The roots of a lot of the gastronomy here lie in Moorish hands, with influences taken from Arabic dishes.
Granada city is full of sights to see; famous for its vast array of cultural monuments, it is a very popular holiday destination.