An Overview Of Spain
Spain is a European country in the south west. It is located on
the peninsula of Iberia. The mainland’s south and east is bordered
by the great Mediterranean Sea. Spain however claims an overseas
territory in Britain call Gibraltar. The north east and north of the
mainland is bordered by Bay of Biscay, Andorra, and France. Portugal
and Atlantic Ocean are on the west and northwest.
Spain’s capital is Madrid and its official national language is Spanish. There are other regional languages such as Galician, Catalan, and Basque and the currency is the European Euro owing to the fact that Spain holds membership to the European Union.
Its territory includes several islands. These include Balearic
Islands, Canary Islands and Parsley Island among others. Spain is a
global empire making Spanish a very popular language. It ranks second
as the most spoken language.
Spain’s economy is highly developed and it holds the twelfth
positions in the world’s economy basing on the nominal GDP. The
living standards are very high. The country also holds memberships to
WTO, OECD, NATO and the United Nations.
Being located on the peninsula of Iberia, it is highly populated
by Iberians, Celts and Basques. The peninsula was once a colony of
the Rome but during the middle ages it was ruled by the Germans and
Moorish invaders. The Christian kingdoms however regained control.
The most popular invasion of Spain is probably that of Napoleon that
led to emergence of independence movements.
Spain’s tourism started early, specifically during the
dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Spain started attracting people who
would visit over summer. Most of the tourists were from France,
Scandinavia, central Europe and British isles. The head quarters of
WTO are actually located in Spain’s capital of Madrid. It ranks
second on the list of the countries that are most visited preceded by
France.
There are other attractions to Spain. The land is highly
mountainous and has plateaus and chains of mountains. This gives the
land a beautiful landscape and many tourists come to Spain to see the
great sceneries. These include the Pyrenees, cordillera Cantabria,
montes de Toledo, sistema ibérico, sierra morena, Sistema Central
among others.
There are also some major rivers in Spain that include the Ebro,
Tagus, Duero, Guadalquivir and Guadiana. They are all very popular
and are a major tourist attraction.
Having affiliations with many islands, Spain is not short of
beaches, actually, there are very many beaches in Spain. These are
the best places to relax while visiting Spain.
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Attractions To Spain
Northern Spain preserves the Celts legacy. They settled in Galicia
and Asturias. The cities in the north are famous for sea foods, tapas
and fish (gastronomy). All these are excellent. It also has beautiful
green valleys.
Bilbao is a place you must not miss in the northern side of Spain.
The place to visit in Bilbao is Guggenheim museum, San Sebastian, La
Coruna, Gijon as well as Santiago de Compostela, also known as saint
James. It has a cathedral that attracts thousands of pilgrims every
year.
There are Spanish islands that are famous the world over. Spain is
not all inland as it has beaches at its coastal regions as well as
the islands in its regions. The most popular islands are Canary and
Balearic isles.
Spain is also known for its diversity. It has a lot to give to the
world in general. Its history dates from way back and it has a lot
of monuments, architecture, museums and heritage sites to tell its
story. The traditions, culture, and the geography are all amazing.
The landscapes are all so beautiful. It is a destination for sea and
sun. Spain is not all about beach tourism, there is reason to believe
that a lot of spots are yet to be uncovered.
Mountain skiing during winter is a great experience. Sunbathing is
also possible even in the winter months. A lot of countries cannot
boast all these activities.
For water sport lovers there are sports such as windsurfing, motor
racing, water skiing, scuba diving, and sailing among others.
The mountain areas are great for trekking and skiing as well as
snowboarding among other activities. There are also some historic
religious paths. These include the path that was used for the
peregrination that led to Saint Jacques. This path cross Spain and it
is perfect for those who love walking. You will discover the other
side of Spain in this way, that is, the authentic and more
traditional side.
Spain is full of fiestas and traditions. They include bull-running
done in Pamplona, burning paper constructions in “Fallas”
Valencia, parades of a religious nature especially for Easter
celebrations. There are also the famous tomato fights (semana Santa)
that are held in Bunol’s streets which are in Valencia.
When you go sightseeing, you will get to see roman ruins, modern
buildings, Celtic remains, heritage cities, parks, gardens as well as
Moorish constructions.
Enjoy time in Spain as you experience history and culture.
Discover the villages and the resorts as well as the fiestas and the
nightlife.
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Barcelona And Other Destinations In Spain
Barcelona is one of the major cities of Spain. It is rich in
culture, architecture and artwork. The famous artist, Pablo Picasso
actually lived here between 1985 and 1900. His works are exhibited in
the national museum. The works exceed 2500.
Most buildings here are geometric. There are historic buildings,
sculptures and structures in Barcelona. There are a lot of feature
that make Barcelona so unique as compared to many other European
countries. Other famous artists that used to live in Barcelona
include Miro, Gaudi and Dali. Barcelona became a great art center
following the existence of the famous artists within the city.
Picasso as well as Dali did play a role in the magnificence seen
today in Barcelona. The person, who should be applauded more, however
is Antoni Gaudi. He was the hand behind so many popular architectural
works. Some of his works include La Pedrera Apartments. There are a
lot of Antoni Gaudi works all over Barcelona. They are all beauties.
Las Ramblas street is yet another popular place in Barcelona. It
is a great shopping center. There are cafes and restaurants. Many
museums have also been set up here and their attractions are without
limit.
The Barcelona port is famous and large in size. Here there is a
bridge referred to as The Bridge of The World. The Christopher
Columbus statue stands here.
Another popular city that is worth visiting is Seville. This is a
fun city. The neighborhood is gypsy and there is usually
entertainment on the streets. As the night grows, people go into the
streets where they start dancing. Nightlife is quite natural here.
The place is perfect for fun lovers and all those that love having
fun. This place is so popular that visitors travel from all over to
sample some of these festivities.
There is a traditional dance in Spain that attracts tourists, both
local and international. During the dance, folk music, gypsy melodies
and other popular music is played. The gypsy girls are all dressed up
in costumes and they dance beautifully to the music beats.
Bullfighting is also a major attraction to Spain. A lot of stories
have been told regarding the bull fights.
Other things you can do in Spain during a visit to Spain is
shopping. There are a lot of local brands in Spain and they do not
rely too much on foreign brands. Spain’s popular brands include
Burberry and Zara. Spain’s prices are more affordable making it a
popular shopping destination. Your one stop shopping destination is
El Corte Ingles. It’s always a great adventure.
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Culture As A Tourist Attraction In Spain
Spain is a country that can be described as multi cultural region.
It is a crossroads of many civilizations. It therefore has a lot of
historical towns and cities. Spain’s major destinations are to
include the conspicuous two cities; Barcelona and Madrid. They are
not only Spain’s outstanding tourist destinations, but also
Europe’s as a whole. There are a lot of attractions in both cities
that make them an all time favorite.
They are also important centers for education, commerce,
entertainment, fashion, media, arts, music and sports. They have
truly earned their title as global cities. Many cities in Spain have
been crowned World Heritage Cities. They are thirteen to be a little
exact. The declaration was made by UNESCO. Some of the cities are
Toledo, Tarragona, Segovia, Santiago de Compostela, San Cristobal de
La Laguna, and Salamanca among others.
Spain is home to World Heritage Sites adding up to 44. More sites
that have been rated as first class include Seville, Santander,
Granada, and Oviedo among others. All these places are historical and
have a very lively agenda of culture. They are major attractions to
Spain.
Places named as cultural centers by UNESCO (United Nations
educational and cultural organization) are important places to
natural and cultural heritage. Spain allowed UNESCO to include its
sites in the organizations list. Other sites that are recognized and
attract tourists are The Mosque of Córdoba, Alhambra, Granada,
Burgos cathedral, among many others. The years have seen more of
sprains cultural sites added to the list.
Today, there are 44 such sites. Italy has the most and so Spain
naturally comes in second. The 44 sites are made up of 39 cultural
sites, 3 natural ones while the remaining two are hybrid consisting
of both natural and cultural criteria. This criterion is set by
UNESCO and is standard.
The heritage site of Pyénées is shared by both France and Spain
while Spain also shares the rock sites located in siege Verde with
Portugal.
In the Altamira cage, you get to see a lot of cave painting
extracted from the period known as upper Paleolithic. There are 17
caves and Spain has maintained them over the years. The maintenance
has been made all the more easier because of their isolation from
external climate.
Constructed in the 1st century and still standing to date is the
Roman Aqueduct. The 11th and 16th century saw the construction of
Medieval Alcázar palace and the Cathedral respectively. There is
also Kingdom of Asturias that is a Christian region. There is a lot
of architecture. For lovers of history and architecture, Spain is the
ultimate place for you.
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Festivals, Nightlife And Winter Tourism In Spain
Spain has a lot of festivals in Spain. They are all taken very
seriously and they make a lot of people tour Spain just to enjoy
themselves during the festivities. Most of the festivals spin around
legends, patron saints, folklore and local customs. The more popular
festivals are Running of the Bulls, Fallas, Romerio de El Rocio,
Fiestas Del Pillar and Toatina. These regions include Valencia,
Pamplona, Zaragoza and Bunol.
There are certain events that have really contributed to Spain’s
position in the international arena. Some Spanish cities have hosted
some really major events. Barcelona hosted the 1888 and 1929
Barcelona International Exposition as well as the Summer Olympics of
1992. Seville hosted the 1992 Universal fair while Valencia and
Zaragoza hosted the America’s cup 2007 and expo 2008 respectively.
Another of the more popular festivals is the Carnival popular in
Cadiz and Canary Islands. The San Sebastian International Film
Festival is one of the most popular movie festivals. Others include
Sitgets Film Festival, Mostra de Valencia, the Seminci and Malaga
Spanish Film Festivals. These festivals see a lot of movie lovers
come to Spain just for the festivals.
