More than fifty million people visit Spain every year to enjoy the sun, the Mediterranean beaches and nightlife and of course golf. Yet Spain is much more than a holiday cliché with its familiar images of tapas bars, paella by the plateful, bullfighting and Flamenco.

Now tourists are being drawn by the fascination of another Spain far removed from the high-rise developments of the Costa del Sol. There are plenty of bargains to be had because of the intense competition between airlines and there has never been a better time to visit Spain.

Enjoy the Costas with their miles of sandy beaches but don’t forget that once you get away from the coast you can wander through winding streets of whitewashed houses in the small towns and villages where time has stood still or enjoy the ancient and modern architecture of one of Spain’s magnificent cities.

History
Isabel of Castile, who defeated King Boabdil at Granada, the last Moorish kingdom, laid the foundation of the Spanish national state. When she married Fernando II of Aragon in 1469, the formidable pair united their lands and became military, diplomatic and religious partners.

Although Spain was involved in many wars and power struggles throughout the centuries, it was the Spanish Civil War that split whole communities, families and friends. Both nationalist and republicans committee atrocities; over 350,000 people died including the poet Frederico Garcia Lorca, who was executed in the street by an ad hoc firing squad. After the war the nationalist victors were merciless; an estimated 100,000 people were killed or died in prison after the war. Prisoners included artists, intellectuals and teachers; others fled the country leaving Spain with a dearth of scientists, artists and writers.

Until the 1950`s Spain was a poor rural country. The 1960’s saw great economic growth partly because of the tourist industry but Spain remained a dictatorship under General Franco until his death in 1975. The authoritarian regime was then transformed into a democratic government with King Juan Carlos I as head of state. Modern Spain is a successful democracy with a great deal of autonomy given to elected regional authorities, although the tension between the state and the separatist movement in the Basque region in the north remains a political problem.

Landscape
Spain is a cornucopia of unforgettable scenery. The snow-capped Pyrenees that separate Spain from France have breathtaking views as well as offering resorts such as La Molina and Panticosa with opportunities for skiing. In the north, the winding rivers and lush, green meadows and forests of Galicia are a complete contrast to the Moorish influenced south, the orange groves of Valencia and the Almerian deserts. Everywhere in Spain, you can see reminders of Spain's rich and varied past, the Celtic culture of Galicia, the Alhambra in Granada and Don Quixote's windmills in La Mancha.

The Spanish Way of Life
The Spanish people are diverse in nature; however, they have one thing in common: a natural sociability and zest for life. Time is flexible in Spain and many people bend their work to fit their own demands of their social life. The extended family in Spain is important and underpins society. The family is the centre of their lives; children are adored and great importance is attached to their education.

The days are long and the Spanish have a word for the time between midnight and dawn, the madrugada, when the city streets are often lively. Spaniards often start the evening with el paseo, a leisurely stroll through the main streets. A cafe terrace is an excellent vantage point to observe this tradition, or to enjoy street theatre in the larger cities. The atmosphere is especially vibrant during fiestas or when the local football victory is marked by a cacophony of car horns, firecrackers and waving flags and team regalia. Everyone enjoys la marcha (good fun) until late and often dance until dawn.

To get the best from your visit live like the Spanish: party until dawn or beyond, eat a good lunch then have a siesta then go out again (but not too early) eat late until it’s time to party again.

Eating Out
Eating out in Spain is often cheap and meals are generous rather than gourmet. You will find Spanish restaurants are empty until late so unless you want to have what they call “English dinner” in an empty restaurant ,eat late. Restaurants and cafes have table service and cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. Restaurants often include service in the bill so a tip is discretionary. In cafes and bars, it is 5 to 10%. There are no licensing hours and bars and restaurants tend to close when the last customer leaves.

National specialities:

• Seafood: cod vizcaina or cod pil-pil (Basque provinces); angulas, tasty baby eels (Aguinaga); shellfish and hake à la Gallega (Galicia); lobster Catalan (Catalonia); fresh anchovies (Andalucía).
• Paella based on meat or seafood (Eastern provinces).
• Butifarra sausage stewed with beans (Catalonia).
• Roast meats: lamb, beef, veal and suckling pig (Castile).
• Gazpacho, a delicious cold vegetable soup (Andalucía).

One of the best ways to sample Spanish food is to try tapas which are served at any time of day in local bars. This wonderful tradition of began with small snacks originating in Andalucia in 19th century to accompany sherry. There are many stories about the origins of tapas, one of which was the bartender’s practice of covering a glass with a tapa or lid to keep out the flies. This progressed to slices of cheese or a few olives on the lid. Now you can choose from a range of hot and cold dishes such as patatas bravas -fried potatoes with a spicy sauce, fritura de pescado - an assortment of fried fish, mejillones a la marinara - mussels in wine, albondigas- meatballs, ensalada rusa –russian salad, chorizo- a spicy sausage and jamon serrano- mountain ham. Even the smallest village will have a bar where locals go to enjoy tapas, drinks and conversation. In larger towns it is customary to move from one bar to another sampling their specialities. Pacharan, a liqueur made from sloes is sweet, tastes of aniseed and is taken after a meal for digestion.

