The most beautiful places in dolores spain. Ten most picturesque and unusual places in spain Alhambra and Generalife gardens

Spain is a beautiful and diverse country. There is everything here for a rich and unforgettable vacation: huge beaches, lots of entertainment, beautiful European architecture and even ski resorts. Every year Spain is gaining more and more popularity among Russian tourists. The most popular tourist destinations in Spain are Barcelona, \u200b\u200bthe Canary Islands, Madrid, Seville and some other famous places. Further to the attention of tourists are the most important and most famous sights of spain, which every visitor to this beautiful country should see.

The best places in Spain

1. Alhambra (Granada)

The largest architectural and park ensemble located in the east of Granada. This is a whole complex of palaces and parks with a rich history and stunning views. The main development of the Alhambra falls on the period of the Muslim dynasty. Over the period of its existence, the ensemble has been actively developing, replenishing with new structures. Today, the Alhambra includes numerous towers, palaces, halls, several squares and even a full-fledged park, the road to which runs through the Pomegranate Gate. The Alhambra is listed as a World Heritage Site and belongs to the main attractions of Spain.

2. Sagrada Familia Cathedral (Barcelona)

- the most beautiful temple in Spain and one of the most beautiful in the world. The construction of this building began in 1882. The chief architect was Antoni Gaudí. The architectural style of the temple is neo-gothic and modern. The cathedral continues to be built today. Upon completion of construction, it will have 18 towers. The central tower of the temple has a height of 170 m. The Sagrada Familia has a rich interior decoration. It uses different geometric shapes and the most unusual architectural solutions.

3. Royal Palace (Madrid)

Home The Royal Palace is deservedly one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. This magnificent architectural structure serves as the official residence of the kings of Spain. The construction of the palace was carried out from 1738 to 1764. The palace has a luxurious interior design, including frescoes by great artists, luxurious crystal chandeliers, large tapestries, furniture of various styles, etc. The Royal Palace in Madrid consists of many rooms, each with its own characteristics. This is a must-see in Spain!

4. Alcazar in Segovia

The Alcazar in Segovia is not only an important landmark in Spain, but also one of the 10 most impressive castles in the world. This stunning fortress has witnessed many historical events: its premises were the resting place of Alfonso X the Wise, Isabelle I the Catholic was crowned here, and the marriage of Philip II and Anne of Austria was held in the chapel of the castle.

5. Mesquite in Cordoba

The Mosque of Cordoba is one of the most important monuments of Islamic architecture in Spain, as well as the most emblematic example of Umayyad Spanish-Muslim art. Construction of the structure began in 785 and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the historic city center. It is now a Catholic cathedral known as the Cordoba Cathedral Mosque.

6. Abbey of Sacromonte (Granada)

One of the most famous and most beautiful sights in Spain, a must-see in Granada, is the Sacromonte Abbey. It was erected on the top of Mount Valparaiso. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the abbey was completed and expanded. It currently consists of three parts - an abbey, a seminary and a collegiate church. Each of these buildings has its own remarkable places. An interesting museum with a rich collection of paintings and tapestries is open on the territory of the abbey. The patio is a wonderful place. Its decoration is magnificent: arches decorated with stucco moldings, galleries with columns and a large fountain in the center - all this attracts crowds of tourists.

7. Gothic Quarter (Barcelona)

The Gothic Quarter is the old quarter of Barcelona and one of the most attractive spots in this beautiful Spanish city. We can say that this is where Barcelona was born. The layout of the streets here is the same as in all medieval cities - intersecting, winding and very narrow, mostly pedestrianized streets. In the Gothic Quarter, wonderfully ancient buildings that have preserved the spirit of the Middle Ages coexist next to the buildings of the last century. This is the main tourist magnet!

The quarter is famous for a large number of architectural and historical buildings, ancient temples. One of the most famous is the Cathedral. The architecture of its facade simply mesmerizes visitors.

The beautiful squares of the quarter deserve special attention:

• Plaza Nova was founded in 1355. Fragments of ancient walls have been preserved here to this day.
• Royal Square. All buildings, including the Royal Palace, were built in Romanesque and Gothic style. It was here that King Fernando received Christopher Columbus after his trip to America.
• Plaza de Sant Jaume. The main administrative buildings are now located here - the City Hall of Barcelona and the Parliament of Catalonia.

Moving from one historical building to another, you suddenly find yourself in a cozy square. There are many of them in the Gothic Quarter. Here you can relax, listen to street musicians, sit in a cozy cafe. Among the attractions of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bthe Gothic Quarter is one of the most popular.

8. Prado Museum (Madrid)

There are many attractions in Spain for art lovers, but the Prado Museum deserves special attention - one of the most visited museums of fine art in the world. The beginning of his collection was the art collected by the Spanish monarchs from the 16th century. Now, in the spacious halls of the Prado Museum, the visitor will find the best paintings of the Spanish school artists, world masterpieces, sculptures, and decorative arts. The permanent exhibition contains over 7 thousand paintings, thousands of sculptures. Among them you can see the works of Rubens, Raphael, Dürer, Titian, Goya and other great masters who have left their mark on art for centuries.

9. Park Guell (Barcelona)

Park Guell is the most unusual and beautiful park in Spain and a favorite Barcelona attraction for many travelers. It is a masterpiece of the great Antoni Gaudí, who was able to transform the failed project of the industrialist Guell to create a garden city. That only there are two houses at the entrance, giving the impression of gingerbread. The main staircase is decorated with fountains, animal figures and, of course, the symbol of Barcelona - a mosaic salamander. The Hall of a Hundred Columns is impressive, decorated with colored glass mosaics. In the central part of the park is the famous winding bench, decorated with collages of fragments of ceramics and glass. While relaxing here, you can admire the opening views of the city.

10. Alcazar in Toledo

It is one of the most beautiful and the main attraction of Toledo, proudly towering over the entire city. It can be seen from everywhere, no matter where you are in Toledo. The grandeur of the strict architecture of the Alcazar is amazing. Throughout the history of its existence, this beautiful Spanish building was subjected to destruction and fire several times, and the same number of times was restored. What just did not happen within these walls. The kings of Castile once lived here. Later, in the 17th century, there was a state prison here. Located at the highest point in the city, the Alcazar was an ideal place for defense during the war. Currently, the palace houses the Army Museum and the Regional Library.