Spain also has music festivals. They include the FIB, the SOS,
Monegros Desert Festival, Bilbao festival, primavera and Festimad.
Some cities in Spain have been European Capital of Culture. In 1992
Madrid was given this title. Santiago de Compstela, Salamanca and San
Sebastian were titled as such in 2000, 2002 and 2006 respectively.
Spain’s nightlife is a major attraction. It attracts both locals
and tourists. Its nightlife is famed as being the best in the world.
Barcelona and Madrid have the most popular discotheques. Madrid is
famed for clubs such as Kapital and Pacha. Barcelona’s favorites
are are Sutton and Opium. Most of these discotheques operate even
during odd hours. Other party destinations include Mallorca and
Ibiza. They are also great for summers.
Spain is a mountainous country, the second in Europe. The high
mountains make it ideal for skiing especially over winter. There are
a lot of resorts in most of the regions and this opens Spain’s
inlands all the more. There are some famous ski strips spread all
over Spain. Some of these are; Sierra Nevada, Sistema Iberico,
Sistema Central and the Pyrenees. Those who love skiing or are
willing to learn get a great opportunity in Spain
The festivals, nightlife and winter games attract a lot of locals
as well as tourists every year in Spain’s entire region. This
highly helps Spain grow stronger.
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Most Striking Mountains in Spain
Tourists choose their ideal holiday destinations based on different things most being what they love most. Nature tends to top the list since there is nothing as good as enjoying natural beauty and wonders as well as features. Luckily, Spain has everything that any kind of tourist could be looking for among them natural grounds. Mountains in Spain are quite striking and offer interesting fun opportunities to those who love nature at its best.
Sierra Nevada: the mountain ranges of Sierra Nevada are perhaps the most popular in Spain. The mountain ranges are simply breathtaking and quite relaxing for those looking for cool, fresh and natural kind of a holiday. The one activity that you can enjoy from the mountain range is hiking as you camp on your way. It is one of the best experiences that you can have in Spain.
Pyrenees Mountains: another very popular mountain range of Spain and is a haven of beauty, and wildness that is charming in a good way. It is one of the most scenic mountains in Spain and forms a border that is most natural between Spain and France. It is a well preserved area and has deep beautiful valleys, snowy peaks and steep cliffs all of which add to the adventure of being here for many tourists.
Climb Mulhacen: this is Spain’s highest mountain and also in the entire Iberian Peninsula standing at 3478 meters above sea level. It is on the mountain range of Sierra Nevada in Granada. The views from the Climb Mulhacen are simply breathtaking and there are lots of activities that visitors can enjoy from here including hiking and camping. It is a very beautiful place to be for any kind of holiday.
Sierra de Tramuntana: it is found within Majorca Island and has Puig Major as its highest point. The point is also the highest making the mountain the highest in Balearic Islands. You can enjoy the views from and around the mountain or even take part in some of the fun activities that the mountain has to offer. Those who love nature with an adventure twist will find the mountain quite impressive.
Penval Difac: it is a small area that is protected and is in fact the smallest in Europe and Spain in general. The most amazing thing about this mountain is that it is a rock formation and a well preserved natural park above Calpe Bay in Valencia. It is the landmark of the town and Costa Blanca. It is quite impressive and offers lots of interesting things to its visitors.
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Must do Things in Majorca
Majorca forms part of the Balearic Islands in Spain and is one of the most beautiful islands that one can choose to spend a holiday in. It has numerous things to offer to visitors and one will therefore need to make up his mind as to which ones can’t be missed while here depending on the length of the holiday.
The Tramuntana Mountains: it is probably the most scenic part in Majorca Island and also serves as a major attraction here. You cannot miss to take a bike ride or walking tour as part of your exploration of the beautiful majestic mountain. While following the trails, you will be impressed by the breathtaking views as well as other features of this mountain. There is for instance a ruined castle and also a hilltop chapel sitting on a mountain rock and overlooking Alaro village. The views here are simply amazing.
The Coastline: Majorca’s coastline is by no means avoidable since it forms part of the island. On the northern part you will find steep cliffs and this is a rockier and wild part of the island while there are ports, caves and coves on the southern part of the coastline. Those who would rather have relaxing walks on the beaches should then choose to be on the west and east coasts of Majorca. There are quieter beaches here as well for those looking for a private kind of experience and they can hire boats to sail through the sea. The beaches are perfect for relaxed and quiet time.
Palma: it is a city that is ideal for interesting and educative walks. It is a great way of discovering the culture and architecture of this island with one of the most outstanding features being the La Seu cathedral with amazing gothic architecture. It was built hundreds of years ago. Palma is also home to the famed Arab baths which showcase the Moorish epoch. You will also find numerous shops on the streets from which you can buy all the things that you need. Boutiques and high street shops are also available here.
Majorca does have lots of other things and places to be explored and enjoyed and it will all depend on the time that you to spare for the island. It is one of those islands promising to give a holiday that is memorable for the longest time.
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Must See Religious Monuments in Spain
Spain is home to hundreds of monuments which are located in different parts of the country, in the regions and cities in general. There is practically no place you will go in Spain and fail to see some amazing monuments most of which have a rich history to tell while some have some of the best architectural works and have therefore become treasures to the country. Religious monuments are some of those which cannot be missed and below are the top three that you must visit while in the country.
Seville Cathedral: this is Spain’s largest cathedral which in itself means that it is a great attractions and a treasure to the country. In the list of world largest, the cathedral comes at number three. It is commonly referred to as Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede and it sits on a site where a grand mosque once stood. Some of the mosque highlights are still very present in the cathedral today. There are lots to see within the cathedral and it is a magnificent piece of work bound to impress.
Montserrat: this is Catalonia’s most sacred and treasured religious place. It is not only the landmark or Catalonia but also a national symbol and it is therefore of great importance and worth visiting and beholding. There is an interesting history behind Montserrat and it remains to be a major attraction to all kinds of visitors stopping by Catalonia or spending their holidays here. It is among the top religious monuments of Spain that cannot be missed for anything.
Santa Maria de Leon cathedral: it is probably the most beautiful cathedral in all of Europe leave alone Spain. Located in the Leon city which is a historical city in Spain, it attracts thousands of tourists who come here to behold its beauty and great works of architecture. The gothic style of architecture adorns this cathedral and it was built using golden sandstone which adds that beautiful highlight to it making it standout from the rest. It is one of the religious monuments that you will never get enough of and there are lots to behold and explore within it.
Spain has lots of religious monuments but these are the top most and those which can’t simply be missed by visitors coming into the country. It is a country that has something interesting in every angle and holidays spent here are the most memorable.
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Fuente De Piedra Lagoon in Spain
Spain is one country that is made up of every kind of natural feature as well as manmade features all of which add to its popularity among tourists and all kinds of holidaymakers. It is a country which has something for everyone regardless of the kind of holiday the individual is looking for. Spain is quite huge composed of numerous regions and they all have interesting features thereby making suitable areas for holidays and tours.
The major attractions in Spain include the numerous beaches on the many islands, monuments of great architectural works as well as museums, parks among others. Most people also come into the country to identify with the rich culture and history which is well preserved on and in the many monuments and areas in the different regions, cities, towns and even villages. You will always find something interesting in every corner of the country. It also has nature reserves which are treasured.
The Fuente De Peidra lagoon is one such nature reserve. This wetland is situated in Malaga province in Spain and here you will find hundreds of pink flamingos. The flamingos have their reproduction cycle made possible by the lagoon and thereby you will find them in huge colonies. The birds are quite delicate and beautiful adding to the attraction of the huge lagoon. The area is just great for those beautiful photos to remember.
This lagoon is generally salty as a result of underwater springs feeding it. These springs have to pass in areas with deposits of mineral salt thus leaving the water here saline. There actually used to be salt harvesting but the activity has recently stopped. The huge elliptical shaped lagoon occupies a whole 13 kilometers and has remained quite an interesting feature in Malaga. However, even with the enormous size, the waters are shallow which can be attributed to evaporation.
The flamingos rely on the water levels of the lagoon to breed and in case it dries, they will be forced to relocate. Luckily this has never happened and since it is now a nature reserve in Spain, it is hoped that the breeding will continue for the beautiful birds. The birds are the major attractions of the lagoon and you will find many visitors here enjoying the beautiful scene. It is a lagoon that is definitely worth checking out while in Spain and even taking those beautiful photos to remember for the longest time.
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Memorable Holiday to Spain
Spain is definitely one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world attracting thousands of tourists from all parts of the world. The most outstanding thing about Spain is that it has everything that any tourist could be looking for. It is ideal for those looking for green holidays and beach holidays as well as those who are visiting the country on an educative tour. The country has many regions within which you will find cities and towns all of which have unique things to offer to all.
One of the major attractions in Spain is the islands. It has numerous islands offering endless opportunities to the visitors. The islands are many in that they have been divided into two major groups which are the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands. Some of the islands are quite unique not just in weather but also in features. Most of the islands fortunately have very good climate making them ideal for a holiday at any given month of the year. There are lots of fun activities to be learned and enjoyed on the islands.
Some of the features that are definite on the islands are the beautiful beaches. They differ from one island to another in terms of the activities which can be enjoyed but are sandy and warm with crystalline waters. While some of the beaches are ideal for relaxation and soft games, some are quite wavy making them ideal for surfing while others are best for diving. You can easily choose where to spend your holiday depending on the kind of holiday you are looking for. There is definitely something for everyone.
Spain also has to its name numerous monuments made up of religious monuments such as churches and cathedrals as well as mosques, technical monuments such as lighthouses and bridges and others which are in form of castles and palaces all with a rich history on them. There are also lots of museums showcasing different Spanish art collections, paintings and artifacts. Those who love nature will find mountain ranges, caves, natural parks and reserves as well as beautiful gardens scattered well within the country.
