With a little bit of research and an evening spent searching the net, you will probably discover that Spain and most of the Spanish resorts still make a viable alternative to staying in blighty! For a relatively cheap package deal, you could be stepping out onto the sun kissed Mediteranean coastline for not as much as you may have thought.

Lets be honest here for a moment, taking a stroll along the promenade in Eastbourne or Bognor has never really appealed to me, stopping at the little seaside stalls and ordering a styrofoam cup full of mussels and eating them with a wooden prong thingy, pitching my tent on a campsite and having to walk 5 minutes around said campsite to use the loo or taking in a punch and judy show is not really a very high priority on my great list of things to do when it comes to summertime holidays.

Now I know all people are different, and what I have described above is some peoples idea of a good family holiday. Certainly in this current financial climate the UK media would like you to beleive that that is what you should be doing too!

What you don’t always see being reported in the press back in the UK, and we have 1st hand experience of this because we live here, is that over here in Spain when you have actually arrived for your holidays, virtually everything and everyone involved in servicing the tourism industry are at war and as a result most things have been drastically reduced in price!

Restaurants over here on the costa del sol are all in high competition with each other, each one trying to out do the other for your trade. This results in you being the absolute winner and being able to dine out in the evening for nearly 50% less than you could have done last year!

Menu del dia’s are the order of the day along the paseo maritimo here in Benalmadena Costa, I know because I have see them, how about a 3 course meal for €6.95 including a half bottle of wine, a beer or soft drink per person! I’m sure you can do the maths but that works out for a family of 4 only €27.80 including dessert and your 1st round of drinks. With extra beers being thrown in for just a €1 a glass there is no better time to get down here and holiday without breaking the bank. Fancy a chinese meal? I stopped at a chinese restaurant on saturday night with my 3 friends in Arroyo de la Miel, we wondered what all the fuss was about as people were actually queuing to get in the place, when I read the menu board outside it was no wonder, chinese meal, 3 courses including coffee just €4.95 per person! Pints of Mahou beer or glass of wine, just an extra €1.70. The food was great, we had an enjoyable evening and were not felt as though we were being rushed out of the place so they could get the next sitting in.

Torremolinos is exactly the same as is Fuengirola, every bar, cafe and restaurant all trying to get your trade and entice you into their establishment touting the best prices on the coast.

Obviously all of the above totally depends on your circumstances in this financial crisis and everyones idea of summer holidays are all different, but if you are the type that yearns for a holiday outside of the UK and you do not want to break the bank, you should still consider Spain as an option, it maybe a lot cheaper than you think.

Spain is rich in variety and never fails to fascinate a tourist

Tourists can ski to their hearts’ content in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The famous tourist spots like Torremolinos and Malaga are close to these mountains, and ski-lovers can spend hours enjoying their sport. Late spring is the ideal time for skiing in the morning and sunbathing in the noon hours.

The Alhambra in Granada is a stunning fortified palace. The entire complex is huge, and constitutes a substantial portion of the city center. Tourists can spend the whole day exploring the palace and its complex. It is advisable to book tickets in advance if one is on a summer holiday.

A holiday in Spain is going to mesmeris, with the stunning architecture of Frank Gehry. The large copper fish located on Barcelona Beach, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the conference house near Malaga Airport are examples of innovative design. Barcelona buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi are spectacular. Parc Guell is a treat to watch. The stunning park has innumerable sculptures and buildings that exhibit the famous “broken tile” style of Gaudi. The graceful organic curves are also gorgeous. People of every age and culture love to spend many an hour experiencing the richness of Spain’s architecture.

The local village fiestas are attractive and lure tourists into taking part. Though most of them are religious fiestas, they are a lot of fun. These are colorful and vibrant processions and the experience is worth it. The parties continue till morning and there is no dearth of enjoyment.

A visit to the mausoleum of Salvador Dali, located in North Spain, is a memorable experience. The Miro Foundation in Barcelona, Picasso’s Guernica at the Reina Sofia in Madrid and the images of Goya also in Madrid are going to enrich a tourist in many a way. The Picasso Foundation in Malaga also has great displays of Picasso’s works.

