Spain Travel Guide

Passion and panache in the land of flamenco

Fiery, passionate and fun, Spain is a country where you know you are alive. The Iberian peninsula is blessed with wonders of nature wonders, architectural treasures, a deep and intriguing history and population that makes the most of almost any situation, it is difficult not to get carried away by the escitement and energy of this country.

History

Spanish history spans an enourmous period of time from pre- historic, right through the rise and fall of the first global empire and ending in Spain's post-dictatorship renaissane. Colonisers and marauders from the Moors to the Romans have left their influences and, like much of Europe, history can be found in the landscapes, the cities and the attitudes and customs of the people. It has a rich collection of architecture from throughout it's history, including castles, churches and other buildings.

Spain is full of unique treasures and has the second highest concentration of World Heritage sites anywhere on earth. Heritage rich cities and monuments which have stood through centuries of tradition and cultural diversity are dotted all over Spain's enormous land mass.Some of the most wll known include Madrid, Seville and Barcelona, each which has it's own very distinct character. Don't miss lesser known but no less impressive towns such as historic Toledo, which has an urban museum boasting more than 2000 years of history, the city of Cordoba with it's Moorish overtones or the town of Santiago de Compostela, which has it's orgins almost 2000 years ago and is an important symbol for Spanish christians.

Culture

Following Spains establishment as it's own empire in the 16oo's, arts and literature flourished and these creative traditions continue today. Across the country some of Europes most well regarded galleries, artworks and museums attract visitors from around the world. Some of these include the Prado and Picasso museums, and Barcelona is like a shrine to the amazing works of modernist Antoni Gaudi.

A love of music and dance also part of the national identity, especially in the Andalusian regions of the south where pulsating fiestas and fiery festivals occur throughout the year. Enjoy authentic Spanish flamenco - a mesmerising combination of music and dance used in storytelling, or get out and about in the unparalleled nightlife, discos, tapas bars and late-night cafes.

Nature

The landscapes is Spain are a diverse collection of by stunning beaches, high mountains and fertile valleys punctuated by wide winding rivers, orchards and olive groves, and old vineyards. There are 17 diverse regions each of which are fiercely patriotic and proud of their unique characteristics offering visitors a huge range of opportunities to explore.

Head to Alicante or Malaga or in the south for gorgeous mediterranean beaches, or if you resort towns are your thing then check out the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz. Just down the road from Malaga you can visit pre-historic caves that date back over 8000 years and have home to stalactites and stalagmites, that are much older as well as collections of tools and pottery hundreds of years old.

Cuisine

Like many countries of the Mediterranean food, wine and the rituals of mealtime are valued pastimes. Lunchtimes often last for hours and the conversation is lubricated through the use of plenty of good red wine. Olive oil and bread are enjoyed all over Spain while specialities of various regions include tapas, paella and sangria wine punch.

Tapas bars are commonly found and offer excellent an excellent variety of flavours, you can choose to either settle in for a while, or move on to others sampling the specialities as you go. Seafood is popular, and there are plenty of coastal locations where it is delivered fresh daily. Roast and cured meats and chorizo (spicy sausage) are also popular with both locals and visitors. Don't forget to try the dry sherry which often accompanies Jamon (dried ham).

Shopping

The shopping experience in Spain ranges from street stalls and open markets to chic and exclusive boutiques that carry the latest in fashions from the world over. Madrid is a well known shopping mecca, make sure you visit the oh so Spanish Sunday El Rastro flea market or get down to the Salamanca area for something a little more upmarket. Barcelona's famous Las Ramblas has an extensive pedestrian only area with hundreds of shops ranging from fashion outlets to antique stores, and florists to wet markets.