With a little bit of research and an evening spent searching the net, you will probably discover that Spain and most of the Spanish resorts still make a viable alternative to staying in blighty! For a relatively cheap package deal, you could be stepping out onto the sun kissed Mediteranean coastline for not as much as you may have thought.

Lets be honest here for a moment, taking a stroll along the promenade in Eastbourne or Bognor has never really appealed to me, stopping at the little seaside stalls and ordering a styrofoam cup full of mussels and eating them with a wooden prong thingy, pitching my tent on a campsite and having to walk 5 minutes around said campsite to use the loo or taking in a punch and judy show is not really a very high priority on my great list of things to do when it comes to summertime holidays.

Now I know all people are different, and what I have described above is some peoples idea of a good family holiday. Certainly in this current financial climate the UK media would like you to beleive that that is what you should be doing too!

What you don’t always see being reported in the press back in the UK, and we have 1st hand experience of this because we live here, is that over here in Spain when you have actually arrived for your holidays, virtually everything and everyone involved in servicing the tourism industry are at war and as a result most things have been drastically reduced in price!

Restaurants over here on the costa del sol are all in high competition with each other, each one trying to out do the other for your trade. This results in you being the absolute winner and being able to dine out in the evening for nearly 50% less than you could have done last year!

Menu del dia’s are the order of the day along the paseo maritimo here in Benalmadena Costa, I know because I have see them, how about a 3 course meal for €6.95 including a half bottle of wine, a beer or soft drink per person! I’m sure you can do the maths but that works out for a family of 4 only €27.80 including dessert and your 1st round of drinks. With extra beers being thrown in for just a €1 a glass there is no better time to get down here and holiday without breaking the bank. Fancy a chinese meal? I stopped at a chinese restaurant on saturday night with my 3 friends in Arroyo de la Miel, we wondered what all the fuss was about as people were actually queuing to get in the place, when I read the menu board outside it was no wonder, chinese meal, 3 courses including coffee just €4.95 per person! Pints of Mahou beer or glass of wine, just an extra €1.70. The food was great, we had an enjoyable evening and were not felt as though we were being rushed out of the place so they could get the next sitting in.

Torremolinos is exactly the same as is Fuengirola, every bar, cafe and restaurant all trying to get your trade and entice you into their establishment touting the best prices on the coast.

Obviously all of the above totally depends on your circumstances in this financial crisis and everyones idea of summer holidays are all different, but if you are the type that yearns for a holiday outside of the UK and you do not want to break the bank, you should still consider Spain as an option, it maybe a lot cheaper than you think.

Spain is rich in variety and never fails to fascinate a tourist

Tourists can ski to their hearts’ content in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The famous tourist spots like Torremolinos and Malaga are close to these mountains, and ski-lovers can spend hours enjoying their sport. Late spring is the ideal time for skiing in the morning and sunbathing in the noon hours.

The Alhambra in Granada is a stunning fortified palace. The entire complex is huge, and constitutes a substantial portion of the city center. Tourists can spend the whole day exploring the palace and its complex. It is advisable to book tickets in advance if one is on a summer holiday.

A holiday in Spain is going to mesmeris, with the stunning architecture of Frank Gehry. The large copper fish located on Barcelona Beach, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the conference house near Malaga Airport are examples of innovative design. Barcelona buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi are spectacular. Parc Guell is a treat to watch. The stunning park has innumerable sculptures and buildings that exhibit the famous “broken tile” style of Gaudi. The graceful organic curves are also gorgeous. People of every age and culture love to spend many an hour experiencing the richness of Spain’s architecture.

The local village fiestas are attractive and lure tourists into taking part. Though most of them are religious fiestas, they are a lot of fun. These are colorful and vibrant processions and the experience is worth it. The parties continue till morning and there is no dearth of enjoyment.

A visit to the mausoleum of Salvador Dali, located in North Spain, is a memorable experience. The Miro Foundation in Barcelona, Picasso’s Guernica at the Reina Sofia in Madrid and the images of Goya also in Madrid are going to enrich a tourist in many a way. The Picasso Foundation in Malaga also has great displays of Picasso’s works.

Flamenco tempts one to tap heels to its tune and beat. A kind of music that you just cannot miss while visiting the South of Spain or Andalucia, Flamenco has just revived its old popularity. It is hugely popular among the residents of Spain, and the tourists also cannot deny the attraction.

