Spain is amazing tourist destination for almost anyone. Whether you are a family taking a trip together, a retired couple getting away from your hometown, or a young couple honeymooning you will find the attractions to suit your tastes. You can visit the hot cities in Spain such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Benidorm, Murcia, and Valencia. Spanish cities will provide you with the best in shopping, museums, nightlife, and dining. Almost anything you would want in a major city, you will find in a Spanish city. Enjoy diverse Spanish culture as you sample local food such as Paella and other specialties. When you rent a car, you can explore more of the countryside and really get a good idea of life in a Spanish village. If you are a nature enthusiast then you can opt for a beach or a mountain vacation. The enormous Spanish coastline has enough beaches to keep you content for days at a time. If you enjoy hiking then the Pyrnees will be the perfect spot for you to hike or camp. No matter what time of year you visit Spain, you’ll be glad you came.

When you come to Spain, the culture and history should be at the forefront of yoru experience. Experience the hundreds of years of rich culture that Spain has to offer. From the Moors to the modern day, Spain is ripe with architecture and culture. You will be astounded by the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This magnificent church is still being built, but was designed and begun by famed architect Antonio Gaudi. If you travel to other areas of Spain you are sure to see ruins left from Roman times. These show the rich and diverse history of Spain. Also make sure to see the Moorish ruins that dot the coast of Spain. These show the legacy of Islam in Spain and are a sight to behold in this modern nation. No matter what your historical interest, you are sure to find something that catches your fancy. If you are an art lover, than make sure to check out the wide array of art that is found in Spain. Spain is the home of the famed Pablo Picasso and seeing his Guernica in Madrid is certainly a highlight of any Spanish vacation. If you are more of a shopper, than no fear Barcelona has your needs met. Check out the hottest in Spanish clothing and shoe designs in Barcelona.

If you are on a budget, you can still make Spain an affordable place to visit. Start by coming in the off-season, such as the winter. If you travel in the winter the hotel and airfare will be cheaper, but you will still have great mild weather. Once you are ready to book your tickets and accommodations, get online for all your needs. You can find great deals on airfares and hotel rooms by simply browsing the Internet from the comfort of your home. Rent a car to save money and time traveling around the country. If you are going with a large group this is definitely the way to go. You can be sure that there are accommodations for any budget. You’ll have a great time in Spain no matter when you come or what you do! So get online today and get on a plane to Spain tommorow.

About the Author:
Robert Carlton is writing normally for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online publication covering information on spanish culture . You can see his articles on paella over at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/spain-is-full-of-rich-culture-and-tradition-91580.html

It happened many years ago, that I met a man from Barcelona at a bar in England whom I asked if he considered himself to be Spanish or Catalonian. At first this man seemed surprised by my question till I explained to him that I had always heard that certain groups in Spain considered themselves to be more from a certain region then the country. For instance that some in the Basque country felt themselves not to be Spanish but Basques only. I even mentioned how this seemed a bit odd to me, as I would never say when asked that I was not British but Scottish.

Once I explained my question to this gentleman whose name was Jorge, he told me that the matter was not such an easy one. Yes, he did say he was Spanish and was proud of it but on the other hand he wanted it to be clear that his part of the country was of a different culture then the rest of Spain. For instance he mentioned how in Catalonia, the sport of bullfighting was not one that was practiced, given that it was not a part of their culture. This to the extent that there was not even a single bullfighting rink to be found in all of Catalonia.

Jorge also went to include in his arguments that though Spanish was his native tongue, which he spoke as his own; he also spoke Catalan and would not want to forget this language which he felt was a part of his ancestry. I even detected a certain tone of dignity in his voice as he made clear that Catalan was not a dialect as many might think but a language which should be respected as such.

Many were the topics this gentleman from Catalonia and I discussed on that evening however one I did find particularly comic and that was when Jorge told me that many a tourist went to Spain looking to buy a Mexican hat known as a charro. These hats are often referred to as sombreros though this word in fact in Spanish simply means hat, which could apply to anything one puts on ones head. Jorge found it odd how mostly American tourists came to Spain looking for something which was basically Mexican though he could understand that it was the money offered by these tourists that made them available. This despite the fact that these rather large hats had nothing to do with the culture of Spain.

In all I would say that this man showed me how one can both be proud of ones region while at the same time not forgetting the country where one was born in.

About the Author:

The Author is an avid learner of the Spanish Language having recently relocated to Spain. He was previously a director of a successful employment business and has since moved on to a new challenge. His interests include learning Spanish, writing, getting a grasp on the whole mix that is the internet and his family. He enjoys playing Golf now as his body won’t allow him to play football or rugby any more! He also enjoys learning about different cultures, in particular the Spanish culture; primarily because he loves wine and fiestas.
http://www.learn–spanish.net
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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/culture-articles/catalonian-culture-vs-spanish-culture-726847.html

One of the best types of trips is that of a tour of Spain. You will see that there are many exciting adventures to go on including those that will explore the countryside and nature as wellas the Costa Blanca. You will find all of the information that you need to enjoy these trips right on the web. Of course you should compare them and find the best choice and later determine what you need to book for your tour. What options are there? There are many including these.

Cycling Tours

For those that want to get out into nature, a cycling tour of Spain may be jus the thing. You will be able to enjoy the rural areas as well as the smaller villages and the countryside. You will find that the cycling touring companies provide you with a range of choice in these tours. If you have the ability and the right level of fitness, you can enjoy even mountain biking tour options available here.

You can visit a range of different sites if you use a guided tour. Why not visit historical locations or even enjoy a rural town with its fabulous cuisine or Spanish culture?

Ask for an itinerary that will give you the details of the route before you go. This will provide you with a great idea of what to expect. You should also know what the price of the tour is upfront and the cycle is generally included. Some accommodations can be booked with tours included. Find out if this is an option for you.

Cuisine In Spain: Wine and Food Tours

If you came to Spain to taste its food and wine, then a food and wine tour is the best way to do just that. Look for local wines that are available. You will find that there is a range of different cuisines around the country, too. You may find a tour for a one week or even a two week trip. You can learn more about these from your itinerary or by doing some research on the web. You will find that most of the tours will include your meals and entrance into the wineries that you are scheduled to visit. If you do want this, you should stay at a hotel that offers it or stay in the hotels that are spread across the country.

The Outdoors: Wildlife Tours

If nature is your think, then wildlife tours are the way to enjoy it. There are many different types of wildlife to see and enjoy including bird watching tours. Plants and wildlife make for an exciting tour. Most tours are only for one day, but there are some that span over the course of several days.

Another option is the Pyrenees Mountains in which there are various walking tours available. You can look for and enjoy the wildlife that you see including a range of animals and plants. Depending on the time of the year that you visit, you may find some amazing sights.

About the Author:
Peter J. Wilson is writing largely for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online publication on the topic of Madrid . His comments on Spain are found on his website .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/come-get-some-spanish-culture-132627.html