|
Last Updated: Jun 9th, 2006 - 17:04:28 |
Millions of tourists visit Spain every year, attracted by its colorful bullfights, sunny climate, and beautiful story-book castles. In the cities, narrow twisting old streets suddenly open out to views of enthralling modern architecture, while spit-and-sawdust bars serving wine from the barrel rub shoulders with blaring, glaring discos. The country is littered with superb old buildings, from Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces to Gothic cathedrals. Almost every second village has a medieval castle. Spain has been the home of some of the world’s great artists (including Picasso, Miro and Dali) and has museums and galleries to match. Travel is easy, accommodation plentiful, the climate benign, the people relaxed, the beaches long and sandy, the food and drink easy to come by and full of regional variety.
Madrid
Madrid is Spain’s capital city. As a visitor to Madrid, you’ll invariably be drawn into the city’s stream of movement as you rush to see one more art collection, taste Castilian, Basque or Galician dishes at neighborhood restaurants or buy tickets for an evening performance. Madrid strikes a balance between constant, almost chaotic motion and uncompromising leisure. Madrilenos, as the city’s residents are called, seem always to be on the go, except when they’re taking long breaks to eat, drink and enjoy life. A first stop on any visit would be to the world class Prado Museum, as well as a tour of the Palacio Real, official home of Spain’s royal family. Other must-sees include some of the best flamenco dance performances in the city at Cafe de Chinitas and - although not for the feint- hearted - a traditional bullfight at Las Ventas.
Barcelona
Barcelona offers a unique opportunity for the tourist on foot to walk from Roman remains to the medieval city, and then to the modern city with its open thoroughfares and grid-iron street pattern. A notable feature is Les Rambles - a boulevard that runs from the city center to the waterfront, thronged with crowds until late at night and lined by florists, bird sellers, street entertainers, cafeterias, and restaurants. Walking along Les Rambles one can see the world-famous opera house El Liceu, the food market of La Boqueria and the Plaça Reial (literally Royal Square), with its arches and palm trees, amongst other interesting buildings. Outstanding is the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudi, who lived and worked in Barcelona, and who left several famous works like the Palau Güell in the city’s old center, the Parc Güell at the northern tip of Gràcia, and the immense but still unfinished church of the Sagrada Família, which has been under construction since 1882 and is billed for completion in 2020.
Seville
One of the grand cities of Spain, Seville attracts many tourists due to its splendid architecture and interesting ttractions. Seville’s Cathedral is popular due to its architecture, its tomb of Christopher Columbus and the attractiveness of its noted bell tower (the Giralda). Cross the square and visit the Alcazar, a stunning, well preserved, medieval Islamic palace. By the way, it is the city of Don Juan and Carmen, so be ready for Flamenco and Passion.
Cordoba and Granada
Considered by many travelers as one of the most beautiful destinations in southern Spain, Cordoba is best known for its Moorish extravaganza, the Mezquita.
The foremost reason to go to Granada is to visit the magnificent Alhambra, one of the great sights of Europe, built by the Moors in the 13th century. The complex of palaces, fortress and gardens is simply not to be missed. Viewing the Court of the Lions by moonlight is one of the great experiences in the world - something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol has some of the finest beaches in Spain. This famous area stretches 170 km along the Mediterranean from Motril (east of Malaga) to Gibraltar. The scenery is great and some of towns are quite striking, especially Malaga. Deep-sea fishing and sailing are popular in the waters off the coast.
Toledo
Toledo, once the capital of Spain, is situated on a hill above the River Tagus, which is traveling to the Atlantic via Lisbon. Places of tourist interest include the Cathedral, the Alcazar, and the Casa-Museo de El Greco (containing twenty of the Artist’s best-known paintings).
Cadiz
On the southern tip of Spain, the port city of Cadiz has been active since 1100 BC and through the days of the Roman Empire, when its dancers were famous throughout the Mediterranean region. Today you can enjoy its two beaches, fortifications, seafront avenues and the salty air of its maritime history. The city is also a departure point for ferry boats to the Canary Islands. Cadiz has the liveliest Carnival celebration in Spain (with the possible exception of Tenerife in the Canary Islands).
Salamanca and Segovia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salamanca is a historic university town known for its outstanding and well-preserved, historic architecture. Yet another of Spain’s cities awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, Segovia's well-preserved Roman Aqueduct is a world famous attraction.
Avila
Avila is a wonderful 1,000-year-old city. One of its main attractions is its medieval wall, which measures 2 km in circumference and completely encircles the old part of town. The ramparts have nine gates and 88 towers, many topped with stork nests. Avila also has interesting narrow streets and intimate squares, many churches both inside and outside the walls, including an intriguing fortified cathedral and the Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas (the summer home of Ferdinand and Isabella).
Valencia
Valencia is the gateway to the Costa Blanca, another of Spain's noted beach areas. It is also a place you leave from and return to after going to one of Spain most famous festivals: the tomato festival of august.
Bilbao
Bilbao makes the list based, mainly, on the Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry. Visitors will not want to miss the grid of streets overlooked by rows of historic townhouses that constitute the Casco Viejo, or old town.
Balearic Isles
Reachable by ferry, Palma de Mallorca, is an exotic destination. The town (Palma) has two fine cathedrals, interesting shopping, and is a great place to wander. Many “party animals” prefer the island of Ibiza, as Ibiza is known for its active club scene, great weather and beautiful beaches.
Alicante
With its international airport and central location, the resort city of Alicante is the capitol of the Costa Blanca area. The city is worth checking out for its relaxing atmosphere, warm weather and beaches.
Canary Islands
These islands boast a fair, spring-like climate year-round. Visitors flock to the islands’ casinos, golf courses, tennis courts and natural wonders, including fairly good beaches of white, gold and black sand.
La Palma
The greenest and lushest of the Canary Islands, La Palma is interesting for its pretty towns and steep, rugged geography. Be sure to drive to the summit of Taburiente for a view over the massive volcano. Cigar smokers should take advantage of the high quality, inexpensive hand-rolled cigars that can be purchased everywhere. Butterfly lovers will want to make their way to Palmitos Park to see Europe’s largest tropical butterfly house. The park is also home to more than 1,500 exotic birds representing 230 species.
|
 |
|
