From stylish Barcelona to sunny resort towns on the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, Catalonia offers a wealth of attractions. Barcelona attracts those who love Gaudi's architecture, hot nightlife and thrilling restaurants. Elegant Tarragona's Roman ruins and amphitheater add to its historical appeal. Beach lovers flock to Mediterranean playgrounds including pine back-dropped Cape Salou, stunning Costa de Garraf, home to gay-popular beach resort Sitges, and the 40 sandy miles of La Maresme.
A stepping stone into northern Spain, Valladolid blends medieval architecture with universities, modern museums, and vibrant nightlife. The city boasts a strong cultural identy on par with the country's larger metropolises, while outlying vineyards retain a touch of rural tradition.
Known as Spain’s "golden city," Salamanca is rich in architectural, religious and gastronomic culture. Marvel at the La Casa de las Conchas (house of shells) and the 18th century Plaza Mayor, then pore over the fresh produce of the Central Market. Both the Old and New Cathedrals of Salamanca are celebrations of Renaissance and Gothic styles.
Segovia is a picturesque old city with twisting alleyways, the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in all of Europe and pedestrian-only streets, all bordered by a medieval wall and two rivers. In 1985, this sleepy Castillan town was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. One of the main tourist attractions is Alcázar, a royal palace built sometime around the 11th century where Queen Isabel agreed to fund Christopher Columbus’ exploration of the New World. The picturesque palace is said to be Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella's Castle.
Drawing more pilgrims than tourists as a stop on northern Spain’s sacred Camino de Santiago, Leon is best known for its ancient history and magnificent Gothic cathedral. Convents and museums add to the architectural appeal, while tapas bars and clubs create a modern mix of nightlife.
Rich in medieval architecture, the northern city of Burgos provides a glimpse into bygone Spain. But the historic capital of Castile looks to the future, too, with its modern museums, celebrated culinary scene, and award-winning infrastructure.
Much of northern Spain belongs to Castile-Leon, an autonomous region surrounded by mountains. Architectural gems like the Romanesque stonework of Segovia's city walls, the Gothic Burgos Cathedral and the dramatic Baroque square in Salamanca are complemented by the area's natural beauty. Parque Natural de las Hoces del Rio Duraton is marked with deep gorges and shelters many birds of prey, while Parque Natural del Lago de Sanabria y alrededores contains the largest glacier lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula.
Synagogues, mosques and churches stand together in Toledo's historic quarter, a testament to the medieval Spanish city's diverse history. The four towers of The Alcazar, a fortress built in 1085, dominate the skyline. Toledo and its surrounding countryside inspired El Greco, and his paintings are on display in many places around the city, including the museum that bears his name.
Castile-La Mancha, a Spanish land of craggy cliffs, golden fields and red soil, produces savory Manchego cheese, olives, saffron and more than its share of mystery. Chase the enduring legend of Don Quixote among the windmills of Campo de Criptana. Pass through the Bisagra Gate to experience the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site that pays stylistic tribute to the Christian, Jewish and Islamic cultures. In Guadalajara, palaces and Baroque churches capture the imagination.
In Santander, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Playa de la Magdalena and El Sardinero, a historic city center, and an epic planetarium, all while breathing in glorious coastal air. Of course, there are plenty of gorgeous Gothic cathedrals that will impress and inspire.
Discover the best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Cantabria including El Balcon De La Bahia Suites - Domus Selecta (HOTUSA), La Casa del Puente, Posada Lunada, Hotel Rural la Llosa de Samano, Suite Home Sardinero, Hotel Rural la Llosa de Samano, Posada Mies de Villa, Suite Home Pinares, Hotel La Mexicana, Hotel Casona El Arral.
Home to a well-preserved old town, modern architecture, and a UNESCO-listed carnival, Tenerife's capital easily competes with its mainland sisters as a Spanish cultural destination. The port city is a major Canary Islands hub, with balmy beaches, nature reserves, and cosmopolitan nightlife.
One of Tenerife's top resorts, Puerto de la Cruz is on the north coast of the island. Both Spanish and island traditions are evident in the former fishing village. Its Sardine Festival and annual Carnaval are two highlights of life on the island. Busy, narrow streets of the Old Town, packed with colonial architecture, make walking a safer bet than driving. Popular attractions include Lago Martianez, the casino, Parrot Pool, the Banana Plantation and the Botanical Gardens, which date back to 1788.
Tribal Terenife still shows influence from the aboriginal Gaunches people. Visitors clamber to conquer Mount Teide (Spain’s tallest peak) and to stretch out on the sands of Los Gigantes. Squawk hello to the playful parrots of Loro Park, or brave the petrifying drive to beautiful Masca Valley. For a true taste of Terenife, sample fresh farmhouse cheese and local bananas. A piece of delicate calado canario lace makes a special souvenir.
Ahhh, Lanzarote: The Canary Island paradise where you can ride a camel into the sunset and then dine inside a candlelit cave. The rock formations of Los Hervideros will take your breath away, as will the views from the Mirador del Rio lookout point. Legend has it that locals would hide from pirates in the underground caverns of Cueva de los Verdes, which are now open to curious visitors. Above ground the Jardin de Cactus will teach you all about the spiny desert plants.
Culture and scenery collide in Gran Canaria’s cosmopolitan capital, where baroque Spanish plazas and lively pedestrian malls are flanked by miles of urban beaches on two sides. Cruise ships, yachts, sunbathers, and surfers all congregate in the sheltered bays against a backdrop of colorful resorts.
Welcoming, tolerant Gran Canaria offers a little something for everyone. Families flock to the water parks and beaches of Puerto Rico. Those seeking peaceful escape scamper to Mogan's quiet fishing villages. Gay visitors crowd the bars, restaurants and beaches of Playa del Ingles. Urban attractions are on offer in Las Palmas. Three highways open up the island for those with a rental car or a bus schedule. Prime sites to visit include Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas and Palmalitos zoo park.
Drawn by its fiestas, late night discos and clubs, water parks and golf courses, visitors can't resist sunny Fuerteventura. Discover local culture in Betancuria, home to a cathedral and several museums, at Tefia's eco-museum or at one of February's quirky Carnaval celebrations. Cool down after a hot day on the beach or a hard night at the clubs at Baku Water Park.
ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.