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With over fifty million
tourists visiting Spain each year, this popular West
European country must have something special which
attracts the visitor. What exactly is it ...?
The main beauty of this
lovely land can be summed up in just one word - variety -
and, as you all well know, variety is the spice of life!
Whether you are referring
to its climate, geography, history, culture or cuisine ...
there is something to appeal to all tastes, ages and
pockets.
The tourist explosion which
took place in the 60s was originally due to its marvellous
beaches. And, with good reason, for the Foundation for
Environmental Education states that "Spanish beaches
are the most environmentally healthy in Europe" and
has awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 of the
country´s beaches - more than any other participating
country.
But maybe lolling about on
the beach all day is not your thing and you prefer more
action ... a touch of sophistication?
Should this be the case
then Spain´s major cities are ideal for you ...
jam-packed full of history, and an art-lover´s dream.
Yet, with their abundance of parks and wide open spaces,
good shops and pulsating night-life, they are a joy for
everyone - children included.
So ... mooch around the
truly marvellous museums and monuments of Madrid. Enjoy
the bustle of stylish Barcelona bursting with vibrant Gaudí
influence. Savor the delights of romantic Mediterranean
cities such as Valencia and Alicante. Or journey further
south to the exotic cities of Granada, Seville and Málaga.
Immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces, the
brilliant colors and sounds of flamenco, and in the
birth-place and works of Picasso.
Maybe you hunger for the
peace and quiet of a hideaway hotel in an unspoiled
village? Then rural Spain is for you: full of forgotten
villages, bursting at the seams with medieval castles, and
offering prolific flora and fauna, it is ideal for walking
holidays, painting, photography or just plain "get
away from it all" holidays. Not to mention ski-ing
opportunities for the more active amongst Spain´s
snow-capped peaks.
Should you fancy a mix of
all three - beach, city and rural - then that is also easy
to arrange. Although Spain is the largest country in
Western Europe after France, it is certainly no problem to
get around. Littered with airports - both national and
international - it also offers a good train service,
though the cheapest and most convenient method of internal
travel is by using the national bus/coach system.
For those who are a little
tired of the stereo-typed hotel chains, Spain has a unique
alternative on offer in its state-established
"paradores". In these, you will find
accommodation in converted castles, palaces, fortresses,
monasteries, convents ...
The aim of the
"paradores" is to offer high standards at
reasonable prices in a noteworthy building or location and
to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking by
serving the best of local cuisine in the
"parador" restaurants.
Which brings us on to yet
another delight that Spain has to offer - its rich and
varied cuisine. Whichever region of Spain you decide to
visit, you will surely encounter scrumptious Spanish food!
What´s more, the
traditional Spanish diet, with the liquid gold of its
olive oil, its rich supply of wine (in moderation!), its
wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus an
abundance of seafood, all mean that it is extremely good
for the heart. On top of that, it is affordable!
Even their
"caviar" of cured hams - "jamón Ibérico"
- has fat unusually high in oleic acid which is known to
lower cholesterol levels! Now I ask you, where else can
you get something pleasurable, that is cheap, and also
good for you?!
Even if you fancy picking
between meals you can opt for their tempting
"tapas" - much healthier for you than a packet
of crisps or a donut!
Tapas originate from the
large, southerly region of Andalucia and it is this region
that we also have to thank for flamenco and the Spanish
guitar. Which holiday would be complete without visiting
an authentic flamenco show or dancing the night away to
the beat of romantic Spanish music?
So ... come visit this land
where the warmth of its climate is only surpassed by the
warmth of its people. You are bound to have a great time!
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About
The Author
After
living in Spain for 20 years, Linda
Plummer compiled http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com
offering information on Spain for the
traveler or expatriate. |
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