The magnificent views of Ronda fascinate tourists to the utmost. A drive through the Andalucian mountains brings one to Ronda, situated at the top of a gigantic cliff. The cliff has a tremendous bridge that spans the gap between the new and the old towns. Ronda also boasts of Roman baths, and the oldest Bull Ring in Spain.

Spain, thanks to its varied treasures and heritage, has never disappointed a tourist. It is always safe to choose Spain as a holiday destination. The package deals and cheap hotels make Spain an even safer option now.

About the Author:
Packyourbags.com has a multiple range of package deal available for holidays in Spain which are the most innovative and exciting time for a wonderful way to spend your holidays.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Why Are Holidays in Spain Seen As the Safe Option

IBIZA

Ibiza or Eivissa, depending on where you emanate from, is Spain’s most famous island and its double name is mirrored in a peculiar split personality that has developed over the last ten years. It is known as the clubbing capital of the world, drawing music connoisseurs from across the globe for its jaw-dropping DJ line-ups and its range of superclubs that hold thousands. At the same time, thanks to reality shows like ‘Ibiza Uncovered’, the so-called Isla Bonita is burdened with a reputation for attracting the worst element of Brits abroad. Lary lads and loose lasses stumble through the streets of San Antonio wreaking havock, making mischief and collapsing in a heap at the end of the night. But beyond all of this, there is a very sophisticated element of Ibizan life – a third personality that escapes most of the tourist trade. A new generation of bars have evolved into world class venues with slick interior design, atmospheric lighting, extensive cocktail menus and some of the best resident DJs in Europe.

When the Warhol bar opened in December 2001, its mission was to attract the stylish and beautiful, and now anyone who’s in the know in the music, fashion or media worlds can be found flocking to it for album launches, catwalk collections or photoshoots. The Base Bar continues to draw the music buffs and Café Mambo on the opposite side of the island has stolen the glory from Café Del Mar next door as the best place to watch the sun go down. Wine Bar is a new development, whose proximity to Pacha nightclub has sealed its future as an all-year fashion hang-out where you can dump vodka limóns in favour of fine wines and Fino. Then there’s cushion-strewn Mao Rooms, from London’s Chinawhite crew, which has become a first class lounge on the Ibiza scene.

For food, L’Elephant is the island’s top French restaurant, located in the small town of San Rafael just outside of Ibiza Town. Sa Capella is a beautiful and impressive restaurant housed in a 16th Century church resplendent with stone statues, foliage and faultless service. La Casita in Cala Llonga is a sleek and stylish terrace restaurant serving gastronomically inventive dishes from its old farmhouse location.

BARCELONA

Physically compact, yet culturally enormous; bohemian, and at the same time ultra chic. Barcelona is one of those cities that is all things to all men. It’s hub of creativity, with internationally renowned art galleries, designer shops and architectural delights that are second to none. Glitzy modern façades juxtaposed with the unique contorted architecture that is Gaudi’s legacy. Delightful squares and meandering boulevards that invite you to amble along for hours, glancing in the designer shops north of Plaça Catalunya. Then break your journey in the basement bodegas and tapas bars of La Rambla. In the summer, you can relax beachside at one of the scores of bars and restaurants along the Mediterranean coast of the Olympic port, dining on morning fresh seafood with a cold Manzanilla at your side. Aqua is a favourite hangout with bleached wooden tables and chairs spilling onto the beach front. For something more urban, Lupino, in one of the grafitti-ridden backstreets of the Raval district, is a fashionable spot with an alfresco terrace in similar style to one of London’s Hoxton haunts. Its slick, warmly lit interior is in direct contrast to the industrial carpark and the boqueria market that it looks out onto. The gourmands would prefer to venture into the commercial district to critically acclaimed Comerç 24 (closed in August), where the El Bulli trained chef, Carles Abellan, serves fantastic modern style tapas to a well-to-do professional crowd. For those of a more adventurous nature, a trip into Mount Tibidabo will provide views over the bustling city. A day at the theme park on high can be followed with drinks at Mirabelle and then completed with cocktails and dancing at the converted mansion known as Partycular. The sophisticated Eixample area offers a number of trendy escapes such as lounge bar Smooth, with its awesome selection of wines and Sherry, and velvet-clad Snooker, which won design awards when it opened a decade ago. El Ascensor in Ribera attracts the beautiful young things and with any luck you’ll be caught in the lift with one of them as you ascend to the modern designer club.

