Spain is a beautiful and diverse country located in the southwest of Europe. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra. To the Northeast it borders with France and the tiny principality of Andorra. To the West its limits are defined by the Balearic Islands located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. Its Southern most territories are the picturesque Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla located in the North of Africa. This is why travelling to Spain is likely to be a enriching experience since tourism in the country offers a wide variety of destinations, activities and landscapes.
Spain is a country of large geographical and cultural diversity, often a surprise for tourists who are expecting to find a country mostly known for beach tourism. Travel to Spain and you will find everything, from lush meadows, green valleys, hills and snowy mountains in the Northern regions to almost desert zones in the South. Its beaches are also famous and worth visiting, small and charming creeks in the North and wide white sand beaches on the South and Western parts of the country, without forgetting the exotic black sand beaches of the volcanic Canary Islands.
Every year millions of tourists decide to travel to Spain, the country has been one of the most important tourist destinations of the last decades becoming the third most popular travel destination in Europe.
One of the better known cities is Madrid, capital city of Spain. Due to its central location, in the heart of Spain it has excellent communications with the rest of the provinces and is seat to the Spanish government and to the Royal Palace where the kings of Spain usually dwell. The city features distinctly winding streets, all of which seem to be heading either up or down and gather in the central square in the centre of the city.
Barcelona is probably one of the favourite destinations for tourists, a worldwide known city whose name recalls the awesome art of the architect Gaudi, the celebration of the 1992 Olympic games, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of its streets. Tourism in the city offers also the possibility of enjoying its beaches and water sports.
The original peoples of the Iberian peninsula, consisting of a number of separate tribes, are given the generic name of Iberians. This may have included the Basques, the only pre-Celtic people in Iberia surviving to the present day as a separate ethnic group. The most important culture of this period is that of the city of Tartessos. Beginning in the 9th century BC, Celtic tribes entered the Iberian peninsula through the Pyrenees and settled throughout the peninsula, becoming the Celt-Iberians.
The seafaring Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians successively settled along the Mediterranean coast and founded trading colonies there over a period of several centuries.
Around 1,100 BC Phoenician merchants founded the trading colony of Gadir or Gades (modern day Cádiz) near Tartessos. In the 8th century BC the first Greek colonies, such as Emporion (modern Empúries), were founded along the Mediterranean coast on the East, leaving the south coast to the Phoenicians. The Greeks are responsible for the name Iberia, after the river Iber (Ebro in Spanish). In the 6th century BC the Carthaginians arrived in Iberia while struggling with the Greeks for control of the Western Mediterranean. Their most important colony was Carthago Nova (Latin name of modern day Cartagena).
The Romans arrived in the Iberian peninsula during the Second Punic war in the 2nd century BC, and annexed it under Augustus after two centuries of war with the Celtic and Iberian tribes and the Phoenician, Greek and Carthaginian colonies becoming the province of Hispania. It was divided in Hispania Ulterior and Hispania Citerior during the late Roman Republic; and, during the Roman Empire, Hispania Taraconensis in the northeast, Hispania Baetica in the south and Lusitania in the southwest.
From the 8th to the 15th centuries, parts of the Iberian peninsula were ruled by Muslims (the Moors) who had crossed over from North Africa. Christian and Muslim kingdoms fought and allied among themselves. The Muslim taifa kings competed in patronage of the arts, the Way of Saint James attracted pilgrims from all Western Europe and the Jewish population of Iberia set the basis of Sephardic culture. Much of Spain's distinctive art originates from this seven-hundred-year period, and many Arabic words made their way into Spanish and Catalan, and from them to other European languages.
The Moorish capital was Córdoba, in the southern portion of Spain known as Andalucía. During the time of Arab occupation, most of the Iberian peninsula was in relative peace, with large populations of Jews, Christians and Muslims living in close quarters; the official language of most of Spain was Arabic.