Flamenco tempts one to tap heels to its tune and beat. A kind of music that you just cannot miss while visiting the South of Spain or Andalucia, Flamenco has just revived its old popularity. It is hugely popular among the residents of Spain, and the tourists also cannot deny the attraction.

The magnificent views of Ronda fascinate tourists to the utmost. A drive through the Andalucian mountains brings one to Ronda, situated at the top of a gigantic cliff. The cliff has a tremendous bridge that spans the gap between the new and the old towns. Ronda also boasts of Roman baths, and the oldest Bull Ring in Spain.

Spain, thanks to its varied treasures and heritage, has never disappointed a tourist. It is always safe to choose Spain as a holiday destination. The package deals and cheap hotels make Spain an even safer option now.

About the Author:
Packyourbags.com has a multiple range of package deal available for holidays in Spain which are the most innovative and exciting time for a wonderful way to spend your holidays.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Why Are Holidays in Spain Seen As the Safe Option

Megalithic monuments and the remains of a necropolis have been discovered in the village, which serve as evidence that the area was occupied as far back in history as the prehistoric period. The name of the village is thought to have originated from the Latin Frexinius, as the Romans and Arabs were one-time occupiers of the area as can be seen by the Moorish fortress dating from the 11th century but now laying in ruins, which once safeguarded the security of the inhabitants.

History books describe Frigiliana as a rocky and mountainous place that could be defended from an entire army of invaders by a relatively small number of well armed people, due mainly to the difficulty they would have in gaining access. One such historical story goes that when the village was surrounded by the Catholic troops of Arevalo de Suazo and a further twelve infantry units returning from battles in Italy, over two thousand of the four thousand Moriscos living in the village died during their attempts to protect it.

During the battle many of the village’s women, who had fought bravely beside the men, chose to jump from the cliffs with their children in preference to becoming captured by the Catholic troops. Some of them did manage to escape into the Alpujarras Mountains, but as many of them had been badly injured during battle, they died before reaching safety. The Catholics eventually drove out the Moriscos in 1609 and subsequently divided up their possessions between them.

The fertile lands surrounding the village make this an ideal place to cultivate crops and this makes agriculture the main source of income for the village particularly vines and olive trees and in more recent times subtropical fruits too.

The streets of Frigiliana run parallel and perpendicular to the central square and the village is regarded as having the finest Arab constructions in the province with Moorish architecture in the form of passageways, steps and gates in evidence.

The sugar cane factory, which was the palace of the Count of Frigiliana during the sixteenth century, and the remains of a silo dating from 1767 are preserved for modern day visitors. Ceramic panels by Amparo Ruiz de Luna describing the battle of Frigiliana are one of the more famed monuments in the village. Blankets, carpets and all other sorts of loom work are also industries that make the village famous.

As is the norm with many Spanish villages, fiestas are part of the way of life and Frigiliana is no different, enjoying the festival honouring San Sebastian and the San Antonio pilgrimage occurring on June 13th each year with the May and Easter processions also being noteworthy events.

Cuisine of the village has many traditional recipes, which include baby goat in either almond or garlic sauce, fennel, cabbage and the famous Easter stew (made with cod, egg and flour all soaked in sugar cane honey). Black pudding and chorizo are some other popular dishes of the village and honey made from sugar cane is used in a wide variety of sweets including arropia and marcocha in which the honey is left to solidify and in other products such as flans, yoghurts, etc. The local wine is also well known and much esteemed.

About the Author:

Written by Mark Buckingham for Rentaccomspain.com. Rent or buy your perfect Spanish retreat direct from the owner. Find other articles on Spain here Find properties to buy in Spain here

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Frigiliana – Mountainous Spanish Village of Sugar Canes

IBIZA

Ibiza or Eivissa, depending on where you emanate from, is Spain’s most famous island and its double name is mirrored in a peculiar split personality that has developed over the last ten years. It is known as the clubbing capital of the world, drawing music connoisseurs from across the globe for its jaw-dropping DJ line-ups and its range of superclubs that hold thousands. At the same time, thanks to reality shows like ‘Ibiza Uncovered’, the so-called Isla Bonita is burdened with a reputation for attracting the worst element of Brits abroad. Lary lads and loose lasses stumble through the streets of San Antonio wreaking havock, making mischief and collapsing in a heap at the end of the night. But beyond all of this, there is a very sophisticated element of Ibizan life – a third personality that escapes most of the tourist trade. A new generation of bars have evolved into world class venues with slick interior design, atmospheric lighting, extensive cocktail menus and some of the best resident DJs in Europe.

