SPAIN

Once a great global empire, an incredible colonial power, Spain stood strong
among many countries and ruled territories in many parts of the world
throughout history. However, Spain's might of the olden days is now
transformed into a country with an unhurried, relaxed environment. A place
that is ever welcoming to travelers from all over the world. Although known
for its great sandy beaches, Spain is waiting to be discovered more, from its
ice-capped mountains, green lands, arid zones, historical cities' narrow streets,
and grand display of art and architecture.
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain (Spanish: Reino de Espaa), is
a sovereign state and a member state of the European Union. It is located on
the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Itsmainland is bordered to the
south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land boundary
with Gibraltar; to the north and north east by France, Andorra, and the Bay
of Biscay; and to the west and northwest by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean.
It is one of three countriesFrance and Morocco are the other twoto have
both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Spain's 1,214 km (754 mi) border
with Portugal is the longest uninterrupted border within the European Union.




Seasonal Advice
Winter (December to Mid-March). Though cold, winter in Madrid is usually quite dry,
and for those not looking for sun-tanning weather it can be a very refreshing time of the
year to visit the city. It occasionally snows in the center, but it rarely accumulates. While
there is certainly no shortage of activity in the city, there are far less tourists than at other
times of the year, resulting in smaller crowds at museums and other tourist centers, off-
season rates at hotels, etc.
Spring (mid-March to late May). Spring is one of the most pleasant times of the year to
visit Madrid. The long days are generally warm and the nights cool. The nightlife goes up a
notch, as the warmth seems to get the blood (and beer) flowing. Large numbers of young
people take to the streets for the all-night marcha and all the outdoor cafes open up.
Summer (June to August). Temperature-wise, Madrid's summer should really be divided
into two sections, the pleasant summer and very hot summer. The former may or may not
last all through June, and then begin again in mid to late August. This is a good time of the
year to visit Madrid, especially to enjoy the long warm nights in June, when the street life is
at its best.
Autumn. Like spring, autumn is an excellent time for a visit. The city's mood is quite
different as everyone has recently returned to work or school after the August holidays,
and people are relieved that the intense July sun is behind them. There are also plenty of
cultural activities going on. Late in autumn there is always the risk of some rain, but its
rarely so much that an umbrella can't cope. Suitable clothing? Like spring you have to bring
clothes for a range of temperatures. Its unlikely to get so cold that a decent sweater can't
be sufficient for you to cope though.









HISTORIC SITES

1. Arab Wall
This ancient wall is over 1300 years old, and is a real treat for
any amateur historian. Originally built to guard the city against
invaders, it is found in the historic Atocha area of the city, one of
the oldest and most culturally rich in the city. To reach it, get off at
the Puerta de Toledo Metro station.

2. Casa de Museo Lope de Vega
History buffs may well know the name of Flix Lope de Vega Carpio,
the 17th century Spanish playwright. If so, you will not want to miss
taking a look around the house where he spent his last 25 years, and
in which he created some of his greatest works. To reach it, stop at
the Antn Martn Metro station.

3. El Palacio Real de Aranjuez
This location is a treasure-trove of goodies for historians. It was
first build forCharles I to serve as his hunting lodge, but in the 1560s
it was turned into a palace by Philip II. Tourists can go on a tour of
the palace, during which you will see amazing tapestries and
mosaics defining the era in which they were made. It is situated
in Chamberi, and to reach it, take the Tren de Fresa from Atocha.

4. Plaza de la Villa
Found in Centro, this is the square where some of the best
architecture in Madrid can be found. Check out the Madrid Town
Hall, and take a walking tour around the square to find out how
the architecture of Madrid has changed over the centuries.

5. Casa de Amrica, Palacio de Linares
A cultural delight to provide tourists with a great afternoons worth
of fun. The Casa de Amrica is found in the Palacio de Linares, and
is a showcase of Latin American art. Go in the summer and you will
also be able to catch films and theatre performances exploring
the cultural history of Spain.