The Reconquista ended in 1492, when Fernando and Isabel captured Granada, the last Moorish city in Spain. They then expelled all Muslims and Jews from their new Christian kingdom. This was also the year that the king and queen funded Columbus' trip to the New World.
By 1512, most of the kingdoms of present-day Spain were politically unified, although not as a modern centralized state. The grandson of Isabel and Fernando, Carlos I, extended his crown to other places in Europe and the rest of the world. The unification of Iberia was complete when Carlos I's son, Felipe II, became King of Portugal in 1580, as well as of the other Iberian Kingdoms (collectively known as "Spain" since this moment).
During the 16th century,with Carlos I and Felipe II, Spain became the most powerful European nation, its territory covering most of South and Central America, Asia - Pacific, the Iberian peninsula, southern Italy, Germany, and the Low Countries. This was later known as the Spanish Empire.
It was also the wealthiest nation but the uncontrolled influx of goods and minerals from Spanish colonisation of the Americas resulted in rampant inflation and economic depression.
In 1640, under Felipe IV, the centralist policy of the Count-Duke of Olivares provoked wars in Portugal and Catalonia. Portugal became an independent kingdom again and Catalonia enjoyed some years of French-supported independence but was quickly returned to the Spanish Crown, except Rosellon.
A series of long and costly wars and revolts followed in the 17th century, beginning a steady decline of Spanish power in Europe. Controversy over succession to the throne consumed the country during the first years of the 18th century (see War of the Spanish Succession). It was only after this war ended and a new dynasty was installed - the French Bourbons (see House of Bourbon) - that a centralized Spanish state was established and the first Borbon king Philip V of Spain in 1707 cancelled the Aragon court and changed the title of king of Castilla and Aragon for the current king of Spain.
Spain was occupied by Napoleon in the early 1800s, but the Spaniards rose in arms. After the War of Independence (1808-1814), a series of revolts and armed conflicts between Liberals and supporters of the ancien régime lasted throughout much of the 19th century, complicated by a dispute over dynastic succession by the Carlists which led to three civil wars. After that, Spain was briefly a Republic, from 1871 to 1873, a year in which a series of coups reinstalled the monarchy.
In the meantime, Spain lost all of its colonies in the Caribbean region and Asia-Pacific region during the 19th century, a trend which ended with the loss of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines and Guam to the United States after the Spanish-American War of 1898.
The 20th century initially brought little peace; colonisation of Western Sahara, Spanish Morocco and Equatorial Guinea was attempted. A period of dictatorial rule (1923-1931) ended with the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic. The Republic offered political autonomy to the Basque Country and Catalonia and gave voting rights to women. However, with increasing political polarisation, anti-clericalism and pressure from all sides, coupled with growing and unchecked political violence, the Republic ended with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936. Following the victory of the nationalist forces in 1939, General Francisco Franco ruled a nation exhausted politically and economically.
After World War II, being one of few surviving fascist regimes in Europe, Spain was politically and economically isolated and was kept out of the United Nations until 1955, when it became strategically important for U.S. president Eisenhower to establish a military presence in the Iberian peninsula. This opening to Spain was aided by Franco's opposition to commuSnism. In the 1960s, more than a decade later than other western European countries, Spain began to enjoy economic growth and gradually transformed into a modern industrial economy with a thriving tourism sector. Growth continued well into the 1970s, with Franco's government going to great lengths to shield the Spanish people from the effects of the oil crisis.
Upon the death of the dictator General Franco in November 1975, his personally-designated heir Prince Juan Carlos assumed the position of king and head of state. With the approval of the Spanish Constitution of 1978 and the arrival of democracy.
Spanish culture
Spain is a country rich in history and culture, inhabited by Romans, Arabs, Celts, and many other cultures who have all left their imprint in the country.
From North to South Spain has received influence from neighbouring countries. But also, as the Southern most frontier of Europe, it has been a bridge between the European continent and Northern African cultures.
Today, Spain is known by its Flamenco, bullfighting, gastronomy, literature, paintings, architecture, etc.