When the Warhol bar opened in December 2001, its mission was to attract the stylish and beautiful, and now anyone who’s in the know in the music, fashion or media worlds can be found flocking to it for album launches, catwalk collections or photoshoots. The Base Bar continues to draw the music buffs and Café Mambo on the opposite side of the island has stolen the glory from Café Del Mar next door as the best place to watch the sun go down. Wine Bar is a new development, whose proximity to Pacha nightclub has sealed its future as an all-year fashion hang-out where you can dump vodka limóns in favour of fine wines and Fino. Then there’s cushion-strewn Mao Rooms, from London’s Chinawhite crew, which has become a first class lounge on the Ibiza scene.

For food, L’Elephant is the island’s top French restaurant, located in the small town of San Rafael just outside of Ibiza Town. Sa Capella is a beautiful and impressive restaurant housed in a 16th Century church resplendent with stone statues, foliage and faultless service. La Casita in Cala Llonga is a sleek and stylish terrace restaurant serving gastronomically inventive dishes from its old farmhouse location.

BARCELONA

Physically compact, yet culturally enormous; bohemian, and at the same time ultra chic. Barcelona is one of those cities that is all things to all men. It’s hub of creativity, with internationally renowned art galleries, designer shops and architectural delights that are second to none. Glitzy modern façades juxtaposed with the unique contorted architecture that is Gaudi’s legacy. Delightful squares and meandering boulevards that invite you to amble along for hours, glancing in the designer shops north of Plaça Catalunya. Then break your journey in the basement bodegas and tapas bars of La Rambla. In the summer, you can relax beachside at one of the scores of bars and restaurants along the Mediterranean coast of the Olympic port, dining on morning fresh seafood with a cold Manzanilla at your side. Aqua is a favourite hangout with bleached wooden tables and chairs spilling onto the beach front. For something more urban, Lupino, in one of the grafitti-ridden backstreets of the Raval district, is a fashionable spot with an alfresco terrace in similar style to one of London’s Hoxton haunts. Its slick, warmly lit interior is in direct contrast to the industrial carpark and the boqueria market that it looks out onto. The gourmands would prefer to venture into the commercial district to critically acclaimed Comerç 24 (closed in August), where the El Bulli trained chef, Carles Abellan, serves fantastic modern style tapas to a well-to-do professional crowd. For those of a more adventurous nature, a trip into Mount Tibidabo will provide views over the bustling city. A day at the theme park on high can be followed with drinks at Mirabelle and then completed with cocktails and dancing at the converted mansion known as Partycular. The sophisticated Eixample area offers a number of trendy escapes such as lounge bar Smooth, with its awesome selection of wines and Sherry, and velvet-clad Snooker, which won design awards when it opened a decade ago. El Ascensor in Ribera attracts the beautiful young things and with any luck you’ll be caught in the lift with one of them as you ascend to the modern designer club.

