Spain Tourism

Do you want to enjoy a holiday in Spain? Spain has many places where you can have fun. Read on to know some of the best places to visit in Spain.

Spending a Spanish holiday in Andalusia

Andalusia is famous for being the birthplace of great painters such as Murillo, Velazquez, and Picasso. But the place is not only famous for these artists, as the natural beauty of Andalusia makes it popular among tourists. The place is actually home to pristine beaches and wildlife parks that abound with natural wealth. If you spend your holiday in Andalusia, you can have a fine sample of the authentic Spanish experience.

Touring the Balearic Islands for your Spain vacation

The Balearic Islands have lots of things to offer to tourists. The Menorca, one of the islands, is lush and unspoilt. Here, you will find uncrowded beaches and historic towns. The Mallorca is the largest of the islands. This place has holiday resorts that attract numerous tourists every year. The island of Ibiza is known as the party island. This one is famous as the party capital of Europe. Here, nightclubs are in abundance.

Spending your holiday vacation in Andalusia can be quite interesting with all the beautiful and fun-filled places that Andalusia can offer.

Who says that Spain's tourist attractions are only limited to museums, monuments, and the likes? You should know that the country has numerous scuba diving destinations that tourists can visit and check out. Note that Spain has one of the biggest coastlines in the world that are yet to be regarded as perfect diving locations. The country's Mediterranean sea is a very attractive diving destination. Also, there are no shark dangers in Spain's water areas, even if some parts of the Mediterranean are deep. Thus, Spain is indeed a perfect destination for diving freaks out there.

Among the spectacular Costa Brava diving highlights are the famous Medas Islands. Protected since year 1990, the place is known for its moray eels and conger. You will also come across diverse fish species and marine life that always come closer to scuba divers. Moreover, among the great dive destinations in Costa Blanca is the Calpe, Almunecar, Nerjam, and the Costa del Sol. I'm sure divers will be fascinated by the magnificent underwater wonders of Spain's Costa Brava.

Aside from Costa Brava, Spain also has other spectacular diving destinations that tourist and divers can explore. There are diving sites in the rugged Mallorca coast to the northern regions of Pollenca. Numerous breams, octopus, anglerfish, scorpionfish, and morrays are always seen regularly in those areas. A marine protected reserve in the island of Cabrera is also a prime diving spot that can be reserved in advanced by tourists and divers.

The province of Jaen belongs to the Andalucian region. It is also famous for its province-wide bull-running tradition and bullfighting contests during October. From afar, Jaen resembles a wide land mass covered with wild forests which makes the province very distinctive on the face of Spain.

The most prominent attraction in Jaen is the hilltop castle that seem to touch the sky, while below, a Cathedral never misses to amaze the tourists with its facade, a gigantic spectacle of stone, adjoined by two pillars. Its interior is composed of an eighteenth century stalls for choir and sixteenth century seats. The square outside this holy place is a suitable resting area for tourists.

The capital of the Jaen province is filled alive with ancient streets with exuding atmosphere. There are Arabian baths, dozens of museums, and historical monuments. Above all, the Holy Week celebration is the grandest event in Jaen. Traditions has it that Semana Santa is participated by seven thousand penitents asking for God's mercy. Jaen also hosts the annual feria de la Divina Pastora held every first Sunday of September. The event commences with a mass. Afterward, banners are being waved. This the people of Jaen do for almost four centuries now.

Galicia is renowned in the country for its one thousand rivers. These bodies of water cross Galicia from the interior coasts to the high peaks. In Spain, the rivers are called Rias and has become a tourist spot. If we are to trace the flow of the rivers, we will end up climbing cliffs and walking along beach resorts.

I find the weather in Galicia fairly tolerable although during rainy winter, its lowest temperature is five degree-Celsius. On the other hand, the hottest summer in Galicia is around twenty degree-Celsius. Its natural rivers must have contributed to this tempered weather. Also, Galicia is a showcase of Celtic, Gaelic, and Roman influences. The Celts or British settlers left Galicia with Gaita, the famous bagpipe, while at the same time, they also influenced the folklore in the region. Meanwhile, the city of Lugo is comparable to the Romanesque Lombardy region because it contains cathedrals, towers, and walls built by the Roman empire.

A very significant discovery in Galicia was unearthed during the medieval period. Today, this relic is known as Saint James' tomb and thousands of visitors pay homage to this burial chamber. Also, pilgrims visit the Way of Santiago where chapels and monasteries could be found. Surely, it is the most sacred place in Galicia.

It is true that Almeria has a craggy landscape and it does not have enough rich soils, but despite these, the city managed to develop its own system of irrigation that supports its vast plantations of grapes and oranges, the renowned export products of Almeria. On the other hand, its ragged surface allowed engineers to dig tunnels that yield polythene, a lightweight thermoplastic used as insulator. This, too, is the major industry in Almeria.

At first look, Almeria resembles a desert landscape, barren and very difficult to toil. But on the other side of Almeria lies a series of beach resorts. Most of them are still empty so one can expect clear ocean waters. Also, the rough-hewn landscape of Almeria makes diving sports possible in the province. I still remember the successful camping of a distant friend, whom I also helped in buying the right hiking gear, in Almeria. Meanwhile, the provincial state is a suitable place for paragliding, golf, and horseback riding.

History has it that Phoenician settlers established Almeria. Years after, it was occupied by Moors, Romans, and Carthagnians prior to Isabella and Ferdinand's recovery of Almeria. Its famous attractions are the centuries-old cathedrals, parks, and markets. The atmosphere in Almeria is a bit different from other provinces because half of its inhabitants have African ancestry.