Wine and National Drinks
Spain is the third largest producer of wine in the world, the largest being Italy and France. Historically, Spain has been known from the production of fortified wines and one of the best known is Sherry, which is produced in the region surrounding Jerez de la Frontera. There are four main types of Sherry fino (very pale and very dry), amontillado (dry, richer in body and darker in colour), oloroso (medium, full-bodied, fragrant and golden) and dulce (sweet).

In Rioja, the law permits the use of four red grape varieties. Tempranillo is the primary grape used, followed by Garnacha Graciano and Mazuelo. The latter two are excellent but difficult to grow varieties. Crianza wines are those that have been aged for two years, Reservas are aged three years, and Gran Reservas (also known as Reserva Especial) are aged at least five years.

Ribera del Duero lacks the long history of Rioja and was recognized as an official wine region in 1982. Priorato is a region with low yields and produces wines of rich intensity. Penedes produces both red and white wines, but is mainly known for being the region that Cava was first made by the Reventos family who own and operate Codorniu. The largest Spanish wine brand name, Torres, is a major producer there.

Outdoor Pursuits
There are good opportunities for rock climbing in Spain’s mountains. Challenging climbs include the Naranjo de Bulnes in the Picos de Europa and Monte Perdido in Ordesa National Park.

Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular, and paths and tracks are plentiful.

Explore Spain on horseback. Spain's long equestrian tradition means that horse riding can easily be arranged. Mountain trails, river valleys and wide plains can be accessed with the help of a horse.

Swimming, waterskiing, and windsurfing facilities can be found at nearly all seaside resorts. Spain's premier windsurfing resort is Tarifa, on the Straits of Gibraltar, where the world championships are held. Inland lakes on the meseta in the regions of Castilla and Extremadura also have good facilities for windsurfing.

White-water rafting and canoeing enthusiasts should head for the rapids in northern Spain. Centres are well equipped and have skilled staff.

Spain is great for sailing, with over 4,000km of coastline and plenty of harbours and sailing clubs.

Diving is also popular and there are many excellent diving schools. Permits can be acquired from the relevant regional authorities.

The rivers and streams of the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa offer good freshwater game fishing, while trout is abundant throughout the country. The Asturias contains the best salmon rivers. Other catches include barbel, perch, pike and tench. Permits must be requested from the regional authorities.

Costa del Sol and La Manga are two of as two of Spain's premier golfing destinations. At present, Spain has over 200 golf courses, including courses designed by such notables as Robert Trent Jones, Severiano Ballesteros, Jack Niklaus and Jose María Olazabel.

Spain has also produced champions in sports such as tennis, golf, cycling, and motor racing and of course, soccer. Barcelona held the Olympic Games in 1992.

Spain offers great opportunities for skiing and there are many natural ski runs and winter resorts, equipped with modern facilities, and the promise of warm sun and blue skies. There is also a wide range of hotels, inns and refuges from which to choose. There are five main skiing regions in Spain: the Pyrenean Range, the Cantabrian Range, the Iberian Chain, the Central Chain and the Penibetic Chain. They are all attractive for mountaineering in general and for winter sports in particular. Check out the upland area of the Sierra Nevada, south of Granada and only about 40km (25 miles) from the coast, a nice place for a holiday combining winter sports with coastal sunshine and watersports in the Mediterranean.

Architecture
Spain has always imported its styles of architecture, Moorish from North Africa, Romanesque and early gothic from France and renaissance from Italy. Each style is interpreted in a uniquely Spanish way- Modernism is a Catalan interpretation of art nouveau where its architects experimented with the original language of ornament. In recent decades, Spain has seen an explosion of bold functional architecture in which the form of the building reflects its use and decoration is sparingly used.

Spain’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, was born in Tarragona and was a leading exponent of Catalan Modernisme. Casa Mila is Gaudi’s greatest contribution to Barcelona’s civic architecture. The apartment block, “La Pedreda” (the stone quarry) as it is more commonly called, was built between 1906 and 1910. It departed from the accepted architectural norms of the time and was ridiculed by Barcelona intellectuals.

The Arts
Spanish films compete with the best in the world, notably those of Pedro Almovodar. Marbella hosts its second year of film festival, which it hopes will rival that of Cannes.
Recent investment in the arts has provided venues for regional art centres, symphony orchestras and classical guitarists inspired by Andres Segovia. Spain has produced many world famous opera singers such as Montserrat Caballe, Alfredo Kraus, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras.

