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MadridMadrid may be lacking in architectural beauty compared with other major Spanish cities, but it makes up for this with its boundless energy, blue skies, art, culture and some of the most exhilarating and exhausting nightlife in Europe. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot - most of the sights of interest are found in the downtown area between the Royal Palace and Parque del Retiro.
The capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid sits in the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula and has long been an important stop on any art tour through Europe. The famous Museo del
Prado on the city's 'Museum Mile' houses important works by Spanish and European masters from the Renaissance onwards, while the Museo Thyssen-Bornemiza houses one of the most extensive private collections in the world. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is devoted to 20th century Spanish art, with works by Miro, Dali and Picasso.
Visitors wishing to take a break from all that art may want to see the Plaza de Toros, Spain's largest bullring, where regular bullfights are still held. Sports fanatics who like something a little less bloodthirsty can watch Real Madrid, or Atletico de Madrid, Spain's most famous football teams kick off.
The city sits atop a plateau and is the highest capital in Europe, making its climate somewhat extreme with steaming hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Spring is the best time to visit and explore the squares and alleyways in the heart of this crowded city.
Getting Around: Madrid is easy to get around and is served by an extensive network of buses, a modern and efficient metro, and trains. Taxis are plentiful and cheap although a list of surcharges will increase the fare. Visitors should check that the meter isn't already running, as foreigners are often the victims of overcharging. The quickest way to get around is on the fast and very efficient metro that reaches most places and operates from 6am to 1.30am, although it is best to avoid rush hours; otherwise the comprehensive bus network is there to fill in the gaps from 6am to midnight. Buses have designated lanes so are able to avoid traffic congestion, and night buses operate after midnight. The 10-trip ticket package allows for cheaper travel and is valid on both the metro and buses. Driving in Madrid is best avoided; cars can be left at parking garages for the duration of stay.
BarcelonaThe enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries.
The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic both offer breathtaking views over this city. Its skyline is perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of the city's most appealing offerings, with museums containing extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso.
Barcelona is also a shopping Mecca, with the city's flair for style reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the afternoons. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants open, the night comes alive. Dinner is served at any time between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the morning.
Barcelona is the commercial center of the popular holiday region known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old charm, which can be easily reached from the city.
Getting Around: Barcelona's excellent transport system includes the metro, buses, trains, funiculars and cablecars; tickets for all (except night buses) are transferable across the system. There are a number of more economical multi-ride tickets available, including the targeta valid for 10 journeys, as well as three to five-day passes, or the Barcelona Card that combines transport tickets with discounts on selected tourist sights, shops, entertainment and restaurants. The Metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city, except during the rush hour when it becomes very crowded. The bus network is extensive and is easy to master with a transport map. Night buses take over from about 10pm to 4am. During summer the hop-on hop-off Bus Turistic links all main sights and tourist destinations. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive and are a good option especially late at night, but charge extra for a number of things - ask for a receipt. Hiring a car is unnecessary and frustrating within the city, but can be essential if planning day trips outside the city.
Costa BlancaLying on the eastern coast of Spain, the Costa Blanca draws millions of tourists each year to its turquoise waters and miles of white sandy beaches. Alicante is the capital and major city on this stretch of coast, but it is Benidorm that attracts the most visitors and this is the place to go for those looking for a lively and entertaining holiday with hundreds of bars and all-night clubs catering mainly for British tourists. However there is more to the Costa Blanca than crowded beach resorts - within the mountainous interior are a series of fascinating medieval towns and fortified villages which have been largely unaffected by modern development.
Getting Around: There are good, cheap bus services within the main resorts and to nearby towns. Taxis are also good value, particularly for those traveling as a group. There are also some good value local car rental firms, popular with those wishing to explore off the beaten track.
SevilleSpain's great southern city of Seville has a romantic past and a rich Moorish heritage. The city is the regional capital of Andalucia, which contains the densely populated beach resorts of the Costa del Sol along its southern reaches, and the mountain villages of the Sierra Nevada range further inland, about 25 miles (40km) from the coast.