Flamenco refers both to the dance and the music typical from the South of Spain, characterised by guitars, clapping, expressive lyrics, colourful long dresses in women and sober black costumes in men. Flamenco music has its origins in the gypsy communities, and has probably received influence from Arabic and Jewish music.
One of the delights of Spanish culture today is its gastronomy. The country is famous by its excellent wines such as Rioja, Jerez (sherry), Ribera del Duero, among other.
Spanish food is also popular worldwide. Traditional cuisine is based on the Mediterranean diet, considered to be one of the healthiest of the world, since the country is an important producer of fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Typical dishes vary from one region to another, we may mention: the paella, Fish dishes, seafood preparations from the north of the country, potato and onion omelette (tortilla), cured ham with its different varieties: Serrano, Iberico, etc.
Leaving aside traditions, Spain is also rich in art and history. Painters like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Joan Miró or Goya portrayed different images of the country.
Gaudi's architecture has added colour and expression to cities like Barcelona opening new horizons for modern architecture.
In literature we may mention writers like Cervantes, author of El Quijote, the second most translated book in the world after the Bible, Camilo José Cela, nobel prize for literature in 1998 among others.
Typical products of Spain
Spain is one of Europe's most diverse countries, historically, culturally and geographically. Along its own History, Romans, Celts, Arabs have left their vestiges, creating a unique collection of different products to offer. Also, the incoming products from America and another lands during 16th and next centuries, have largely enriched this great heritage.
Wine has been one of the oldest products that Rome used to take away from here. Grapes and wines from Valencia were famous throughout the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.
French monks appreciated the special climate at Rioja and they planted several types of grapes to produce excellent wines that were exported to France.
Because of the land diversity of this country and the different weather conditions in each region of Spain, wine has its own “personality” depending on where vines are installed. A wide variety of flavours and aromas from Jerez (Sherry) to Galicia’s, La Mancha’s, Catalonia’s, etc. are really insured.
Nowadays, red wines from Rioja, Ribera de Duero, La Mancha, Valladolid, etc. as well as white wines from Valladolid, Catalonia, Galicia, etc. and sparkling wines from Catalonia are very well produced and carefully blended and aged to obtain distinctive and splendid products. Tradition and updated technologies work together to reach these quality wines.
Olive oil, that "liquid gold", made of different families of olive fruits, is also diverse along Spain regions. Andalucía, the first olive oil producer, keeps the Arabian tradition alive joining the olive trees quality and today’s processes to obtain quantity and character on their oils.
Catalonia has reached meritorious reputation on their olive oil by raising their distinctive olive trees all over the southern side of the Pyrenees.
All through Spain, almost each and every village and its surroundings have their own production of olive oil by small industries and co-operative societies.
Citric fruits are part of the direct Arabian heritage, with orange and lemon plantations along Mediterranean coast and throughout Andalucía. These fruits were already well known in many other countries by the ancient commerce and now are much more carefully treated to guaranty their quality, since they are widely exported.
In a very diverse country as ours, cattle (cows, lambs, pork, etc.) as well as fishing (Spain has a very old tradition on fishing) offer all kinds of recipes and products to the most exigent “palates”.
It is necessary to remark the Iberian pork products, from cured ham to all kinds of sausages, from Salamanca and Andalucía, well known and very famous all over the world because of their high quality and large variety.
Within the half million of square kilometres that comprises Spain, a wide selection of farm and elaborated products is here to offer whatever the visitor may wish and to please all different tastes.
Spanish Recipes
Spanish cooking is still essentially family cooking in that it's relatively simple to prepare and always uses fresh produce.
Cooking in the different regions varies greatly, from Andalusia in the South where the food is hot and spicy with an Arabic influence, to Galicia in the Northwest with its Celtic heritage and known for its Pote (hearty soups made with meat bones and beans) and Asturias famous for its bean dish Fabada. In the East, Valencia leans toward the more typical Mediterranean cuisine whilst in the West Extremadura is famous for its ham and sausages, including Chorizo. Game is also frequently used.