MADRID

It’s big and bustling, it’s loud and crowded, lascivious characters skulk in dark corners, and taxi drivers will try to rip you off. It’s a capital city and no mistaking it. Slap bang in the middle of the Spanish mainland, Madrid is hot – and with none of the forgiving sea breeze that blesses Barcelona, the teracotta cityscape looks practically kiln-baked. But it’s not all stress and strife. The best place to start relaxing is in Paseo del Prado, the expansive promenade that puts all of the city stress on hold. Down the spine of the Prado are three gurgling fountains that are fed by a subterranean stream. Adjacent to Prado is the beautiful, landscaped Retiro park, alive with street performers, bandstand and boat rides on its artificial lake. Sandwiched between the two is the botanical garden, an oasis of peace at the nucleus of the city. Café Miranda captures the spirit and colour of Madrid. Modern European cooking accompanied by a vampish dinner show with drag queens and a psychadelic decor. Drag queens feature at Gula Gula (Gran Via 1) too, where eating at the self-service buffet is a colourful and entertaining experience. A more sophisticated option is La Vaca Veronica where market-fresh ingredients are combined to terrific results. For something on the fashionable tip, Larios Café is a glamorous spot and its delicious Cuban cuisine is popular with the arty designer crowd. But if you’re looking up-market then Salamanca is the area to head for. The Beverley Hills of Madrid, Salamanca is awash with high class restaurants and glitzy bars. El Mentidero de la Villa (C/Santo Tomé 6) or grandiose Pedro Larumbe (C/Serrano 61) for exquisite fish, Estay for contemporary tapas or Boulevard for quaffing with any A-listers that are in town. Another trendy getaway is El Viso Madrid (C/Juan Bravo 31) set on a number of floors with a beautiful terrace bar, basement club and a very well-heeled young clientele. For a change from the norm, La Ida is a funky, chilled bar with no signage to give it away and an unconventional interior design. Frequented only by those ‘in the know’, it’s definitely worth seeking out.

SEVILLE

It is the flamboyant heart and soul of Spanish culture and a city that lives for tradition. From religion, which is embedded in its very essence, to football, politics, food and drink, the Andalusian capital thrives on its roots. Bull-fighting and flamenco are at the centre of its cultural calendar. And tapas is simply the done thing, for it was in Seville that the global obsession was born.Languishing at Spain’s southern tip, the sun-baked streets bask in the glory of a near-tropical heat. It is explosively colourful and architecturally stunning, its foundations carved from a multitude of occupations that span three millennia. The people smile, things move ever so slowly and mañana never seems to come. A weekend is simply not enough in Seville. You need time to stroll around from tapas bar to tapas bar, soaking up the atmosphere and the locally made Sherry; to meander along the river at sunset, stopping to crack open a bottle of Amontillado to mix with the rays of a sinking sun; to wander through the charming squares and the winding, cobbled streets of the Jewish quarter; and to drift from one hip bar to the next in trendy Alameda. Restaurants are less commonplace than in Barcelona or Madrid and Tapas bars take precedence. Egaña Oriza (C/San Fernando 41) combines bar and restaurant with elegance blending Basque and Andalusian cuisine in an expansive early 20th Century terazza. Another magnificient dining experience is La Albahaca – an exclusive townhouse which serves imaginative Spanish fusion dishes. Casa Robles serves gourmet Sevillian cuisine and is favoured by the Spanish royal family. Its sister restaurants Robles Placentines and Robles Tapas offer a less formal environment. La Colonial de Vinos y Viandas (C/Valpaiso 13) is the place to head for Spanish wine lovers – an amazing array of wines are accompanied by Cuban cigars and tasty tapas. Or try the inventive Mediterranean cuisine at La Madraza (C/Peris Mencheta 21), where you can titilate your taste-buds while gazing at the artworks on the walls which double as a gallery space.

BILBAO

Fifteen years ago, Bilbao was just a busy port and an old iron mining town. Fondly called ‘Botxo’ by the locals (Basque for ‘hole’), Bilbao escaped becoming a hole (literally) in the 90s with the gentrification of the dock area and the creation of such cultural magnets as the Guggenheim Museum and the concert hall, the development of the park, and the Sir Norman Foster designed metro system. The best way to get the most out of Bilbao is by way of a Txikiteo (the local version of a pub crawl) with a glass of Sherry and a plate of tapas in each bar. Alternatively, go top-end with Michelin-starred Zortzika – the lunch menu is best value. There’s also relaxed, but fashionable El Perro Chico, which looks out onto the recently cleaned river. Tapas bars tend to be more on the dark traditional side, but Harizki (Ledesma 7) goes against the grain offering gourmet style dishes in a slick, bright interior. As with other bars around Calle Ledesma, this place stays open a little later than the rest of the city. Worth a visit too is Artajo (Ledesma 4), where locals swear by the mussels in anchovy sauce.