11. Arena Las Ventas (Madrid)

Plaza del Toros Monumental de Las Ventas - this is the full name of the country's first largest bullfighting arena. In addition to bullfighting, all kinds of festivals and holidays are held here. The arena has a capacity of over 23 thousand spectators. The Las Ventas Arena, built almost a century ago, impresses with its interesting neo-Moorish architecture. The walls are made of red brickwork, the horseshoe-shaped arched entrances are decorated with tiles. In the square in front of the arena, there are two sculptural compositions.

Another attraction of the arena is the bullfighting museum opened in 1951. Visitors can see many unusual exhibits here, including the heads of slain bulls and the blood-soaked costume of a dead matador.

12. Alcazar Palace in Cordoba

The must-see in Spain are the numerical palaces and fortresses. One of these beautiful sights is located in the ancient city of Andalusia - Cordoba. The history of the ancient historical complex dates back to the times of the Roman Empire. Alcazar translated from Arabic means "palace". But initially the fortress was a defensive bastion, and only in 1328, during the reign of King Alfonso XI, it was transformed into the residence of kings.

The architecture of the Alcazar in Cordoba combines the directions of Arab and European cultures. The building of the palace is a regular square topped with four towers. Each of these towers has its own name and purpose. The undoubted decoration of the Alcazar is its stunning gardens with fountains and water bodies. This fortress was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is a hot tourist spot in Spain.

13. Walls of Avila

The 11th century Romanesque walls in Avila are among the most important historical sites in Spain. Their dimensions are: 2537 meters in total length, 12 meters in height, 88 towers, 9 gates and three wickets.

There is some disagreement about the date the walls were built, but all agree on their artistic and historical importance. Avila is the best preserved medieval walled city in Spain and possibly all of Europe. The old town and city walls have been declared a World Heritage Site.

14. El Escorial Monastery

The El Escorial Monastery is a palace complex, a basilica and a monastery. The palace was the seat of the Spanish royal family, the basilica is the burial place of the kings of Spain, and the monastery is the current residence of the monks of the Order of St. Augustine. It is one of the most unique objects of Renaissance architecture in Spain and Europe. Its construction in the second half of the sixteenth century was initiated by King Philip II. This, as it is called, "the eighth wonder of the world" undoubtedly deserves to be included in the list of the best tourist sites in Spain!

15. Plaza Mayor (Madrid)

Plaza Mayor is one of the top attractions in Madrid and is one of the city's two main squares that every tourist visits. Its appearance dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. The history of Plaza Mayor is very rich. In the beginning, it was just a market square outside the city. Later, military parades, knightly tournaments, and even the courts of the Inquisition were held here. The first equipped place for bullfighting was also the Plaza Mayor. Today, this beautiful square is especially popular with visitors to Spain and locals alike. The square is bordered by many arches that house cafes, restaurants and shops. It is always very lively here.

16. Mount Montserrat (Barcelona)

Montserrat is a picturesque mountain range located 50 km from Barcelona. This area is famous for the Catholic Church located on the upper part of the mountains and bearing the same name. Near the monastery there is a natural complex under the special protection of Spain. The Montserrat Mountains boast spectacular views and rich flora. There are over 1,500 plant species here. A walk through this natural complex will surely become very exciting and memorable.

17. Mount Tibidabo (Barcelona)

Tibidabo is one of the parts of the Collserola mountain range. The height of the mountain is 512 m. This is the highest point in the whole of Barcelona. The mountain offers beautiful views of the city, which is why it is so popular among tourists. On one of the slopes there is the picturesque Tibidabo Park, which has an observation deck and the oldest attractions in Europe. At the top of the mountain is the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart, the construction of which was carried out from 1902 to 1961.

18. Barcelona Aquarium

This building is located in the Old Port area of \u200b\u200bBarcelona. This is a very popular destination for both guests and residents of the city. Today, the Barcelona Aquarium deserves the title of one of the largest aquariums in the world. Its dimensions are amazing. The structure consists of 35 separate aquariums, which account for more than 5 million liters of water. Each aquarium contains separate representatives of the aquatic world. All in all, there are about 11 thousand marine inhabitants in aquariums. The main attraction of the building is a huge oceanarium, through which a transparent pipe 80 meters long runs. A visit to the Barcelona Aquarium will be a great solution for both adults and children.

19. Spanish Village (Barcelona)

An excellent solution for those who want to explore the most important places in Spain without leaving Barcelona. The Spanish Village is a complex that contains the most accurate copies of the famous sights of Spain: temples, palaces, monasteries, castles, etc. On the territory of the village, there are copies of structures in reduced and natural sizes. Each structure was built from the same materials as the originals. This museum was built in 1929 by famous Spanish architects.

20. Teide National Park (Tenerife)

The largest and most popular nature reserve in the Canary Islands. Every tourist of the island of Tenerife is obliged to visit this natural Spanish landmark. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe park is 18.9 hectares. The main object of the reserve is the Teide volcano and its majestic crater. Teide is a mountainous area, so tourists can see incredible contrasts. In the lower regions, subtropics reign, and on the peaks there is snow and a completely different nature appears. The Teide Park is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level.

21.Seville Cathedral

It is the largest and one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Its construction was carried out in the period from 1401 to 1519. The temple consists of a main chapel and five side chapels. In one of the parts of the cathedral, many ancient treasures are preserved: paintings by famous artists, precious items, church relics and much more. It is in the Seville Cathedral that the tomb of Christopher Columbus is kept. You must visit this attraction in Spain.

22. La Seu Cathedral (Palma de Mallorca)

One of the majestic Gothic cathedrals in Spain. It was built on the site of a destroyed mosque, in honor of the liberation of Mallorca from the Moors. The height of the cathedral is 121 meters, width - 55 m. The construction of the cathedral was carried out for more than a dozen years, therefore many architectural trends influenced its appearance: classical Gothic, late Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Mannerism. In 1904-1914, the restoration of the cathedral was carried out under the leadership of Antonio Gaudi.

23. City of Ronda

Ronda is the most beautiful city in Spain, located in the province of Malaga. The city is distinguished by stunning views, many attractions and small cozy streets. Ronda literally hangs over the abyss, being located at the very edge of a steep hill. One of the most ancient bullfighting arenas is located in the city. Here you can also see ancient weapons, ammunition and other ancient relics. The city has many cozy cafes where you can enjoy traditional snacks and enjoy the silence of European streets.

