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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
Ready to go? These recommended tours make it easy:
- traverse the finest trails of the Sierra Nevada-Alpujarras National Park and explore Granada
- take in the Sierra de Tramuntana and the Majorcan coast on foot
- explore two of Spain's most fascinating cities on this exciting 8-day adventure to Madrid and Barcelona
- or check out some exciting things to do in Madrid
Want more? Choose from a wide selection of similar trips in Spain
Last updated: Dec 8, 2009
Tips & articles
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World’s best traditions
16 December 2009
Think Christmas traditions are special? What about these? High tea, The Ritz, London, England Take a...
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Best things to do in 2010
27 November 2009
Rest up while you can, dear travellers, because 2010 is going to be an action-packed year! Total eclipse...
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Raging bull: Festa do Boi in Allariz
20 November 2009
Dominic Bonuccelli travelled to Spain on assignment for Lonely Planet. You can follow his adventures...
Spain
Our Top Picks For Spain
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1 Barcelona
Spain's Mediterranean jewel sparkles with its Gaudí and gourmet delights, a buzzing waterfront scene and 2000 years of history
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2 Balearic Islands
From Menorca's crystal coves and Mallorca's dramatic mountain coast to Ibiza's clubs and Formentera's chilled scene, these islands offer it all
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3 Granada
Eight hundred years of Muslim rule left an indelible mark on this fascinating city, dominated by the magic of the Alhambra
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4 San Sebastián
The elegant old centre of this Basque city, sited on a crescent-shaped beach, is a hive of nocturnal activity
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5 Madrid
With its grand boulevards and art museums and outrageous nightlife till dawn, there’s no time for boredom
Fast Facts about Spain
- Head of government
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
- Highest point in peninsular Spain
Mulhacén at 3479m
- Official languages
Spanish (Castilian or castellano), Catalan, Galician (gallego), Basque (euskera/vasco)
- Area
505, 000 sq km
- Famous for
Bullfighting, Pablo Picasso, jamón, sunshine, Penelope Cruz, Don Quijote, Pedro Almodóvar films, late nights, tapas, Manolo Blahnik
- Capital
- Population
46.6 million
- Captain of Spanish national football team
Iker Casillas
- Foodie fact
Spaniards spend more on food per capita than anyone else in Europe!
- Biggest paella
Made in Valencia in 1992 in a pan 20m in diameter; it was eaten by 100, 000 people
Related Groups
Our favourite Spain Blogs (beta)
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Carnival and Candies in Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain
Blog: Solo Traveler - 9 February 2010
Here's an unusual carnival celebration from Spain. There, it's all about candy! This is just a summary. To read the entire article, please click on the title above. If you enjoy this blog, please lend your support by forwarding this email to friends. Thanks, Janice
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Buying foreign newspapers in Barcelona
Blog: Barcelona travel and culture - 6 February 2010
Many tourist enjoy reading their own national newspapers whilst on holiday or vacation whilst sat in a cafe and thus the question is often - Where can I buy a German, French, English or American newspaper?Las Ramblas - The newspaper and magazines kiosks in Las Ramblas is the best bet, with this street the central hub for tourist activity; an area which is near to the marina, beach and served by several metro stops. You normally have a choice of 3 or 4 of the UK newspapers and a few other national dailies.
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Lady on La Rambla
Blog: A Lady in London - 1 February 2010
Last time I was in Barcelona I was 18 years old. I had no knowledge of Gaudi, no passion for food, and no limit to the amount of clothing I was willing to purchase from the stores in Barri Gotic.Ah, how times have changed. This weekend I was back in Barcelona, excited for Casa Batllo, hungry for tapas, and completely uninterested in buying anything I couldn't eat immediately.