MADRID

It’s big and bustling, it’s loud and crowded, lascivious characters skulk in dark corners, and taxi drivers will try to rip you off. It’s a capital city and no mistaking it. Slap bang in the middle of the Spanish mainland, Madrid is hot – and with none of the forgiving sea breeze that blesses Barcelona, the teracotta cityscape looks practically kiln-baked. But it’s not all stress and strife. The best place to start relaxing is in Paseo del Prado, the expansive promenade that puts all of the city stress on hold. Down the spine of the Prado are three gurgling fountains that are fed by a subterranean stream. Adjacent to Prado is the beautiful, landscaped Retiro park, alive with street performers, bandstand and boat rides on its artificial lake. Sandwiched between the two is the botanical garden, an oasis of peace at the nucleus of the city. Café Miranda captures the spirit and colour of Madrid. Modern European cooking accompanied by a vampish dinner show with drag queens and a psychadelic decor. Drag queens feature at Gula Gula (Gran Via 1) too, where eating at the self-service buffet is a colourful and entertaining experience. A more sophisticated option is La Vaca Veronica where market-fresh ingredients are combined to terrific results. For something on the fashionable tip, Larios Café is a glamorous spot and its delicious Cuban cuisine is popular with the arty designer crowd. But if you’re looking up-market then Salamanca is the area to head for. The Beverley Hills of Madrid, Salamanca is awash with high class restaurants and glitzy bars. El Mentidero de la Villa (C/Santo Tomé 6) or grandiose Pedro Larumbe (C/Serrano 61) for exquisite fish, Estay for contemporary tapas or Boulevard for quaffing with any A-listers that are in town. Another trendy getaway is El Viso Madrid (C/Juan Bravo 31) set on a number of floors with a beautiful terrace bar, basement club and a very well-heeled young clientele. For a change from the norm, La Ida is a funky, chilled bar with no signage to give it away and an unconventional interior design. Frequented only by those ‘in the know’, it’s definitely worth seeking out.

SEVILLE

It is the flamboyant heart and soul of Spanish culture and a city that lives for tradition. From religion, which is embedded in its very essence, to football, politics, food and drink, the Andalusian capital thrives on its roots. Bull-fighting and flamenco are at the centre of its cultural calendar. And tapas is simply the done thing, for it was in Seville that the global obsession was born.Languishing at Spain’s southern tip, the sun-baked streets bask in the glory of a near-tropical heat. It is explosively colourful and architecturally stunning, its foundations carved from a multitude of occupations that span three millennia. The people smile, things move ever so slowly and mañana never seems to come. A weekend is simply not enough in Seville. You need time to stroll around from tapas bar to tapas bar, soaking up the atmosphere and the locally made Sherry; to meander along the river at sunset, stopping to crack open a bottle of Amontillado to mix with the rays of a sinking sun; to wander through the charming squares and the winding, cobbled streets of the Jewish quarter; and to drift from one hip bar to the next in trendy Alameda. Restaurants are less commonplace than in Barcelona or Madrid and Tapas bars take precedence. Egaña Oriza (C/San Fernando 41) combines bar and restaurant with elegance blending Basque and Andalusian cuisine in an expansive early 20th Century terazza. Another magnificient dining experience is La Albahaca – an exclusive townhouse which serves imaginative Spanish fusion dishes. Casa Robles serves gourmet Sevillian cuisine and is favoured by the Spanish royal family. Its sister restaurants Robles Placentines and Robles Tapas offer a less formal environment. La Colonial de Vinos y Viandas (C/Valpaiso 13) is the place to head for Spanish wine lovers – an amazing array of wines are accompanied by Cuban cigars and tasty tapas. Or try the inventive Mediterranean cuisine at La Madraza (C/Peris Mencheta 21), where you can titilate your taste-buds while gazing at the artworks on the walls which double as a gallery space.