Spain has had more than its share of artists over the centuries. Velasquez, the 17th century court painter, Francisco de Goya who depicted life during one of his most violent periods and el Greco who was born in Crete and painted from a highly personal religious vision. Of the modern painters Miro, Dali and Picasso, the father of modern art, belonged to the Paris school. More recent artists of note are Antonio Saura, and Barcelona’s Antoni Tapies.

It would be impossible not to include flamenco in any discussion about Spanish art. Itstragic lyrics and tones reflect the sufferings of the gypsy people. Gypsies say it is in the blood. However, Lorca called flamenco one of the greatest inventions of the Spanish people.
The Compañia Nacional de Baile, founded in 1978, mixes classical ballet with Spanish dance.

Major Cities

Alicante
Alicante was founded by the Greeks who named it Akra Leuke (White Peak), it was later captured by the Romans who renamed it Lucentum (City of Light). In the second half of the eighth century it was conquered by the Moors, and the city was finally retaken in 1246 for the Castillian crown. In 1308 it was incorporated in to the Kingdom of Valencia. Today Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencian Country, and receives millions of visitors through its airport and its harbour each year. With its long sandy beaches, mild and pleasant climate, festivals, recently renovated old town and lively nightlife; this is definitely a city in which to spend some time.

Barcelona
This wonderful city, once a rundown industrial centre has undergone enormous change that culminated in hosting the Olympic Games in 1992, an event which completely transformed Barcelona. As well as a string of purpose built sporting developments springing up all over the city (with the epicentre on the slopes of Mantua) Barcelona also benefited from major investments.

Barcelona has since become something of a Mecca for the world’s top architects who have flocked here to conjure up an array of modern structures and avant-garde designs.

Many architects have drawn their inspiration from of Barcelona’s most famous son, Antoni Gaudi, whose unique style can still be enjoyed in a number of buildings in the city. His masterpiece is the unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral, but his work can be seen even in the lampposts and fountains of Plaça Reial.

Barcelona’s gothic cathedral rests at ease within striking distance of a contemporary glass and steel office and the old port has been revitalized without losing any of its charm.

With a clement climate all year round, it is not surprising that Barcelona is attracting an increasing number of visitors and is now one of Europe’s most popular short break destinations.

This thoroughly Spanish city has a truly Mediterranean air; its wide esplanades, such as the Rambla de Mendez Nuñez and the Avenida Alfonso el Sabio, and its seafront promenades, full of terrace cafés, are perfect for relaxation.

Visit the Barri Gótic (Gothic quarter), where the buildings date back to the 14th and 15th centuries including theSeu (old cathedral), the Episcopal Palace, the Palau de la Generalitat and the Plaça del Rei. Take the funicular to Tibidabo, the highest of Barcelona’s hills, or a cable car to Montjuic in the southern suburbs. Both offer spectacular views over the city and have funfairs at the summits.

Barcelona's museums include the Museo Picasso, which not only focuses on the artist's early years but also includes works from the Blue and Rose periods,. The other museums are The Fundació Joan Miró, the Museum of Catalan Art, the Maritime Museum, and the Zoological Museum.

Bilbao
Bilbao is Spain’s sixth-largest city, its biggest port, and the main industrial centre in the north of the country. It is also the predominant city in the Basque region and was the seat of the Basque autonomous government in the Spanish Civil War from 1936 until its capture by the Nationalists the year after.

Bilbao was established as a city by charter on 15 June 1300, but it was the industrial era of the 19th and 20th centuries that brought it wealth and affluence. Shipbuilding along with the production of iron and steel has been among its most important industries. After some industrial decline there was a shift in economic focus to tourism, culture and environmental and urban regeneration, and by these means Bilbao managed to turn itself around and become a world-famous success story.

Architectural wonders such as the Guggenheim Museumand Euskalduna Palace have helped to attract a large number of tourists to the city, and they have also contributed to the opening up of Bilbao’s urban space so as to allow the city to breathe again after decades of industrial congestion.

Bilbao welcomes visitors from all over the world to sample its cultural treasures, and not least its gastronomic riches - Basque cuisine is among the best in Spain, and Bilbao boasts some of the region’s foremost restaurants.

Granada
The Alhambra symbolises Granada's story and significance, having been brought to its peak of elegance and splendour in the 14th and 15th centuries when Granada was the flourishing capital of the last Moorish kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula.

Finally, in 1492, the Christian Reconquest reached here too, led by Spain's ‘Catholic Monarchs', Isabel and Fernando, and bringing with it the churches, monasteries and other monuments that also contribute to the city's beauty and atmosphere today.

