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The origin of Bullfightings is traced back to Minoan Crete. From wall murals found in the archaeological setting of Knossos (on the island of Crete) it is evident that both male and female youngsters were engaged in “bull-leaping” rituals. The whole venture entailed grabbing the bull’s horns and vaulting themselves over its back. Bullfighting is also often linked to ancient Rome. In Collosseum, and in other gladiatorial historical settings, the spectators were warmed-up for the show by watching human-animal events.
Similarly to Madrid and its surroundings, the Catalonian region is strongly recommended for long walks. You will definitely enjoy “Barceloneta” and “Ramblas”, the scenic sailor's quarter, the bird and flower markets, the "Gothic Quarter" (Barrio Gotico) bringing you back to past centuries, and the "Pueblo Espanol" where the building architecture is a copy of other Spanish regions. Do not neglect to visit the Museum of Catalonian Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Miro Foundation, the Picasso Museum and the Cathedral's Museum. The traditional well-maintained fishing villages such as Palamos and Tossa will be a nice surprise to you with their magnificent coves and beaches. In Figueras you can visit Dali’s museum. Last but not least, if you love history of art, you should certainly pay a visit to Gerona and Tarragona; both cities with great historical importance.
Andalucia and Costa Del Sol
Ten days will barely be enough for a visit to Andalucia and Costa Del Sol. The best option for you would be if you flew to Sevilla or Malaga and there rented a car to visit the other sites. Marbella or Torremolinos would be the perfect choice for accommodation as you can combine relaxing rides on the seaside resorts. Andalucia is a typical depiction of original Spain with bullfights, flamenco dancing and the appealing white villages. Yet, Andalucia is not only that; it has a lavish heritage of museums, monuments and architecture; remnants of the combined Arab, Jewish and Christian civilisations. To mention a few, the Mosque (Mezquita) of Cordoba, the Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz, the Torre del Oro and the Cathedral's Museum in Sevilla, the Alhambra (a vivid representation of Arabic architecture of palaces) and the Jewish Quarter of the Alcaiceria in Granada.
Balearic Islands
On these Southern Mediterranean Islands you can swing between cultural sightseeing and seaside activities thanks to its perfect climate during most months of the year (from May to late October). Landscape is also attractive on these islands. To name a few worth-visiting palces you can drive from Palma de Mallorca to Puerto Andraitx. You can also pass through Valldemosa the place where Chopin lived. If you reach to Cala d'Or and Porto Cristo, you will certainly admire its magnificent coves. Two days are more than enough to visit Ibiza and Menorca. Ibiza is one of the most popular destinations of the world-wide tourism. Ibiza’s old capital (Ibiza city) is a walled citadel which has been declared National Monument. Menorca, has a host of lovely places (like Ciudadela) and beaches to visit so as to get the most of your leisure time the Mediterranean. You can also take a ferry to the Islands from either Barcelona, Valencia or Alicante.
Canary Islands
Canaries is consisted of seven islands off the Affrican coast. The main attractions of the Canary Islands are its picturesque landscape and its enticing nature. The two main islands Tenerife and Gran Canaria are equally worth-visiting for at least two days each. The hottest climate however you will encounter will be in Lanzarote, a smaller but a similarly charming island. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer a combination sport and leisure activities together with wonderful sightseeing. Tenerife’s exclusive diversity is characteristically depicted by the sand dunes and the crater of the Teide Volcano which, most of the year, is surrounded by snow. Lanzarote’s volcanic but at the same time fertile land brings you in mind Santorini, the unique wild beauty of Spain’s island. |