Introducing Spain
Stretching sun-drenched and untamed to the south of the wild and majestic Pyrenees, this passionate nation works a mysterious magic. Spain is littered with hundreds of glittering beaches; flamenco bailaors (dancers) swirl in flounces of colour; and toreros (bullfighters) strut their stuff in the bullrings. Summer holidaymakers gather around great pans of steaming paella (at its tasty best in Valencia) and pitchers of sangria…
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Beyond these clichéd images, a vast, unexpected panorama unfolds before you. Emerald green mountains seem to slide into the wild blue Atlantic in the north. Proud, solitary castles and medieval towns are strewn across the interior. White villages glitter in inland Andalucía. Rugged mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada (Europe’s most southerly ski resort) are draped across the country. The Celtic music of Cantabria, Asturias & Galicia reminds one of the misty lands of Brittany, Scotland and Ireland.
From its Roman relics to Muslim palaces, from baroque cathedrals and Modernista constructions, the country is a treasure chest of artistic and architectural marvels across a matchless cultural palette. More than 30 years of democracy and rapid economic development have spurred Spain’s cities to bedeck themselves with sparkling new ornaments. An army of local and international architects has left a slew of daring signature buildings in Barcelona, Bilbao and Madrid, to name a few.
Up and down the country, a zest for life creates an intense, hedonistic vibe in its effervescent cities. Indeed, if there is one thing Spaniards love, it is to eat, drink and be merry, whether gobbling up tapas over fine wine in Madrid and the south, or its elaborate Basque Country equivalent, pintxos, over cider in the north.
Make it happen:
- Download our new Spanish Offline Translator app. Simply talk or type, and it translates. Available for iPhone, iPad and Andorid.
- Go on a 4-day trip to Cordoba, Seville and Granada
- Discover the hidden valleys and soaring peaks of Spain's Picos de Europa
- Gourmet food and Catalan culture on a tour of Barcelona's famous tapas bars
Last updated: Jan 18, 2012
Tips & articles
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Seville’s fine art of flamenco
2 May 2012
Seville’s flamenco roots run deep. If you don’t feel its rhythms singing through the winding streets and among the orange...
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Ask Lonely Planet: where can I find a unique seaside honeymoon spot?
1 May 2012
A honeymoon with seaside charm but none of the cliches? Our travel experts were full of suggestions for Lonely Planet...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Day trip to Morocco from Spain
by Moo_27 27 May 2012
Thanks for the advice and suggestions so far - really useful thank you!!
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RE: Day trip to Morocco from Spain
by battybilly 27 May 2012
Like *1 wisely says, a day trip is fully feasible. However, being a regular visitor to Morocco - I'd suggest (if you possibly can) doing…
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RE: Day trip to Morocco from Spain
by WanderinWilco 27 May 2012
On a one day trip it is feasible if the ferry is running (from Gib they are not as frequent). A better option might be to catch an early…
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