Other features you will find in Spain include relaxation spots such as amusement parks, theme parks, zoos and water parks not forgetting resorts and modern hotels. It is one place that will have everything you could be looking for while on holiday or tour of the country regardless of the region, province or city you choose to be in.
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Monumental City of Salamanca
The Best Monuments
Salamanca is among the top monumental cities in Spain. It is in this city that you will find some of Spain’s most important Plateresque and Renaissance collection of architecture. One of Europe’s oldest universities is also located here and the beauty plus the historical patrimony and the liveliness of the city makes it a wonderful place to spend a holiday or to tour during a holiday in Spain.
The city was founded during the pre roman times and it took a turn for the better when the university based here was constructed back in 1218. The university is actually one of the best monuments of the city with the extraordinary Plateresque façade display dating back to the 16th century. You will also find interesting on this building the mythical heroes images tapestry stone carvings impressive. Other features which will easily capture you eyes are the coast of arms and religious scenes on the building.
The city is also home to two wonderful cathedrals which are worth checking out. The buildings are next to each other but showcase different architectural styles without spoiling the harmony that they achieve together. This is the Catedral Nueva and the Vieja Catedral. The former has a combination of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic elements and you will find the complicated sandstone work exhibit on the façade quite interesting. The latter on the other hand showcases Romanesque style and has treasured paintings and an altarpiece that cannot be missed for anything.
The city center of Salamanca is the area within which you will find most of the monuments. There is for instance the Plaza Mayor and the beautiful river not forgetting cafes, arcades and also Royal Pavilion which is highly ornamented. This square was built under the instructions of Felipe V and it is simply impressive. The city also has numerous religious monuments but those which cannot be missed include San Esteban convent which has a Plateresque façade and also the Las Duenas Convent that has an ornamented cloister that is nothing short of beautiful.
Other attractions in Salamanca that are worth visiting are Casa de las Conchas with the stone shell covered walls, the octagonal fortress Torre del Clavero with its impressive Mudejar style decorated turrets and Roman bridge that is over River Tormes. This is indeed a city that has lots of interesting things to see leave alone the interesting things that visitors can take part in while visiting it.
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Lanzarote Surfing Holidays
Lanzarote is the perfect island for surfing and what’s more, beginners can easily get trained while here. The island is popular not just for the waves which are amazing for surfers but also the friendly weather. It has bays which are sheltered thereby offering the perfect ground for surfing beginners to learn the sport. On the northern part of the island, beginners can find surfing schools since this is where conditions are most ideal for surfing.
When leaving for a holiday in Lanzarote and you are interested in surfing, a few exercises and practice can help you in saving your holiday time on reaching the beautiful island. You can for instance learn how to lie down as though you have a surf board as well as practicing to stand and jump with your hands as the balance. This simple exercising will make it easier for beginners to catch up fast with the learning thereby ensuring that they spend most of their holiday in Lanzarote surfing as they would wish to.
Beginners can start by hiring the surfing equipment and luckily Lanzarote has enough surf shops from where the equipment can be hired. They include wetsuits and surf boards and your instructor can help you in getting the most suitable for you. It is important for the surfing beginners to ensure that they do not surf alone. It is important to have companion so that immediate help can be accorded to you once you start facing any kind of difficulties. It is also important to keep off surfing on the days you feel unwell or tired even with the best waves since it can be quite dangerous.
Since beach conditions can change at any given time, it is important to ensure that you know everything about flag system on the beaches. Look out for them as well as any warning signs that could be on the beach to keep accidents at bay. Even though the waters are warm, it is important to wear long sleeved vest so that you can protect your skin from the sun. Beginners are best on long boards since they will have all the space they need for balance. Surfing can be a bit challenging for beginners but it gets easier for those truly willing to learn and have that surfing holiday they have been looking forward to. Lanzarote is the best place for surfing holidays especially for beginners.
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Las Medulas Nature Reserve Spain
Spain has many nature reserves which act as attractions for tourists. One of the nature reserves you will find in the country is Las Medulas. This was a very crucial gold mine within the Roman Empire and it is around Pontferrada town which borders Spain with Portugal. Gold mining in Las Medulas started as early as 1st century and the Romans here used the technique of hydraulic mining to achieve their treasure.
The mining continued for two centuries after which the same Romans departed leaving the landscape here in a devastating shape. A lot has however changed on the land over the centuries and it is now quite impressive and an attraction that has made it to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Even to date, mining operations are still ongoing in Las Medulas especially on the slopes which are not forested made up of reddish orange steep rock bits.
Las Medulas has several villages within it but unfortunately they are some of the poorest in all of Spain even though this area used to be a gold mine. It is like time suddenly stopped for the villagers as soon as the Romans left. The buildings here are dilapidated and abandoned as most people especially the young left Las Medulas villages for the bigger cities in the country. It is however still a great treasure as far as the history of Spain is concerned.
After being declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Las Medulas has started receiving tourists and the locals here are quite generous and even offer cheeses, liqueur and wine and other domestic products to their visitors. It is expected that Las Medulas could slowly rise from its ashes and become a hot spot especially for tourists as the nature reserve still is quite impressive and attractive.
When visiting Spain, it is always worth checking out Las Medulas for a stopover since it does not have much to offer but still has a rich history to it and it is always a pleasure to learn a few things about it. It is one of Spain’s many reserves and its does attracts a good number of tourists which is why it is expected that things here might change for the better. It is a part whose history is still well preserved just as is the way of life for the locals here who seem to have been passed by.
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The Alhambra Monument
The history of Spain is well preserved in the numerous monuments that it has. These monuments are scattered all over the country and you will find some interesting regardless of the region of the country you choose to visit. The monuments make major tourists attraction especially because they have a rich history behind them leave alone the great architectural work that they showcase.
The Alhambra is one of the attractive monuments in Spain. It is situated in Granada Andalusia and is famously referred to as the Red Fortress. It is an Islamic influence vestige calling tourists from all over the world to come here to behold the beautiful site. This monument is an interesting white building maze with alleyways which are narrow occasionally popping with blue doors which are brilliant in every aspect. There are lots of beautiful flowers adding that spicy touch to the whole building making it stand out.
It is referred to as the Red Fortress because of the gold and red severe lines over it making it magnificent. Most of the parts of Alhambra are quite ancient dating back to 9th century but other parts were completed much later with directions from Yussuf and Mohammed V. The ancient palace is quite interesting and it is not a wonder that it is a major attraction here. You will find most outstanding the courtyards, rose gardens and fountains not forgetting the carefully and professionally carved archways and walls.
Also captivating is the finely detailed ceilings within the Alhambra. It is a palace showcasing the best of Moorish architecture and this has made it a beauty in the eyes of hundreds of travelers coming into Spain and Granada in particular. The Alhambra is one of those monuments that are hard to miss and you can therefore not afford to leave it during your tour of Granada.
It is located in a great area with lots of facilities around that you could need thus making it a hot spot for many. You will enjoy exploring the beautiful but old palace together with lots of other tourists coming here and then enjoying a meal or drink within the beautiful surroundings. Spain has numerous monuments and it is a fact that the Alhambra makes it to the top ten list of the major monuments of the country. A visit here is therefore definitely worth it at any given time and day.
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The Aqueduct of Segovia
It is a fact that each of Spain’s regions has interesting features and monuments thus making this country amazing ground for tourism from every corner. Visitors coming into the country will definitely have a time to remember from any region, city of town they choose to spend their holidays or trips in. The attractions within the regions are either natural or manmade but very interesting none the less.
The aqueduct is the main highlight and symbol of Segovia in Spain. It is an extraordinary and amazing engineering feat that has had hundreds of visitors coming here from all over the world. Raised back in 1st century by the Romans, the most impressive part of the aqueduct is that no mortar was used in holding it together. It is basically a granite block forming a bridge and it is composed of arches numbering hundreds. This block stands at 728 meters making it the more remarkable relating to the architecture used in putting it together.
This impressive aqueduct once formed part of aqueducts system that was complex together with underground canals that were used in bringing water to the region from the Segovia mountainous region. It is a system that stretched over 15 kilometers and it even reached to where Alcazar is nowadays. The highest point of the systems was at Plaza del Azoguenjo standing at 28m. It is definitely a wonderful site to behold here and you will find lots of visitors here enjoying the beauty that is the aqueduct.
There is a story that is behind the aqueduct even though most people believe that the Romans put it up. The local legend suggests that back in time there was a young girl who would travel far to fetch water and getting tired of the activity, she voice the willingness to surrender her young soul to devil if only there could be an easier solution to the water problem. The legend goes on to assert that the devil immediately started working on the bridge at night but the girl recanted the wish and asked forgiveness from God who in turn heard her and brought the sun up earlier catching unawares the devil as he put in the last stone to see to the completion of the structure.
The Segovia aqueduct is one of the most impressive structures you cannot miss out on and the heartwarming legend will keep you wondering what to believe thus adding that spicy twist to the time and experience you gather from here.
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The Butron Castle
Situated in Basque Country region of Spain, the impressive Butron castle is close to the Gorliz and Plencia beaches thus making it an attraction to many holidaymakers coming here for some sun and sand holidays. The style of construction is gothic having being inspired by the medieval French. The castle was erected back in 13th century and it has a huge park circling it. It is indeed a site to behold and it cannot be missed for anything by those coming into the region for a stay.
This Vizcaya castle has a rich history to it and it was the cause of many struggles the noblest families of the municipality had. It is simply a beautiful and attractive medieval building. Even though it was abandoned for many years, it was later to be revived and restored to the now 19th century beautiful building that it is. The work and design of the castle is quite admirable today.