Over the centuries Granada and the Alhambra fell into centuries of decline. This decline was reversed by the interest of 19th-century Romantics such as American writer Washington Irving, author of the celebrated Tales of the Alhambra, it was this interest that sparked early tourism and today the Alhambra Palace is Spain's most visited monument. The palace-fortress was built by the Nasrid rulers in the 13th and 14th centuries. Its highlights include the Palacios Nazariés with its halls, courtyards and loggias decorated with painted enamel tiles and delicately fretted arches, stalactite vaulting, marble sculptures and stucco ornament; the Alcazába, an 11th-century hilltop fortress; and the Generalife, the gardens of the summer palace.

The city of Granada is a cultural capital in its own right, with a prestigious university, a large student population (including many foreign students studying Spanish) and a buzzing entertainment and nightlife scene.

This blending of old and new with young, traditional and modern, Christian with Islamic, along with its network of narrow streets with open vistas has made Granada unique in Spain.

Madrid
According to Arab chroniclers, it was in AD 852 that the Emir of Córdoba, Mohamed I (AD 852-886), ordered a fortress to be built on the left bank of the Manzanares River, the geographical centre of the Iberian Peninsula. He named the settlement ‘Mayrit' (‘source of water') and in it laid the seeds of the city now known as Madrid. Traces of this ancient town can be seen in a section of muralla Arabe (town wall) near the Royal Palace.

Madrid is Spain's financial and political core, home to the Cortes (Parliament), Senate and Royal Family, as well as the extraordinary cultural riches of the Golden Triangle, the city’s three superb art museums. The Prado has one of the most remarkable art collections in the world. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia focuses on modern art and is where Picasso’s famous Guernica is displayed. The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is one of the most important private collections of western painting in the world.

Visitors to Madrid should look out for Madrid's colourful festivals throughout the year when each barrio (district) tries to outdo the other in its celebrations. The highlights include Reyes Magos (Feast of the Three Kings), Carnival, the religious processions of Holy Week, the San Isidro Festival in May (the beginning of the bullfighting season) and Nochevieja (New Year's Eve), when hours of uninhibited partying takes place in the Puerto del Sol.

Madrid has many cultural festivals, notably the Veranos de la Villa in summer and the autumn Festival de Otoño, embracing film, dance, theatre and music of every description. Discover Royal Palace, which dates from the mid 18th century and has more than 20 rooms open to the public. Enjoy the atmosphere in the area around Puerta del Sol, the heart of the city, and on Madrid's most historic and popular square, Plaza Mayor.

Each barrio in Madrid has its own unique atmosphere - Lavapiés, Malasaña and Chueca being the oldest and most interesting.

Fashionable Madrid starts with the Salamanca district and the boutiques of Calle Serrano, while the modern business quarter extends along the north-south axis, known as the Paseo de la Castellana.

At the far (northern) end of the Paseo de la Castellana are the ‘leaning towers' of the Puerta de Europa (Gateway of Europe), a daring display of architecture symbolising the city's confidence in its future.

It is worth a journey to Alcalá de Henares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the birthplace of the writer Miguel de Cervantes and the first wife of England’s Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon. The university, founded in the 16th century by Cardinal Cisneros, and the oldest surviving public theatre in Europe is as important to Spain as Shakespeare's Globe is to England.

The best times to visit Madrid are between March-June and then during September-October. July in Madrid is at its hottest and must be avoided at all costs. In August locals travel to the coast en mass leaving shops and businesses closed for a whole month.

Malaga
Málaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol but is not typical of the region and has little to do with the Costa culture. Málaga is a very Spanish city and boasts a busy commercial port, bars and restaurants where local food and language are the norm and Malagueños go about their daily business.

The old centre features many handsome streets, plazas and several historic landmarks which would grace any European city.

The Picasso Museum (opened in 2003) has brought millions of visitors to the city and has aided Malaga’s growth. Other benefits include a new Parador and a wealth of cosmopolitan restaurants, cafés and bars. Málaga is a candidate for European City of Culture 2016. It may be a while yet before it becomes an established city break alongside the likes of Barcelona and Seville, but Málaga is no longer just a mere holiday portal.

Marbella
Marbella is the aristocrat of the Costa del Sol, patronised since the 1950s by princes, sheikhs and Spanish socialites, and developed as a playground for the rich and famous. This is most evident in the famous leisure port, Puerto Banús, where some of the world's biggest and most expensive private yachts moor. For a taste of old Marbella, wander round the picturesque Casco Antiguo (Old Town) with its narrow whitewashed alleyways and flower-filled balconies. Around the exquisite little main square, Patio de los Naranjos,are some beautiful 16th- and 17th-century buildings.

Marbella is 55km (33 miles) west of Málaga and 50km (30 miles) west of Málaga Airport on Spain's Costa del Sol. Gibraltar lies 71km (44 miles) south west.

