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Information on Spain

Filled with people enjoying a vibrant zest for life, Spain is a never-ending party combined with sunny coastline, magnificent museums, stunning galleries and baroque churches.

A popular tourist destination, Barcelona boasts a balmy climate and a charming mix of modern and old architecture. Witness the bustle of the city along Las Ramblas, a pedstrian street lined with cafes, buskers and artists, and which goes from Plaça de Catalunya southeast towards the Mediterranean, the Port Vell (Old Port) and the stylish La Ribera (The Waterfront). Nearby, the ancient Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is the heart of the old city, with sights such as the Catedral de la Seu and Museu Picasso cradled along narrow streets and hidden squares. Perhaps the highlight of this city is the gob-smackingly unusual Sagrada Familia – unfinished masterpiece of eccentric designer Antonio Gaudi. Other distinctive works by him are scattered about the city, including Parc Guell – which has the best views of the city.

The capital, Madrid is best known for its stunning monuments and fine art museums. The components of the ‘Golden Triangle’ of art museums – Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornomisza – are linked by the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk). The Puerta del Sol is a main feature of the city, along with the nearby Basilica de San Isidro. With construction taking 100 years, the Catedral de Nuestra Señora is a fascinating sight. Also of interest, the Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas is the worlds biggest bullring.

The former capital of Seville is the hub of bullfighting and flamenco music. Barrio Santa Cruz is where you’ll find most of the town’s major monuments, including the inspiring cathedral, the La Giralda and the kings palace – Alcazar. The Moorish Palacio de Don Pedro and the 13th century Torre del Oro are other major attractions.

A large and lively city, Valencia is home to the Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas, an impressive Gothic cathedral, and the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados.

Granada is set at the base of the snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range and is most famed for the magnificent Alhambra Palace – soaked in Moorish influence.

Alternatively, Bilbao conserves a beautiful historic quarter with the Gothic cathedral and Guggenheim Museum as highlights.

The more adventurous in search of sun and fun can explore the Costa del Sol, Granada, Pyrenees and Pamplona, San Sebastian and Toledo. The fantastic beaches of the Costa del Sol have made Malaga one of the most visited cities in Spain. The kings palace, Alcazaba, is Malagas most important Moorish building. Alternatively, Pablo Picasso’s house is located in the Plaza de la Merced, and the Picasso Museum is a good place to learn more about the artist. Other popular towns in the area are: Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, and San Pedro de Alcantara. The Mediterranean coast, the Costa Brava, also has gorgeous beaches and a mild climate.