WELCOME TO SPAIN
From fiestas and flamenco to siestas, Spain is a country that knows how to live life to the full. A dazzling destination, it’s rich in art, history and unique cultures which can be uncovered in its vibrant modern cities, atmospheric old towns and rustic villages.
Variety is something you can count on from a Spanish holiday. Venture from the soaring cliffs of Galicia in the north to the vine-covered landscapes of Rioja. Ski in snow-capped mountain ranges and explore the rugged deserts of Almería before basking on Mediterranean beaches or cruising around sub-tropical volcanic isles. Then party late into the night in its never-sleeping cities.
It might be incredibly varied culturally, linguistically and geographically, but one thing that unites this enthralling destination is its passion for food. A heady mix of deep-rooted tradition and modern flair, the food like the country is full of zest and flavour.
Spain is great for
- Beaches
- Art and architecture
- History
- Food and wine
- Adventure
EXPLORE OUR RESORTS IN SPAIN
spain fast facts
Spanish – The language spoken in Spain is Spanish.
Time – All of Spain is GMT + 1 hour, apart from the Canary Islands which are the same as GMT.
Tourist Info – Visit www.spain.info/en/ for more information.
Capital – Madrid is the capital city of Spain.
Currency – The currency used in Spain is the Euro (€).
Getting there – All major Spanish airports have international flight connections, including Málaga and Tenerife South.
when to go?
With the south of Spain enjoying more than 320 sunny days a year, this is a year-round destination. July and August are the hottest and driest months across the country. The Canary Islands are a top choice for sunseekers in the winter months thanks to an average temperature of 22°C from December to February and six hours of sunshine a day.
what's on?
Spain has a jam-packed calendar of fiestas and religious days. Three Kings Day on January 6 and Semana Santa are celebrated with vigour. During Holy Week elaborate parades take place in most towns, cities and villages in the lead up to Easter Sunday. Lent is also celebrated with carnivals including the colourful Santa Cruz de Tenerife, held on the island in February each year. La Noche de San Juan (the Night of Saint John) is celebrated in late June with Andalucía holding some of the most fervent celebrations.
the food & drink
From cider and shellfish in the Basque Country of northern Spain and rich riojas, hearty stews and red meat to the flavoursome Mediterranean cuisine of the south, Spain is a true melting pot of cuisines. Wherever you go, you can expect fresh produce and generous hospitality.
Paella, Ibérico ham and gazpacho are some standouts out of Spanish kitchen but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover so much more. After all, the country is home to some of the most revered restaurants in the world – Barcelona, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Málaga and the Canary Islands are all sprinkled with Michelin stars. As well as smart restaurants, these cities and islands are stuffed with traditional, family-run places and age-old markets selling local delicacies.
The culinary tradition of providing free bite-sized snacks with a drink is said to have been invented in Andalucía and the region’s towns and cities are a top destination for eating tapas. There are few greater pleasures than strolling through the streets of Seville, Granada or Málaga and stopping for a drink and nibble at tiny tapas bars and lively terazzas. While its traditional beach bars or chiringuitos are the place for feasting on Andalusian prawns and seafood paellas.
Other gastronomic must-dos are sipping sherries in Jerez de la Frontera’s bodegas, tasting wines at the world-famous wineries of the Rioja region and savouring cider in the cider houses of Asturias.
The Historic Sites
Roman ruins, medieval masterpieces and ancient Islamic architecture, Spain is bursting at the seams with historic sites and cultural attractions. In fact, it has an impressive 48 Unesco World Heritage Sites, the third most of any country. Among them are some Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces in Barcelona, including La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, and Segovia’s old town and Roman aqueduct. Parts of Andalucía in southern Spain were ruled by the Moors from the early 8th century until the late 15th century, so it’s little wonder the region is stuffed with magnificent Moorish citadels and monuments. Among them are Granada’s Alhambra and the Albaicín district, the Alcazar of Seville and Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral or Mezquita. Cadiz’s old quarter also oozes Moorish ambience while the Alcazaba of Almería is the biggest of the citadels built by the Arabs in Spain.
The Natural Wonders
Spain has it all: dramatic mountains, thick forests, glorious beaches, dusty deserts and towering volcanoes. Among its most awe-inspiring natural wonders are the snow-capped peaks of Sierra de Nevada. Rising out of the plains of Andalucía, the mountain range has Europe’s most southerly ski resort. For the highest peak in Spain, though, look to Tenerife and the Teide National Park where the volcanic Mount Teide looms. Rare endemic plants grow here too, best spotted on its incredible web of hiking trails. Whales, dolphins and turtles are common sightings around the island’s waters. Both Spain’s mainland and islands are blessed with some of Europe’s best beaches.
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