Europe: Spain

Situated in the Southwest of Europe, Spain has the Mediterranean Sea on its Eastern and Southern sides and the Atlantic Ocean on its West, includes in its territory the Canary and Balearic Islands, 2 autonomous cities in N Africa, Melilla and Ceuta. It is bordered by Portugal, Gibraltar, Andorra, France and the Bay of Biscay.

Spain’s geography shows a dominating presence of mountain ranges (such as the Sierra Nevada), plateaus and rivers (such as the Tagus, the Duero, Guadiana and Ebro), with Alluvial plains on the coast.

Spain’s Climate has its surrounding areas around Barcelona Mediterranean, its inland around Madrid Continental and its Bilbao-area Oceanic.

Spanish culture is diverse and influenced by many. Its Latin, Roman Catholic and Islamic, Celt-Iberian and Iberian plus Visigoth heritage shows strongly in all matters concerning Spanish culture.

Spanish Architecture is world renowned and also greatly influenced by many. Styles seen in Spain include Mudéja, Romanesque and Gothic but it is due to Modernism where characters such as Gaudi put Spain on the map. Celebrated Spanish architects include Ricardo Bofill and Rafael Moneo, as well as Santiago Calatrava.

Spanish Cuisine depends on the culture, climate and geography. The visitor will feast on seafood such as deep-fried squid and encounter many dishes with olives, garlic, olive oil and they are often accompanied by bread. Typical Spanish dishes include: tortilla, paellas and stews, chorizo and bean-based dishes, torrijas and madeleines… to name a few!

Spanish destinations, routes and activities for the traveller

The Way of Saint James is the route from the border of France-and-Spain and a world Heritage Site from 1993 plus a pilgrims' journey to Santiago de Compostela. The journey includes almost 2000 historical and religious buildings.
The Silver Route unites Southern and Northern Spain, running through plains, valleys plus mountains. It is known for its great mining wealth and which the Romans invaded in 218BC.
Green Spain Route, from 'rías baixas' of Galicia to the Bay of Biscay the North Coast of Iberian Peninsula. You will pass Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country.
The Route of The Caliphate, from Córdoba to Granada, with castles between the cities and other landmarks - making this a beautiful route about history and adventure.

Noteworthy Spanish Buildings:
Carranque: Roman splendour in Spain
The Roman Theatre at Mérida
Vitoria Cathedral is open for restoration works.
Royal Sites in Castile-León
Castles of La Mancha

Spanish Cathedrals include Cordoba (140 kilometres from Seville), the Great Mosque-Cathedral, in Jaén the Renaissance Cathedral and Baeza Cathedral, the Almería Cathedral, the Grnanada Cathedral (Spain's 1st Renaissance church), Guadix Cathedral and more.

Spain for the Garden Lover
Finca Puente San Miguel Gardens
Piedra Monastery has high waterfalls, stunning clear lakes, amazing forests - 2 hours from Madrid.
In Madrid...
Aranjuez Gardens
San Francisco Park
María Luisa Park
Park Güell

Spain as a family destination is perfect for any age. As a country, Spain puts a lot of importance on the family and it's evident in their everyday lives. Destinations not to be missed include:
Murcia
Aragón, taking you back to when earth was roaming with dinosaurs.

Spanish Toy Museums are:
The Toy Museum of Catalonia in Figueres (Girona)
The Toy Museum of Sant Feliú de Guíxols
Children's Museum in Albacete
Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum in Salamanca
Museum of Antique Dolls in Palma on the island of Majorca
Dolls Museum in Castell d’Aro (Girona),
The Romantic Museum in Sitges (Barcelona)
The Marín Museum-Factory in Chiclana de la Frontera (Cádiz).
Miniatures Museum in Ourense and the Dolls' House Museum in Málaga
Costume Museum

Spanish Theme Parks are:
Cabárceno Wildlife Park
Europe's "Jurassic Park"
The Zoo Aquarium in Madrid
The Barcelona Zoo
L´Oceanográfic (aquarium) located in the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias area of Valencia
Finisterrae Aquarium in A Coruña
Faunia Nature Park in Madrid
Selwo nature park, on the Costa del Sol
Valwo nature park
Safari Park in Aldea del Fresno where you can travel among elephants, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, giraffes and many other species.
Museum of Natural Science in Madrid
Science Museum in Valencia offers "El cielo de estrella"
The Atapuerca Archeologicla Park (Burgos)
Murcia's Countryside for its Visas Verdes railway lines, hiking and biking oportunities, enjoying the nature of Sierra Espuña Regional Reserve or kayaking in the Gebas Reservoir or paragliding the Sierra de Muela Mountains. The beaches of Paradise coastline which running from El Mojón to La Carolina Beach is a 250km stretch!

Spain’s Public Holidays
January 1 New Year's Day ''Año Nuevo''
Good Friday "Viernes Santo"
May 1 Labour Day "Día del Trabajador"
August 15 Assumption of Mary Asunción
October 12 Hispanic Day (Columbus Day) "Día de la Hispanidad"
November 1 All Saints "Todos los Santos"
December 6 Constitution Day "Día de la Constitución"
December 8 Immaculate Conception "Inmaculada Concepción"
December 25 Christmas Day "Navidad"

Spanish Currency: Euro (€)

Entry documentation: Passport/ID if from EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein: You need a passport if from Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, the USA, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Republic of Korea, San Marino, the Vatican, Singapore, Uruguay or Venezuela. Otherwise you will need a visa.

Health: Tap water is safe.

Spain’s Municipalities and Regions
Madrid in Community of Madrid
Barcelona in Catalonia
Valencia in Valencian Community
Seville in Andalusia
Zaragoza in Aragón
Málaga in Andalusia
Murcia in Region of Murcia
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Canary Islands
Palma de Mallorca in Balearic Islands
Bilbao in Basque Country

The Travel-Informed Team

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