24. Fortress Vila Velha (Tossa de Mar)

One of the largest and most important fortresses on the coast, the main attraction of Tossa de Mar. More than 800 years ago, there was a full-fledged city bearing the same name. A winding stone path leads to the top of the fortress. This place has a rich history and beautiful views. The fortress walls offer stunning views of the sea and the nearby beach.

25. Plaza of Spain (Seville)

The main park ensemble of Seville, located in the southern part of the city. Made in neo-Moorish style with art deco elements. Construction was carried out in the 1920s. There are many old buildings and several museums on the territory of the square. The main attraction of the square is the central fountain, designed by famous Spanish architects. Plaza de España has a stunning view both during the day and at night.

Landmarks of Spain. The most important and interesting sights of the cities of Spain: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.

In the minds of many tourists, Spain is an endless series of luxurious beaches of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast, the unbridled fun of the islands and a comfortable ski vacation. But, nevertheless, Spain is also one of the most ancient countries in Europe with its rich history, distinctive culture and impressive architecture. And, by the way, among all European countries, Italy alone can hardly boast of more attractions than Spain.

Millions of travelers from all over the world strive to this beautiful country warmed by the sun to see with their own eyes all its diversity. After all, the culture and architecture of Spain for thousands of years was created by various peoples, as a result of which a certain eclecticism appeared in it - but at the same time, it perfectly harmoniously conveys the true spirit and temperament of the Spanish nation.

Barcelona has been one of the richest and most developed cities in Spain for a very long time, so there is something to see here. That only one old quarter in the Gothic style is worth, the majestic tranquility of which especially contrasts with the hot temperament of this country. And one of the most outstanding architectural sights not only of the city, but of the whole of Spain is considered to be the Sagrada Familia, designed by Gaudí.

The Arabs brought notes of oriental flavor to European Spain, especially in Granada. This small quiet town, spread out at the very foot of the mountains, still retains the spirit of the Moorish conquerors. The Alhambra Palace (or the Red Palace) can be considered the hallmark of Grenada, its walls change their shade depending on the time of day and the intensity of lighting, and its area is so large that it is often called a city within a city.

There is an incredible number of attractions in the very small town of Toledo. It was built on a hill, from which it was not only considered impregnable, but also got its name - "toledo" is translated as "ascended."

The architecture of Toledo is so rich and varied that the whole city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And Toledo is also the favorite model of the genius El Greco. Only in this city can you enjoy the paintings of the great native of Crete on a full scale: while staying directly in Toledo, admire his amazing "Thunderstorm in Toledo".

The Arabs brought notes of oriental flavor to European Spain, especially in Granada.

And, of course, one cannot fail to mention Madrid, the capital of Spain, a place where such a huge number of extraordinary sights are concentrated that it is simply impossible to single out one of them and call it a symbol of the city. Moreover, Madrid itself can rightfully be called a tourist attraction not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. After all, it was originally built as a royal city with a scale and pomp typical of all kings.

Still, you can endlessly enumerate the sights of Spain, this rich southern country is famous not only for its architectural and natural diversity, but also for its unique culture - passionate flamenco, chilling bullfight, sparkling cocktail of fruits, ice cubes and unsurpassed Spanish wine.

Spain is a country in southern Europe, its territory is located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea on the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal.

Spain, with its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, many cultural regions and ancient cities, is a great place to travel. As a geographically as well as culturally diverse country, Spain can be surprisingly interesting for those who only know it from their beaches. There is everything here: from dense meadows, snow-capped mountains and huge swamps to salt lakes and deserts.

Current time in Madrid:
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Among the many wonderful cities in Spain, the most notable are the thriving capital of the country Madrid, the vibrant coastal city of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bthe famous bullfighting Pamplona and the home of flamenco Seville. But that's not all!

How to get there

There are many different ways to get to Spain, but it all depends on which city or island you want to get to. Below we list the links, following which you can understand how you get to this or that city.

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Weather in Spain

Spain has a mild climate. The country is almost completely under the influence of the Mediterranean climate zone, it is considered one of the warmest in Europe.

In summer, the air temperature in the south and central regions reaches +30, sometimes + 40 ° С, and in winter in Spain it is cool and rainy. Frosts on the territory of the country are very rare, even in January it is usually warmer than + 5 ° С.

The beach season in Spain lasts from May to October. Sea water at this time warms up to + 18 ° C and above. The mild climate is conducive to sightseeing holidays throughout the year.

The maximum precipitation occurs in the north-western regions, their volume reaches 2000 mm per year. In the interior of the country it is not so rainy, the annual rainfall does not exceed 500 mm.

Cities and regions

Cities

The main cities of Spain are, of course, the capital of the state of Madrid and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. In addition, there are other famous cities in Spain, besides Madrid and Barcelona, \u200b\u200balong which famous tourist routes pass - Valencia, Salou, Toledo, Granada, Malaga, Bilbao and others.

The southwestern region of the country is characterized by an amazing variety of landscapes. Here, high cliffs alternate with fertile valleys, and desert areas are replaced by swampy areas. Only in this part of Spain does the hot Mediterranean climate coexist with the cold mountain peaks.

In Andalusia, tourists will find a large number of interesting monuments of antiquity - medieval fortresses and Arab towers, majestic cathedrals and cozy churches in mountain villages.
The main tourist destinations of Andalusia are the cities of Seville, Granada, Malaga, Cadiz, and the Costa del Sol resort area.

It is with the Costa del Sol ("Sunny Beach") that many tourists associate holidays in Andalusia. Costa del Sol around Malaga is one of the most significant tourist areas in Spain (300 km long), including the famous resorts of Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona.

Andalusia also attracts tourists with its holidays, traditions and cuisine. Here is the warmest sea in Spain, the hottest and longest summer, the most friendly locals.

A region of Spain located in the north-east of the country, in the Ebro River basin. The surrounding mountains - Iberian, Cantabrian, Iberian and Catalan - make Aragon the most isolated of the regions of Spain. The main cities of the Aragon region are the capital of Zaragoza, Teruel with buildings in the Mudejar style, Huesca, nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees.