BILBAO

Fifteen years ago, Bilbao was just a busy port and an old iron mining town. Fondly called ‘Botxo’ by the locals (Basque for ‘hole’), Bilbao escaped becoming a hole (literally) in the 90s with the gentrification of the dock area and the creation of such cultural magnets as the Guggenheim Museum and the concert hall, the development of the park, and the Sir Norman Foster designed metro system. The best way to get the most out of Bilbao is by way of a Txikiteo (the local version of a pub crawl) with a glass of Sherry and a plate of tapas in each bar. Alternatively, go top-end with Michelin-starred Zortzika – the lunch menu is best value. There’s also relaxed, but fashionable El Perro Chico, which looks out onto the recently cleaned river. Tapas bars tend to be more on the dark traditional side, but Harizki (Ledesma 7) goes against the grain offering gourmet style dishes in a slick, bright interior. As with other bars around Calle Ledesma, this place stays open a little later than the rest of the city. Worth a visit too is Artajo (Ledesma 4), where locals swear by the mussels in anchovy sauce.

JEREZ

The people of Jerez live for Sherry. Flamenco is a favourite pass-time and while drinking and dancing are woven into the fabric of life, it still remains a relatively peaceful and unspoilt part of Spain. Beaches and mountains are within reach at either side, vineyards and orange groves surround it and the ruins of once magnificent castles punctuate the landscape. It is a beautiful and ancient city, which despite being serviced by the no-frills airlines, still manages to evade mass tourism.The wide avenues of the city centre are full of shops and tapas bars are everywhere. Pass by Las Bridas for the kind of portions that you can share around or head for La Abacerio (Plaza Rafel Rivero) for a lively evening in alfresco surrounds. Good tradicional cuisine is to be had at Gaitán or El Gallo Azul (Calle Larga) for something a little more experimental. And whatever you do, make time to visit one of a many bodegas that are open for Sherry-tasting tours. It’s an unforgettable experience and one that will ensure you go away itching to come back.

SAN SEBASTIAN

One of the most fashionable places in Spain to holiday, San Sebastian couldn’t be further removed from the cheap resorts of the south. Golden beaches are beautifully maintained, landscaped parks and gardens, majestic mountains and the thrashing seas of the Bay of Biscay combine to dramatic effect. Designer shops keep the spendthrift upper classes happy as do some of the finest bars and restaurants in the country. Arzak is at the top of the list of restaurants to visit for the foodies (you are recommended to book at least a month in advance). Chef Juan Mari Arzak is often at your side to help you decide on dishes which change daily. Akelarre with its mountain location and views over the Atlantic offers a combination of traditional local cuisine and modern Basque interpretations and is not to be missed. All of the late night action happens in Parte Vieja, where tapas bars line the streets (try La Cepa, Martinez, Ormazabel and Gaztelu all on C/Agosto) and you can dance and drink until the very early hours.

About the Author:

Jeremy Mascarenhas has been editorial director of the seminal London Bar Guide magazine http://www.londonbarguide.com for 10 years. He is also global editor of The World Bar Guide, an online guide to the best bars in the world http://www.worldbarguide.com, publisher of The Big Directory (a bar industry bible) and a freelance drinks marketing consultant. He has worked with most of the leading drinks groups including Red Bull, Moët Hennessy, Diageo, Brown Foreman, Budweiser, Asahi, Tiger Beer and Grand Marnier. Through his publishing company Scene It, as well as the London Bar Guide, he has published guides to Sherry, UK nightlife, cocktails, Japanese restaurants, the much lauded London Restaurant Guide and much more besides.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Iberian Cool – the Hip Hangouts in Spain

We hope you will find the sites useful and that they will give you an insigt into each individual destination.

Explore Madrid
Explore Malaga
Explore Seville
Visit Benalmadena

A good, detailed map of Spain is one that gives you a quick visual image that creates a picture and orientates you to exactly where Spain lies. Also, maps can provide a lot more information if you study their legends and understand how the area you are viewing relates to the rest of the region and its place in the world.

Where on the Globe is Spain?

Spain is located at 40 degrees north and 4 degrees west. It is a part of Europe and makes up the south western part of the continent. To compare it to the United States, Spain would measure only a little more than two times the size of Oregon. It’s total area is 504,782 square kilometres, with that being broken down as 499,542 sq km of land and 5,240 sq km of water.

Spain includes a couple of island chains and two autonomous cities: Melilla and Ceuta. The islands are the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Penon de Alhucemas, Islas Chafarinas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera which are located off the coast of Morocco.

Spain borders on France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and two of Morocco’s communities in different areas. Even with all of these land connections, Spain has almost 5,000 km of coastline and the beaches are a big part of the country’s tourist trade.

