From centuries-old
festivals like the running of the bulls in Pamplona,
to 24-hour sun and fun on the Mediterranean island
of Ibiza; from the art and architecture of the Moors
and Romans, to Picasso and Joan Miro, travelers can
see it all when they visit Spain. For the intrepid
adventure seeker, to the laid back vacationer, the
tourism Spain offers is one of a kind.
Spain's second largest city, Barcelona, remains relatively
balmy year round and is the perfect place to take in
the architecture of Antoni Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece,
the Sagrada Familia, or stroll through the psychedelic
Parc Guell overlooking the city.
Cities of Spain are: Bilbao, Barcelona,
Ibiza, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Seville , Valencia,
Zaragoza, Murcia, Palma de Mallorca, Las Palmas de
Gran Canaria.
Places
of Interest
Alhambra -
One of the topmost sights in Spain you must travel
is the Alhambra. It is one of world 's most fascinating
places in terms of its history, art, architecture and
cultural significance. This brilliant royal palace
of Spain's Nasrid dynasty is worth a travel. It is
one of Spain's top travel spots, presenting lovely
buildings, mosque, courtyards, gardens, adorned exquisitely
in stone carvings, tiles, mosaic, filigree and enamels.
Architecture of Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona -
The architecture of Antonio Gaudi, Spain's modernist
master, also are top travel spots in Barcelona, Spain.
His works such as Casa Batlio, La Sagrada Familia,
Parc Guell and La Padrera are recognized as heritage
sites, and created a niche for Art Nouveau.
The Gothic Cathedral in Seville -
Another top sight you must include on your travel itinerary
is Seville's cathedral, one of the world's largest.This
awesome Gothic cathedral is one of Spain's principal
landmarks and took slightly over hundred years to construct.
Royal Palace in Madrid - Travel to
this glorious palace situated at the site of old Moorish
Alcazar. You must travel to this palace when in Spain,
as it is partially open for public. Travel for viewing
its royal apartments, throne room and a gallery which
boasts of masterpieces by Spain's artists such as Goya,
Carvaggio and Velazquez.
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao - One
has to travel to the Guggenheim at Bilbao, Spain. This
contemporary art museum is a prime travel spot one
has to see to believe. Travel to this wonderful museum
which stores permanent as well as exhibits of Spain's
and international artist
Languages
Spanish (español
or castellano), also known as Castilian, is the only
language with official status nationwide. Other languages
have been declared co-official, along with Spanish, in
(some of) their constituent communities where they are
spoken:
Basque (euskera) in the Basque Country and Navarre;
Catalan (català) in Catalonia and the Balearic
Islands; Valencian (valencià), a distinct
variant of Catalan, is official in the Valencian
Community;
Spanish
cuisine consists of a great variety of dishes which
stem from differences in geography, culture and climate.
It is heavily influenced by seafood available from
the waters that surround the country, and reflects
the country's deep Mediterranean roots. Spain's extensive
history with many cultural influences has led to a
unique cuisine.
Typical dishes
Andalusian "pescadito" frito.Among the multitude
of recipes that make up the varied cuisines of Spain,
a few can be considered common to all or almost all
of Spain's regions, even though some of them have an
origin known and associated with specific places. Examples
include the potato omelette ("tortilla de patata", "tortilla
española" or just "tortilla"),
paella, various stews, migas, sausages (such as embutidos,
chorizo, and morcilla), jamón serrano, and cheeses.
There are also many dishes based on beans (chickpeas,
lentils, green beans); soups, with many regional variations;
and bread, that has numerous forms, with distinct varieties
in each region. The regional variations are less pronounced
in Spanish desserts and cakes: flan, custard, rice
pudding (arroz con leche), torrijas, churros, and madeleines
are some of the most representative examples
Climate
Spain’s
climate is determined by its unusual world position,
on the south western edge of Eurasia and just 13.4
kilometres from Africa at its narrowest point, with
an ocean to the west and a sea to the east, and by
its continental land mass and high mountainous terrain,
producing a mosaic of climates, the most varied in
Europe. Weather presenters here often have a lot to
fit in their two minutes (see below for note on TV3).