Tourists are attracted to Aragon by its natural resources: transparent lakes, deep gorges, dense forests, thermal springs, the healing properties of which have been known since the time of the Romans. The modern thermal baths in Aragon offer a wide range of wellness treatments.

This region is popular with climbers, kayakers, rafting and mountain biking enthusiasts. They are attracted by the Ordesa National Park (Parque Nacional Ordesa) located here - the oldest national park in Spain (1918), covering an area of \u200b\u200b15,600 hectares. The pearls of the park are blooming alpine meadows, mountain rivers with waterfalls.

A small historical area located in northern Spain, off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Asturias still retains its ancient title - Principado de Asturias. Geographical features of Asturias are sharp coastal cliffs and mountain landscapes that form the local climate: humid and warm in summer and quite cold and snowy in winter.

The main cities are the capital Oviedo and the major port city of Gijón, with picturesque beaches and old fishing quarters.
Tourists in Asturias may be interested in natural resources, including the Peaks of Europe National Park, which spreads over the territory of three administrative regions at once. So, in the Asturian part of the park, there are the most beautiful Covadonga lakes (Lagos de Covadonga). In one of the caves of the park (Santa Cueva) there is the chapel of the Holy Virgin of Covadonga (Virgen de Covadonga), which is the main attraction of Asturias and a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of believers.

Autonomous region of Spain, a large tourist area, which is an archipelago of small islands. The Balearic Islands lie in the western Mediterranean, equidistant from the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and northern Africa.

The archipelago consists of two groups of islands: the Gimnesias Islands (Menorca, Mallorca and Sabrera and the small islands of Dragonera, Isla de Aire, etc.) and the Pitiusas Islands (Ibiza, Formentera and the small islands surrounding them).

The main islands of the Balearic archipelago (detailed information is available on the links)

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the north of the country. The Basque country has been given wide autonomy: in its administrative center, Vitoria, parliament sits and the government works. Thanks to the proximity of the ocean and mountains, the Basque Country has a favorable climate: no cold in winter and exhausting heat in summer.

The region attracts tourists with its unique culture and excellent conditions for outdoor recreation: hiking, golf and all mountain sports are developed here. The Basque Country has several protected areas: the national parks Valderejo, Urkiola, Urdaibai. Among the attractions of the region, it is worth visiting the operating salt mines of Salinas de Anyana, discovered by the Romans.

The Basque Country consists of three provinces: flat Alava, the center of winemaking, mountainous Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya. The main cities of the autonomy are Vitoria, Bilbao, San Sebastian.

Archipelago and autonomous region of Spain, consisting of 2 provinces, seven large inhabited islands and several small ones, located just 100 km from the coast of Africa. The Canary Islands is a Spanish tropical paradise that is visited by thousands of residents of the country and foreign tourists all year round. Guests of the Canary Islands can offer a unique variety of tropical nature, wonderful weather all year round, magnificent beaches and opportunities for all kinds of water sports. The total length of the beaches of the Canary Islands is 257 km.

Islands of the Canary archipelago (detailed information is available on the links)

This region of Spain is located in the north of the country. The region is famous for its excellent beaches and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities (windsurfing, yachting, snowboarding, rafting, horse riding, hiking). On the territory of the region there are national parks: Dune Liencres - a protected area of \u200b\u200bdunes at the mouth of the Pas river, which protects large populations of birds; Saha-Besaya Park - the largest hunting grounds in Spain; part of the National Park "Peaks of Europe", which was chosen by climbers and ecotourists.

On the territory of Cantabria, there is a very interesting place, which is the Paleolithic heritage of all of Europe: the Cave Study Center, which protects four unusually beautiful caves (El Castillo, Las Monedas, La Pasiega and Las Chimeneas).

The main city of the region is the capital Santander, which is the favorite resort of the Spanish royal family. Also noteworthy is the town of Santillana del Mar with the Altamira caves, included in the UNESCO list of historical heritage of mankind.

This autonomous region is located in the center of Spain and is landlocked. The region is famous for its magnificent mountain landscapes - the Central Cordilleras in the north, the Pyrenees in the northeast, the Sierra Morena and Montes de Toledo in the south. The capital of the region is the ancient historic city of Toledo. The recognizable symbols of this area are windmills. Among the region's main attractions are the Cathedral of Our Lady of Toledo, the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Julian in Cuenca.

The largest autonomous region of Spain, interesting with a bright historical past, impressive monuments, including beautifully preserved ancient cathedrals and monasteries. The region is popular with winter sports enthusiasts, with many modern ski resorts in the area. Gourmet tours to Castilla and Leon are especially popular with tourists in summer and spring.

The main cities are the unique historical city of Segovia, with the ancient Roman aqueduct and the Royal Alcazar Palace; Salamanca with a famous university - one of the first in Europe (1218). Also interesting are the “city of one cathedral” Burgos, the ancient fort city of Avila; the former capital of the kingdom, the ancient city of Leon with many historical monuments.

One of the most beautiful regions in Spain, but at the same time it is the largest cultural, business and industrial center of the country. This autonomous region, located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, is famous for its history, rich culture, ancient customs and chic Mediterranean resorts.

The climate of Catalonia is moderate Mediterranean, and the Pyrenees and the influence of the sea protecting it from the winds provide comfortable weather for rest almost all year round. It is in Catalonia that the famous resorts of the Costa Brava, Costa de Maresme, Costa Dorada are located. There are beautiful beaches, hotels, clubs, restaurants, water parks at the disposal of tourists. The most famous is the Port Avetura amusement park in Salou, popular with children and adults all over the world.

The most significant cities in the region are the capital Barcelona, \u200b\u200ba city-museum, one of the most beautiful cities in the world; ancient Tarragona with buildings from the ancient Roman era; Girona is an ancient city that has preserved monuments of various cultures.

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the west of the country, on the border with Portugal. Most of this is not a tourist region at all - plains covered with forests and olive trees. Visitors to the region may be interested in protected areas, including the Monfrage National Park. The reserve is famous for the largest forests in the Mediterranean, filled with unique fauna.

The main cities of the region are the capital of Merida, which was once one of the most significant cities of the Roman Empire on the famous Silver Route, and the border town of Badajoz - with historical monuments of the Arab period.