Top Landmarks



Palacio Real
The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) of Madrid is
the official residence of the King of Spain
although it is only used for state
ceremonies. The Royal Palace was built
between 1738 to 1755 and King Carlos III
took up residence in the palace in 1764.


Cuenca
Situated between Madrid and Valencia,
Cuenca is a marvelous example of a
medieval city, built on the steep sides of a
mountain. The many hanging houses are
built right up to the cliff edge, making
Cuenca one of the most striking towns in
Spain, a gem in the province of Castilla La
Mancha.

Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman
Catholic church in Barcelona, and one of
Spains most visited tourist attractions. Its
a design by Antoni Gaud, a Catalan
architect who worked on this project for
almost 40 years until his death in 1926. The
construction of the basilica began in 1882
and still as yet not finished.
Barcelona Spain is an extremely practical city to make shopping, all
is concentrated there in the center and the historical city.
El Rey de la Mgia

Living up to its name, the "King of Magic",
in the Born district, has been purveying
magical goods for 130 years, and was once
the only shop of its kind in the country. It
attracts amateur dabblers, budding
enthusiasts and full-blown magicians alike
you'll find gadgets, books, manuals, playing
cards, magic boxes and every kind of
accessory to assist you in your conjuring
career. If the historical side of the
illusionary arts are more your cup of tea,
head to the nearby Teatre Museu, where
there's a permanent collection of magical objects, books, shop archives, and regular magic shows.

Flores Navarro

The only place in Barcelona where you can
buy bunches of flowers (or, funnily
enough, Chupa Chups lollipops) at 4am.
Flores Navarro in Eixample founded in
1960 and open 365 days a year is one of
the last of a dying breed of florists who
pride themselves on both the size of their
bouquets, and the quality of the flowers
(or Chupa Chups). Ready-made newborn
baby bouquets cross paths with
funeral coronas, bonsai trees, roses, all
gathered with an artistic sensibility and
for a very reasonable price. Ideal for a
drunken romantic gesture on the way home from a party, a thoughtful daytime purchase, or even a
phone call from the comfort of your home (they deliver too).


Papabubble

A boutique for sweet-lovers, this shop is a
compact cornucopia of brightly coloured
confectionery, located in the middle of
the Barri Gtic. Shelves are piled high
with jars full of sugary goodies and bags of
sweets swing from the walls. The staff
busy themselves across the counter,
combining sugar, glucose, water and a
Wonka-esque imagination into brightly
coloured and fantastic creations in front
of your eyes. From sushi-shaped sweets
(including chopsticks) to candy rings,
lollipops, sucking sweets and chopped
caramel sticks, the innovation and artistry of the staff at Papabubble is seriously impressive. If you
have something particular in mind, they create personalised productions based on your ideas.


Food is as integral to Spain as its rich history, with each of Spain's regions home to a range of
unique cuisines and flavours.
Croquettes

You can find a plate of croquetas in almost any
restaurant or bar, each made to the establishment's
own recipe. It makes food comparison throughout
Spain a delight, and not at all a bad idea for judging
up a restaurant's quality (hint: the traditional,
scrubbed-down bars serve the best). While the
creamy cheese (queso) croquettes pack a smooth
flavour, try croquettes filled with a mixture of
bchamel and Spanish cured ham (jamon), or the
local sweet-spiced black sausage (morcilla) for something stronger.

Tortilla Espaniola

A great starter or meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner, no
doubt you'll come across a Spanish potato omelette
during your time in Spain. Like croquetas, you can find
them in almost any bar and to varying degrees of quality
and flavour. The best ones are from slow-cooked potato in
olive oil, which make a soft centre once egg is added to
create an omelette cake; even tastier when onions are
added to the slow-frying process for a sweet underlying
flavour. You'll also find wedges of Spanish omelette
squeezed between a bocadilla for a tasty sandwich snack.