Marbella comprises 27km (17 miles) of coastline with 24 named beaches, stretching from San Pedro de Alcántara (west) to Calahonda (east). Most are naturally formed from soft golden sand, some are grey and man-made. The popular ones offer all watersports, inflatable rides, beach bars, showers and other facilities. The most popular are the centrally located Puerto Banús, La Fontanilla, La Venus and La Bajadilla  (the last two are also known as El Fuerte). Heading east, the beaches of Las Chapas, Artola/Cabopino, and Calahonda are rated by many visitors as the best. Cabopino is a naturist beach with dunes.

The Costa del Sol is also known as the Costa del Golf, with several championship courses dotted along the coast. There are also top-class tennis clubs and sailing opportunities locally. You can learn to water-ski the easy way (on a lake, by Cable Ski) at Parque de las Medranas in San Pedro de Alcántara.

On those rare rainy days, there are two important museum collections to visit. The Museo de Bonsai (Avenida del Dr Maiz Viñal) holds Europe's finest collections of tiny trees. The Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo (Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings) at Calle Hospital Bazán, houses etchings by such famous names as Picasso and Miró.

Despite its jet-set image, Marbella is very well equipped for families. Funny Beach (Carretera N-340, Km 184) includes trampolines and mini-motorbikes plus water-skiing, jet-skis and go-karts for older kids and adults. At Puerto Banús, Cortylandia is designed for younger ones and includes gentle train trips, mini cars and canoe rides. Selwo Aventura (Carretera N-340, Km 162.5, between San Pedro de Alcántara and Estepona) is an impressive African-themed nature park where 2,000 animals and 700 birds roam in as-near-natural-as-possible conditions. Natura Aventura (Calle Santa Beatriz 32, San Pedro de Alcántara) is an outdoor pursuits adventure park for all ages, including canyoning, climbing, go karts, paintballing, and canoeing.

Shopping
You can buy just about anything in the way of fashion from Marbella, with all the big international and Spanish names represented among the hundreds of designer boutiques. For one-stop shopping there is a branch of El Corte Inglés at Puerto Banús, and two major malls: Málaga Plaza (Armengual de la Mota, 12) and La Cañada (Parque Comercial Autovía, Salida Ojén). Marbella market takes place every Monday at the Recinto Ferial (Zona de Las Albarizas). There are two flea markets in town on Saturday; one at Nueva Andalucía (Centro Plaza), the other at Puerto Banús, next to the bull ring.

Nightlife
Marbella enjoys a vibrant nightlife from sophisticated piano and cocktail bars to karaoke bars; authentic flamenco shows to imported rock music and exclusive members-only nightclubs to fun pubs and discos. Big name acts and visiting international DJs are commonplace in the summer. Remember to dress for the best.

Eating out
Marbella boasts top quality cuisine from every continent and school: French, Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, Thai, Moroccan, Greek, Russian, even Polynesian! There are also plenty of Spanish tapas bars and restaurants at more down-to-earth prices.

Getting Around Marbella
Marbella is a large and sprawling resort. Many holidaymakers drive but beware, particularly if you are considering a motorbike, that the main Carretera N-340 is very congested at peak periods and is renowned for its accidents. Local buses will take you quickly and easily to most places.

Exploring further afield
Mijas (33km/20 miles east) is an idyllic little Andalucian village which has been commercialised to accommodate the expectations of coach loads of daily visitors, but is still worth seeing, particularly at quiet times. At Mijas Costa (27km/17 miles east), Parque Acuático (Carretera N-340, Km 209) is a popular waterpark with the usual quota of white-knuckle flumes and rides. For more family attractions head 45 km/28 miles east to Benalmádena Puerto, The marina in Benalmadena, with its unusual architecture, is worth a visit with its shops, bars, restaurants and clubs. The marina also houses Seaworld.

Ronda (61km/38 miles north west of Marbella) is set above a spectacular ravine in the midst of classic rolling Andalucian countryside, and is one the region's most attractive and historically interesting towns. The famous Ascari Race resort, a racing circuit for millionaires, is situated in the Ronda valley

Living the Highlife
There is no shortage of places in Marbella where you can blow the budget. If you want to do it on a meal try La Hacienda, a delightful quiet rustic spot 13km (8 miles) east of Marbella (Urbanización Hacienda Las Chapas, Carretera de Cádiz 193km/120 miles ). Or maybe The Beach Club (Rio Real Playa, Carretera de Cádiz), a buzzy beachside restaurant where you can spot celebs, listen to live music and tuck into lobster lasagne with truffles. If you want to spend yet more serious money after that, dress to kill and head to the Olivia Valere Discoteca (Carretera d'Istan, 0.8km/0.5 miles, near the mosque). The guest book includes Bruce Willis, Naomi Campbell and Joaquin Cortes!