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the northwestern part of the country. The territory of Galicia is crossed by mountain ranges 900-1625 m high, descending to the sea coast and forming a picturesque coastline. The climate of the area is mild, but damp and rainy, it was he who created the Galician landscape saturated with greenery.

For tourists, Galicia is interesting for its culture and nature, a type of ecotourism is developed here, called "rural tourism" - rural turism. The Rias Altas area in Galicia is famous for its fishing villages, excellent beaches and monumental cliffs, while the Rias Baixas area is famous for its magnificent national parks and nature reserves.

On the territory of Galicia, there is one of the most revered by Catholic pilgrims - the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The main towns of the region are Santiago de Compostela; La Coruña with its famous glazed facades; Lugo, which has preserved its flavor from the ancient Roman times; port Vigo; Pontevedra with an interesting historical area.

The smallest autonomous region in Spain, and at the same time the most famous and prosperous wine region in the country. The region is located in northern Spain, in the valley of the Ebro River and its tributary Okha, and consists of seven fertile valleys, completely covered with vineyards.

Winemaking in Rioja has flourished since ancient Roman times. Already in 1650, a law was passed here, establishing the rules for making wine. Wine in Rioja began to be produced on an industrial scale at the end of the 19th century. In 1945, Rioja was proclaimed the first Spanish wine region DO (Denominacion de Origen), and in 1991 the region was awarded DOC status (Denominacion de Origen Calificada). The center of Rioja winemaking is the city of Haro.

Tourists traveling in Rioja are advised to visit the largest Wine Museum in the world and the Enkiso paleontological center, as well as the amazing grotto dwellings carved into Mount Cantabria. The main city of the region is the medieval capital of Logroño with many attractions.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and at the same time its separate autonomous region, filled with a huge number of attractions - both ancient and modern. Nearby are Aranjues, El Escorial, Salamanca, Segovia, Toledo and Valle de los Caidos.

Autonomous region located in the southeast of Spain. In the south of the region, in the area of \u200b\u200bCape Palos, rocky shores form magnificent landscapes, to the north is the picturesque Mar Menor lagoon with small islands of volcanic origin.

The Murcia region is the center of Spanish horticulture and is the largest producer of fruits, vegetables and flowers in Europe. Tourists to Murcia are attracted by local resorts: the golden sandy Costa Calida, the promising La Manga del Map, located on a narrow sandy spit separating the Mediterranean Sea from the large Mar Menor lagoon.

The main cities of the region are Murcia, which has preserved its Arab heritage; the ancient port city of Cartagena, founded by the Carthaginians in 221 BC e.

The autonomous region of Spain, which was once a separate kingdom, is located in the north of the country, at the foot of the western Pyrenees, on the border with France. The region's territory has a rich historical heritage: history buffs will find numerous fortresses, palaces, castles and temples here. The main cities of the region are the capital Pamplona, \u200b\u200ba cozy and calm city with many parks and attractions, exploding with a grand fiesta with a bull run on Saint Fermin's day; Olite wine-making center; very beautiful town of Puente La Reina.

The region will also be interesting for lovers of active pastime: hunters and fishermen, climbers, lovers of walking, since there are several national reserves in it (Reserva Natural delEmbalse de las Cañas, Parque Natural del Señorío de Bértiz). Navarra is also famous for its healing springs: here in the town of Fitero is the popular thermal resort of Banos de Fitero.

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the southeast of the country. Valencia is one of the most touristic regions, consisting of three provinces: mountainous Castellón with resort towns on the coast, Valencia with an amazing lagoon and traditional festivals, and rocky Alicante with numerous tourist centers.

Valencia is an important center for beach tourism in Spain. The length of the region's coastline is 485 km. In terms of the number of beaches awarded the EU Blue Flag, Valencia is ahead of all other regions of the country.

The coast of Valencia is conditionally divided into zones:

• The Costa Blanca ("White Coast") in the south in the province of Alicante, with a strip of magnificent fine sandy beaches and the resorts of Denia, Calpe, Javea, Torrevieja and Benidorm;
• Costa Azaar, "Orange Flavor Coast", famous for its rocky landscapes, is located in the north, in the province of Castellón, where the largest resorts are Peñiscola, Alcossebre, Oropesa, Benicasim;
• Costa Valencia with the major resorts of Sagunto, Balvaroza, Saler, Perellonet, Cooler, Gaguya and Oliva.

In Valencia, there is also one of the most popular amusement parks in Spain - "Tera Mitica", built on the basis of famous ancient myths.

The main cities of the region are its capital, Valencia, with ancient and modern sights; and also Alicante - a famous tourist center and a very beautiful old city.

What to watch

Barcelona

Madrid

Ibiza

Majorca

Tenerife

Other cities

• Port Aventura in Salou
• Theater-Museum of Salvador Dali in Figueres
• Garajonay National Park on Gomera Island
• Cave de los Verdes on Lanzarote island
• Ordesa National Park in Aragon
• National Park "Peaks of Europe" in Asturias

And many other sights of Spain ...

Where to go in Spain

sights

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Wellness holiday

Private guides in Spain

Russian private guides will help you to get acquainted with Spain in more detail.
It is registered on the project Experts.Tourister.Ru.

Things to do

Festivals in Spain

Spain is a country of festivals, dozens of similar events are held there every year. The festivals cover all genres of art. The most ambitious of them are listed below. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the capital of Catalonia, then you should familiarize yourself with the section "Festivals and Parades in Barcelona".

• June July. International Music Festival in Granada: concerts, operetta, classical and modern dances and flamenco
• Second half of July - first half of August. Santander International Music Festival: music, dance, theater
• End of June - beginning of August. Merida Theater Festival: Classical Greco-Latin and Mediterranean Theater
• September. National Festival of Classical Theater in Almagro: Spanish Classical and World Theater
• Mid September - early October. Madrid Autumn Festival: concerts, opera, drama, classical and contemporary dances
• July. Jazz Festival in San Javier
• August. International Habaneras Vocal Festival in Torrevieja

Fiesta in Spain

Fiestas are mass events dedicated to national or religious holidays. There are a lot of such events in Spain, and they are held on a large scale. The most famous fiestas are listed below.