We can't possibly do a feature on Spanish cuisine without the mention of Catalan and Basque cooking.
Cataluna is in the Northeast of Spain and includes the town of Barcelona. The cuisine uses fish, seafood, meats and poultry, which are often combined with local fruits in an exciting and inventive way, whilst in the fertile Basque country (North Spain - includes the town of Bilbao ) a more hearty type of cooking prevails utilising fresh fish, meat and vegetables including a popular local dish called Marmitako (potatoes with Bonito).
Below are a few Spanish recipes for you to try. We hope you enjoy them:
Spanish Recipes: Albóndigas (Meatballs)
One of the more famous Spanish recipes, meatballs are often served in tapas bars as a snack or an appetizer. Spanish meatballs are made as a main dish at home. There are lots of recipies for Spanish meatballs - we think this one includes the best things from most of them!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 quart water
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 small potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups salsa, medium or hot
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/3 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
PREPARATION:
- Mix the minced chicken or turkey with the minced bacon. Grate one onion and chop or crush one clove of garlic. Add the grated onion, chopped garlic, soya sauce, oregano, pinenuts and breadcrumbs to the meat, and mix all ingredients together very very well.
- Make small balls with the mixture - about the size of a large marble. Coat them lightly in the flour (get a bowl, put some flour in and roll each ball around) and put all the balls on a large plate until you are ready to fry them.
- Now make the sauce. Cut up the other onion and chop the other garlic, and put both of them in a non-stick pan with a little olive oil, the fresh parsley and some salt and pepper. Fry gently until they are soft, and then chop the 2 tomatoes and add them. Finally grate the carrot and add that too. Add the white wine and the cloves, half a stock cube dissolved in half a cup of water, the peas, a bayleaf and a bit of tomato puré (or tomate frito if you live in Spain). Stir well and put on a low heat.
- Put some olive oil in a non-stick frying pan, enough to cover the bottom of the pan, and fry the meatballs until they are brown all over. You don't have to use lots of oil - turn them over so that they cook on all sides, and make sure the heat isn't too strong, otherwise they might burn. You will probably need to fry them in two or three batches, depending on the size of your frying pan. As each batch is ready, put the meatballs straight into the pan with the sauce and when they are all done and in the pan, leave them to simmer in the sauce for about half an hour.
- You can serve the meatballs on their own as a tapas dish, or as a main course accompanied by a green leafy salad and/or a red pepper salad.
Spanish Recipes: Paella Valenciana
Once you make this a few times, you won't even need a recipe. Just taste as you go, adding more sugar, wine, or club soda to your taste. Choose a dry, young, inexpensive red wine for sangria. Make the sangria the night before serving as it needs at least 8 hours in the fridge to chill and to allow the fruit to blend with the wine. For maximum refreshment, be sure to serve it ice cold.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bottle dry red wine
- 1/4 cup sugar, more or less to taste
- 2 Tbs. rum, more or less to taste
- 1 orange, squeezed for juice
- 1 orange, washed and cut into thin slices
- 1 lemon, washed and cut into thin slices
- 1 peach, washed and cut into thin slices
- 1 stick cinnamon (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups club soda, chilled
- Ice cubes for serving
PREPARATION:
- Combine all ingredients in large pitcher or punch bowl with ice or chill overnight.
- Serve over ice. Garnish with frosty (nearly frozen) fruits and long slivers of fresh orange peel.
- Sparkling wine or a champagne may be substituted. Can also be served over a scoop of rainbow or orange sherbet.
Madrid is the capital city of Spain, located right in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. Its geographical location grants good communications of the city with other Spanish regions. As capital of the country, it is the seat to the Spanish government institutions and the city of residence of Spanish Royal family.