Salamanca
One of the most important moments in Salamanca's history was the year 1218, when Alfonso IX created the University of Salamanca. Soon it became one of the most significant and prestigious academic centres in Europe.

In the Peninsular War of the Napoleonic campaigns, the Battle of Salamanca, fought in July 22, 1812, was a serious setback for the French, and a huge setback for Salamanca, whose western quarter was seriously damaged. The battle which raged that day is famous as a defining moment in military history; many thousands of men were slaughtered by cannon fire in the space of only a few short hours.

The city lies on a plateau by the Tormes River, which is crossed by a bridge 500 ft long built on 26 arches, fifteen of which are of Roman origin, while the remainder date from the 16th century. The Plaza Mayor is the central square in the city and is known as the living room of the Salmantinos (Salamancans). It was constructed by Andres Garcia de Quifiones at the beginning of the 18th century. The plaza has a capacity of 20,000 people and is surrounded by shaded arcades. The plaza was originally a venue for bullfights but is currently used primarily for concerts. The plaza is regarded as one of the finest squares in Europe. Next to Main Square we can see the Central Market of Salamanca with typical fresh products of Spain.

Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Through the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname La Ciudad Dorada, the golden city. This golden glow is unique in Spain and is due to the "Villamayor Stone", a type of sandstone coming from a quarry situated in Villamayor, a village close to Salamanca.

The old Romanesque cathedral was founded in the 12th century and holds in its treasury the bronze crucifix that was carried into battle before El Cid. The Augustinian monastery contains the tomb of the count and countess de Monterrey, by Alessandro Algardi.
In 2002 Salamanca shared the title of European Capital of Culture with Bruges.

Salamanca is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer. Tourism is the primary economic activity in the city.

The classic dish of the Salamancan Charreria or "peasant lands" is a cocido, a baked casserole of garbanzo beans. A traditional Salmantinian celebration is the Lunes de Aguas, "Water Monday", the Monday after the Sunday following Easter. Originally this served to celebrate the official allowance of the authorities for the prostitutes to return to the city after Lent and Easter. All the shops close and Salmantinos picnic in the countryside to eat a kind of pie called "hornazo".

Santiago de Compostela
Today, Santiago de Compostela remains an exquisitely preserved medieval cathedral town that is centred on the shrine of the apostle James, after whom the city is named. The winding narrow streets of the Old Quarter are built from local granite and on clear days the golden coloured stone glows in the sunlight; the Praza do Obradoiro, with the great Baroque façade of the Cathedral, is especially glorious. The entire Old Quarter is a honeycomb of architectural charm and perfect for exploring on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is almost entirely Romanesque and Baroque; the city’s 18th-century ecclesiastical patrons lavished so much wealth on this particular approach to architecture that it evolved into a style known as Galician Baroque. The city is far more than a mere stone relic; the Way of St James is still an enormously popular pilgrim’s route, drawing thousands of people every year from around the world to the Cathedral as it has for the whole of the last millennium. The 730km (454-mile) walk from Roncevalles culminates in the Pilgrim’s Mass at noon each day while the great botafumeiro (incense burner) swings like a pendulum above the heads of worshippers in the Cathedral transept, dispensing clouds of sweet-smelling incense. The image of Santiago (St James) in the form of the scallop shell is evident around the city, an important symbol since the 11th century. While its origin is a mystery, it continues to be worn by pilgrims today.

Situated in the very northwest of the country, some 40km (25 miles) from the coast, Santiago de Compostela is one of the wettest places in Spain. The damp climate means that it is wet in winter and humid in summers, while evenings can be chilly. As the capital of the region, it has a key role within the province of Galicia. The region itself is strongly defined, with a distinct Celtic strain and a self-conscious and aggressively self-promoting regional identity. While its writers may hymn the Celtic mysteries of the characteristic Galician forests and misty groves, Santiago de Compostela is also the focus of modern broadcasting, press and publishing enterprises designed to reinforce Galego (Galician) as a language and a unifying cultural force.

Santiago de Compostela’s famous university attracts a large number of students, which guarantees the city a youthful ambience. The university (founded in 1501) has long been the source of a lively buzz of activity to the city’s bars, cafés and restaurants.

Seville
Seville, the city of Carmen and Don Juan, is the romantic heart of Spain; Christopher Columbus is buried in Seville’s magnificent cathedral, which is the largest gothic building in the world. The bell tower is known as the Giralda because of its crowning weather vane that was originally a minaret and observatory. Seville still has many traces of its 500 years of Moorish occupation. The Alcázar, the palace-fortress of the Arab kings, is one of the finest examples of Mudéjar (Moorish) architecture. Of all the cities in Spain, many would argue that Seville is the most Spanish. Although the architecture is a blend of Christian and Moorish styles, those clichés that are most associated with Spain are all to be found huddled in Andalucia’s compact capital. From flamenco to fiestas and tapas to bullfights, here you’ll find the biggest and the best.