• Fallas Festival in Valencia (March 19): burning of the fallas - large papier-mâché dolls, bullfight
• Holy week (Semana Santa): solemn processions in the south, in Seville, Malaga, Granada, Murcia
• April Fair (10 days after Easter): Spring Festival in Seville; Sevillians dance, eat and drink in the streets all night long
• Fiesta of St. Isidro (15 May): feast of the patron saint of Madrid, bullfight (the biggest bullfight of the season), folk festivities with music and dancing
• Feast of San Fermin (second week of July): thrill seekers run down a city street ahead of the wild bulls and bullfighting in Pamplona
• Mystery in Elche (14-15 August): Theatrical Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Valencia)
• La Mesa (24 September): a celebration in honor of the patroness of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bduring which one of the attractions is the construction of the "human pyramid" and "running lights", as well as a procession with huge figures in papier-mâché
• The Moors and Christians fiesta is a grand performance with colorful shows and fireworks. The largest scale is held in Alkoy. The time of the event is April, but such extravaganzas take place throughout the year in many cities
• The Fiesta "Bonfires of Saint Juan" (on the night of June 24) is a grand celebration with bonfires, colorful processions and fireworks. The culmination of the holiday takes place in Alicante, where a large fire palm tree lights up at the top of Mount Benacatil

Surfing in Spain

Getting around the country

Bus

There are bus stations (estacion de autobus in Spanish) in Spain in almost all major cities and resort centers. Bus timetables can be found in travel agencies and bus stations, and they are often found in the windows of shops and cafes, especially those located near bus stations.

It is customary to enter city buses through the front door. To get off at the stop you want, you must first notify the driver by pressing the button at the door. You can leave the bus only through the back door. City bus route maps are available at each stop, which are marked with yellow-green plates with the word “bus”. As a rule, the red color indicates the routes running through the central areas of cities, and the blue color - the routes of the night buses.

City buses in Spain run from 5:30 to 00:00. The trip is paid directly on the bus: the passenger tells the driver the destination and the number of people. The driver issues a receipt indicating the fare. In Spain, unified tickets are valid for all types of urban transport, their cost depends on the number of transport zones crossed per trip. Different cities also have their own tariffs, discounts, benefits and passes for different types of transport.

The network of intercity bus lines connects all corners of Spain and is distinguished by a high level of service (air conditioning, dry closet, video equipment). The bus ride is cheaper than the train and allows you to get to know the country better. So, the cost of travel between the most remote cities, depending on the season, day of the week, time of day and distance of travel, will not exceed 40-45 euros. During the high tourist season, buses on the main routes leave at intervals of approximately one hour. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office of the bus station or at travel agencies.

Often several buses serve the same route (depending on the number of tickets sold), which will have to leave at the same time. Therefore, it is worth checking the bus number indicated on your ticket (coche (autobus) №…) with the number on the windshield of the bus. Intercity bus routes, which are served by many operators, can be planned for.

Train

The rail lines in Spain are operated by a state-owned company (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Espanolas / Spanish Railways National Network).

There are many train fares available on the train, depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Tickets are sold at the ticket offices of railway stations and stations, in tourist offices. You can also get detailed information on the train timetable there.

At the big train stations in Madrid, Barcelona, \u200b\u200bSeville, Salamanca, etc., in addition to ticket offices, there are special tourist centers - they serve travelers and sell tickets to any destination, including pre-tickets. The employees of such centers usually speak English and French, and they accept all types of credit cards of the main payment systems. In order not to be crowded in line, you must first take a coupon with a number in a small machine at the entrance to the center. When your turn comes, the corresponding number will be displayed on the scoreboard above one of the windows.

You can also buy a ticket through the RENFE website. Tickets can be booked online a maximum of 60 days in advance, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices of railway stations at least 5 minutes before the train departure.

Controllers work on all directions and on all trains in Spain. If you did not have time to buy a ticket, you can do it after the train departs - directly from the controller, but it will cost a little more.

There are several types of trains in Spain. First, train cars have two classes: the first (primera) and the second (segunda).
Secondly, trains vary in the level of amenities they provide.

Ave - high-speed luxury trains connecting so far only Madrid and Seville and Barcelona and Madrid. Travel time (Madrid-Seville) - 3 hours 25 minutes with stops (11 flights per day) and 2 hours 40 minutes non-stop (Madrid-Barcelona) - 6 flights per day, in the morning and evening hours.

Talgo - high-speed long-distance trains, they run between all major cities in Spain. They provide sleeping places, a buffet.

Diurno, Estrella, Rapidos - less fast than Talgo and not very comfortable. Estrella is the nighttime version of these trains.

Tranvia, Automotor - inexpensive regional and suburban trains with all stops.

In addition to regular trains, there are special tourist trains, the most famous of which is the Al Andalus Express. This is a luxury train called a "hotel-palace" on wheels, equipped with carriages of the 1930s, with toilets, maids, etc. The train has 2 restaurants of "gourmet" cuisine - "Alhambra" and "Gibralfaro", and the Giralda bar with live music. The train is designed for only 50 passengers. It moves at a speed of 60-90 km / h, making long stops in the major cities of Andalusia. Dispatched once a week - on Sundays. Information can be obtained from ticket offices and tourist offices.

In addition to the above, in this post you can read the tourist's observations about trains between Madrid and Barcelona, \u200b\u200bnuances, differences, and so on.

Taxi

Taxis in Spain are official (licensed) and private. An official taxi can be painted black and yellow (as in Barcelona) or white (as in Spain in general), has an illuminated board with the inscription taxi and a counter. The fact that a taxi is free is indicated by a flag "libre" (free) or a green light (at night). You can take a taxi at the taxi ranks (Parada de Taxi), marked with a blue sign with a large white letter "T", or stop by "voting" on the street. In addition, you can call a taxi by phone to a restaurant, hotel, supermarket. The maximum waiting time for the ordered taxi is 10 minutes.

The fare is usually calculated as follows: for landing - 2 euros, then for each km - 1 euro during the day and about 1.2 euros at night (from 22:00 to 06:00). For luggage - 1 more euro. On holidays and weekends, rates increase. When traveling outside the city limits, it is necessary to negotiate the fare with the driver in advance, since the passenger also pays for the return taxi journey. Payment in licensed taxis is made only in accordance with the meter readings.