The Butron castle has the princesses and princes feel to it and the visitors coming here can visit it at any given time and day. They are normally treated to a tour containing audiovisual information about the castle. There are also graphical illustrations showcasing those medieval times and history of the castle. The visitors have the chance to get identified with the re enactment of the different personalities that it has had as well as the daily scenes making it a fantasy that is complete in every sense. There are times when medieval banquet is held within the castles and visitors lucky to be here during this time get well entertained.
The castle is a beautiful piece of art and the rich history that it has to it makes it even more attractive and interesting. It is a great spot to take those memorable photos to make lasting memories. Castles form a huge part of the monuments in Spain and the best thing about them is that they are not only amusing architectural pieces but also historical monuments with each having a unique story to tell. The castle of Butron is definitely worth the visit while in the Basque Country. It is a wonderful way of learning a few things about the history of the region and Spain in general.
Spain has numerous monuments which are a national treasure and what you get to see will depend on the areas that you have chosen to visit during your Spanish vacation.
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The Cadiz Cathedral
When going for a holiday or vacation, there is need to have a strategy in mind in relation to the expectations from the tour. This means that the destination has to be carefully thought out in relation to the expectations one has for the holiday. Spain is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. It has lots to offer to the visitors and among the attractions here are the monuments. You will find all kinds of monuments greatly valued in Spain.
The religious history of Spain is quite interesting and of great significant. The seriousness of the Spanish people as far as religion is concerned is clearly displayed in the many churches, mosques and cathedrals that the country has. There is no single region in Spain where you will fail to find cathedrals and churches all of which have a story to tell. They are monuments serving a great part of Spain’s religious history and also have current purposes that they are serving.
The Cadiz Cathedral is one such monument that is worth visiting in Spain. It has the official name Catedral de Santa Cruz Sobre El Mar translated into The Holy Cross over the Sea. However the locals refer to the cathedral as New Cathedral since there is also an Old Cathedral that was out up by Alfonso X. This yellow domed cathedral is quite impressive and it is situated in Plaza de la Catedral. You can literary spot it from every section of the city making it one of the features that is hard to miss while here.
The most amazing thing about the cathedral is that it combines different styles of architecture thus coming up with a building that is full of interesting contrast. The design was originally Baroque featuring vaults which have neoclassical elements joining it to the Torre de Poniente tower and the façade and a dome that was Juan Daura’s work. The touch is simply unbelievably impressive and is the main highlight of the cathedral. The interior has stone and marble grand crypt which shelters Manuel de Falla’s tomb. He was the composer born and bred in Cadiz.
The Cadiz Cathedral is definitely worth visiting while in the region and the impressive architectural work makes it most memorable feature and it is not a wonder that it has remained to be a major attraction here and among the major monuments in Spain.
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Tourist Information: The Region Of Andalusia
Andalusia is the richest of the Spanish regions and this is where Cordoba, Seville and Granada are located. This part of Spain boasts of a warm and sunny weather for most parts of the year. It is also known for the dance of flamenco, the tapas and the bullfighting. If you are planning on going for a vacation in Spain then Andalusia is a great choice for your destination. Other important cities in the region are Ronda, Cadiz, Antequera, Malaga and Jerez.
There are many tourist attractions in Andalusia and one of them is the Alhambra that is located in Granada. The Alhambra is an elaborate fortress that was built by the Moors. The interior of the fortress is intricately designed and it also boasts of beautiful gardens that are simply breathtaking. This kind of structure is not something that you can see elsewhere in the world.
The bridge located in Ronda is also an attraction that you should see while visiting the region of Andalusia. This magnificent bridge is constructed over a deep ravine. If you are on the bridge then you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Seville is also another part of the region that boasts of magnificent architectural structures such as the Alcazar and the Cathedral. These two structures are located next to each other so it is easy to explore both of these tourist attractions during your visit to Seville in the region of Andalusia. The Cathedral is a huge structure that incorporates both the influences of the Moors and the Christians which gives it a unique design.
While enjoying a tour of the region, you should also visit the city of Cordoba so you can get to see its famous Mosque. The beautiful structure is considered to be the largest mosque in the entire country. It is also one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Cordoba.
Your Spanish holiday will never be complete if you do not get to sample the delectable tapas that the country is famous for. To get the best tapas, you can head to Granada where its bars are famous for their tapas. Some of the bars in Granada even offer free tapas to its patrons. Enjoying a night of drinking with good friends in Spain will not be complete without some tapas.
The country is also famous for its wines so you should enjoy a tour of the many wine cellars or bodegas in the region of Andalusia particularly in Jerez. The city of Jerez is also known for its excellent sherry.
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Walker's Paradise: Spain on Foot
If you want to genuinely experience the authentic Spanish countryside, interact with the locals, sample their cuisine and wines, participate in local events and festivals and understand and appreciate the Spanish way of life.
Walking is relatively less strenuous as compared to cycling, though it's also important to be fit on a walking tour. For seniors and those with health and fitness issues, a less arduous route can be chosen. Walks across mountainous regions may be difficult but one advantage of choosing a good-quality tour is that they provide support-vans alongside the walkers, in case of emergency, or if some walkers would like to take a break. Walking tours can be arranged for special groups and they can also include activities like climbing, swimming, horse-riding, water-sports etc at designated places along the route. Some tours cater to religious events and festivals or they can be along ancient pilgrim routes.
Some walking routes and trails:
Probably the most ancient and most famous Spanish walking route is the Way of St James to the magnificent Compostela de Santiago cathedral. Some operators offer a leisurely 35-day tour through northern Spain, starting at the French border across the Pyrenees, the beautiful Rioja vineyards, with stops en route at ancient churches, monuments and monasteries. A taste of local food, wine and cultures along the way adds charm. The cathedral and the surrounding Camino area are rich in historical features. Generally, the guide sets the pace for about 15 km per day, with a support-vehicle in tow to handle emergencies, luggage, etc. and night accommodation in hotels.
Festival walks: Scheduled during important festas, these walks are a great way to enjoy the excitement of the festival and parades, fireworks and art and music, take in local customs and traditions, sample the festive cuisine and wines. A tour during the Mascletas in Valencia would be a great option.
Coastal: Combining scenic landscapes and leisurely beach stops, this tour is great for seafood lovers and provides fabulous photo, sketching and painting opportunities. The cerulean blue of the Mediterranean, with stunning mountain backdrops and quaint fishing villages and mountain shrines make for an unforgettable walking holiday.
Take your pick of walker's ways!
Tours can also be independent or guided. Based on your level of experience, you can choose the most appropriate one for you/your group. Check weather conditions, safety aspects of lonely routes, accommodation and facilities available and whether your start and end-points are suitable in terms of your overall holiday plans. Guided tours are excellent as you can share the company of people with similar interests and also benefit from the expertise of your guide who speaks the local language. If you are very sure of the terrain and the route, the best option is to go alone or in a small group.
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The Perfect Time To Visit Spain
Spain is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is frequently visited by tourists from the different corners of the world. If you are planning on going to Spain for a holiday then you should know when the perfect time to go is. Some tourists prefer to go when the tourist spots are not very crowded while others prefer to go during the peak tourist season so that they can experience the excitement.
If you visit Spain during the summer then there are lots of advantages such as the warm weather which makes it perfect for exploring the many beautiful beaches in the country. It is also the peak season for tourists during the summer so tour operators offer more tours. Some of the tours are only available during the summer so you get to explore more of the country. There are also some disadvantages if you go for a holiday during the summer such as the crowded tourists spots.
Summer can also get really hot in Spain so there are some areas where the temperatures can be very difficult to tolerate. You will feel very tired as you go from one tourist spot to another in the extremely hot weather although there are some tourists who would really enjoy the warm weather. If you are planning to visit Spain in the summer then you should plan a trip to Seville and Madrid because these cities are often deserted by the locals at this time of the year due to the very hot temperature. The locals often head to the cooler parts of the country along the coast to escape from the heat.
Another option that you can consider is to visit Spain during the winter. This part of the year is the off peak season for tourists in the country. You can expect to see that the tourist spots are less crowded. The weather is also a lot cooler so you can explore the country in comfort. You do not have to deal with the unbearably hot temperature that the country gets during the summer.
Planning your Spanish holiday is also a lot easier during the winter because it is easier to book hotels and tours even at the last minute. The rates are also a lot cheaper during the winter since it is the off peak season for tourists. If you are on a limited budget then you must definitely schedule your holiday during the winter months. There are also a few disadvantages of visiting Spain in the winter such as the bad weather that some parts of the country may experience particularly in the north.
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Cyclorama: Take a Cycling Tour of Spain
For adventure enthusiasts, Spain is the ideal country for a cycle-tour. With diverse topography and exciting cycling trails across mountains, beaches, quaint fishing villages and bustling towns, you can be sure of a great trip!
Check about the cycling regulations. Most cities have designated cycle lanes. Biking on highways is forbidden. Only riders above 14 are allowed and this must always be on the shoulder, or in the cycle lane. Helmets are mandatory. Riding parallel is allowed only for two but groups can ride in dual columns. Lights must be used at night and inside tunnels, under bridges and in rain/sleet/fog. Reflective clothing is mandated.
Check the weather-conditions before you book, as summers can be grueling and winters in the mountain regions may not be suitable for cycling. April-May and September-October are generally the most pleasant months to plan your trip.
Several tour operators offer cycling-tours and you can book on-line. You can also cycle part of your holiday and the rest by other means. The most popular cycling-routes are through Northern Spain, the Picos de Europa mountains and along the sea-coast, or Andalucia with its contrasting topography, the Baleriac islands route or through Catalonia. Check with the tour operator about the difficulty-levels, as there are different options for first-timers and the experienced.