Also adding to the tourist attractiveness of Spain is the temperate climate. The coast is most moderate, as the interior regions can get more extreme cold and hot temperatures in the summer and winter.

Spain sits right at sea level in its lowest spot along the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point is located in Tenerife at the Pico de Teide. This peak sits atop the Canary Islands and reaches 3,718 meters.

Key Cities and Regions of Spain

At the southern tip of Spain is the Straight of Gibraltar. This is an important passage from the Mediterranean Sea into the North Atlantic Ocean. The city of Algeciras sits watch over the merchant and tourist trades that pass through.

Along the Mediterranean coast is the Alicante region. This is a popular tourist location for all of Europe, Spain and International visitors from other parts of the world.

Madrid sits in the centre of Spain and is the country’s capital. It is located near the Tagus river which then accesses the North Atlantic Ocean by way of Portugal. Seville sits in the south western part of Spain and is known for its art and culture as well as being a financial centre.

Other major and important cities in Spain are Barcelona and Cartagena both on the Balearic and Mediterranean Seas respectively.

Up in the Bay of Biscay along the coast lie the cities of Gijon and Santander. Also part of the northern coastal cities are A Coruna and Vigo. It is easy to see why Spain is heavily involved in sea life either through fishing, salt harvesting or trade. However, even strategic location has not helped Spain with its relatively high unemployment rate.

Spain still has a strong and dynamic economy. This mostly evolved after the death of its dictator, Francisco Franco who died in 1975. Once Franco was not in power, Spain quickly became a democracy and saw a dramatic modernization of its economy.

Spain is an advocate of world freedom, remaining neutral in World Wars I and II, but fighting today for liberty and ending terrorism.

Spain may not be one of the most visited of European countries by Americans unless you count the Canary Islands. It is a mistake to rule out this beautiful country because of a lack of understanding. The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are among the most perfect vacation spots in all of Europe, any time of year.

About the Author:
Focusing on latest news in Spain, Ken J. Morris is writing essentially for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His articles on detailed map of Spain are found on his site .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/understanding-a-detailed-map-of-spain-133940.html

Many people consider departing UK shores and creating a new life in Spain. Such a consideration is not limited only to those approaching retirement, but encapsulates the entire age spectrum; and those that do make the move find that they are stimulated and invigorated to adopt a new and refreshing alternative lifestyle. In excess of a half million people have purchased a property in Spain – and many have now made their home in the country.

But, what is the attraction of living abroad from the UK? Often, it is a growing element of dissatisfaction with living in the UK which often triggers the deliberation process. The most common complaint is the UK weather with its short summer period and lengthy dull winter; however issues such as security, congested roads, expensive living costs and the demanding pace of life are also becoming more prevalent considerations.

Once the decision to consider living in another country has been made, Spain rapidly becomes the number one choice. Spain was originally recognised as a place to spend holiday time, but recent years has seen Spain grow in stature as a country – particularly since joining the EU. Only a short two hour flight away, the people of Spain are warm, friendly, welcoming and accept those who arrive to develop the country. However, Spain has much more to offer potential property buyers than a warm welcome.

As a country, Spain is modern in outlook yet retaining an old world charm, and despite being a country five times the size of the UK, Spain has many obvious appeals, such as a lower population, an excellent communications network and a massive coastline, as well as mountains ranges in the north and inland all waiting to be explored. Meanwhile, all of Spain’s major cities have magnificent buildings, parks and museums to satisfy the most discerning culture vulture; while age-old traditions are maintained, with celebrations and fiestas occurring throughout the year.

Being a warm and substantially Mediterranean climate also has its advantages in dietary terms; masses of fresh, locally produced fruit and vegetables; an abundance of fresh fish caught the same day, and cooking with olive oil are all staples of typical Mediterranean cuisine. Furthermore, embracing the outdoor life also lends itself to a healthier lifestyle. All types of sport and leisure can be enjoyed in Spain, with football, basketball and cycling being especially ardent activities; additionally buying a Spanish property near to the coast affords the option of water sports. And of course, there is golf; courses are available for play every day of the year with no winter greens or course closures, and Spain boasts a superb choice of courses from nine holes to championship courses.

