Spain

Spain is a country with a long proud history includingvisit to a bull fight, a Flamenco show or a
settlement by the Ancient Romans and manysherry-tasting are authentic Spanish experiences that
centuries of domination by the Moors. It is a countryshould not be missed. Food lovers enjoy Spanish
of great diversity, with mountain ranges in the Northcuisine such as paella and tapas with its typical
East, beautiful beaches in the South and a lusciousMediterranean ingredients. Festivals such as the
green coastline in the north. Spain is great for loversSemana Santa and the running of the bulls in
of the outdoor, whether you enjoy hiking, biking orPamplona manage to spice up the traveller's
other outdoor pursuits.experience in Spain.
The center of Spain is characterized by an aridThe Costa del Sol from Malaga westwards down to
plateau and Madrid is right in the heartland of thisMarbella and Gibraltar is of course known for its
fascinating country. In the Spanish capital you'll findexcellent climate and beautiful beaches, (and to some
many places to visit: the Prado, one of the world'sdegree, its overdevelopment). Further east you will
bests art museums, the Palacio Real (the Royalfind other well-known coastal stretches, such as the
Palace), and the Museo Nacional Centro de ArteCosta Blanca, south of Valencia and the rugged
Reina Sofia featuring masterpieces by Salvador DaliCosta Brava, northeast of Barcelona.
and Juan Miró. For more lightheartedNorthern Spain including the provinces of Galicia,
entertainment visit the Rastro, Madrid's biggest fleaAsturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country is
market.referred to as "green Spain", it's a region that
Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain andreceives a lot more rainfall than the arid south and
known world-wide for the architectural creations ofoffers beautiful coastlines and lush green mountains.
José Antonio Gaudi, with the still unfinishedSan Sebastian is one of the major cities in the north,
Sagrada Familia cathedral topping the list. When inlocated on a beautiful bay. Further west, Santiago de
Barcelona don't forget a visit to the BarriCompostela is a world-famous pilgrimage site and the
Gótic and take a walk on las Ramblas, one ofend point of the Camino de Santiago.
the most beautiful streets in the world, a tree-linedAnd let's not forget the charm and beauty of the
boulevard where you can delight in the talents ofBalearic Islands, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca as well as
street performers.the Canary Islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura,
Further south, the region of Andalusia awaits youTenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro). Spain is
with Moorish treasures such as Seville, Cordoba andone of my favourite destinations, its history, mystery
Granada, where a visit to the Alhambra is a must. Aand charm are unique.