JEREZ

The people of Jerez live for Sherry. Flamenco is a favourite pass-time and while drinking and dancing are woven into the fabric of life, it still remains a relatively peaceful and unspoilt part of Spain. Beaches and mountains are within reach at either side, vineyards and orange groves surround it and the ruins of once magnificent castles punctuate the landscape. It is a beautiful and ancient city, which despite being serviced by the no-frills airlines, still manages to evade mass tourism.The wide avenues of the city centre are full of shops and tapas bars are everywhere. Pass by Las Bridas for the kind of portions that you can share around or head for La Abacerio (Plaza Rafel Rivero) for a lively evening in alfresco surrounds. Good tradicional cuisine is to be had at Gaitán or El Gallo Azul (Calle Larga) for something a little more experimental. And whatever you do, make time to visit one of a many bodegas that are open for Sherry-tasting tours. It’s an unforgettable experience and one that will ensure you go away itching to come back.

SAN SEBASTIAN

One of the most fashionable places in Spain to holiday, San Sebastian couldn’t be further removed from the cheap resorts of the south. Golden beaches are beautifully maintained, landscaped parks and gardens, majestic mountains and the thrashing seas of the Bay of Biscay combine to dramatic effect. Designer shops keep the spendthrift upper classes happy as do some of the finest bars and restaurants in the country. Arzak is at the top of the list of restaurants to visit for the foodies (you are recommended to book at least a month in advance). Chef Juan Mari Arzak is often at your side to help you decide on dishes which change daily. Akelarre with its mountain location and views over the Atlantic offers a combination of traditional local cuisine and modern Basque interpretations and is not to be missed. All of the late night action happens in Parte Vieja, where tapas bars line the streets (try La Cepa, Martinez, Ormazabel and Gaztelu all on C/Agosto) and you can dance and drink until the very early hours.

About the Author:

Jeremy Mascarenhas has been editorial director of the seminal London Bar Guide magazine http://www.londonbarguide.com for 10 years. He is also global editor of The World Bar Guide, an online guide to the best bars in the world http://www.worldbarguide.com, publisher of The Big Directory (a bar industry bible) and a freelance drinks marketing consultant. He has worked with most of the leading drinks groups including Red Bull, Moët Hennessy, Diageo, Brown Foreman, Budweiser, Asahi, Tiger Beer and Grand Marnier. Through his publishing company Scene It, as well as the London Bar Guide, he has published guides to Sherry, UK nightlife, cocktails, Japanese restaurants, the much lauded London Restaurant Guide and much more besides.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Iberian Cool – the Hip Hangouts in Spain

We hope you will find the sites useful and that they will give you an insigt into each individual destination.

Explore Madrid
Explore Malaga
Explore Seville
Visit Benalmadena

Spain is amazing tourist destination for almost anyone. Whether you are a family taking a trip together, a retired couple getting away from your hometown, or a young couple honeymooning you will find the attractions to suit your tastes. You can visit the hot cities in Spain such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Benidorm, Murcia, and Valencia. Spanish cities will provide you with the best in shopping, museums, nightlife, and dining. Almost anything you would want in a major city, you will find in a Spanish city. Enjoy diverse Spanish culture as you sample local food such as Paella and other specialties. When you rent a car, you can explore more of the countryside and really get a good idea of life in a Spanish village. If you are a nature enthusiast then you can opt for a beach or a mountain vacation. The enormous Spanish coastline has enough beaches to keep you content for days at a time. If you enjoy hiking then the Pyrnees will be the perfect spot for you to hike or camp. No matter what time of year you visit Spain, you’ll be glad you came.

