Why to come?

With over 1600 kilometres of coast line and its outlying Balearic and Canary Islands, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Spain is known for the sun-sea-party package holidays. But there is more. A lot more. From rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, an abundance of museums and places of extraordinary natural beauty to tasty tapas, challenging outdoor activities and interesting cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, San Sebastian and Granada.

JoHighlights

• The Alhambra. This vast palace and fortress belonged to the Moorish rulers of Granada, a city in the autonomous community of Andalusia. De stunning halls, courtyards, gardens and artefacts are a unique mix of Islamic and Christian architecture. Another highlight is Granada’s Albayzin quarter. Harking back to the days of Muslim rule, the Albayzin is an ancient neighbourhood with traditional souks and many Arab restaurants
• Salamanca nightlife. Situated in north western Spain, this medium sized city is one of the most important student hubs in the country. Attracting both national and international students, its compact centre is alive with bars, restaurants and clubs.
• San Sebastian surfing. Surfers from around the world flock to the Basque city of San Sebastian for its incredible waves. There are tournaments from early spring well into autumn and surfing has become a way of live in this resort on the Bay of Biscay.
• Spanish dancing. Take a Salsa or Flamenco lesson, which are on offer almost everywhere, or enjoy a dance performance which range from grand evenings to small basement affairs.
• Football nation. As the national sport, football is an important part of Spanish culture. There’s almost always a game in progress, which you’re able to follow on the numerous television screens you’ll see mounted everywhere, including restaurants, bars and clubs. The rivalry between Madrid, the administrative centre and Barcelona, the economic heart of the country, is legendary. But attending any match in a football stadium is a sight to behold.

JoHotspots

• Madrid – the capital of the country boasts many museums and galleries, parks, gardens and squares such as Plaza de España, Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza Mayor. A must see is the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral and the Templo de Debod, one of the few remaining Egyptian structures in Europe. Enjoy stunning views over the city from the Faro de Moncloa or stroll through La Latina, a vibrant barrio of narrow streets full of little bars and tapas spots. Gran Via, Madrid’s answer to Broadway, is worth a wander with its huge buildings, shops, hotels and theatres. Madrid’s famous nightlife is a thrilling experience with its open air discotheques, flamenco bars, terrazas (open air cafes) and hip and happening clubs great for spotting celebrities and football stars.
• Barcelona – the coastal metropolis in the Catalonia region of Spain, has endless offerings. Architecture, culture, shopping, parks, an energetic nightlife and even sandy beaches. Las Ramblas is one of the biggest tourist attractions. This long promenade with its many side streets runs from the seafront up to the Plaça de Catalunya and is home to a diverse array of street artists, vendors, locals and tourist from all over the world. When you say Barcelona, you think of its most prominent citizen, architect and visionary Antoni Gaudí and the legacy he left to the city in the form of many houses (Casa Batlló), parks (Parc Güell), mosaic covered benches and fountains and the most famous and celebrated: Sagrada Familia. Construction of this Roman catholic church started in 1882 but its completion date is still a moving feast.
• Seville – also known as the Flamenco capital of Spain with many authentic Flamenco bars, Seville is one of the largest historic centres of Europe filled with monuments, museums and romantic parks. The city’s most famous building, the Alcázar of Seville, is an enormous palace dating back to the 10^th century when it was a Moorish fort. The current Real Alcázar was built on the remains of this fort in the 14^th century. To this day, the palace is used as the royal family’s official residence. Other highlights are the crescent shaped Plaza de España, the lush Maria Luisa park which is home to many temples, fountains and sculptures and the Seville Cathedral.
• Malaga – the Andalusian port of Malaga in the far south of the country combines a laid back beach vibe with city life and plenty of arts and culture. It’s home to the Picasso museum and lots of fish restaurants, tapas bars, street markets and Andalusian charm.
• Valencia – Valencia is known as the City of Arts and Science, and has a planetarium, an oceanarium and an interactive museum.

JoHorribles

• The south of the country can get extremely hot in summer. Temperatures of forty degrees or over are more rule than exception. City trips are best organised in the cooler months.
• During high season (July and August) tourists flock to the country, especially the coastal areas can get very busy.