Gazpacho or salmorejo

This cold tomato soup has claimed space in many
supermarkets around the world, but
carton gazpacho compares little to the Spanish
tangy, refreshing variety. Usually eaten as an
appetizer and sometimes straight from a bowl or
glass its thickness is derived from blending a
whole heap of fresh tomatoes, green peppers,
cucumbers, garlic, onions, vinegar, and
herbs. Salmorejo is a similar Andalucian version
combining pureed bread, tomatoes, garlic, and
vinegar also served cold and sometimes varied
with a bit of ham or egg.











SCENIC PLACES


Gaudis Masterpieces Barcelona

The proud capital of the Catalunia
region, Barcelona has heaps to offer the
visitor great nightlife, shopping and
beaches. But its the phantasmagoric
buildings created by legendary architect
Gaudi that are by far the biggest stars
of the show. The still unfinished La
Sagrada Familia with its amorphous
spindly towers and oddly shaped
buttresses and roof is the most visited
of his creations. Although his residential
buildings like the Casa Mila are also
wonderful as are his more playful statues
and benches in the popular Park Guell.



Stunning natural scenery Picos
de Europa

Spains natural scenery from the sandy
coastline to the vast plains is constantly
surprising, but the lofty peaks of the
Picos de Europa mountain ranges are
without doubt the most spectacular.
Craggy mountain peaks, verdant valleys
and raging rivers combine to make this
chunk of northern Spain perfect hiking
and adventure territory whitewater
rafting and snowshoeing are particular
favourites. Theres heaps of wildlife too
including the endangered Cantabrian
Brown Bear and wolves.



The Cathedral Santiago de
Compostela

Spains many vast Gothic cathedrals are
testament to the countrys long-held
Christian traditions. Perhaps the most
spellbinding is the vast one at Santiago
de Compostela. Its a huge building
smothered in Baroque swirls, statues and
stalagmites. Possibly the most remarkable
vista is the Western facade which forms
the main entrance, accessed by a
magnificent quadruple flight of stairs.
The cathedral is also the final destination
of the thousands of pilgrims who walk
the Way of St James trail each year.
-TOP AFFORDABLE ACCOMODATIONS IN SPAIN-

Hospedera Santiago, Chiclana de la Frontera

The 11 rooms at Hospedera Santiago are
painted in tones of deep peach and the
reception is in front of a traditional tiled
patio, with plants trailing from the arches.
Breakfast is a basket of small cakes. In fact,
pretty much the only evidence of foreign
influence is that there's a kettle in every
room so you can make yourself a cup of tea.
Apart from its low rates and Andalusian
charm, though, the main reason this hotel is
so popular with Spanish guests is that it's
100 metres from one of the Costa de la
Luz's best family beaches, Playa de la
Barrosa, and its almost four miles of fine,
golden sand.

Hostal Reyes, El Palmar

The first thing you'll hear in the morning at
Hostal Reyes will probably be the cockerel
that lives on the farm behind crying "kiki ri
ki!", the Spanish for "cock-a-doodle-do!"
Either that or it'll be the steady crash of the
waves. There's not much else around. The
hotel, a simple establishment with nine sky-
blue rooms above a restaurant specialising in
the local fish, is right on El Palmar beach.
Directly in front is a wooden walkway that
leads you over sand dunes knotted together
with long grass and wild flowers. The beach
is popular with surfers but, happily, the
developers have left it well alone.

Hotel Misiana, Tarifa

Taking your breakfast in Hotel Misiana's
restaurant, light pouring in through the big,
patio doors, is one of the best ways to start
the day in Tarifa. Although it's on the
corner of a busy street in the heart of the
town, it's five minutes' walk from the port
and less than 10 minutes from the beach.
With 14 beautifully designed, pastel-coloured
rooms and a classic "azulejo" glazed-tile floor
in the lobby, it's also one of the most stylish
hotels on the coast. This is the place to
come if you like wind-surfing, kite-surfing,
nightlife, or any combination of the above.
It's probably not the place to come,
however, if you like to lie down on the beach.
Unless you also enjoy being efficiently sand-
blasted by the near continuous breeze that makes Tarifa the wind-sports capital of Spain.