When you come to Spain, the culture and history should be at the forefront of yoru experience. Experience the hundreds of years of rich culture that Spain has to offer. From the Moors to the modern day, Spain is ripe with architecture and culture. You will be astounded by the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This magnificent church is still being built, but was designed and begun by famed architect Antonio Gaudi. If you travel to other areas of Spain you are sure to see ruins left from Roman times. These show the rich and diverse history of Spain. Also make sure to see the Moorish ruins that dot the coast of Spain. These show the legacy of Islam in Spain and are a sight to behold in this modern nation. No matter what your historical interest, you are sure to find something that catches your fancy. If you are an art lover, than make sure to check out the wide array of art that is found in Spain. Spain is the home of the famed Pablo Picasso and seeing his Guernica in Madrid is certainly a highlight of any Spanish vacation. If you are more of a shopper, than no fear Barcelona has your needs met. Check out the hottest in Spanish clothing and shoe designs in Barcelona.

If you are on a budget, you can still make Spain an affordable place to visit. Start by coming in the off-season, such as the winter. If you travel in the winter the hotel and airfare will be cheaper, but you will still have great mild weather. Once you are ready to book your tickets and accommodations, get online for all your needs. You can find great deals on airfares and hotel rooms by simply browsing the Internet from the comfort of your home. Rent a car to save money and time traveling around the country. If you are going with a large group this is definitely the way to go. You can be sure that there are accommodations for any budget. You’ll have a great time in Spain no matter when you come or what you do! So get online today and get on a plane to Spain tommorow.

About the Author:
Robert Carlton is writing normally for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online publication covering information on spanish culture . You can see his articles on paella over at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/spain-is-full-of-rich-culture-and-tradition-91580.html

The region of Murcia in Spain is famous for its old world character, rich history and gorgeous weather. Connoisseurs know that Murcia is also synonymous with wine. Wine lovers who want a Spanish holiday with class and good taste, consider Murcia’s history.

Murcia’s wine is produced in the region of Jumilla. It covers the northern part of Murcia and the south-east portion of Albacete. It boasts 33,000 hectares of wine-producing grapes. Its vineyards turn out 220,000 hl of wine every year. In fact, the region actually comprises five separate denominations of origin. Each DO is closely regulated by the local government. It helps to ensure that only the best grapes are grown. In the case of organic wines (which are increasingly in demand), it ensures that growing regulations are followed. This provides quality assurance to consumers around the world. It is undoubtedly one of the reasons that Jumilla wines have been critically acclaimed in the last decade.

Superb cuisine and exquisite wine is as much a part of Spanish culture as language and heritage. This tapestry of culture is what fuels the wine industry in Spain, and Jumilla, Murcia in particular. Jumilla wines are acclaimed the world over. Thousands of tourists flock to the region annually to get a firsthand look at the production of Jumilla wine.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the production of Spanish wines dates back to 4000 B.C. An abundance of native species of grapes likely fueled interest in the production and consumption of wine in the region. Wine production in Spain pre-dates the establishment of Cadiz, the oldest port in Spain, by a few hundred years. However, it was upon its founding that Spanish wines began to be traded around Europe. Later, Jumilla’s wine industry took new shape under the settlement of the Romans. Although Roman rule has long since disappeared, its culture still influences the production of Jumilla wine today.

The Reconquest of Spain, which began in 722 A.D., saw locals reclaiming the wine industry. Wine was a key component in the rituals of the various orders of monks and friars of the time. After ousting previous conquerors, they began to take back wine production. Wine-making flourished for several centuries. Wines from Jumilla became distinguished on the world market, thanks in large part to those early monks.

Notwithstanding, the region has seem some challenging times. Phylloxera has plagued the Spanish wine-making industry at various points over the last several centuries. One of the most recent phylloxera attacks in 1989 led to the replanting of thousands of hectares of vineyards in Jumilla. The new vineyards produced a lighter variety of wine than had previously come from the area. Naturally, the phylloxera attack was financially devastating to the economy. However, the newly produced wines fueled new and greater public interest in Jumilla wines.

The Jumilla Wine Route is famous with locals and visitors alike. Travelers can book a wine tour through their travel agent, online or in person in Murcia. A wide range of accommodations is available in the area to suit any budget. Rental villas, condos and hotels in variety of price ranges are abundant. There are also a number of hostels in Murcia. Several all-inclusive resorts in the area, including the world-class LaManga Club, attract many visitors each year. Other resorts are currently under development. When finished, Spain tourism officials predict a healthy boost to the local economy.

