Why visit Spain
Spain has the unrivalled reputation as the number one holiday destination for tourists worldwide. Perhaps it is the diversity of Spain that makes it so popular with its climate, landscape, culture and art. Spain offers a real variety of landscape from gorgeous golden beaches to mountains. Over 60 million people holiday in Spain each year and there is a great variety of different holidays available.
The most popular destinations within Spain are on the Mediterranean coast and include the Costa Brava, Costa De la Luz, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. In addition, holidays in the Balearics and each of the Canary Islands are also holiday hot-spots for tourists. Their popularity lies in their immense sandy beaches that ring the coastal areas, coupled with the year-round sunshine. Costa del Sol is a popular resort and has beaches stretching east from Gibraltar along the southern coast of Spain. The beaches have superb sand and calm Mediterranean waters which are warm throughout the year. These perfect conditions have made the area a tourist hotspot and throughout the peak months the area is one of the most popular coastal resorts in Europe. Another beach which is equally as beautiful and less populated during the summer months is the Costa de la Luz, which boasts long stretches of sandy shores and almost constant sunshine in the southwestern Andalusia area of Spain. The Atlantic waters at Costa de la Luz are enough reason to visit the area but its proximity to the historical cities of Cadiz and Seville also make it a favourable choice.
The Balearic Islands are a number one choice with sun-seekers and hedonists alike who retreat to the islands for their summer vacation. Majorca is a popular holiday choice; it has beautiful sand beaches, many of which have been made into tourist resorts that cater for the thousands of people that visit the island each year. There are over 200 beaches on the island with 65 of these remaining relatively undiscovered. Menorca also has a wealth of stunning beaches, Cala Galdana known as the 'Queen of the calas' is a beautiful pine clad bay which remains unspoilt and is a mesmerizing place to visit., also the Cala Turqueta is beautiful for its simplicity and natural white sandy beach. The island of Ibiza is a partying paradise for the millions of visitors who arrive each year, there is also a relaxed side to the island and with its 18kms of beaches, you can discover some excellent and almost deserted coves. Calla Vadella is a stunning bay with beautiful crystal waters which are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. Calla Vadella also has magnificent views of Es Vedra, the spiritual landmark of the Ibizian coast line.
Spain has an impressive number of historical sites for those looking to discover the country’s cultural heritage. Spain was once one of the largest empires with colonies located around the world. It was also invaded by the Moors during the Crusades period and was a vital trading link to both northern Africa and Southern Europe; these influences have resulted in a great amount of historical diversity and heritage that will appeal to most tourists.
The culture and history of Spain not only lies in those who conquered and fought for the control of the country, but also within the artists who flourished during its history from the golden age through to the contemporary masters such as Pablo Picasso and Dali. Barcelona is the city that most encompasses the culture and artistic heritage of the country and is widely considered Europe's coolest city. Set between a 4km beach on the Mediterranean Sea and the hills of Montjiuc, Barcelona's location is highly desirable. Historically there are many sites to visit from the 4th century remains of the Roman Empire, a Gothic neighbourhood as well as Cathedrals and churches that date back to 13th-15th centuries. Visit Guadi's spectacular Guell Park in Barcelona which has been declared as an artistic monument and contains amazing tiling, stone structures, vibrant colours and fascinating buildings. The Picasso Museum is in the old city and has been recently expanded over five Gothic palaces and exhibits work from the world famous painter. Spains’ capital city of Madrid is certainly worth a visit and is a real buzz of cultural activity, offering tradition and modernity. There is a huge and diverse range of culture and art on available to see and this includes the Prado Museum, which is one of the finest in the world and houses over 10,000 pieces of original art as well as the Reina Sofia Museum in addition to the many theatres, music venues, flamenco locales and festivals.
Food is truly a way of life in Spain. Spanish food is distinctive and its unique regional dishes should be sampled. The Spanish invest a great deal of time into their cooking. One of the most famous Spanish dishes is tapas which includes a variety of different foods from Spanish tortilla to meatballs and chorizo in wine. Paella, a rice dish with meat, seafood and vegetables is also a famous national dish. Rioja or Valdepenas wine are the perfect accompaniment to wash down all this Spanish cuisine. Sangria is perfect for lazy summer afternoons. For traditionalists, try the Spanish sherry (jerez) which is steadfast in Spanish bars, restaurants and family homes.
Spain really has something for everyone Although the coastal holiday remains a popular choice with holiday makers it’s worth considering venturing into mainland Spain to experience some of the more culturally significant areas.