Metro

The metro in Spain is a very convenient means of transportation, with its help you can easily and quickly leave almost anywhere in the city, moreover, some lines have stations of intersection with Renfe (Spanish National Railways) and tram lines. There is a metro in such large cities as Madrid, Barcelona, \u200b\u200bValencia, Bilbao, Alicante, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville.

In all cities, the principle of the metro is approximately the same. The Spanish metro is usually divided into transport zones, and the payment is charged accordingly - the more zones a passenger crosses during a trip, the higher the fare (from 1.50 euros). Metro tickets are single-use and reusable, they also apply to other public transport in cities. The ticket must be kept until the end of the trip. The metro in Spain is usually open from 05: 00-06: 00 to 23: 00-00: 00 (on weekends and holidays - until 01: 00-2: 00).

Tram, funicular and cable car

Trams in Spain are available in many cities and are usually part of the metro system (indicated by the letter T on metro maps). They are also called overground metro. Spanish trams are modern, fast, very comfortable and equipped with the latest technology. Trams run regularly, usually from 05:00 to 00:00, on holidays, weekends and on Fridays until 02:00.

Panoramic transport in Spain is represented by funiculars and cable cars. Barcelona (Montjuic cable car), Tenerife and some other cities can boast of their presence.

Sea transport

Since most of Spain is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, water transport is well developed in Spain.

The company carries out sea passenger transportation in the Mediterranean. Its ferries and passenger ships go to the Balearic Islands from the ports of Barcelona and Valencia, and to the Canary Islands from the port of Cadiz. Other ferry companies providing ferry transportation - and.

There is also a regular ferry service between Spain and Africa - car and passenger ferries, speed boats. Thus, regular flights are made from Malaga (Spain) to the cities of Melilla (Spanish enclave in Morocco) and Nador. One way ticket price is 35-40 euros. From the city of Tarifa (Spain) to Tangier (Morocco) the ferry departs 8 times a day. Price - 25-27 euros. From Algeciras, Spain, there is also a ferry to Tangier 8-10 times a day, the ticket price is about 29 euros.

Car

Spain has a total of 317,000 km of highways, of which 2,000 km are modern motorways. The main roads run along the Mediterranean coast from the French border to Alicante and from the Cantabrian coast to Catalonia. The maximum permissible speed is 50 km / h (populated areas), 100 km / h (on national highways), 120 km / h (on highways). Speeding fines are very high and are payable locally.

To rent a car, the driver must present an identity document and an international driving license. You can order a car at a rental office, through a hotel administrator, or in advance via the Internet. Often, when picking up a car, you need to leave a certain amount of security (which is refunded if you return the car with a full tank of gasoline). In Spain there are both local rental offices and representative offices of famous international companies such as Avis, Hertz, Rent-a-car. If you rent a car for three or more days, substantial discounts apply.

In large cities such as Barcelona, \u200b\u200bit is expensive to travel by car, and it is better to save your nerves. The penalty for incorrect parking is strictly - 85 € and more. A road map or a navigator is a must - there are many one-way streets, left turns are less common than right turns. It makes sense to rent a car if you plan to move from one city to another.

Motorcycles and bicycles

Spain is a cyclist's paradise, judging by the number of bicycles in cities. There are cycle paths in both large cities and small ones. In the resort towns of mainland Spain, the Canary and Balearic Islands, you can rent a bike.

And if you are over 16 years old, you can also rent a motorcycle (upon presentation of an ID and driver's license) or a scooter. When riding a motorcycle, the driver must wear a safety helmet. Motorcycles at gas stations in Spain are fueled with a special fuel - mezcla.

Airplane

Spain has about 30 international airports. Each major city has its own airport, from where planes fly to all regions of the country. The main major airports in Spain are Barajas in Madrid and El Prat in Barcelona.

Major airlines serving international and domestic routes - and. The flight time from Madrid to Barcelona is 55 minutes, to Valencia - 30 minutes, to Balbao and Seville - 50 minutes, to Mallorca - 1 hour, to the Canary Islands - 2 hours 30 minutes. All international airports are connected to city centers by express buses.

Communication

The state spoken language of Spain is Spanish (español, castellano). However, many parts of Spain speak different languages \u200b\u200b(Catalan, Galician, Asturian, Valencian, Balearic, etc.). Some of these languages, according to the 1978 constitution, are official in the respective regions. With the exception of Basque (the origin of which, by the way, is still not clear), all the languages \u200b\u200bof the Iberian Peninsula are associated with the Romance language group, they are quite easy to understand if you know Castilian (classical Spanish) well. Learning the local languages \u200b\u200ba little can help win over the locals.

Catalan... A separate language, similar to Castilian, but closer to the Oscan branch of Romance languages, considered by many to be part of the dialectal continuum of Spain, France and Italy, includes other Languedoc languages \u200b\u200bsuch as the languages \u200b\u200bof Provence, Béarn, Limousin, Auverne and Nice. A variety of dialects are spoken in northeastern Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, eastern Aragon, neighboring Andorra, and southern France. To the casual listener, Catalan will seem like a cross between Spanish and French, although it combines the features of both languages \u200b\u200bto form a completely separate language.

Galician... Very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in Galicia and in western Asturias. Galician pre-dates Portuguese and is considered one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese group, which includes Brazilian, South Portuguese, Central Portuguese and Galician.

Basque... A language unrelated to Castilian (or any other known language), it is spoken by three provinces in the Basque Country, two neighboring provinces on the French side of the Franco-Spanish border, and Navarre. Basque is not associated with any Romance language or with any other language of the Indo-European or Indo-Iranian language family. It defies classification at present and is considered a linguistic isolate that does not seem to be associated with any language in the linguistic tree.

Asturian... It is spoken in the province of Asturias, where it is under semi-official protection. It can also be found in rural areas of León, Zamora, Salamanca, in some villages in Portugal (where it is called Mirandes) and in villages in the very north of Extremadura. Although the Spanish constitution stipulates the right to use Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the same name Catalan, Galician and Spanish as the official language of the province, Asturian does not have this right. But the province of Asturias uses it as an official one, and the state does not object.

Aragonese... It is spoken in the north of Aragon. Its existence is recognized, but it is not the official language of the province (as of June 2008). This language is close to Catalan (especially in Benasque) and to Castilian with some influence of Basque and Oka (southern France). Today, only a few villages near the Pyrenees speak pure Aragonese, while the majority of the population uses a mixture of Aragonese and Castilian in everyday speech.