Wine lovers may find themselves enthralled and dazzled by the exotic and fruity wines of Murcia. In fact, connoisseurs find themselves returning again and again to the lure of the vineyards of Jumilla. It may be the wine-lover’s ultimate Spanish holiday.

About the Author:

Michael Lee is the information manager for La Manga Rentals offering luxury Spanish Holiday Villas at La Manga Club a Luxury Spanish Resort.

For additional information please see La Manga Club in Spain

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/murcia-spanish-wine-country-with-an-old-world-flavor-441890.html

A good, detailed map of Spain is one that gives you a quick visual image that creates a picture and orientates you to exactly where Spain lies. Also, maps can provide a lot more information if you study their legends and understand how the area you are viewing relates to the rest of the region and its place in the world.

Where on the Globe is Spain?

Spain is located at 40 degrees north and 4 degrees west. It is a part of Europe and makes up the south western part of the continent. To compare it to the United States, Spain would measure only a little more than two times the size of Oregon. It’s total area is 504,782 square kilometres, with that being broken down as 499,542 sq km of land and 5,240 sq km of water.

Spain includes a couple of island chains and two autonomous cities: Melilla and Ceuta. The islands are the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Penon de Alhucemas, Islas Chafarinas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera which are located off the coast of Morocco.

Spain borders on France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and two of Morocco’s communities in different areas. Even with all of these land connections, Spain has almost 5,000 km of coastline and the beaches are a big part of the country’s tourist trade.

Also adding to the tourist attractiveness of Spain is the temperate climate. The coast is most moderate, as the interior regions can get more extreme cold and hot temperatures in the summer and winter.

Spain sits right at sea level in its lowest spot along the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point is located in Tenerife at the Pico de Teide. This peak sits atop the Canary Islands and reaches 3,718 meters.

Key Cities and Regions of Spain

At the southern tip of Spain is the Straight of Gibraltar. This is an important passage from the Mediterranean Sea into the North Atlantic Ocean. The city of Algeciras sits watch over the merchant and tourist trades that pass through.

Along the Mediterranean coast is the Alicante region. This is a popular tourist location for all of Europe, Spain and International visitors from other parts of the world.

Madrid sits in the centre of Spain and is the country’s capital. It is located near the Tagus river which then accesses the North Atlantic Ocean by way of Portugal. Seville sits in the south western part of Spain and is known for its art and culture as well as being a financial centre.

Other major and important cities in Spain are Barcelona and Cartagena both on the Balearic and Mediterranean Seas respectively.

Up in the Bay of Biscay along the coast lie the cities of Gijon and Santander. Also part of the northern coastal cities are A Coruna and Vigo. It is easy to see why Spain is heavily involved in sea life either through fishing, salt harvesting or trade. However, even strategic location has not helped Spain with its relatively high unemployment rate.

Spain still has a strong and dynamic economy. This mostly evolved after the death of its dictator, Francisco Franco who died in 1975. Once Franco was not in power, Spain quickly became a democracy and saw a dramatic modernization of its economy.

Spain is an advocate of world freedom, remaining neutral in World Wars I and II, but fighting today for liberty and ending terrorism.

Spain may not be one of the most visited of European countries by Americans unless you count the Canary Islands. It is a mistake to rule out this beautiful country because of a lack of understanding. The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are among the most perfect vacation spots in all of Europe, any time of year.

About the Author:
Focusing on latest news in Spain, Ken J. Morris is writing essentially for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His articles on detailed map of Spain are found on his site .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/understanding-a-detailed-map-of-spain-133940.html

Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is so well-known as to be practically synonymous with sun, sea, sand and summer holidays. Tourists from all over Europe flock to the Mediterranean, and about ten million each year follow the lead of the Spanish Royal Family and spend their holidays in Majorca.