Madrid is also the largest Spanish city with more than 3 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area. You will find in the city a rich mixture of cultures, since besides the native "madrileños" people from other countries and especially from Latin America have made of Madrid their second hometown.
Madrid is indeed a very active city with a bustling nightlife, busy business centres and lively streets either by day or night.
Most of Spain's main companies have established their headquarters here profiting from the wide range of services available in the city: conference resorts, good public transport and of course its leisure facilities which include some of the best restaurants of Spain, shopping centres, theatres, opera, famous museums and more. Its international airport "Barajas", with three terminals, is the busiest airport in Spain receiving domestic and international flights from most major cities in the world.
Traffic is heavy in Madrid and driving in the city can be quite and adventure for visitors. Taking the "metro" (tube) or the bus can be a wise alternative when you are visiting Madrid. From here you can easily travel to most Spanish cities by train, plane or bus.
In Madrid you will find all kind of interesting things to do and to see, whatever your interests are. The city has a wide offer for tourism, culture, business and for ludic activities with excellent facilities and services. A great acknowledgement in this sense was the election of the city as European Capital of Culture in the year 1992.
Madrid was also candidate city to host the Olympic games in 2012, although finally the winning city was London, Madrid had been one of the favourites and reached a third position in the competition.
In this section we offer you a guide to help you plan your stay in Madrid.
Barcelona travel guide
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia, in the north eastern corner of the country. The city is located by the Mediterranean Sea and next to the Pyrenees mountains, enjoying the benefits of the sea and the mountain. The city has a population of over 1.5 million in habitants
Barcelona is probably the most famous city of Spain, although it is Madrid which is the capital of the country. It is also a polemic spot since the region of Catalonia is one of the most nationalist and independent of the country. This feature is especially noticeable in their speech, since Catalonia has its own language, and although both Spanish and Catalan are official languages most people will only use Catalan to communicate. Catalan is somehow similar to Spanish and it is not difficult to understand if you have some notions of ?Castellano?, as they usually call Spanish.
The streets of Barcelona have been carefully planned and the city map shows an organised array of squares where the streets are in
Sevilla Travel Guide
Seville is the capital city of Andalusia. Located in the South of Spain, Seville, or Sevilla in Spanish, is one of the largest Spanish cities with over 700.000 inhabitants.
Seville occupies the valley of the Guadalquivir river. The river, with 60 navigable kilometres, was an important harbour during the Spanish conquest of the American continent. Silver and gold from the New World arrived to Sevilla through the river and were distributed throughout the country from here.
The city of Seville is famous worldwide for its culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage. This is the birthplace of Flamenco and the city where the most amazing Easter processions take place. But Seville is also the neuralgic centre of the South of Spain, a city full of life and possibilities.
Welcome to one of the most charming cities of Spain. Seville’s rich history has left the city stuffed with innumerable monuments like the awesome cathedral , the third largest in the world, the Giralda tower, the wonderful palace of the Reales Alcázares, the magical Barrio of Santa Cruz with its narrow streets, the Maestranza bullfighting ring and the passion for Flamenco an the perfume of orange blossoms on every corner.Enjoy your visit to Seville.
Here are some suggestions of places to visit from Sevilla, daytrips and other interesting sights out of the city.
Itálica
The Roman ruins of Itálica are one of the places you must go to when visiting Seville. 10 kilometres north from Seville, this city was founded by the Romans in the year 206 BC and was the birthplace of the famous Roman Emperor Trajan (Trajano in Spanish).
Here you can still see the remains of the Roman city, an impressive amphitheatre which once hold 25.000 people and beautiful mosaic floors.
Doñana national Park (Parque de Doñana)
Doñana is one of the largest national parks in Europe, it is easy to reach by bus. In the park you will find woods, marshes and spectacular wildlife. Tourism in Doñana is controlled to protect wildlife, so the best way to visit the park is through one of the visitors’ centres, or taking one of the guided tours, either by bus or by boat navigating the Guadalquivir river.