However, it’s not just the attractions that Spain offers that make it a popular choice. Everyday living costs are generally lower than in the UK, with the weekly food bill being the obvious one; as for motoring, not only is petrol cheaper but also road tax is lower. Plus, the need to heat a Spanish home is a rarity, thus considerably reduced heating costs are attained. Furthermore, Local authority service charges are also low in comparison to the UK.

Moving abroad doesn’t mean cutting yourself off from your friends and family left behind either. With the UK being only two hours flight time away, visits to family in the UK are easy, with an array of flights serving most UK airports. This travel time compares favourably with driving time from Manchester to London, for example, and can prove to be a lot less stressful.

For those considering moving to Spain, a key element in finding a suitable property is to make contact with a reputable, established property agent. In Costa Calida and Costa Blanca – two of the most established and growing areas – many companies offer a search-and-find Spanish property service. However, it is essential to choose an agent carefully so that professional advice is provided to cover all aspects of the buying process. SpainDirect4U, for example, not only provide a full search-and-find operation for new build Spanish properties, but can also effect introductions to companies providing all the necessary services to cover every eventuality arising from ownership of Spanish home.

Life in Spain gives you the feeling of being in a vibrant, developing, progressive country unfettered with the restrictions and limitations of the UK. Not only can you enjoy the benefits that an outdoor lifestyle brings in terms of health and wellbeing, but pocket a bonus as well; it costs considerably less to live in Spain than in the UK.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/live-in-spain-enjoy-life-130337.html

About the Author:

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist. SpainDirect4U is based in Nuneaton, UK and is a specialist Spanish property agent.

Most famously known for its endless beaches and year-round sunshine as well as the sultry Flamenco and the gory bullfights, Spain has oodles more to offer than that. For thousands of years, Spain has been one of the prime cultural centres of Europe. What distinguishes Spain from the other European countries is its distinctly Arab characteristic which is a result of almost eight centuries of Arab influence.

Spain’s diversity is overwhelming. Its various regions are all conspicuously different from each other; from their geography and climate to their cuisine and culture. Every city and town is an eclectic mix of ancient monuments and futuristic architecture standing testimony to Spain’s centuries old history and its changing times. Cities and towns are littered with Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces, medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals.

Geography

Located in the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Spain’s bordering countries include France, Andorra, Portugal, Gibraltar and Morocco. The waters surrounding Spain include the North Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrenees Mountains southwest of France. Spain has a total area of 504,782 km, with a coastline that stretches 4,964 km. It comprises 19 autonomous communities including the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean; the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca) in the Mediterranean Sea and Melilla and Ceuta, situated in northern Africa. Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas are three tiny Spanish possessions that lie off the coast of Morocco.

Five immense mountain ranges span the country adding to the extremely varied landscape; green and fertile in some areas and arid, almost desert-like in others. Along with all this are the never-ending coast lines that run from the Pyrenees to Gibraltar along the Mediterranean Sea in the east and along the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the west.

Climate

Spain’s climate is predominantly temperate with clear, hot summers and colder winters in the interiors and cloudier with moderate temperatures along the coast.

Language

While Spanish is the official language of the country, there are several other languages that co-exist with Spanish and are spoken in certain regions of Spain. These include Catalan in Catalonia, Valencian in the Valencia Region, , Galician in Galicia and a distinct variety of Catalan that is spoken on the Balearic Islands.

Culture

Fiestas and bullfights are indispensable parts of Spain. The seasons in Spain are defined not only by the changes in temperatures but also by the different fiestas; there is a fiesta for every season. Every fiesta is distinct from the other in the way it is celebrated, why it is celebrated, when it is celebrated as well as which region it is celebrated in. Fiestas are such an integral part of Spain that you would have to spend a year in Spain to experience the real culture of Spain. While the Feria de Abril in Sevilla includes an entire week of dancing and singing while indulging in tapas and sherry; the Semana Santa is a more somber week of prayer and penance.

The Flamenco is Spain itself. This musical tradition is absolutely inseparable from Spain and so are teg bullfights, which are part and parcel of almost all Fiestas and are a sight to behold. Not to be missed is the “Running of the Bulls” during the Sanfermines in Pamplona.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/all-about-spain-248526.html

About the Author:

Sandra Lightowler is the owner of Ask Olive the leading online information and Business Directory for Andalucia Spain.

