Spain resort information

Madrid with its central location in the Iberian Peninsula offers the advantage to the visitor of a great accommodation and services along with warmth that few large cities in the world possess."Madrid de las Austrias", the historical old town which was built in the 16th century, is mainly famous for the remarkable Plaza Mayor, Spain's most popular square.

Not far away, lies the aristocratic centre of Madrid where the Royal Palace exhibits its unique Baroque-Classical style. In the same area around you will also find the Plaza de Oriente (another square), the Opera House and the modern Almudena Cathedral, consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II.

Last but not least this region is furnished with the Puerta del Sol, a square sided by selected shops and the "Paseo del Arte", named after its exhibition of art fu ll of museums, palaces and gardens. Madrid is certainly synonymous to art and culture. Evidently enough, the city has around 70 museums that cover all interests.

Among these you will encounter the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings and sculptures and the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, which is dedicated to Spanish contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris.

Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the sun, go for walks, or feed the squirrels in Madrid's large, impeccable parks and gardens. The Retiro Park, once playground of Spanish Monarchs, the Casa de Campo and the Juan Carlos I Park among others make Madrid one of Europe's greenest capitals.

Madrid promotes a host of cultural events like concerts and exhibitions where you can find something to suit your taste. Madrid's nightlife is also superb. From the pubs to the flamenco clubs you will indulge yourselves in an atmospheric environment. As for the cuisine, make sure you sample all sorts of “paella” dishes and drink the locally made “sangria”.

Seville

Built on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville is a prosperous trading port. La Macarena and Triana  are two of the most picturesque areas in the wider area of Seville, where historic buildings seem to have been drawn by a skilful painter and been given World Heritage Sites “award”.

Seville has a host of accommodation to choose from so that you can enjoy city’s beauties from within. Museums, arts centres, theme parks, cinemas and theatres are only a few of the endless possibilities that this diversified city has to display. To add on that, you should not ignore the several pubs and bars as it is the right place to participate in the traditional “tapeos” –consumption of Spanish copas (drinks) and tapas (small servings of food).

The festivals are another good reason to visit Seville, in particular those of Easter Week and Feria de Abril (the April Fiesta).  These two have been declared of National Tourist Interest since they reflect the devotion and folklore of the inhabitants. Other natural treasures such as the Doñana Nature Reserve, declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and the Sierra Norte Nature Reserve. They will be the ideal setting for practising outdoor sports, including hiking, horse riding, and cycling routes.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a blend of history and modernity. This ancient city, which has been declared WorldHeritage Site, is a living example of the cultural diversity that can survive throughout the history. Walk through the historic alleys arranged around the Mosque-Cathedral (a symbol of the capital).

Cordoba is a historical city that managed to adjust to the contemporary way of life by offering the most modernfacilities and a wide hotel range. Very well connected to the other Andalusian capitals, Cordoba also has the highspeed train (AVE) and a very extensive railway network linking it to all the big cities, like Madrid and Seville.

Cordoba, like Madrid, is also synonymous to art, culture and leisure. The great variety of cultural events that are organised throughout the year (like Flamenco festivals, concerts, ballet and other) along with a series of museums and the exciting nightlife add up to the great place to be for vacation. As for romantic strolls you can visit the parks of Sierra de Cardeña in Los Pedroches and Montoro, the Hornachuelos Sierra and Sierras Subbéticas.

Granada

Granada is a city clearly influenced by the Arabic civilisation and history. Full of fountains and Cármenes (villas surrounded by gardens). The Albaicín, declared a World Heritage Site, together with the Alhambra and the Generalife.

Granada has been an important cultural centre for centuries and has a variety of cultural events to display. Among them you will encounter interesting traditional music, cinema and theatre festivals.

The city of Granada has a vast network of cheap accommodation both for families and couples. Thanks to its great climate, beaches and snowy mountains Granada can be a great resort for adventure holidays.

Valencia

Valencia is among the few cities that have attained to harmoniously combine remains from the past with the most modernbuildings. The city of Valencia had a strategic position to the Mediterranean by maintaining at the same time the unique appeal that seaport cities have.

The wild beauty of the fine sand and crystal waters by the coastis a magic attraction. There are marvellous beaches and dunes at Canet d’En Berenguer, at La Malvarrosa andLevante where you can enjoy a quiet evening by the sea. To the south, at Saler Beachand L’Albufera Nature Reserve, where the sun can be enjoyed in unique surroundings. The beaches of Cullera, Gandía and Oliva combine beautiful landscapes with a number of sport facilities.

Barcelona

The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is beautiful cosmopolitan city with touches of Roman art. Barcelona's cultural heritage is evident in visitor’s eyes from the great pieces of art displayed in museums and exhibitions.

Some of the traditional events are the Mercè Festival and the holiday celebrations in the districts of Gràcia, Sants, or Poblenou. The culinary expertise of Barcelona’s cuisine is based on fresh fish, sausages, olive oil. You will, without question, enjoy home-made pastries and sparkling wines as well.

Strolling down the old districts the visitor will enjoy among others a series of green spaces and a host of open-door structures. Whether for leisure or business, the city has a remarkable infrastructure where you can host seminars, symposiums or international competitions.

The visitor will enjoy the Costa del Garraf as well as the Maresme coast. Apart from the scenic beaches, there are also lovely marinas and seafront golf courses. Hiking is superb as well at the CatalanPyrenees.

Flamengo

Flamenco is the traditional combination of song and dance originated from the Gypsies (flamencos) of Andalusia. This art developed over several centuries from Gypsy, Moorish and Andalusian.. Flamenco music and dance became popular in the early 19th century as café entertainment. Both text and melody of these songs are improvised within traditional structures such as characteristic rhythms and chords. Zapateado, intricate toe- and heel-clicking steps, characterizes the men's dance; the traditional women's dance is based more on grace of body and hand movement. In the 19th century, guitar accompaniment became common for many genres, and guitar solos also developed.