Carmona
The historic town of Carmona, 30 kilometres from Seville, is perfect for a day trip. Both the Romans and the Moors have left their imprint in this picturesque town.
You may start your visit at the Moorish arch of Puerta de Sevilla, where you will find the tourist information centre. From here, walk through the narrow streets to the main square, the Plaza San Fernando. Visit also the Gothic church of Santa María and the city's museum.
Salamanca travel guide
Salamanca is part of the Spanish region known as “Castilla y León” (Castile and Leon). Despite being a medium-size city (with around 170.000 inhabitants), Salamanca is famous in the world for its culture and for its student atmosphere. In fact, the University of Salamanca is said to be the third oldest university in Europe, founded in 1218.
Located in the western part of Spain, right besides the border with Portugal, Salamanca is in the inner part of the country, 200 kilometers west of Madrid, which made it difficult to reach for tourists. Thanks to the recently renewed airport of Valladolid, which offers flights with Ryanair and Air France, now Salamanca is an accessible destination, only at a one-hour drive from Valladolid.
Tourism is probably the most outstanding industry of the city, thanks to its historical heritage and to the charm of the city itself, since Salamanca can be considered one of the most beautiful Spanish cities. It is also in Salamanca, where the purest Spanish (or "Castellano") is spoken, which makes the city a popular destination for students wanting to learn Spanish.
Weather conditions in Salamanca are quite extreme, with cold winter, hot summers and few rain.
In its gastronomy pork meat is the star, the cured hams produced in Guijuelo, a village in the Southern part of Salamanca, are among the most famous Spanish delicatessen.
Salamanca has been declared World Heritage City by the Unesco, and in 2002, it was chosen as European City of Culture, together with Bruges in Belgium. Dance, music and art filled the streets of the city, and remain still today. You will surely enjoy your visit to Salamanca.
Valencia Travel Guide
Valencia is one of the three provinces composing the Valencian Community, a region located in the West of Spain by the Mediterranean sea.
The city of Valencia is one of the main business focuses of the Mediterranean, it has become a renowned European Congress Centre as well as an important venue for trade and fairs. Valencia is also undoubtedly a cosmopolitan city and can be the perfect place for commercial and cultural exchange.
Deeply linked to the sea since its foundation, Valencia’s relationship with the sea is as strong today as it has been in the past. Thanks to this maritime tradition, to the city’s experience in celebrating important events and also to the support from the Spanish government, Valencia has been selected among other 65 cities in the world, as the Host City of the 32nd America's Cup. Valencia has been chosen due to its reliable weather conditions, which will help to avoid delays in the competition, and to its project for transforming the commercial port area into a race village.
This beautiful Mediterranean city tempts the visitor with its mild temperatures, its delicious cuisine, its celebrations and cultural events. Among the main appeals of the city we may mention “Las Fallas” festival which takes place in March, the famous “Paella Valenciana”, a traditional rice dish, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a zone devoted to leisure, education and technology with amazing buildings and museums.
Browse our site and find out everything you need to know for your stay in Valencia.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is situated in the south of the La Coruna province in Galicia. The town is actually the capital of the Galicia region and is recognised through legend as the final resting-place of the Apostle James - the first of the Twelve Apostles to suffer martyrdom at the hands of Herod. For centuries, the town has been the centre of European pilgrimage and is an awe-inspiring place in which to go on holidays.
Not surprisingly, given its history, Santiago de Compostela is the most popular tourist destination in Northwest Spain. People travel from all over the world to pay homage to the Apostle James, and to view the historic sites in honour of the Saint. But Santiago de Compostela is not just about history - the city is home to one of the most famous universities in Europe, so ensuring that the streets of Santiago de Compostela are humming with the culture of youth.
Santiago de Compostella is - of course - the city of pilgrims. Since the ninth century they have been coming from all over Europe to touch the relics of St James. He was the first christian martyr and the patron saint of Spain. Legend has it that his disciples brought his remains to Santiago to be buried. After Jerusalem and Rome, Santiago de Compostella is the third most holy city in Christendom.