Seville has an impressive collection of historical sights, including its Cathedral, which is the largest Gothic building in the world. Having been occupied by the Moors for 500 years it also has a legacy left by the Arab kings in the form of the Alcazar, a palace-fortress that is regarded as one of the finest existing examples of Moorish architecture. It is the perfect setting for high culture and romantic operas like Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro; the poet Byron however rated Seville for its women and oranges. Modern visitors might add flamenco, tapas and bull fighting to the list. The soul of the city is best epitomised during its two passion-filled grand festivals, the Semana Santa, held the week before Easter, and the Feria de Abril, held two weeks after Easter Sunday.
The area around Seville itself does not provide much in the way of tourist attractions, except for the rural villages of the Sierra Morena to the north, which offer some perfect walking trails between the modest mountain peaks, particularly in spring when the area is carpeted with wild flowers.
Getting Around: Most of the tourist sights in Seville are in the central area, which is flat, and are best explored on foot. Those traveling further afield will find buses the easiest and most economical way of getting around. Bus stops are easy to find on the main avenues and run on circular routes around the city, and line routes in all directions out of it. Bus routes emanate from Plaza Nueva, Plaza de la Encarnacion, La Barqueta and Prado de San Sebastian. Taxis can be found at designated stands in all the main plazas, or can be hailed on the street if showing a green light, which means they are available. Avoid driving in Seville as roads are confusing and hard to negotiate.
Costa del SolThe densely populated coast of Andalusia, stretching from Almeria to Tarifa, is Europe's all-year-round favored holiday destination, known as the Costa del Sol. It consists of a string of fine sandy beaches, where the average water temperature is 64°F (18°C), and picturesque towns have abundant tourist amenities, resorts and high-rise hotels. Attractions include zoos, bullfights, water parks, casinos and amusement parks, like the renowned Parque de Attractions Tivoli. The most popular resort town on the Costa del Sol is Torremolinos, which retains some elements of traditional Spain, although most main streets are now pedestrian thoroughfares filled with souvenir shops and ice-cream parlours.
Getting Around: The airport is situated between Malaga and the large resort of Torremolinos on the national road N340, which connects all towns and resorts along the coast. Trains can be caught from the airport into Malaga City and to Fuengirola. Bus services link the coastal towns as well as the inland towns of Ronda and Granada to each other, and there is also a train between Malaga and Fuengirola and a train connecting Ronda to Malaga.
BilbaoSpain's northern industrial port city, Bilbao, is the political capital of the nationalistic Basque people who inhabit Spain's three northern provinces, an area known collectively as Euskadi. The city is not beautiful - the buildings are soot-stained and the Nervion River running through it is one of Spain's most polluted waterways, but Bilbao does have some surprises to offer visitors, and there are plenty of attractions in the surrounding countryside and around the coast on the Bay of Biscay which can be easily reached on excursions by rail or road.
The main attraction in the city is the controversial Guggenheim Museum, relatively new on the scene, having been opened in 1997. The city fathers regard this avant-garde building as the beginning of the city's revitalization, which has also recently acquired a new metro system and airport terminal. Bilbao has some good beaches and a few scenic spots - a favored picnic site is on Monte Archanda, north of the old town, accessible by funicular. Of the beaches Getxo is the favorite, particularly with surfers, and features a 100-year-old suspension bridge and some lively bars and nightclubs.
Getting Around: Bilbao has an efficient underground metro service covering numerous destinations in the city between 6am and 11pm (earlier on Fridays), ticketed on a zone system. There is also a bus service, as well as a tram service, covering the city and taxis are freely available. Cars and bicycles are also available for hire.