Mayor attractions
The cultural richness of Poniente Granadino is shown in the declaration of some historical towns by the Andalusian Autonomous Government: Loja, Alhama, Montefrio and Moclin. Alhama is a major spa, a paradise of vegetation and water with thermal springs that gush out at 47C. The therapeutic value of the waters was already well known by the Romans and the Arabs. A network of rivers and streams criss-crosses the region. Over the centuries they have eaten away at the rocks to form spectacular valleys and gorges like those in Alhama, Cacin, Montefrio, Loja and Moclin.

A touch of history
Poniente Granadino is known as ‘The last arabian frontier of Spain’. This slogan represents the important role that these towns and their people played during the final years of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, the last muslim presence in Spain. Remains of the moorish cvilization as well as archeological vestiges that go back to paleolithic times, together with buildings made after the Christian conquer are splitted out through the landscape.

Activities
The region offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Donkey riding in Tajo de Alhama, trout fishing in Riofrio, off-road driving, pony-trekking and mountan-biking in the Sierra de Loja and the Natural Park of Sierra de Tejeda, Alhama and Almijara, hiking in Montefrio, gliding from the Cuesta de la Palma aerodrome in Loja or climbing in the ‘Paso de la Burra’ in Loja are just a few. The differences of altitude means vast array of different, breathtaking scenarios for the nature lover.

Cuisine
The history and tradition of the Poniente Granadino are reflected in its local dishes. Meat is an essential part of such well-known delights as ‘choto al ajillo’ or veal with garlic, a dish of fairly certan moorish orgin, and pork stuffing and sausages. During the hunting season, partridge and rabbit form the basis of the dishes in the north of the region. In the centre of the region the two most outstanding specialities are the green-violet asparagus from Huetor-Tajar and trout from Riofrio. In the south of the region the traveller cannot afford to miss the delicious ‘Olla jamena’, eaten with wine produced in Alhama. Also highly appreciated are the sweetmeats produced by monasteries, featuring such mouth-watering delights as ‘Roscos de San Anton’ o, ‘Bienmesabe’, and the ‘Rosco de Alhahud’.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-last-arabian-frontier-of-spain-274650.html

About the Author:

Rudi van der Zalm is the founder of one of Europe’s most popular online car rental services to help travellers find car hire in granada at low cost prices. Visit www.hispacar.com for a free online car hire quote.

The demise of Franco opened Spain to a curious world. A booming tourist industry allowed the country to grow, revealing its history and way of life to an interested planet.

Each town revels in its individual brand of architecture, none more so than Barcelona, bearing the architectural signature of Antonio Gaudi. The Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos in Santiago de Compostela is believed to be the world’s oldest hotel. Buildings in the far south of Spain retain a distinct Moroccan influence, a consequence of invasions from ancient past.

Northern Spain seems to have been inspired by Celtic Britain, even borrowing the Scottish bagpipes as instrument of choice.

Spain’s emotional love affair with the art world is captured in its many fine museums. Works of the country’s favourite sons, including the surreal compositions of Dali, and the enigmatic genius of Picasso are displayed with honour.

Attracting over 2 million visitors a year, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is Gaudi’s most celebrated masterpiece. Under construction since 1882, this magnificent cathedral is not expected to be completed until around the year 2080. Today, the project is funded from tourism.

The Plaza Major in Madrid is the capital’s most historic landmark. This old town square is the perfect place to sit and relax, drink your coffee, and watch the world go by. Tourists and locals congregate each day to absorb the ambience and exchange thoughts.

However, there is more to this place than meets the eye. In days gone by, kings have been crowned here and trials of the inquisition held. Other events such as bullfighting have also taken prominence. Despite its age, meticulous attention has kept the square beautifully preserved.

Sun worshippers with little cultural interest can find solace on the Costa del Sol. A haven for beach lovers, the long golden sands provide ample opportunity for that bronze tan.

Located off the west coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands are the ideal destination for beach holidays. Born of volcanic activity, plant life and vegetation thrive in the rich soil, providing safe refuge for local wildlife. Golden sands contrast the black volcanic rock, while the cool Atlantic breeze retains a comfortable temperature.

The Balearic Islands, southeast of Barcelona are another suntrap, a lure for those who enjoy a hot sun and long nights. Indeed, the island of Ibiza is the party capital of Europe.

For those of a more cultured persuasion, the Prado Museum in Madrid houses some of the greatest works throughout Europe. Since construction in 1819, millions have passed through and revelled in its glory.

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Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk