Tourism in Spain

Spain travel guide :

Spain is a beautiful and diverse country located in the southwest of Europe. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra. To the Northeast it borders with France and the tiny principality of Andorra. To the West its limits are defined by the Balearic Islands located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. Its Southern most territories are the picturesque Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla located in the North of Africa. This is why travelling to Spain is likely to be a enriching experience since tourism in the country offers a wide variety of destinations, activities and landscapes.

Spain is a country of large geographical and cultural diversity, often a surprise for tourists who are expecting to find a country mostly known for beach tourism. Travel to Spain and you will find everything, from lush meadows, green valleys, hills and snowy mountains in the Northern regions to almost desert zones in the South. Its beaches are also famous and worth visiting, small and charming creeks in the North and wide white sand beaches on the South and Western parts of the country, without forgetting the exotic black sand beaches of the volcanic Canary Islands.

Every year millions of tourists decide to travel to Spain, the country has been one of the most important tourist destinations of the last decades becoming the third most popular travel destination in Europe.

One of the better known cities is Madrid, capital city of Spain. Due to its central location, in the heart of Spain it has excellent communications with the rest of the provinces and is seat to the Spanish government and to the Royal Palace where the kings of Spain usually dwell. The city features distinctly winding streets, all of which seem to be heading either up or down and gather in the central square in the centre of the city.

Barcelona is probably one of the favourite destinations for tourists, a worldwide known city whose name recalls the awesome art of the architect Gaudi, the celebration of the 1992 Olympic games, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of its streets. Tourism in the city offers also the possibility of enjoying its beaches and water sports.


Where to go in Spain :


In this section we recommend you some places worth visiting. If you are planning your trip to Spain and you haven’t decided yet where to go, you may find good ideas for your destination in this section. Here is our selection of best sites in Spain:

Main cities:
The larger Spanish cities are Madrid, capital city of the country, and Barcelona, in Catalonia.

Madrid is the capital of Spain, seat to the administration and government of the country. If you like art, don’t miss its famous museums: Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia. Other “must see” places are the Palacio Real and the city square. Walking on the streets of the city you’ll find that its architecture, entertainment and liveliness make of Madrid a unique city.

Barcelona is a special city, perhaps thanks to the contribution of Gaudi's architecture or the special character of Catalonian people; undoubtedly Barcelona is one of the best places to visit in Spain. In the city don’t miss to visit La Rambla street, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Guell park and beaches such as Barceloneta.

Andalusia is the Southern most region of Spain, famous by its Moorish remainders, the religious fervour of its people, its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and of course for being the cradle of Flamenco music and dances. Where to go in Andalusia? Well, we would choose to see Seville, Córdoba and Granada.

Seville is probably the most popular city in Andalusia. Its splendid architecture and famous festivities (especially the Eastern parades and April fair) attract many tourists. Visit its beautiful Cathedral, with the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda tower. Across the cathedral square, you’ll find the Alcazar, an awesome medieval Islamic palace. Last but not least, take a look at the astonishing Plaza de España where all the provinces of Spain are represented.

Granada will be another city worth visiting if you travel to Andalusia. In Granada, you cannot miss a visit to the Alhambra Palace set at the foothill of Sierra Nevada Mountains. Besides sightseeing in the city, you will be able to practice skiing in the famous sky resort of Sierra Nevada.

Cordoba is considered by many one of the most beautiful cities of the South of Spain, its famous Mezquita (mosque) is one of the greatest treasures of the Moorish-Andalusian art with its extraordinary red and white arches.

The Costa del Sol beaches have been for years the favourite destination of travellers seeking to spend their holiday sunbathing and enjoining good weather.

The centre of the country displays a completely different Spain, more traditional and quiet, a landscape of endlessly wide plains, austere cities, fortresses, Roman churches and the famous Windmills of the story of don Quijote, this is Castile. Cities worth visiting are: Avila, Cuenca, Toledo, Salamanca, and Segovia, most of these cities have been declared by UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Eastern Spain recalls of Mediterranean culture, fruits and of course excellent beaches and tourist resorts.

Valencia is the capital city of the Costa Blanca, another of the remarkable Spanish beach resorts. Don’t miss a visit to its City of Arts and Sciences with amazing eye-shaped buildings.

The North of Spain keeps the legacy of the Celts who settled in Asturias and Galicia. The Northern cities are famous by its gastronomy (seafood, fish and “tapas” are excellent) and its green valleys. If you don’t know where to go when visiting the North of Spain, don’t miss Bilbao and its Guggenheim Museum, Santiago de Compostela (Saint James) and its famous cathedral where thousands of Pilgrims arrive every year. San Sebastian, Gijón or La Coruña are other cities worth paying a visit to.

Besides the inland Spain, there are also famous Spanish islands, like the Balearic Isles, and The Canary Isles.