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
- Experience the best of Spain with Lonely Planet's new, full colour Discover Spain guide. Take a look inside.
- Buy the Spain guidebook and save 20% - limited time only
- 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
Last updated: Jul 15, 2010
Tips & articles
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Where to go in September
26 July 2010
Planning your September vacation? Consider one of these spots from Lonely Planet Magazine’s article...
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Northern Spain’s Camino de Santiago 2010
20 July 2010
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Barcelona’s surreal world of art
18 July 2010
Barcelona is a city that has embraced art like no other and it’s reflected in the buildings, across the...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Speaking English in Spain
by gerril 0 replies, last post 01 August 2010
We're planning a 3 week trip to Spain in October. Has anyone travelled in Spain independently without being able to speak Spanish? We're…
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looking for female to travel to Spain with in Sept.
by amotravl 0 replies, last post 01 August 2010
female looking for female to travel to Spain-(Barcelona & Madrid) with in Sept. for about a week.
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I need some inspiration please.
by truckergirl 1 reply, last post 31 July 2010
I have about 3 months of next year from january until march. I am looking for some inspiration on what area or countries i could travel…
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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Barcelona's La Boqueria
Blog: AlpacaSuitcase - 30 July 2010
We had the best of intentions while in Barcelona. The Catalonian town boasts some great art galleries – the Picasso Museum, Fundació Joan Miró, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, to name a few. There’s also some interesting museums: the Dali Museum in nearby Figueres and Antoni Gaudi’s La Pedrera come to mind.
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Friday Flashback: Barcelona!
Blog: GoBackpacking - 30 July 2010
Visiting Europe on my ’round the world trip, I was trying to catch up with some popular spots I missed my first time around back in 1998. Switzerland was one, and Spain was the other. Barcelona kept me busy with Gaudi’s buildings and Picasso’s art. The beaches were almost empty, however I found plenty of [...]--------- Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog. Membership includes 12 lessons, community forum, audio interviews, and a blog.
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Buying Air Tickets – How to find the best flights and cheapest fares
Blog: My Little Nomads - 29 July 2010
Tips, advice and great web sites for finding the best airlines and cheapest prices for your next vacation.Read more: Buying Air Tickets – How to find the best flights and cheapest fares Most popular post: The 5 Best Greek Islands for Kids and Families Most emailed post: Preventing Malaria When You Travel
