Why you should visit Spain

Why Visit Spain ?

The southern part of Spain is known as the Costa del Sol wherein you will find cities such as Seville, Malaga and Granada. The Costa del Sol is a becoming a popular vacation destination among tourists. The beaches along the coastline are a major attraction for this region, but it is also becoming a popular year round destination for golfers.

Along the eastern coast of Spain is the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. This region is known as the Costa Blanca and is home to some very popular vacation destinations such as Alicante, Torrevieja and Barcelona. These larger cities in this region are very popular vacation destinations, offering beaches, sightseeing, nightlife and so much more.

Central Spain consists of the country’s capital city, Madrid, as well as beautiful mountain chains. This central city is where you will find many small towns with historical sights and attractions to help learn about the Spanish culture and history. Fortunately, the nearby mountain chains of the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra de Gredos and Montes de Toledo add a beautiful touch to this central region and help balance the city life atmosphere of Madrid.

Finally, you will find coastal resorts and small fishing villages in the northern part of Spain. The villages and resorts offer a taste of authentic Spanish life where you can experience the Spanish culture more than you may in a larger city with tourism as its focus. Some areas such as La Rioja, for example, are known for wine production where you can get a taste of the famous Rioja wine.

Best of Spain

Spain is a diverse country in southwestern Europe, which borders the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Portugal and France(/hotels/france). It has the second largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites of any country in the world, and the most World Heritage Cities. Famous for its friendly people, beautiful beaches, fabulous architecture dating back in some regions to Moorish times, the diversity of Spain’s autonomous regions offers the traveler rich and vastly different cultural experiences, all within the same country. From the beaches of San Sebastian in the north, to the historic majesty of Seville in the south, Spain is a perfect place for any vacation.

San Sebastian in the Basque country has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, due to its central location in the city; it’s a popular destination with surfers, and the rich regional culture creates a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Spain. Barcelona is a popular destination for its beaches, museums (including the world-famous Picasso museum) and incredible architecture. The Spanish capital, Madrid and incredible architecture. The Spanish capital, Madrid, is the financial and cultural capital of the country, offering historic sites, Spain’s greatest fine art museums, restaurants and nightlife. Seville is a lovely city on the Guadalquivir River, which features some of the oldest monuments in Spain.

Spain has one of the oldest and richest cultures in Europe, and regional variety is the spice of life. Varying linguistic, social, political and gastronomic traditions give the different major cities of Spain distinct atmospheres. Summertime visitors looking for fun times at the beach should consider Barcelona or San Sebastian for the best water sports and weather, whereas Valencia can be a better beach destination in the spring or fall. Fans of architecture, while they would be happy in any of the cities discussed here, may find the mix of Baroque and ultra-modern architecture in Seville and Valencia especially to their liking.

For fine art, Barcelona and Madrid are the must-see destinations. Barcelona’s modernist architecture, embodied by Gaudi’s works, like the Parc Güell, the incomplete (after over 100 years of construction) Sagrada Família and La Pedrera/Casa Milà and La Casa Batllo, are must-sees for architecture fans. Barcelona’s Picasso museum has the largest selection of Picasso works on display of any museum in the world, and a museum dedicated to Salvador Dali is a short train ride from central Barcelona.

As initiates of painting know, Spain has birthed or been home to some of the greatest painters who have ever lived, from Goya to Picasso, many of whose works are housed in Madrid’s Prado or Reina Sofia museums. Also a rich in historical monuments, including a small pyramid that was a gift to Franco from the nation of Egypt, Madrid has a lot to see. If sightseeing isn’t your thing, some of the best food and nightlife in Spain are found in Madrid’s streets.

The real treat of a vacation in Spain is the chance you have to absorb some of the zest and enthusiasm for life you can feel on Spanish streets, in Spanish bars, and even that you can see in Spanish architecture, where bright colors and rounded edges flourish. Wherever you choose to stay, you may find that things look a little bit sharper, a little bit brighter, when you get home.

Best of Galicia

Galicia is a vibrant nationality in northwestern Spain with a culture, history, and identity all its own. Inhabited for thousands of years, the fertile, hilly landscape has inspired craftsmen, and artists in a variety of creative endeavors. Stunning coastlines catch Atlantic breezes on sandy shores, and major urban centers bustle with activity. Whether you’re a fan of outdoor adventure or looking to relax and enjoy the finest metropolitan delights, you’ll find what you’re looking for on a Galicia vacation.

No matter where you stay during your Galicia vacation, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Santiago de Compostela has been a world-renowned pilgrimage site for thousands of years, and today, the city bears the distinction of enjoying a listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pontevedra is a proud city, with beautiful churches, open parks, and great sports teams. A Coruna is one of the region’s biggest cities, and is known for the Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse that has been in operation for over 1,800 years.

One of Galicia’s best-known attractions is Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. It’s an imposing structure, spires towering hundreds of feet into the air. It’s designated as a World Heritage site due to its religious importance; the cathedral is the burial-place of Saint James the Great, one of Christianity’s most-loved apostles. Pilgrims from all over Europe have streamed to the cathedral in droves for nearly 1500 years.

The cathedral is magnificent, with each of its incredible facades opening to a square. Stunning relief sculpture decorates each portico, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints, as well as the craftsmen who contributed to the cathedral’s construction. Inside, the artwork continues to impress, with statues, stained glass, and gold and precious metals combining in an undeniably beautiful mix.

Galicia’s culture is vibrant and proud, distinct from other areas of Spain and the world. Music includes a strong folk tradition. Incredible singers, pipers, and other musicians fill city streets and pubs with life. Music is an inseparable part of everyday life for the community, so during your Galicia vacation, make sure to head to a live performance. Contemporary genres are also popular, with rock, electronic, and other genres gaining acclaim.

Galician cuisine is an equally proud tradition. Dishes graced with freshly caught seafood abound, with fish and shellfish playing a heavy role in crafting local flavors. Soups like the caldo galego are popular repasts, with potatoes and a unique strain of broccoli. Polbo a feira, an octopus dish, is another favorite, while a variety of local cheeses like tetilla add to the list of offerings. Paired with fine wine, Galician food is undeniable, and it’s an integral part of any visit.