Visiting Majorca in winter, on the other hand, can provide a good way to avoid the crowds and excellent chances to explore more of this beautiful island, particularly for travellers who are looking for sporting activities and adventures. The mild climate lends itself to year-round outdoor activity, so the popular pastimes of hiking, cycling, horse riding, sailing, diving and watersports – jet skiing is much loved – are still available in the winter months and generally more comfortable to take part in when the weather is a little cooler. Away from the beaches, the island boasts some stunning mountain scenery, pine forests and caves to explore.

Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, as with all the Catholic Spanish territories, Majorca has a wonderfully festive atmosphere with lots of entertainments and treats especially for children. And the party is by no means over in January – early in the New Year, Spanish children celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings (los Reyes Magos), with a huge parade in the evening, gifts and sweets being given the next morning. Then for a whole two weeks (14-29 January), the Balearic capital of Palma comes alive with celebrations of its patron saint, Sebastian – it’s a perfect opportunity for visitors to see and take part in a traditional Spanish fiesta. The festivities include street parties with live music, bonfires and fireworks, fancy dress parades and huge outdoor barbecue feasts.

Prices for accommodation drop by around €20 per night in the ‘low season’ after the summer rush. Some of the most tourist-focused establishments may be closed during winter but a massive selection of quality hotels in Majorca remains open throughout the year. Along with the scores of three and four-star all-inclusive beach resorts – most suitable for large groups of holidaymakers – there are some exclusive, five-star designer hotels, aparthotels and around cities, converted mansions, manor houses and villas are found.

Many of these locally-owned hotels boast excellent cuisine, so are a good place to sample local specialities such as seafood paella, the spicy, warming Sobrassada sausage, wild mushrooms and olives, and the locals’ pride, almond cake and almond ice-cream. There are also some fine local wines, mainly using the Tempranillo (grenache) grape and the local varietals Callet and Manto Negro.

About the Author:

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/winter-on-majorca-is-fiesta-time-266046.html

It happened many years ago, that I met a man from Barcelona at a bar in England whom I asked if he considered himself to be Spanish or Catalonian. At first this man seemed surprised by my question till I explained to him that I had always heard that certain groups in Spain considered themselves to be more from a certain region then the country. For instance that some in the Basque country felt themselves not to be Spanish but Basques only. I even mentioned how this seemed a bit odd to me, as I would never say when asked that I was not British but Scottish.

Once I explained my question to this gentleman whose name was Jorge, he told me that the matter was not such an easy one. Yes, he did say he was Spanish and was proud of it but on the other hand he wanted it to be clear that his part of the country was of a different culture then the rest of Spain. For instance he mentioned how in Catalonia, the sport of bullfighting was not one that was practiced, given that it was not a part of their culture. This to the extent that there was not even a single bullfighting rink to be found in all of Catalonia.

Jorge also went to include in his arguments that though Spanish was his native tongue, which he spoke as his own; he also spoke Catalan and would not want to forget this language which he felt was a part of his ancestry. I even detected a certain tone of dignity in his voice as he made clear that Catalan was not a dialect as many might think but a language which should be respected as such.

Many were the topics this gentleman from Catalonia and I discussed on that evening however one I did find particularly comic and that was when Jorge told me that many a tourist went to Spain looking to buy a Mexican hat known as a charro. These hats are often referred to as sombreros though this word in fact in Spanish simply means hat, which could apply to anything one puts on ones head. Jorge found it odd how mostly American tourists came to Spain looking for something which was basically Mexican though he could understand that it was the money offered by these tourists that made them available. This despite the fact that these rather large hats had nothing to do with the culture of Spain.

In all I would say that this man showed me how one can both be proud of ones region while at the same time not forgetting the country where one was born in.

About the Author:

The Author is an avid learner of the Spanish Language having recently relocated to Spain. He was previously a director of a successful employment business and has since moved on to a new challenge. His interests include learning Spanish, writing, getting a grasp on the whole mix that is the internet and his family. He enjoys playing Golf now as his body won’t allow him to play football or rugby any more! He also enjoys learning about different cultures, in particular the Spanish culture; primarily because he loves wine and fiestas.
http://www.learn–spanish.net
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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/culture-articles/catalonian-culture-vs-spanish-culture-726847.html