‘Romantic’, ‘flamboyant’, ‘intriguing’ and ‘embracing’ – these are all words that have been used to describe Seville, but so have ‘wild’ (think bullfights and frenzied flamenco), ‘reserved’, ‘conspicuous’ and ‘insular’.

The city is a hybrid of contrasts visible at every turn. It has been described as romantic, flamboyant and intriguing as well as wild, conspicuous and insular. Seville is a man for all seasons and a season for all men. Party with the in-crowd at Plaza Alfalfa or Calle Betis or soak up the solitude within the Parque de Maria Luisa. Culture lovers flock to the many museums and monuments of another life in another time.

Seville is a microcosm of Spain with enough attractions to keep its regular visitors happy time and again and an allure that rarely fails to seduces all newcomers.

Toledo
Toledo was famed for its production of steel and especially of swords, and the city is still a center for the manufacture of knives and other steel implements. When Philip II moved the royal court from Toledo to Madrid in 1561, the old city went into a slow decline from which it never recovered.

Toledo's Alcázar became renowned in the 19th and 20th centuries as a military academy. At the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 its garrison was famously besieged by Republican forces.

The Muslim scientists of this age were unrivaled in the world. Perhaps among their greatest feats were the famous water locks of Toledo. The old city is located on a mountaintop, surrounded on three sides by a bend in the Tagus River, and contains many historical sites, including the Alcázar, the cathedral (the primate church of Spain), and the Zocodover, a central marketplace.

Toledo was famed for religious tolerance and had large communities of Muslims and Jews until they were expelled from Spain in 1492 and 1604; the city therefore has important religious monuments like the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, the Synagogue of El Transito, and the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz.

In the 13th century, Toledo was a major cultural center under the guidance of Alfonso X, called "El Sabio" ("the Wise") for his love of learning. The program of translations, begun under Archbishop Raymond of Toledo, continued to bring vast stores of knowledge to Europe by rendering great academic and philosophical works in Arabic and Hebrew into Latin.

The cathedral of Toledo (Catedral de Toledo) was modeled after the Bourges Cathedral though it also combines some characteristics of the Mudéjar style. It is remarkable for its incorporation of light and features the Baroque altar called El Transparente, several stories high, with fantastic figures of stucco, painting, bronze castings, and multiple colors of marble, a masterpiece of medieval mixed media.Toledo was home to El Greco for the latter part of his life, and is the subject of some of his most famous paintings, including The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, exhibited in the Church of Santo Tomé.

Valencia
Try to stay in Valencia overnight when the city empties of day trippers and reverts to its quiet medieval atmosphere.

Getting around Spain

Getting Around by Water
There are regular hydrofoil and car and passenger ferry sailings from Algeciras to Tangier and Ceuta; Málaga and Almeria to Melilla; Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante to the Balearic Islands; and Cádiz to the Canary Islands. There are also inter-island services, including a catamaran service linking Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. For further information, contact Trasmediterránea c/o Southern Ferries ( tel:(902) 454 645; website: www.trasmediterranea.es).

Getting Around by Rail
The state-owned company RENFE (website: www.renfe.es) operates a railway network connecting all the regions on the Iberian Peninsula. It is mainly a radial network, with connections between Madrid and all the major cities. There are also some services connecting the northwest coast with the Mediterranean coast, as well as services from the French border down the Mediterranean coast. Principal trains are air conditioned, and many have restaurant or buffet service. Reservations for passenger services in Spain may be made in the UK through the Spanish Rail service (see above), European Rail Travel (020) 7387 0444; website: www.europeanrail.com), Freedom Rail (tel: 0870 757 9898; website: www.freedomrail.com) and Ultimo Travel (tel: (0151) 339 6171).

High-speed trains: The Ave service connects Madrid and Seville in 2 hours 15 minutes, with several services each way via Córdoba. Some services also stop at Ciudad Real and Puerto Llano (La Mancha). Planned completion of the Madrid to Barcelona leg is due shortly, and the high-speed border connection with France in 2010. Also, in 2010, the stretches from Córdoba to Málaga, Madrid to Valencia and Madrid to Valladolid should be ready. The Talgo 200 connects Madrid and Malaga in 4 hours 35 minutes.

Tourist trains: The Andalus Express and Transcantábrico offer a pleasant way of discovering their respective regions. There are also a number of privately-run narrow-gauge railways in Spain, located mainly in the north of Spain as well as the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, which run at a leisurely pace through picturesque scenery. For more information on tourist trains, contact the Spanish National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses).
Rail Passes

Tarjeta Explorerail: allows unlimited travel on all but some regional and fast trains to travellers under 26. It can be bought in Spain, or overseas from selected travel agents, and is available for 7-, 15- and 30-day periods.