Packages include visits to historical/cultural sites/places of interest along the route. E.g. the Andalucia route may include visits to the magnificent city of Granada, Moorish castles, Christian strongholds and fortresses, churches and National Parks. An islands-tour is more laid-back, with stops at charming fishing villages and eateries to sample the Mediterranean-style cuisine, seafood and wines, through stunning coastal landscapes. Wine-and-cheese trails, saffron-and-paprika harvest route, riding through the green Asturias region, the famous Pilgrim's Route or the Northern route, across the scenic mountain and ocean routes are some of the options. Another wonderful route follows Spain's longest river, the Ebro, from its source in the Sierra Cantabria, down to the Mediterranean, through fertile plains and Rioja vineyards.
Most cycling-trips are seven to ten days long and include accommodation in hostels or luxury hotels, depending on your budget. Luggage-services are available on some tours and baggage is transferred to each hotel as you travel, though these trips can be longer, as you have to stay two nights at every hotel. However, the intervening free-day allows you to explore. On some routes, you can take part in other adventure activities like sailing, swimming, snorkeling, walking, horse-riding etc.
A cycling -trip is probably the best way to see the countryside, experience the different cultures and customs and indulge to your heart's content, guilt-free, as you can definitely work off those heavy paellas and rich desserts each day!
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An Intriguing Visit of Seville
Seville city is one of Spain’s popular cities visited by millions of tourists every year. Together with over 700,000 inhabitants, this city welcomes visitors from every corner of the globe.
Seville is Andalusia’s capital at the south of Spain located close to River Guadalquivir at a valley. This city was made famous for its rich culture, colorful traditions, artistic heritage and historical ancient monuments.
This is where the colorful and inspiring Flamenco originates with orange blossoms found at every street corner.
Attractions
Seville has many places and sights of attraction to captivate the tourists. Giralda tower impresses all who view it as the world’s third largest cathedral; magnificent palaces showcase exquisite various epochs’ architecture; the awesome bull ring for bull fights that pump the adrenalin; these and many other attractions draw the crowd to Seville throughout the year.
Many of these attractions are found along River Guadalquivir which is an easy landmark at Seville.
The huge cathedral is of Gothic structure which houses the grave of Christopher Columbus who was Spain’s most astounding explorer. The cathedral is standing at the spot of a Moorish mosque with certain Arabic elements seen on the back tower where the minarets are.
Also in Seville is the oldest royal palace in Europe; this is the Reales Alcázares. This amazing palace was built by the Christian kings of Castile; hence, it is a royal residence for visiting Spanish royalties. The amazing palace is made of different types of architectural designs such as Christian, Moorish and Mudejar constructions.
Cozy town
Seville city poses a most picturesque holiday attraction with its charming narrow cobbled streets with whitewashed homes that sport fresh flowers and iron grilles to give a most cozy ambience that is typical of an Andalusia home.
The town plaza, Plaza de España, was built in the year 1929 for a cultural exhibition; today it functions as a leisure spot with a vast space for strolls and meeting up with friends. Maria Luisa Park is just opposite the plaza with charming ceramic tiles, fountains and bridges. There are decorative arcades with lined benches for the comfort of the park visitors.
The town also has a quaint church called location espagne La Macarena church that is famous for the special statue of Virgin Mary used in every Easter procession. The local museum showcases more pieces of Virgin Mary. The 11th century Moorish city walls surround the town to give it a sense of security.
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The Then and Now of Tenerife
Tenerife offers excellent weather with an intriguing Atlantic culture that blends with sea and nature. The diverse landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful as befitting the Canary Islands.
Tenerife Island was formed over three million years ago from the oldest mountain ranges found at the Atlantic Ocean. The island came into being when the awesome Teide volcano melted Anaga, Teno and Valle de San Lorenzo together. Teide volcano itself is very obvious on Tenerife with 17 km diameter crater. It last erupted near Santiago village in 1909.
History
Tenerife’s history sparked off 500 years ago with the Spanish conquest of Tenerife by Alonso Fernandez from Lugo. The original inhabitants of the island are the Guanches who tried to defend themselves. A great massacre left 2000 Spaniards dead with a badly injured Alonso when the Guanches were to be annihilated.
Tenerife honors the dead with a memorial spot called la Matanza in Spanish or ‘massacre’. There is a large stone wall with a Guanche victory near the highway. The Gaunches were defeated when they were stricken by a plague and the Spanish crown took advantage of the situation. Hence, the Guanches culture became like a whiff of the wind with their existence on earth.
Not much is known about the Gaunches except that they may be cavemen feared by other island inhabitants. They were purportedly dangerous with strange customs such as burying their dead in the cave homes. It was also purported that the Guanches might have come from northwest Africa.
Sights at Tenerife
Tourists would be delighted to view the ancient kings of Tenerife in their lava statues on Candelaria beach but the constant weather have slowly eroded these away over time.
However, one can enjoy the Añaza harbor as well as a delightful lagoon nearby with Lake Martiánez that offers several natural pools for recreation. These pools were founded by a famous artist named Lanzarote César Manrique. There is also a well known Botanical Gardens situated outside Tenerife with Loro Park aviary. These spots are easily accessible by car or foot as their location is close to the city.
Activities
One can choose from a myriad of activities available in costa brava Tenerife for a fantastic holiday. Tourists can enjoy the lovely beaches at many holiday resorts in and around Tenerife with a lot of water sports available. Tourists can try out scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling and deep sea fishing besides sunbathing, swimming and frolicking on the beach and warm waters.
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Delectable Salamanca Gastronomy
Many tourists would be surprised that Salamanca offers more than just sights and fiestas. They would also discover the wide range of tantalizing local recipes in the available cuisine in this region that is held in high respect by all. Many of the local dishes have had the influence of cold winters and nearby mountains.
Local delights
There are many local delights which are taken every day by the locals; one would enjoy home cooked roasted pork, Cochinillo al Fuego, Chafaina or any meat dish with rice which is the region’s stable food.
Salamanca locals love the meat; hence, one should not be surprised to find a whole selection of meat dishes or choices here such as the mouth-watering “Chorizo” sausage and meat pies. A couple of well known recipes such as Chichas and Hornazo are popular among the locals and tourists alike.
Salamanca locals love sweets as well. Their sweet tooth draws them to sweet desserts like Chochos with anisette. These are delightful desserts which can be taken anytime of the day or night.
Salamanca specialties
There are several typical local delights which are well known for their great taste and high quality. With meat as a local favorite, the cured ham is a definite dish in any Salamanca household. The best is that from Guijuelo.
Salamanca cheese is also greatly enjoyed in the diet of the locals; the more favorite type comes form Hinojosa del Duero which can be used in many local recipes. Alubias or beans as well as almonds are other popular local ingredients in Salamanca cuisine.
One of the specialties of Salamanca gastronomy is roasted goat meat. This is the mountain goat from Sierra de Francia mountain range. It goes well with an assortment of vegetables and potatoes that is known as Calderillo bejarano. Salamanca locals also love Farinato which is a delicious white sausage from their own special recipe.
Availability
Tourists are never worried about food while holidaying in espagne Salamanca as there is always ample supply of local cuisine as well as international cuisine choices. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and eateries in and around Salamanca which offer a wide choice of palatable delights. The ingredients used in the local cuisine are fresh and from the region.
Tourists may also choose to cook their own food if they rent holiday apartments or villas in Salamanca. This would allow them to enjoy some cost savings while on holiday as well as take a break from foreign foods.
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More Delights from Salamanca
The highlight of Salamanca is its old University which brings life to the town with its young student population. These are the ones who upkeep the town’s vibrancy during the day and night. They throng the university lecture halls during the day on their quest for knowledge and the pubs and bars at night for quenching their thirst and letting their hair down.
However, besides the university lifestyle, there are many interesting places of interest in Salamanca which one would enjoy although mixing with this group of youngsters does have a youthful impact on all.
Ancient Attractions
there are several delightful historical attractions in Salamanca such as the Palacio Anaya which showcases a splendid Renaissance style. Similarly with Casa de las Conchas which has become a distinctive landmark of Salamanca. This 15th century castle has a most impressive Renaissance façade that is decorated with Saint Jacob’s shells.
La Clerecia is a 18th century baroque Jesuit monastery with a large cupola and a golden altar.
The Poeta Iglesias Plaza is actually the 12th century San Martin church with an outstanding portal in Romanesque style. More structures were added on in later years in baroque and other styles.
Monasteries are common in Salamanca with Renaissance and plateresque styles.
Modern attractions
One of the more modern attractions in Salamanca is the town plaza called Plaza Mayor. This is a large 18th century square designed by Churriguera. It is deemed to be the most beautiful plaza in the whole of Spain as the town center in every way.
Historical monuments throng its streets such as the Purisima church and Saint Ursula Monastery on Calle Bordadore. There are more churches and monasteries with outstanding Renaissance style architecture in the monuments around the plaza.
Town Statues
Statues are important and significant in Salamanca as they are a great reminder of important historical event and legendary figures who are deemed the heroes of their times. They have contributed to the colorful and impactful history of Salamanca as well as establish its culture and traditions.
There are Calixto and Melibea who are medieval literature figures posed in the famous “the Matchmaker Garden of Celestina”.
Another famous statue in town is locations villa espagne Saint Teresa of Avila in the square named after her; a famous jurist statue of Padre Vitoria stands at his residence, the Convento de San Esteban. Christopher Columbus’ statue is placed at Plaza de Colón.
Other statues in Salamanca include famous authors such as Nebrija, Gabriely Galán and Migul de Unamuno.
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Delightful Exploits at Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol means “Sun Coast”; indeed, this is the sunny coast of southern coast of Spain which has become one of Europe’s more popular holiday destinations. This stems from the availability of long clean beaches with soft sand and pleasant climate.