Santiago's population is around 90,000 and most locals live in the outer reaches of town, suburbs and apartments which could be in any European town. The regional assembly is also in this area - Santiago's the capital of Galicia, the semi-autonomous province on the Atlantic seaboard of North Western Spain. The city is the home of the more than 500 years old University of Santiago de Compostella.
The bit of town worth seeing, the old quarter, is at the top of the hill. A medieval maze of narrow cobbled streets, gaping suddenly into large prazas (galego - the Galician tongue - for the Spanish plaza), it is beautiful and atmospheric. The Medieval city is a national monument and most of it can only be entered by foot. The main attraction of Santiago de Compostella is the cathedral. This has been the terminating point of the pilgrims route for about eight hundred years now and it is still a sight to see today. The impressive Baroque facade at the Plaza de Obradoiro will take your breath away, as will the contrastingly sober and serene interior. With the cathedral you will find other interesting historic buildings like the treasury, the palace of Archbishop Gelmirez, cloisters, and an archaeological museum.
And if you have seen the cathedral, there are still dozens of monastries and churches left to visit. There is the large Benedictine San Martín, San Francisco (reputedly founded by Saint Francis himself while visitinf Santiago), Santa Clara, with it's curving facade, and Santo Domingo, with it's three seventeenth century spiring stairways leading to three different floost of the same tower.
The city of Corunna, Spain
The province of Corunna borders with Lugo to the east, Pontevedra to the south and with the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay to the west and north. The province also includes the islands of the Nature Park of the Atlantic Islands. Temperatures here are moderate although it can be quite rainy.
The capital of this Spanish province also bears the name of A Coruña. A city, surrounded by the ocean that has been the point of departure for different peoples and cultures which for over 2,000 years have left their legacy of legends, myths and history in each corner of the town. The city is also a busy commercial port of the Atlantic from which agricultural goods produced in the region are distributed.
Today La Corunna is a modern city, which combines its traditional agricultural and fishing industries with new successful industries, such as fashion and textile, a good example of this is the group Inditex whose shops (Zara, Springfield, etc) are all over the world.
La Corunna has an international airport served by Iberia, Spanair and Portugalia offering flights to different Spanish and European cities. The city has a football club in Spain's top division, the "Deportivo de la Coruña".
This region is also a perfect destination to enjoy sun and beaches, with an average temperature of 14º C and over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. You can practice here water sports such as surfing, sailing, diving, fishing, etc.
Besides the capital, other outstanding city in the province of La Corunna is Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful town which welcomes thousands of pilgrims every year. The city's cathedral is the destination of a famous medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St James (in Spanish the Camino de Santiago).
What to do in Spain?
Skiing in the mountains or sunbathing on the beaches are both possible in winter moths, not many countries can equal such an assorted offer of activities.
If you like water sports, you'll find in the Spanish coasts resources for surfing, scuba-diving, sailing, etc.
If you prefer the mountain you'll find great places for trekking, skiing, snow-boarding... Historic or religious paths, like the one used for peregrination to Saint Jacques, cross Spain for those who are ready to walk and to discover the more traditional and authentic side of the country.
Traditions and fiestas like bull-running in Pamplona, setting fire to the huge paper constructions in the "Fallas" of Valencia, religious parades for Easter celebrations, the famous "Semana Santa", tomato fights on the streets of Buñol (Valencia), etc.
Sightseeing gives you the opportunity of finding roman ruins, celtic remainings, Moorish constructions, modern buildings, world heritage cities, and amazing parks and gardens, among others.
Make the most of your time in Spain and experience its culture, history, discover its villages, sky resorts, beaches, tapas, fiestas, wines, ... there’s so much more to do and to see!. We give you in this section our suggestions about what to do in Spain. Check out our guide of Spanish Paradors too.
Posting Komentar