InterRail's One-Country Pass: offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within Spain. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children's tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from Rail Europe (website: www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail). 

Note: Seat reservations are required on all intercity trains. This ruling applies to the passes and cards mentioned above.

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Motorways are well-maintained and connect Spain north–south. Tolls are in operation on some sections and have to be paid in Euros. Trunk roads between major cities are generally fast and well-maintained. Rural roads are of differing quality.

Bus: There are bus lines which are efficient and cheap, operating between cities and towns. Departures are generally from a central terminal at which the operators will have individual booths selling tickets. Most places have a bus link of some kind, even the more remote villages.

Car hire: All major car hire companies are represented in major cities. Drivers must be over 21 to hire a car.

Motorcycles: No person under 18 may hire or ride a vehicle over 75cc. Crash helmets must be worn.

Regulations: Side lights must be used at night in built-up areas. Spare bulbs and red hazard triangles must be kept in all vehicles. Traffic lights: two red lights mean ‘No Entry’. Parking laws are rigorously enforced. The speed limit for motorways is 120kph (80mph) in general, but for buses and lorries the limit is 100kph (60mph); in built-up areas the limit is 50kph (30mph); for other roads it is 90kph (56mph).

Documentation: Most foreign licences including Canadian, EU and US are accepted. Third Party insurance is compulsory, plus a Green Card if bringing your own car (available from insurance company).

Getting Around Towns and Cities
Traffic in Spanish cities is normally heavy, and urban driving takes some time to adjust to. City public transport facilities are generally good. Barcelona, Bilbao Madrid and Valencia have metros as well as buses. Pre-purchase multi-journey tickets are sold. Other towns and resorts are well served by local buses. Metered taxis are available in most major cities and a 2 to 3% tip is customary.

Málaga airport is used by millions of holidaymakers annually as the gateway to Spain's most commercialised coastline with the ‘super resorts' of Torremolinos and Marbella, just a few miles west.

Accommodation
A variety of accommodation is available including apartment-hotels, hotel-residencias and motels. The term residencia denotes an establishment where dining-room facilities are not provided, although there must be provisions for the serving of breakfast and a cafe.

Grading: Most accommodation in Spain is provided in hotels, classified from 1 to 5 stars (the few exceptions have a Gran Lujo, Grande De Luxe category); or hostels and pensiones, classified from 1 to 3 stars. It is always advisable to book accommodation well in advance, particularly during festivals or at popular resorts on the coast from late spring to October.

Lodges
A chain of lodging places has been set up by the Ministry of Tourism in places of special interest or remote locations. These include attractive modern buildings and ancient monuments of historic interest, such as monasteries, convents, old palaces and castles. Standards are uniformly high, but not at the expense of individual charm and character.

Pensions
Pensiones are common throughout Spain and vary in quality from austere to relatively luxurious. They are usually run by the family on the premises and provide bed and board only.

Camping/Caravanning
There are over 1,000 campsites throughout the country, covering a wide quality and price range. Permission from the local police and landowner is essential for off-site camping and there may be no more than three tents/caravans or 10 campers in any one place. Regulations demand that off-site camping is in isolated areas only.

Youth Hostels
The Spanish Youth Hostel Network (REAJ) is the representative in Spain for the International Youth Hostel Federation and there are currently over 200 registered youth hostels throughout the whole of Spain.

Accommodation Information

Confederación Espanola de Hoteles y Alojamientos (CEHAT)
Calle Orense 32, 28020 Madrid, Spain
Tel: (91) 556 7112 or (90) 201 2141.
Website: www.cehat.com.

Paradores de Turismo
Calle Requena 3, Madrid 28013, Spain
Tel: (91) 516 6666.
Website: www.parador.es

Federación Espanola de Empresarios de Cámpings y Ciudades de Vacaciones (ANCE)
San Bernardo 97-99, 28015 Madrid, Spain
Tel: (91) 448 1234.
Website: www.fedcamping.com.

Spanish Youth Hostel Network (REAJ)
Website: www.reaj.com

Turisme Juvenil de Catalunya in Barcelona
C/Rocafort 116-122, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Tel: (934) 838 363.

Turisme Juvenil de Catalunya in Madrid
C/Castello 24, 1G, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Tel: (91) 522 7007.

Article written and edited by Trish Dynes,
Editor and Writer
Amber Writing Services

Currently writing and editing articles for “Beautiful Living España” Magazine

Mobile: 34 652 514 635
Tel: 951 276 683
E-mail: patricia.dynes@gmail.com