MallorcaThe island of Mallorca (Majorca) off the east coast of Spain is the largest in the Balearic Island group, which collectively form one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, and certainly in the Mediterranean. Mallorca took off as a tourist Mecca in the 1960s, when a development boom spawned the building of hundreds of high-rise hotels, apartment blocks and shopping centers which now line most of the island's coast. The capital, Palma, however still retains some of its historical flavor sporting grand mansions and a magnificent Gothic cathedral in its bustling center. The northwest coast, too, still offers some secluded coves below the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and several quaint old towns and villages.
If you visit Mallorca for the sun and fun, it is worth taking a break from the beach resorts and heading off for a tour of the island by car, or even bicycle, to discover the romantic fishing villages, historic monasteries, monuments, museums and spectacular landscapes tucked away from the madding crowds. The interior is largely the preserve of a thriving agricultural community, dotted with windmills, olive and almond trees.
Getting Around: Palma de Mallorca has the island's international airport and is the main ferry terminus, receiving ferries from Valencia and Barcelona on the mainland. It is also the hub of the extensive transport system that covers Mallorca, with bus services linking all main settlements, and train lines to Inca and the scenic tourist train to Sóller. The best way to get around is by car and there are several rental agencies in Palma, but in high season reservations need to be made in advance. Everything on the island is within three hours drive from the capital.
IbizaIbiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, covering just 225 square miles (585 square km), but in recent times it has become the best known of the archipelago and a hugely popular destination for young revelers, middle-class European package tourists, and gay travelers, whose collective character imbue the island with a chic and trendy atmosphere that is at its most colorful in the frenetic nightlife. Ibiza has plenty to offer besides night clubs - its jagged coastline contains dozens of dreamy white sandy beaches, hidden coves and bays, villages of white-washed houses tumbling down cliff sides, and a green, hilly interior landscape decorated with fig and olive trees.
The island's main town is the port of Ciudad de Ibiza - known as Eivissa to the locals and Ibiza Town to the Brits. Located in the south, it is the center of the island's nightclub scene and has a lively marina and quaint old quarter with some great restaurants. It lies close to the beautiful beaches of Figueretes, Es Cavallet and Ses Salines. San Antonio is the main resort town of the island and is blighted with high-rise hotels and apartment blocks though it is making efforts to clean up its tarnished image. The main attractions for many British holidaymakers are the two clubs of
Es Paradisand
Edenbut there are also some beautiful coves nearby with glorious beaches. It's best to get there early to reserve a spot.
Just three miles (5km) offshore is the 'satellite' island of Formentera, a little haven reached by ferry, with less crowded stretches even in the height of the sweltering summer season.
Getting Around: There is good public transport between Ibiza Town and San Antonio, and to and from the main beaches and resorts. Taxis are good value and the best way to get around in the evening, although there is also a 'disco bus', traveling from San Antonio to the main clubs in Ibiza Town during the peak season. Cars can be hired by the day for those wanting to explore the island and ferries run from San Antonio and Ibiza Town to nearby beaches between May and October.
MinorcaDespite its popularity as a holiday Mecca, the Balearic island of Minorca remains one of the loveliest, most unspoilt islands in the Mediterranean. The local population support the control of resort development and the woodlands and fields of its hilly rural interior remain largely untouched. This is the result of a thriving local industry that is less dependent on tourism for its survival than the other islands are.
Minorca is only nine miles (15km) wide and about 32 miles (52km) long, and boasts stretches of varied beaches, from silver-sanded gently curving bays to rocky inlets. Aside from beaches and resorts the island also has plenty of interest for history buffs and culture vultures, with several attractions to experience, including a world famous pipe organ and several mysterious prehistoric archaeological sites related to the second millennium BC Talayot culture.
The more recent history of the island is a saga of British, French and Spanish attempts at control and colonization, each of which have left their influence on the local culture and architecture.
