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SPAIN
Spain is a country on the move, a place of rapid change. But here, too, you will find a country where time stands still, where Roman columns rise into a clear blue sky, where crumbling Arab watchtowers maintain a lonely vigil over vast and magnificent landscapes, and city plazas where the baroque jostles with the modern to strike a uniquely Spanish harmony. High-speed railways have conquered the country’s mountainous terrain and many cities now have modern metro and tram networks, testifying to a vibrant and growing economy. The people are warm and hospitable - and they know how to party. The Spanish experience would be incomplete without joining in at least one of its famous fiestas.
Spain's regions can be grouped as follows.
- Mainland Spain is the second highest and most mountainous country in Europe,
- Northern area includes Castile and León,
- Southern section comprises of Castile, La Mancha, Extremadura., the high plains rise further at the Sierra Morena before falling abruptly at the great valley of The Guadalquivirpopulated.
- Catalonia and Northeastern Spain .
- The Mediterranean coast extends from the French frontier to the Straits of Gibraltar, the narrow strip of water linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic and separating Spain from North Africa.
- The Balearic Islands southeast of Barcelona.(Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera)
- The Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa are part of Spain, as are the tiny enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on the North African mainland.
The historic cities of Spain are drenched in the atmosphere of the past, but well equipped to meet modern needs as well. The countryside is infinitely varied, from the ‘Green Spain’ of the rugged Atlantic coast to the parched plains of Castile and La Mancha. The open roads across endless open spaces produce a steady stream of surprises, with hidden villages and unexpected castles, shepherds roaming with their flocks and hilltop windmills appearing unexpectedly. One of the most pleasurable ways to discover Spain’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife is to visit one of the National Parks. It is a great country for touring
Madrid
The Spanish capital is a vibrant, atmospheric city, short on famous monuments but rich in cultural sights. Pride of place belongs to the city’s three superb art museums. The popular center of Madrid is the famous square, the Puerta del Sol, the main shopping district and hub of the city’s nightlife. Madrid’s most accessible green space is the Retiro Park. A former royal retreat, its attractions include a boating lake and summer concerts. The mountains of the Sierra de Guadarrama are easily accessible from Madrid and are an important center for skiing and winter sports. To the south of Madrid is the ancient Spanish capital of Toledo. Rising above the plains and a gorge of the Rio Tajo, the city is dominated by the magnificent cathedral and Alcazar. Cuenca, also a provincial capital, is famous for its hanging houses. It is one of the most attractive of Spain’s medieval towns and the Gothic cathedral is particularly richly decorated. Cuenca, also a provincial capital, is famous for its hanging houses. It is one of the most attractive of Spain’s medieval towns and the Gothic cathedral is particularly richly decorated.
Barcelona capital of Catalonia show a dynamism envied in the peninsula. Open to every innovation, welcoming, plural, diverse. A region and a city to live and share. Barcelona never sleeps. The city has set the benchmark for the international electronic music scene and dances to the sounds of the world's top DJs. It's also the perfect place for lovers of jazz, rock, Latin rhythms and pop. Visit the mountain of Montserrat, once home to the Holy Grail, and see the famous Virgin Moreneta. Experience the passion of a Spanish Flamenco show – a must do in Spain. Travel to the region of Valle de Collsacabra and explore pretty villages forgotten by timeJourney south of Barcelona and see some of the best examples of Cistercian architecture. Put on your walking shoes and explore the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s historic district. Barcelona's nightlife is divided into areas which bring together similar styles and characteristics.
Andalucia, Ceuta& Melilla is a mountainous region in the far south of Spain, rich in minerals.
Costa del Sol -This densely populated area, popular with tourists on account of its fine beaches and picturesque towns, extends along most of Andalusia’s Mediterranean coastline, from Almeria to Tarifa. Usually regarded as little more than the gateway to the Costa del Sol, Málaga is an attractive and lively city with plenty to interest the passing visitor. The birthplace of Spain’s greatest 20th-century artist, Pablo Picasso, it is now home to the newly opened Picasso Museum which exhibits an important collection of his paintings. The Mediterranean Coast Line with beach resorts on the Costa Blanca, Costa Brava continue to attract sun seekers, the north coast is gradually gaining in popularity.
Seville (Sevilla) - the regional capital is one of the largest cities in Spain, bearing numerous traces of the 500 years of Moorish occupation. Seville is the romantic heart of the country, the city of Carmen and Don Juan; its cathedral is the largest Gothic building in the world and has a superb collection of art and period stonework. Christopher Columbus is buried here. The cathedral bell tower, known as the Giralda from its crowning weather vane, was originally a minaret and observatory.
Córdoba - founded by the Romans, Córdoba’s heyday was during the early Moorish period when it was reputed to be the most splendid city in Europe. The Great Mosque built between 785 and 1002 is the main tourist attraction. Highlights include the Great Hall, characterized by delicately carved horseshoe arches of alternating white stone and red brick, the Patio de Los Naranjas.
Granada - The last city to fall to the Christians, Granada’s outstanding monument is the Alhambra, the palace-fortress built by the Nasrid rulers in the 13th to 14th centuries. Across the river from the Alhambra is the atmospheric Arab quarter of the Albaicín. The main sights here are the Arab baths, the Renaissance Casa de Castril and the Church of San Nicolás from where the views of the Alhambra and the surrounding countryside are outstanding.
The SierraNevada - South of Granada and only about 40km (25 miles) from the coast, is the upland area of the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range running roughly east to west. It contains the highest peaks in Iberia; Rich in history and natural beauty and with more than a fair share of sunshine, Spain is a year-round, natural choice for many different kinds of holiday, from outdoor adventures to world-class museums and art galleries to an infinite variety of popular beaches and secluded coves.
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