Spaniards often speak of Las Españas (The Spains) because the country is formed by seventeen autonomies – autonomous regions – with their own budgets, governments and cultural ministries. This explains the vast diversity of this fascinating country: in landscape, language, artistic traditions and culture in general.
Whenever you are in Spain, you will notice the Spaniards’ passion for life and you will understand why Spain is very well known for the night life and the regional fiestas. Discover the beautiful architecture and monuments in wonderful and lively cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, Granada, Bilbao, Santander, etc. For most visitors, the landscape and the coastline holds just as much fascination - and variety. The green Galicia, arid plains of Castile, or the gulch-like desert landscapes of Almería. Spain is also one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, and there is superb walking and wildlife in a dozen or more sierras - above all in the Picos de Europa and Pyrenees. Consider visiting some of the large wine growing regions, sampling the distinctive wines of Spain. Visit the beautiful coastline with fine sandy beaches along the Costa de la Luz and the Costa del Sol, the coves in the Costa Brava and the cooler Atlantic water and surfing sands of Cantabria. Sail to the Balearic or the Canary Islands and enjoy the Spanish food (tapas, paella or fideuá with a cold beer or sangria) and, of course, get a healthy tan.
By Car: Spain has a road network measuring 317,000 kilometres of which 2,000 are relatively recent motorways.
The most important motorways are: the Mediterranean coastal road from the French border to Alicante, and the one linking the Cantabrian region with Catalonia. The use of the Spanish motorways usually requires paying a toll, especially in the North of the country, which can be calculated on the basis of the type of vehicle in question and the distance to be travelled.
By Bus: There are many bus companies throughout the country that offer good service. Generally public buses are of high standard, well maintained and cheap. Most towns have a bus terminal called “estación de autobus”. On Sundays and public holidays, schedules are drastically reduced.
By Rail:: The Spanish rail network is operated by the state company Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles (RENFE) and connects all the regions of the Peninsula. Besides the regular trains and sleeper cars, there is now a more modern way to travel, AVE are high speed trains and offer services between Madrid and Seville and Madrid and Malaga. There are also a huge variety of local, short-distance trains called tranvia (also a tram). Suburban commuter trains (cercanias) are second class only and stop at all stations.
By Ferry: With 58's ferry routes on offer, services run between numerous ferry ports in the Peninsula to England, France, Italy, Morocco, Argelia, Balearic and Canary Islands.
By Air: The Spanish flag airline is Iberia and covers international and domestic destinations.
Flight information for flights in Spain can be obtained from Aena.
The best place to start is Madrid, capital of Spain. The city has an effervescence and style that is shown in a thousand bars and summer terrazas. Not to mention three of the world's finest art museums. Barcelona, a bustling port city, vibrant and alive, a feeling that causes most visitors fall in love with the place for Gaudí's splendid modernista architecture, the lively promenade of Las Ramblas, La Boqueria market and the designer clubs, and, not least, for Barça - the city's football team. In the sunny southern part of Spain you will find Andalusia, former cultural and power centre of the Moors. Throughout this region you will see examples of Moorish architecture and arts. The most famous of which are the Alhambra in Granada and the Mesquite in Cordoba. Then there's Sevilla, home of flamenco and all the clichés of southern Spain; Valencia, the vibrant Levantine city with an arts scene and nightlife; and Bilbao, a new entry on Spain's cultural route, due to Frank Gehry's amazing Guggenheim museum. Wander through the narrow streets and fortifications of Toledo and Segovia, catching glimpses of old churches and palaces. In Toledo, visit the church that today houses "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz" one of the finest works produced by the Renaissance master "El Greco". For those of you, who just want to relax, spend some time on the beautiful sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol, the Costa Brava or the Costa de la Luz or in the Islands where you can practise all kind of sports.
Main Attractions
San Fermines (Pamplona)
The famous running of the bulls which always begins on 7th of July for a week.
Seville April Fair – Feria de Abril (Seville)
With round-the-clock flamenco parties. The fair rounds for around one week after Eastern and hosts an exiting programme of typically Andalusian cultural events.
Spanish food and drinks
From the famous paella, fideuá and tapas to the sangria, calimocho, tinto de verano, manzanilla and the fino.
The Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzin (Granada)
The impressive Muslim palace/fortress located on a hill overlooking Granada. The palace and its grounds are absolutely stunning. The intricate sculptures, arches, columns, and pools are combined in such a way as to leave even the most jaded visitor captivated.
Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, also known as “La Pedrera” (Barcelona)
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