LanzaroteThe most northeasterly of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has embraced the tourism boom with a more laid-back feel than its popular sister islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Nature is still a big attraction on this small volcanic island, which measures only 38 miles (60km) long and 13 miles (21km) at its widest point. Camels are often used to transport goods (and sometimes tourists) in this desert-like climate, across the dry volcanic ash that covers most of the landscape. UNESCO declared the whole island a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and visitors exploring the dozens of enchanting spots on the island will soon see why. Lanzarote's capital, Arrecife, is a small town on the eastern coast, its harbor packed with fishing boats. Although the town itself has little to offer in the way of sights or nightlife, it does have a magnificent, clean beach, El Reducto, which has been granted blue flag status by the European Union. A promenade runs along the beach front around the San Gines lagoon with its fine golden sand and placid waters.
Getting Around: Lanzarote is small and easy to navigate; most of the major resorts and attractions are within ten miles (16km) of each other. Efficient bus services go around and between the main resorts and operate until quite late. Taxis are also easily available and fairly good value. Those going off the beaten track may wish to hire a car for a day or two; car rental companies have offices in all the main resorts.
TenerifeIf there is any spot on the globe that enjoys a perfect climate, Tenerife in the Canary Islands is it. There is markedly little variation in the average temperatures between summer and winter, which hover between 59°F and 75°F (15-24°C), and there is only very occasional rain. Throw this in to the mix of verdant forests in the northern part of the island as well as mountains, deserts, volcanoes, exotic plant and animal life, and spectacular beaches (with black volcanic sand) - and you have a holiday paradise.
Tenerife offers the unique experience of swimming and sunbathing on a beautiful beach while just a few miles away snow sparkles on the crest of Mount Teide. The island's central mountain stands at 12,200 feet (3,719m), the highest in Spain, and a cable-car ride to the summit offers unrivalled views of the lunar-like landscape of the volcanic slopes.
The island's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is an upbeat town geared for tourism. Its port, where once the first shots of the Spanish Civil War were fired, is today a morass of ferries, jetfoils and freighters.
Getting Around: There are plenty of metered taxis available in all resorts and a good, cheap bus service operates around the resorts and between all the main towns on the island; there is nowhere on the island that takes much longer than an hour to get to by bus. Local car rental companies have offices in all the main resorts, and are good value and popular with those wanting to explore the north of the island.
Gran CanariaThe third largest but most developed of the seven islands in the Spanish-administered Canary archipelago, Gran Canaria has been billed as a 'miniature continent' because of the variety of climates and landscapes that it offers, from the big city bustle of the capital, Las Palmas, to the serenity of its lush woodlands.
The Canaries lie in the Atlantic Ocean, about 125 miles (200km) from the African coast and almost 800 miles (1,250km) from the closest European port of Cadiz. Gran Canaria is almost circular, with a diameter of about 32 miles (50km), and is characterized by deep ravines that radiate out from the center down to the coast. The north of the island is humid, boasting green valleys and volcanic craters, while the south is arid and desert-like with vast stretches of beach. The capital, Las Palmas, lies on the northeast tip of the island, between two long beaches, Las Caletas and Alcaravaneras. The interior of Gran Canaria has steep highlands dotted with small villages, sporting white houses with red roofs, banana plantations and orchards bursting with tropical fruits.
Tourists generally favor the southern coastline, flocking to the well-known beaches of Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, where the sea washes soft sands and empty dunes stretch for miles.
Getting Around: There are plenty of cheap, metered taxis available in all resorts. The island also has good bus services which operate around the resorts and to all the main towns on the island; there is nowhere on the island that takes much longer than an hour to get to by bus. Local car rental companies have offices in all the main resorts, they are good value and popular with those wanting to explore the north of the island.
Costa DoradaThe hue of the fine sand on the wide, wonderful beaches of Spain's Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) has given this popular holiday region its name. The 20 or so towns and villages along this 120-mile (200km) stretch of Mediterranean coastline, south of Barcelona, have become built up with hundreds of hotels, camp sites and apartment blocks, catering mainly for family holidays. Entertainment consists largely of enjoying the shallow, transparent, gentle sea, ideal for the 'bucket and spade' brigade, and the large, thrilling theme and waterparks at the local resorts.
