Spain
From passionate flamenco in the Muslim-influenced south, to the sophisticated
Modernist architecture of the contemporary northeast, Spain offers a wealth of
attractions for every interest, although its finest and best-known gifts focus
on its wonderful climate, coupled with a generous supply of long, sandy beaches
along its ample Mediterranean coastline.
Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions, offering such variation
within one country. The hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline provide
ample opportunity to get off the beaten track, and the country's vibrant cities
and colourful festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveller.
Spain is the most popular holiday destination in the world for Europeans,
and especially Britons, welcoming some 30 million tourists each year, that’s
one for each resident!
There is the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, of Goya and Velazquez - proudly
displayed in Madrid's museums and galleries. Spain's Pamplona is a unique
experience of thundering streets that vibrate to the rhythm of man and beast
during the annual running of the bulls, and while the whole country celebrates
each February with the Carnival, no place does it better than Sitges. Barcelona
is Spain's showcase of the unique architectural style of Gaudi's bizarre organic
turrets and balconies. For a more provincial experience, the Valencia town of
Buñol goes wild every year with the La Tomatina festival, a time when the region's
surplus tomatoes - following the annual harvest - are dumped on the streets and
pelted about in a friendly riot. Spain is also a country rich in heritage and the
historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Seville and Granada promise a wealth of early
Christian and Moorish buildings and monuments, as well as the remains of some
incredible medieval sites. Spain has six cities that have been declared Unesco
World Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.