The city of Cordoba was established by the Roman empire because it lies in the most strategic location in Spain. Navigation was made easy ever since the ports in Cordoba was opened. According to the accounts, the port became the most prominent shipping area back then. There business flourished because oil, wheat, and wine are brought from Spain to Rome. The famous bridge in the city is said to have been built by the Romans. But, the glorious Roman empire was outwitted by Muslims when they conquered Cordoba. Their influence could be seen in the magnificent mosques built in the center of the town. Cordoba also became the seat of Islam in Spain. But, then Christians managed to penetrate the city. As we all know, Spaniards are mostly Catholics. Cordoba clung back to Christianism in the 13th century.

The first time I set foot at Cordoba, it was the forts that astonished me. The fortress built in the wide seaport seemed to relive the war times when Cordoba became a defensive field for the Roman soldiers. On the contrary, just beside these towers the temples of Jewish communities could be seen. On the other side of Cordoba, tourists can enjoy a quiet walk in the courtyard where rare flowers are grown. The narrow alleys and winding roads are perfect for biking. The serenity of Cordoba today is the exact opposite of its chaotic past.

When we speak of Spanish dances, we could think of only one-the Flamenco. Although this art is used to represent the entire Spain, it actually traces its origin at the southern region.

Gypsies are regarded as the fathers of this beautiful dance. Yet there are also certain influences and cultures contributory to its evolution such as the Andalusian songs, the "Tartessos," and the early Muslims inthe country.

Flamenco is composed of three elements: the guitar (guitarra), the song (cante), and the dance (baile). Yet the beautiful art is mostly and vividly expressed in the dance. For, Flamenco is an art that celebrates the graceful and harmonious movement of the body.

Sun, sex, and sea. Those three words summarize what is Spain's hottest destination-Ibiza. It is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean, forming the Illes Pitiuses. The sights and sounds of Ibiza can simply rival the most outstanding attractions in European travel trade. Endless beaches, resorts, the best in tropical weather.

The island is actually home to the biggest dance party in the world (and it actually happens every Monday night). But the best attraction to Ibiza are the beautiful people who grace its playgrounds every month of the year.

When we speak of the world's greatest architectural works, we often think of huge structures uniquely and elegantly decorated in the outside as well as the inside. Each structure is a breathtaking sight that projects us the ingenuity of its maker including the culture and popular style during its time.

Yet the city of Barcelona presents us a different perspective in the form of "Sagrada Familia."

The beautiful church is designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. Just like the other works of the artist, the towering structure reveals his great mind and very unique taste. Its first foundations were laid in 1882. Unfortunately, Gaudi died in 1926 leaving a large part of the work unfinished.

Sagrada Familia is not a complete work in itself, yet its distinctive and singular style is enough to place it among the world's best buildings.

alaga: Easy access to Malaga, one of Spain's major port cities, has brought me to Parador, where the view of the city has left me breathless. At Malaga you can easily get a charter plane bound for nearby cities such as London and Amsterdam, as well as Spain's very own cities.

Malaga, despite its commercial atmosphere, is still very attractive and quaint for all the little promenades, byways, gardens and parques that you can visit anytime. You can have a bite of pescaito frito or have a siesta after lunchtime. Malaga's historic past embraces modern lifestyle and for this I consider it one of the coolest cities to visit in Spain.

The most beautiful monument in the city of Burgos is its cathedral. A product of various architects, the Gothic masterpiece boasts of both its beautiful exterior and interior design.

Yet the cathedral is not only famous for the splendid stone sculptures that decorate its exterior or lace its ceiling, but rather it is also well known for the persons buried inside it. Of special interest is the tomb of El Cid, Spain's greatest hero.

In one of the walls of the mausoleum hangs his famous coffin. Legend says that El Cid filled the chest with sand and stones presenting it as a collateral for a loan. He requested that the coffin should not be opened within one year. If he did not return, then the treasure inside would belong to the Jews. Yet the Spanish hero kept his word and returned only to reveal the most surprising secret of all. He said to the Jews that although his chest contained only sand and stones, the most valuable treasure it kept were his words.

The country of legendary Spain is famous worldwide for its fine wines. Although almost every city has its own winery, La Rioja produces the greatest number and richest flavors of all.

When we speak of Spanish wines, we usually think of the bottled drinks. However, in Galicia, the natives tell of a different kind of wine - el "Orujo de Galicia" otherwise called as "aguardiente" or "firewater."

The wine produced from grape skins has a high amount of alcohol. What makes it so special and unique is that it is neither served in bottles nor in elegant wine glasses, but rather it is poured in a large earthen bowl and then set aflame as people filled their own small earthen bowls.

When I was in Spain, a friend of mine from Galicia served "Orujo de Galicia" on one occasion. Ladling my own drink from a flaming bowl of wine was one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences in the country. It was a long time ago, yet I still remember how "aguardiente" tasted during my first try. It was good!

When I was in Spain, I was lucky to have the chance to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Well, I heard stories from my Spanish colleagues before the trip. Yet seeing the breathtaking structure myself was a different experience. We arrived in Bilbao shortly after noontime. There it was, the museum standing proudly at the river bank and glittering like a giant silver sculpture under the sun.

With the combination of its titanium curves, the glass curtains, and the limestone bocks on which it sits, Guggenheim Museum is Spain's best modern architectural achievement.