There is sunshine almost throughout the year to enjoy a good tan and a great swim in the mild warm Mediterranean Sea. One can enjoy the wide selection of water activities with plenty of leisure facilities in a most relaxing atmosphere.
West end attractions
Besides the great beaches at Costa del Sol, there are a couple of great golf courses which avid golf players would be delighted with. It is not surprising then that Costa del Sol is also known as Costa del Golf.
Costa del Sol is more than 300 kilometers with the Strait of Gibraltar at its east as it borders Costa Tropical. Hence, Costa del Sol would stretch from Malaga to Granada. From Malaga, one can reach Torremolinos which became an international tourist hub since 1960s.
There are many tourist resorts at Costa del Sol for tourists to choose from such as Mijas, Benalmadena and Fuengirola. Marbella may be quieter but it is worth checking out for the quaint offerings it has.
Although one can never be bored with the beaches at Costa del Sol, there may be times when tourists would want to make a day excursion to the inland. This would bring one to the panoramic mountain range north of Malaga where splendid views of the region can be sighted.
There are different landscapes and quaint villages which offer various culture and tradition. Many tourists who are curious and adventurous would spend a night or two at these villages to explore the natural landscapes and local tradition or cuisine.
The picturesque villages of Ojen and Casares look resplendent with their white walls which are the typical Mediterranean style. The numerous historical monuments in the region make Costa del Sol a delight for ancient discoveries such as in Antequera city where prehistoric dolmens are found.
East end attractions
More resorts are found at the east which is less crowded. Besides the beaches, there are interesting caves which the adventurous or curious tourists can check out such as the prehistoric Cueva del Tesoro. Legend has it that an ancient Moorish treasure is hidden in there.
One can leisurely enjoy the great offerings of vacances costa brava Costa del Sol and be refreshed through a holiday here. There is so much to see and do or not to do much at all to enjoy a fulfilling holiday at Costa del Sol.
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Grandeur at its Best with Alhambra
The Alhambra has become an international icon across the globe for holidaymakers who make it a point to visit this amazing palace of ancient grandeur. It is indeed one of the best conserved monuments in any epoch.
Alhambra means ‘red one’ referring to the mountain color in which the huge structure stands majestically. Two entrances were designed on this palace; the northern Puerta de las Armas and the southern Puerta de la Justicia.
Tour of Alhambra
All visitors are amazed at the grandeur which Alhambra exudes as they tour the great structure. There is the Mexuar palace which was built by an Islamic king, Ismael I, for the administration of justice. It was restructured by another Islamic king, Muhammad V but under the Christian Re-conquest, King Charles V, the Alhambra was turned into a Christian chapel.
One of the highlights is the amazing Golden Room that has a splendid Renaissance ceiling. Muhammad V also built the palace of Comares at the Alhambra which is deemed the masterpiece in the whole of Alhambra. It served as the king's residence while its largest room is the Ambassador's Room with great cedar wood handiwork on its ceiling representing Islam’s seven heavens. Nine rooms are joined in a magnificent and well planned design with walls filled with Quran epigraphs.
This Moorish king also built himself a private palace as his own residence; there are four great halls with a renowned lions’ court called Patio de los Leones. The lion statues uphold the fountain although it is out of the norm for Islamic teachings do not condone figurative representations. There are remarkable verses by poet Ibn Zamrak that praise the highly advanced irrigation system of the palace.
The Patio de los Arrayanes is a huge court that is full of marbled columns and an exquisite fountain piece in the center.
Besides the Moorish influence and contribution on the Alhambra, the Christians also had a hand in shaping its exquisite beauty. This is clearly seen at the Mozárabes Hall which Christian architects designed after conquering the region from the Moors. The original cupola was changed into a baroque ceiling with Moorish influence.
The Abencerrajes Hall was named by an Arabian noble family that was murdered. The King’s Hall showcased many paintings owned by an locations espagne Arabian royal family but their authenticity is uncertain. The Two Sisters Hall, or Sala de las dos Hermanas, has splendid ceilings with verses by Ibn Zamrak; these are beautifully ornamented using lapislazuli and gold.
The last hall is the Ajimences Hall with the Mirador de Daraxa that gives a lovely view to the outside although the view was later obstructed by further buildings.
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The Astounding Attractions of Alicante
Alicante is known as the ‘White Mediterranean City’ with its white sandy beaches at the Mediterranean Sea. It is Valencian Community’s second biggest city with plenty of history that is noted through the many impressive ancient monuments around the place.
Its setting on a hill overlooking the sea reflects its majestic stature. The city is clean with the new and old blending together in perfect harmony. There are numerous nature parks which encourage a healthy and high quality lifestyle with a pleasant climate throughout the year. The locals enjoy life to its fullest in Alicante with immeasurable hospitality.
Highlights
One of the distinctive landmarks at Alicante is the palm trees at the Explanada de España Boulevard. This is close to the harbor with a colorfully decorated wave mosaic that comprises 6 million pieces. There is also the ancient Moorish castle called Castillo de Santa Barbara which is a reminder of the eventful history of the region.
Alicante’s port is a very busy port throughout the year. There are large cruise ships ported frequently bringing in millions of visitors to this city. This port also connects to Ibiza Island. Close by is the city marina with luxury boats and yachts which are personally owned; some can be rented out to tourists for some deep sea fishing or island hopping activities.
The interesting highlight of the city port is the sighting of the majestic Monte Bernacantil of 169m. This high mountain holds the impressive 14th century Santa Barbara fortress; it took about four centuries to complete. It was designed to be Europe’s largest Moorish castle which would function as a fortress in the region. Accessibility is easy by road; there is an elevator inside today for the comfort of visitors. This fortress is accessible even from Playa de Postiguet through a specially carved tunnel from the rock.
One is able to enjoy the splendid panorama of the city and the harbor from this fortress. On a good day, one can view Tabarca Island at the south.
Historical monuments
There are many historical monuments at Alicante; some of the more famous ones include the 14th century Basilica de Santa Maria, the city’s oldest church in Gothic architecture. It was built over the site of the previous Moorish Mosque in Alicante.
The 15th century San Nicolas de Bari cathedral was designed in Renaissance style. Many current churches and cathedrals in Alicante today were built over previous mosques due to the change of influence at this region.
The stone architecture costa brava Santa Faz monastery existed since 15th century with astoundingly beautiful ornaments. This structure stands solidly outside of the city while the 17th century La Asegurada Castle is the oldest civil structure which has been transformed into a Contemporary Art Museum.
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Enjoying the Best of Nerja Holidays
Nerja is another popular Spanish resort where one would enjoy its idyllic and quaint fishing villages. It is one of the best modern holiday resorts Spain can offer. There is the much sought after fun in the sun with plenty of soft sand on its lovely beaches. The Mediterranean waters sparkle with warmth to be one of the best in Europe.
Nerja can be found near Malaga with unadulterated beauty and basic comforts. A lot of ancient charm, culture and character can be enjoyed here. This town is sheltered from adverse winters with its strategic Sierra Almijara foothill position while offering an amazing panoramic view.
The quaint village steals the visitors’ heart with its whitewashed townhouses and villas which the locals call ‘home’.
Nerja can be reached from Malaga’s international airport in 45 minutes. Flocks of tourists come to Nerja via the plethora of cheap European flights with good local bus services.
Local attractions
There are enough attractions in Nerja to keep the tourists occupied but the best attraction here is the Balcon de Europa. It is located at the old town with beautiful sea views. It was originally called ‘La Bateria’ after the gun battery which was stocked up in the village’s fortified tower.
The tower was finally destroyed in 1810 by the British who fought the French. The Balcon has been transformed to be a vibrant art and entertainment center for street artists as well as local street entertainers.
It is also a good choice of leisure spot to enjoy the town with horse-drawn carriages and ice-cream vendors up and down the streets. There is a plethora of eateries along the street to satisfy the gastronomy pangs of both the locals and tourists all day long.
It is also a fantastic spot to watch the sun set on the Mediterranean Sea.
The village’s ancient quarter homes sport typical but attractive Andalucia architectural structures; these line the narrow winding roads around the town.
Holiday spot
Nerja offers some great sandy beaches and small coves to be explored. The famous Nerja Caves prove to be a delightful adventurous spot for those who want to explore nature. The stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations were discovered since 1959 which have attracted many tourists.
Winter is a great time at villa de vacances en espagne Nerja where winter activities abound. Many come to enjoy skiing at Sierra Mountains. Nightlife is very vibrant with the myriad of bars and pubs that operate until early morning with live music and dancing.
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Malaga’s Unique Picasso Museum
Picasso lives through his art which is well displayed all over the world; especially in Malaga. Three decades later, the late Picasso’s soul grabs attention from his many marvelous masterpieces. In Malaga, Picasso is highly honored as this town is his birthplace and hometown. There is a specially erected museum dedicated to display Picasso’s masterpieces; it is called the Museo Picasso.
Museum
This special museum is part of an ancient palace in the old quarters of Malaga. It has been specifically restored to house Picasso’s masterpieces. Its location is 5 minutes from Picasso’s actual birthplace.
Pablo Picasso was recognized as the greatest artist of his time. His works put Malaga on international renown. There are numerous 12th century art pieces by Picasso in Malaga although two other museums outside of Spain hold some of the great artist’s works too.
Picasso is the art icon to all budding artists around the world who aspire success in art with Picasso’s unique style and techniques.
Location
The Museo Picasso is right at Malaga’s center inside the 16th century Buenavista Palace which is well preserved with some renovation to house Picasso’s artworks. This ancient palace is a typical Andalusian styled building with large rooms. Its architecture was an influence of Mudejar and Renaissance. The Andalusian architecture was added on by Christine Ruiz Picasso who financed the renovation works to reflect appropriately Picasso’s artwork in its full grandeur.