Visitors who enjoy soaking up some local culture and history find the Costa Dorada has plenty to show, particularly the main regional city of Tarragona, which was an important army base in Roman times and today boasts historical ruins and a variety of museums. Excursions inland, among vineyards, olive groves and almond plantations, take in the quaint medieval city of Montblanc with its fine Gothic church, and there are some interesting monastery ruins dating back to the 12th century at Poblet. Adding to the area's natural and historic attractions is the sunny, temperate climate.
Getting Around: There are good local bus services within the main towns and resorts and a reliable train service connecting Salou, Tarragona, Sitges and Barcelona. Car rental is a good option for those who want to explore the interior. Drivers must hold a full driving license and be over 21.
FuerteventuraOnly 60 miles (100km) separates the island of Fuerteventura, second largest in the Canary archipelago, from the continent of Africa, and this sunny island shares the same latitude (and therefore weather conditions) with the renowned holiday destinations of Florida and Mexico. Unlike those bustling resort-ridden vacation stations, though, Fuerteventura is relatively undiscovered, its more than 150 idyllic sandy beaches only sparsely populated and many seldom visited at all. The island has an arid volcanic landscape, and apart from the beaches, not much to recommend it in the way of tourist amenities or attractions. This has kept the mega resorts and mass summer package holiday trade at bay, but it does have a fair share of day-trippers from the resorts of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria who come seeking a respite from the crowds. The island's two main resort towns are Corralejo and Caleta del Fuste. Fuerteventura is easily accessible from the other islands in the archipelago by ferry or air. The airport is situated close to the island's capital of Puerto del Rosario.
Getting Around: A cheap and reliable bus service connects the main towns and resorts in Fuerteventura and is a good option for those who fancy seeing the island without booking an organized excursion. Taxis can also be taken but hiring a car is the best option for those who really want to explore the island. Drivers must be over 21 and hold a full driving license. Drink driving is illegal and seatbelts must be worn. The national speed limit is 90kmh, though the taxi drivers don't seem aware of this.
Costa AlmeriaThe Spanish province of Almeria boasts about 200 miles (322km) of varied, scenic coastline that attracts package tourists to its developed resorts near the main towns, but also offers idyllic spots for nature-lovers to explore with its many unspoilt fishing villages, long sandy beaches and small intimate coves popular with nudists. Sunny and mild, Almeria lies southeast of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea, still bearing the archaeological evidence of the many ancient cultures, from the Tartessos and Phoenicians to the Romans and Visigoths, who were drawn here by the natural beauty and useful maritime geographic location. The region retains an African flavor, imbibed from that continent which is a short distance away across the Mediterranean.
Inland, Almeria is rather barren and arid, and boasts Europe's only desert region around the village of Tabernas, which has been used as the location for several western movies. In the east the lunar-landscaped Cabo de Gata-Nijar nature reserve with its rugged coastline, attracts hikers, birders and scuba divers. Despite the dry, inhospitable landscape Almeria has developed a thriving agricultural industry and plastic-covered tunnel farms packed with lush fresh produce and flowers are to be seen in abundance. Most visitors flock to the holiday resorts to the east and west of the lively capital city of Almeria, which boasts picturesque squares, some worthy sights to see, cafes, a ferry port and marina. Lovely beaches, marinas, hotels and sports centers provide plenty to keep holidaymakers happy in the resort towns of Mojacar to the east, and Aguadulce, Roquetas de Mar and Almerimar to the west of the city.
Costa BravaThe ruggedly beautiful Costa Brava holiday coast stretches for 100 miles (160km) along the shores of Catalonia in Spain's north-eastern corner, from Port Bou on the Franco-Spanish border to Tossa del Mar, just north of Barcelona. The coast is filled with high-rise resort developments and modern marinas catering to package tourists, but retains enough green hillsides and lonely, wild cliffs, coves and caves to belie its reputation as one of Europe's busiest holiday destinations.
Holidaymakers revel in the hidden delights of the craggy coastline, many exploring in boats to seek out deserted coves scented with pine and citrus trees, fragrant herbs and bright flowers. International resorts and marinas lie in close proximity to relatively unspoilt fishing villages and towns bearing evidence of the area's rich history with ancient castles and fortifications. Offshore divers revel in the abundance of wrecks to explore in the crystalline waters, while seemingly endless sunshine pours down on stretches of sandy or shingle beach. The untouched natural areas and fishing industry have also resulted in making a holiday here a gastronomic treat. Seafood reigns supreme, from sardines to delicious lobster, but specialties also include local wild game, like boar, duck and rabbit, which can all be washed down with a variety of wines produced from the vineyards that clothe the hillsides.
Costa de la LuzStretching along the Atlantic Ocean in the western part of Andalusia, the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) offers a relatively unspoilt holiday destination. With fine golden beaches, rolling dunes, stretches of cliffs and coves, and pine-covered hills, it is somewhat surprising that there is not the same level of development as in other parts of the Spanish coast. This could be due to the fact that about 30 percent of the area is protected by nature reserves. Temperatures are milder, and the Atlantic is not as tropical as the Mediterranean side, but the area still boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and is highly popular with nature enthusiasts, windsurfers, beach lovers and kite boarders. The Costa de la Luz is divided into two sections; the Huelva province runs from the Portuguese border to the Guadalquivir River and the Donaña National Park, while the Cadiz province runs from the Guadalquivir to the popular town of Tarifa on the edge of the Costa del Sol. There are interesting towns full of real Spanish flavor to explore, attractive flora and fauna to enjoy, and a number of low-key resorts offering a range of activities for those tired of crowded package tour destinations.
ValenciaValencia was founded by the ancient Romans in 137 BC and has been pillaged, burned and besieged numerous times by various conquerors over the centuries since, but the vivacious Spanish city has sailed into the second millennium as Europe's quintessential sophisticated modern holiday city, a favored location for the America's Cup yacht race.
Situated on the Mediterranean coast about four hours south of Barcelona, Valencia is spread out around its busy port and backed by the hills which give way to the plains of Aragon.
Valencia oozes traditional character, particularly in its old town (El Carmen), and has retained its cultural heritage not only in the form of medieval architecture but also in its quirky, exuberant festivals (like the Battle of the Flowers, the fireworks of Fallas and one dedicated to tomato-hurling). The Valencians even have their own language.
Amid the old, Valencia has very much that is new, including its major attraction, the ultra-modern City of Arts and Sciences, which draws around four million appreciative visitors each year.
Outdoors it is hard to beat the golden beaches which fan out from the port along the coast, and the sprawling city offers plenty of green parks for strolling, cycling or simply lolling on a bench to get your breath back after indulging in the vibrancy of the city. Football is also a local passion, Valencia's team being at the top of the game, and fans should not miss the atmosphere at one of the carnival-like matches.
When night falls, dine on paella, which originated here, and then hit the high spots, because Valencia is renowned for its lively collection of bars and clubs.
It may sound clichéd, but Valencia does indeed fit the bill as the holiday city, which 'has it all'.
Getting Around: With a comprehensive bus and metro system, it is easy to get around Valencia. Kiosks and tobacco shops sell cheap 'Bonos' tickets, which can be used on both buses and trains. The metro system is not extensive, consisting of four lines, but covers the major points in the city, including a tramway to the beach. Tickets for the tram must be bought separately from a vending machine, which is validated before boarding. Buses will get you to just about anywhere. More active visitors can opt to hire a bicycle for around EUR7 a day, and with Valencia's great network of cycle paths it is an excellent way to get around the city. Much of the city can be explored on foot, the central area being very compact.
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