The 12 halls in this special museum display about 200 of Picasso’s art pieces which are known as the ‘permanent’ collection. Four large halls form an art gallery to house temporary exhibits. One can find a promotion center, a library, an assembly hall and an educational department in this museum.
The permanent Picasso collection was donated or loaned by the great artist’s daughter-in-law, Christine Ruiz-Picasso, to this Malaga museum. Many of Picasso’s famous pieces are either from his daughter-in-law’s personal collection or from Picasso’s grandson’s personal collection.
These magnificent art pieces of Picasso are deemed as heritage collections that are considered priceless; many of which have not been released for public viewing before. These include the 1917 Olga Kokhlova, 1923 Gorro Blanco and the Madre y niño.
Exhibitions
Picasso’s museum houses not only his art paintings but also his ceramic works. Many traditional pieces reflecting the location vacances en espagne Mediterranean history can be found in this museum. This museum also displays the many other talents of Picasso such as interior decoration, sculptures and graphics.
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Quaint Algorfa Village for Discovery
Algorfa is another village that is located in Vega Baja just like Albatera. Its location in the lush and fertile countryside brings on different fresh vegetation with the irrigation of Segura River. Algofa is blessed with majestic mountains and the Mediterranean Sea as its backdrop.
It offers constant sunshine throughout most of its days with a pleasant climate of 19 degrees Celsius and a little rain.
Industry
Algorfa is a small village that thrives on agriculture since its civilization. Citrus farming is abundant at its fertile countryside with the production of oranges and lemons. The citrus orchards can be viewed all over Algorfa countryside.
It also sports a vibrant culture through its 1,800 residents who enjoy all the fiestas celebrated throughout the year. Today, the tourism industry is growing in leaps and bounds as tourists desire the tranquility and natural beauty at Algorfa.
History
Algorfa was settled by various tribes as far back as 3,000 B.C. This is proven by the numerous historical artifacts found in 1903 which included Neolithic human remains.
The Christian Re-Conquest took over this quaint village in the 14th century with King Alfonso II as head of the Valencia kingdom. Many ancient structures that have been built with each varied civilization have been well preserved.
Today’s lifestyle
Algorfa continues to thrive in its traditional industry even with a small population. The locals are very hospitable and take on an easy lifestyle with great celebrations at all local festivals.
The simple town hall, police station and church make up the heartbeat of Algorfa. There are small restaurants, cafés and bars in the village to cater to the gastronomical needs of the locals and tourists day and night.
The atmosphere in Algorfa is usually very tranquil unless it is celebrating a festival. However, tourists would not be bored at Algorfa as there is available a modern recreation centre which offers sports facilities such as tennis, squash, swimming and mini-football. Algorfa also boasts of a golf course with 72 par for a great game of golf at the local 18-hole championship turf.
The local Sunday market is a strong favorite with not only the tourists but also the locals. One can enjoy browsing the myriad of exquisite bargains besides the fresh produce on sale.
Algorfa would not disappoint avid history buffs looking for news; there is the 19th century Neo-gothic church outside maison en espagne Algorfa which has excellent architecture. Algorfa is ideal for leisure activities to relax oneself on its beautiful sandy beaches with a leisurely stroll.
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More Popular Spanish Cities to Visit
Spain has many delightful cities to visit as it is one of the most popular countries for a holiday vacation. Spain has a very rich and diverse culture, history and traditions in its various cities and towns throughout its different regions.
The heartbeat of Spain can be felt from the numerous and diverse traditions and culture that are currently practiced through the myriad of fiestas and folklore celebrated throughout the year.
The different ancient influences bring on the currently different lifestyles which are unique to Spain while enriching to the tourists at the different cities of Spain.
Barcelona
This is one Spanish city which should not be missed while in Spain. Barcelona has plenty to offer the tourist of all ages; there is the old and new which would astound any visitor especially first time visitors to Barcelona. There are interesting ancient church buildings with unique spires and intricate neo-Gothic architectures which were well planned by famous Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi.
Gaudi’s structural designs are modern and outstanding with undulating curves and outrageous designs that are meant to call for attention.
On the other hand, Barcelona displays the ancient cobbled streets of its old quarters near Cataluña Plaza. The ancient quarter is a quaint old section where past civilizations have settled with a deep impact on their cultures and traditions.
Other famous ancient landmarks in Barcelona include churches and cathedrals with sculptures erected in honor of Christopher Columbus. There are plenty of museums and art galleries which showcase the artistic talents of the famous local painters such as Picasso.
Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain with a busy commercial strand and a most vibrant nightlife. There is no end to offices and pubs, bars and cafés in Madrid to cater to the needs of the residents and visitors in the day or night. Madrid is extremely busy in the day with millions of business transactions happening every hour while the pace does not slow down in the night with the vibrant nightlife available. There are cafes, restaurants and terraces to offer the locals and visitors alike the pleasure of relaxing with a cool drink and some delectable local cuisine.
Madrid also offers many exquisite art galleries and museums that showcase only the best of artistic talents and ancient monumental beauties. There are museums of every kind in maison espagne Madrid to allow tourists a satisfying insight into the diverse culture of Spain. One would enjoy the Bullfighting museum and Cultural Center which will entertain tourists together with the opera house or the zarzuela theatre.
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The Many Discoveries from Malaga
Malaga is one of Spain’s popular tourist resorts as it is situated at Costa del Sol which offers plenty of fun in the sun with its pleasant Mediterranean climate.
Malaga is a favorite summer holiday choice by many British and European tourists who run away from the icy winter back home.
Early Status
Malaga was originally a port which allows access to sunny sandy Costa del Sol. Crowds of people come to Malaga in the summer as it offers beautiful sand and warm waters. There are many well built holiday resorts that are found in Puerto Banus, Fuengirola and Torremilinos.
Malaga also offers many historical discoveries that reflect its rich culture, traditions and customs.
The early civilizations’ settlement at Malaga and its surroundings have profound impact on Malaga’s lifestyle and development until today.
Sights of attraction
One of the highlights offered by Malaga is that it is Picasso’s hometown; hence, it is not surprising that many masterpieces of this renowned artist can be found in Malaga. There are also many well set up cultural spots for the tourists to enjoy at leisure.
Malaga offers a lot of panoramic Andalucia landscape with the Moorish influence strongly felt in the city and its surroundings. One can travel to Costa del Sol to admire the astounding cliffs that run parallel to the coast. Further on, one would sight the majestic Sierra Almijara looming forth to meet the Mediterranean Sea.
These natural landscapes are free to behold for a most memorable experience. Many tourists are quite content to remain in Malaga throughout their vacation holiday to laze in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Costa del Sol. The beach has many activities available; beach volleyball, seashell collecting, sun tanning, sand castle building and sunset strolls are enjoyed by the individuals and families with children.
Surroundings
The more adventurous Malaga tourist can consider surrounding cities and towns which have plenty of sights to indulge in. Granada is a nearby magnificent city that can be visited in a day excursion as it is easily accessible by road. There is the impressive Alhambra in Granada and old quarters with narrow cobbled streets of Moorish influence.
Seville as Costa Blanca Andalucia’s capital is cosmopolitan in nature as Spain’s fourth largest city. It offers a lot of Moorish architectural structures in terms of huge ancient cathedrals, fortresses and castles such as the famous Mudejar Alcazar Palace. All who visit Malaga would drop by these surrounding cities to enjoy their value-for-money day trips.
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Exploring The Many Wonders Of Guadix, Spain
Guadix is located between Almeria and Granada in Spain. It is frequently visited by tourists for its famous Jarra Accittanas which are ornate vases made out of terracotta. These vases are made to carry wedding gifts for the newly wedded couple.
Guadix is also known for the cave dwellings such as the La Barriada de Las Cuevas on the northern side of the town. These cave dwellings may look small from the front but their interiors are really huge. As you walk inside the cave dwellings, you will be surprised that some of them are hotels inside. This part of Guadix has an estimated 4,000 caves which makes it the largest settlement of inhabited caves in the whole of Europe. The temperature inside the cave houses is constantly at 20 degrees no matter what the temperature is outside.
The history of Guadix is also very interesting. The town has been around for a very long time. In fact, it dates back to the time of Julius Caesar who ordered the creation of a mining settlement to take advantage of the rich deposits of silver on the hills nearby. During the time of the Moors, they had a flourishing industry in silk which made Guadix a very important town at that time. Later when they were ousted by the Christians, they were forced to move to the hills and live in the cave settlements. Today there is a cave museum in the settlement that displays relics and art pieces.
Just a short distance from Guadix is the Calahorra Castle which was given as a reward to a Christian knight for his commendable feats during the conquest. The castle has a magnificent courtyard that was constructed by Florentine artisans. As you approach the castle, you will be astounded by the beautiful sight of the castle towers with the mountains of Sierra Nevada as its backdrop, location espagne costa brava.
Guadix is also famous for its fiestas such as the fiesta that occurs during the weekend prior to Ash Wednesday of each year. Another fiesta that takes place in January is the Romeria de San Anton. During this fiesta the pilgrims go round the town while riding a horse and they do this 9 times. In May, the feast of San Torcuato takes place where a mass is celebrated and then the remains of San Torcuato are paraded across the town. Semana Santa or the Holy Week is also observed in Guadix and you get to witness a lot of traditional events during this time.
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Exploring the Magnificent Sights of the City Of Almeria, Spain
Almeria is a city by the beach that is located on the coast of Spain. It has a warm and dry climate that is most attractive for beach goes from foreign countries. The city has lots of cultural attractions to offer and the beach nearby is also a tourist attraction itself.
The Alcazaba is one of the most stunning sights in Almeria. It is a Moorish fortress that is located on top of a cliff. The ancient fortress has an overlooking view of the city. It is a beautiful relic of the time when Almeria was occupied by the Moors. In fact, the name Almeria came from the Moors which means “mirror of the sea” in Moorish.
The next place that you should see is the towering cathedral in the city which was built in the 16th century. It is located in the old Town and it is impossible to miss because it towers over all of the other structures within its vicinity. After exploring the cathedral, you can take a leisurely stroll along the streets of the old Town. You will enjoy exploring the winding streets and viewing the old structures that you pass by. Before leaving the old Town, you must make a stop at the traditional market to window shop or buy some souvenirs.
If you want to know more about the rich history of Almeria then you must visit the archaeological museum in the city. You can learn about the city’s history through the relics and displays at the museum. You will find out that the city was once a fortress of the Moors and it was later taken over by the Christians. After some time the city was attacked by the Berber pirates and then during the Spanish civil war the city was bombed by the Germans, location costa brava .
While spending your holidays in Almeria, you must also visit Mojacar which is just a nearby town. This town also has a very eventful history that spans for more than 4,000 years. It was once occupied by the Moors, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Phoenicians. The town flourished when it was under the rule of the Moors. It was also during this time when the huge castle was constructed and the walls of the town were fortified. Today, Mojacar boasts of beautiful beaches that extend for 17 kilometers. You can also explore the La Iglesia de Santa Maria which is a fortress that was built in the 14th century.
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Gastronomy in Madrid
A tour or holiday to any destination in the world is never complete without getting the chance to try out and enjoy the different delicacies of the region you are in. Eating is part of life and you will always manage to enjoy your holiday when you enjoy the food you are exposed to. Fortunately, each and every destination has something visitors can try and enjoy thereby completing their holiday expectations.
Madrid is not left out as far as the food is concerned. There are lots of recipes you can try while here and the fact is that you won’t help but love some of them. This Spanish capital has numerous recipes and regional influences from all over the country and it is therefore a place where you will have the chance to try out as many as possible without even having to be in a specific region to do so. With so many recipes, it has become harder and harder to tell which is the city’s original.
Madrileno are some of the dishes you have to try in Madrid. They are normally chick peas hotpots made to be very delicious. Among the best specialties here are those made with asparagus especially from Aranjuez and the garlic soup also typically known as Sopa de Ajo. Many of the dishes in Madrid are of veal and lamb. Fish is a typical food here and it is actually here in Madrid that you will find the second largest fish market of the world.
There are numerous restaurants and shops from where you can enjoy the delicacies and the service is exceptional. You can be sure to get quality and well prepared food while in Madrid. It is also a city with aromatic and young wines which a definitely great in taking down the delicious meals. Anisado de Chinchon is of particular interest and is very popular and a great choice to finish up your dinner, location lloret de mar .
During the San Isidro festival, you will get the chance to taste Roscos de Santo which are traditional sweets made special for the event. There is so much to enjoy in Madrid as far as food is concerned. Every meal taken here does not disappoint and as long as you are willing to try what it has to offer, you will enjoy every bite that you take down during your tour of the city or your holiday in the beautiful Spanish capital.
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Gastronomy in Barcelona
There is nothing as good as good food accompanying major attractions and activities in any tourist destination. This is what you can expect from Barcelona. Apart from offering you some of the best attractions and activities while here, you will find the gastronomy in the city simply amazing. There are recipes and dishes that are a must try while here and you never know what you could find most interesting among them all thereby making your holiday one of the most memorable.
Stews are the major recipes famed in Barcelona. They include La escudella i canr dolla which is stew made using rice, vegetables, potatoes and noodles. The Cocido don judias blanca is also a favorite for many in Barcelona and is made of the typical sausage of the region Butifara, white beans, eggs, bread and pilota which is a beefy preparation. Others that are also worth trying in Barcelona are Botifarra amb monjetes. faves a la catalane as well as arroz a la cazuela. They are all delicious stews worth trying each at a time.
When it comes to fish, Barcelona also has some of the best recipes with the most outstanding being Zarzuela. This dish is similar to Spanish operetta and is made using prawn, mussels and cuttlefish. La Opera is the luxurious version of the dish and it has lobster as an addition to it. The two are popular and will definitely make your experience most interesting in Barcelona.
After taking down your chosen dish, you will then be exposed to several typical desserts. Enjoy your stay here. The most popular include Cream Catalana Mel i mato which is a dessert made of honey and curds. There is also the musician desert Postre del Musico composed of raisins and pine kernels.
The wines cannot be forgotten in the gastronomy edition and you will find those from Catalonia to be very interesting. The red wines found in Barcelona are from Tarragona, Priorat, Allella and Peralda while the whites are from Penedes. You can also never miss out on the sparkling wine Cava which is a great choice with any dish, Villas in Escala .
Barcelona, just like many other cities and regions in Spain, never disappoints when it comes to food. You will have a great variety to choose from and you will never miss to find a dish that you like most and can enjoy throughout your stay in the beautiful Spanish city.
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Excursions in Madrid
Aranjuez
This is a small town whose fame is thanks to the Concierto de Aranjuez done by Joaquin Rodrigo. It is also home to a 17th century palace Palacio Real with the throne hall and porcelain room being the most outstanding features within it. You will also find Casita del Labrador where there is a huge porcelain works and old clocks collection. The gardens are also very beautiful and worth checking out while here.
Chinchon
It is a medieval village that is very romantic. The Plaza Mayor found in it is the major attraction. This beautiful square which is the main one has arcades for its surroundings and it is also where theater performances and bullfights take place. Also in the village there is castle dating back to the 15th century. The most interesting feature of the village and the reason as to why most people make excursions here is the gastronomy. The anisette brandy is also famed and a favorite for many.
Alcala de Henares
It is the old university town of Madrid. It was glorious during the Renaissance epoch but there is still much to enjoy and see within it. The University is of course one of the sites that is a must see and visit. It was founded back in 1498 and still has a lot to offer to the public. Other attractions within the town include the city walls from 15th century, Iglesia Magistral Church, Casa de Cervantes and convent of Bernadas dating back to the 17th century. Pre historic remains as well as remains from the gothic and Roman epochs are also found here.
El Escorial
It is a famous monastery 50 kilometers from Madrid and is an attraction and therefore worth checking out while in the city. It is a piece of architecture that is quite impressive with the austere style and the gigantic measures to it. It is believed to have taken more than 20 years to build. The main chapel, throne hall, museum and pantheon are the most outstanding features within it and those you cannot afford to miss, Location Pineda de Mar.
A tour through Madrid can be very interesting and you will be amazed at just how much you get to cover within a few hours. Each of the areas within it has something unique to offer and you will therefore find it easy to enjoy the different features making up the wonderful city of Spain.
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Interesting Folklore and Fiestas in Barcelona
When visiting a popular holiday destination, it is not only enough to see the different natural and manmade features within it but also very important to witness and take part in some of the traditions, festivals and other folklore. Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Spain and as expected, it does have lots of fiestas and folklore through the year in that you will always find something most interesting depending on the time you choose to be here.
New Year: this is celebration that take place in Barcelona just like any other part of the world. They start with a carnival like party where people flock in the streets wearing masks and will try eating the famed 12 grapes to bring them luck through the year. The eating takes place during the few last seconds of the ending year and those who manage to finish on time before entering into the new one expect a new year full of luck.
Three Magi procession: the three magi traditionally used to bring children presents. They can be termed as the Spanish Santa Claus and the procession is normally held in their honor. It is an event that can be very interesting. It takes place in the 5th of January.
San Medir: this is an interesting festival that is very popular. It involves huge processions of singing choirs through the Barcelona streets and takes place on the 3rd of March. Sant Jordi which takes place on the 23rd of April in honor of the Catalonia’s patron is also an interesting and spectacular event.
In the month of May, you will find most interesting to be Sant Ponc festivals taking place within Calle del Hospital and the plays of flowers Jocs Florals. They are some of the best events which mark the month of May in Barcelona and you cannot miss out on them while here during the time, Location Villa Cabrils .
Corpus Christi: it is a series of events taking part in June. You will find the traditional processions of people in masks which are nothing short of picturesque very interesting. The dancing egg festival which takes place around the famous cathedral is also something to behold. June 23rd as well as 24th nights attracts special fiestas Sant Joan which is fire celebration of pre Christina era, street parties and fireworks. Grec festival then takes part at the end of June and is composed of dance performances and open air concerts.
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Interesting Folklore and Fiestas in Madrid
Madrid is the capital of Spain which in itself means that it is quite developed and modern hence a lot can be expected from it. Even with all the modernity of the city, the inhabitants still refer to it as the village. This is because in most its quarters, traditions are very alive even after the villages melted into the city life. There are many events that you will find interesting in the city during the year and what you experience will depend on the time at which you are within the city for your holiday.
New Year: this is perhaps the very first celebration of the year. It is an event that is nothing less of colorful and you will enjoy every beat when it catches you here in the city. People in their numbers flock in Puerta del Sol and rock the night away and when the clock strikes midnight, each tries to eat a total of twelve grapes as good luck for the new year. This is one event that is even watched by those who do not manage to attend and the party goes on and on till morning breaks.
Three Magi procession: the event takes place on the 5th of January. It is not only celebrated in Madrid but also in many other Spanish towns. It can also be very interesting to witness the procession.
Fiesta de San Isidro: it normally takes place on 15th May and it is a fiesta that is in honor of the Madrid patron. It involves numerous concerts and is considered to be a spectacle of all year events. It is also during this fiesta that you will have a taste of best bullfights and public performances.
Summer in the Village: this is an event which is normally organized by the town hall and which is composed of different cultural events and takes