Aransky... It is spoken in the Aran Valley and is considered one of the official languages \u200b\u200bof Catalonia (but not Spain) along with Catalan and Spanish. This language is a variant of Gascon and is very closely related to the languages \u200b\u200bof Provence, Limousin, Languedoc and Catalonia.

In addition, English and French are usually taught in schools in Spain. If you come to any tourist center, you will meet people who speak several languages \u200b\u200bfluently. But in other places you are unlikely to see this: most Spaniards speak English quite poorly. In this case, it is better to turn to urban youth. Speak slowly, use simple words, do not hesitate to use gestures, pictures or writing - if the word is written, there is a better chance that you will be understood.

In northeastern Spain, many people understand French, sometimes even better than English, because most of the tourists in this region are from France. The locals will appreciate any attempts you make to speak the local language. For example, trying to say "good morning" or "thank you."

Culture

The historical and cultural heritage of Spain is rich and diverse, it was shaped by many eras, peoples, religions, as well as the border position of Spain between Europe and Africa, the isolation of the Mediterranean and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

Architecture

The architecture of Spain is an amazing interweaving of the building traditions of ancient civilizations and the architecture of modern architects. The sights of Spain amaze the imagination: here ancient amphitheaters peacefully coexist with powerful Arab fortresses and Visigoth forts. Thus, the Alcazar in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada are excellent examples of Moorish architecture of the Caliphate era.

In addition, Spain is rich in world-famous temples, the most famous of which are the Romanesque cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the cathedral in Teruel in the Mudejar style, the Escorial monastery-palace near Madrid in the Erreresco style, the Gothic temples of Seville, Burgas, Toledo, Tarragona and the Baroque-Renaissance cathedrals of Granada, Murcia and Valencia.

It is impossible not to mention the masterpieces of the genius Catalan Antonio Gaudi, who worked in the style of Spanish modernism at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Painting

It is difficult to imagine the world fine arts without painting in Spain. Its heyday began with the work of Domenico Teotokopouli, nicknamed El Greco, who became the founder and head of the Toledo school of painting. Spain was also glorified by those who followed him, Jose de Ribera, Francisco Zurbaran, B. E. Murillo and Velazquez, whose paintings are now kept in the best museums in the world.

Spanish painting is unthinkable even without the work of Francisco Goya (1746-1828), as well as the pioneer of surrealism Salvador Dali (1904-1989), the founder of Cubism Juan Gris (1887-1921), the abstract artist Juan Miro (1893-1983) and the brilliant versatile master Pablo Picasso (1881-1973).

Literature

Spanish literature has come a long way to become one of the most visible components of world literature today. It is difficult to overestimate her contribution if only because the two most famous common human types - Don Quixote and Don Juan - were created by Spanish writers.

The first Spanish literary work to become widely known is the epic poem "Song of my Side" (about 1140). Felix Lope de Vega, Pedro Calderon de la Barco, Tirso de Molina, Miguel de Cervantes are considered to be the classics of Spanish literature.

Starting from the end of the 19th century, called the period of spiritual renewal of Spain, new authors appeared in the country, whose works quickly find their readers around the world: Miguel de Unamuno, Ramon Maria del Valle Inclan, Federico Garcia Lorca. Among contemporary authors, it is worth mentioning the 1989 Nobel laureate Camilo José Cela, as well as Juan Goitisolo, Miguel Delibes, Manuel Vazquez Montalban.

Music

Spanish musical culture developed from folk music, whose origins date back to the 6th century BC. e. - to the musical art of the ancient Iberians and Celts, and church music of the 16th century. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Spanish music had become one of the most prominent in Europe, thanks to composers such as Enrique Granados (1867-1916), Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) and Manuel de Falla (1876-1946). Modern Spain is famous throughout the world for its opera school, the most prominent representatives of which are Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe.

Flamenco

Flamenco is a famous Spanish art, whose homeland is Andalusia. Flamenco is an amazing fusion of song (Cante), dance (Baile) and guitar playing (Guitarra), and also includes various forms from a mixture of these genres. The first written mention of flamenco dates back to 1774. Flamenco was formed under the influence of two cultures - the gypsy, from which flamenco took its dance part, and the Moorish, which brought deep meaning to flamenco music.

Flamenco styles (palos) differ in rhythmic pattern, there are more than 50 of them. The most popular styles are Tones, Fandango, Soleo and Segiriya. Songs and dances are usually accompanied by percussion (tapping with castanets, clapping hands) and guitar.
Andalusian gypsies are the keepers of flamenco traditions. In 2010, Flamenco was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Cinematography

The history of Spanish cinema has a long tradition: already in the 1920s, the film “Andalusian Forest” by Luis Buñuel was released. Since then, Spanish directors, including Carlos Saura (Carmen), Pedro Almodovar (A Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Kica, etc.), Fernando Trueva (Belle Epoque), Julio Medel ( Red Squirrel "), contributed to the consolidation of the world fame of Spanish cinema.

Kitchen

Spaniards are very passionate about food, wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish cuisine is made up of light vegetable dishes and a huge variety of meat and fish. Spanish cuisine uses few spices and excellent quality ingredients.

As a rule, in big cities restaurants on weekdays are open until midnight, on weekends - until 2-3 a.m.

The bars, collectively known as Tapas, offer a wide variety of dishes served as an appetizer for a drink. Some bars offer a wide range of different tapas; others specialize in one kind (for example, seafood snacks). Traditionally, the Spaniards take one tapas and one small drink at a bar, then move to another bar and repeat. A group of visitors can order 2 or more "tapas" or order "raciones" instead of them, which is larger and can be divided.

In major cities, you can find McDonalds and Burger King. Their menu will surprise you: it has been revised to suit local tastes, so beer, salads, yoghurt and wine are prominent in it. The popularity of pizza is growing and there are outlets selling pizza in major cities, but they can sell both their own homebrew products and something international like Pizza Hut.

Many restaurants offer fixed-price set menu - menú del día - often very profitable. The price includes the cost of water or wine.

Tipping and taxes

The bill does not include service charges. Tipping is customary and can be increased if you enjoy the service. Usually a separate banknote is left as a tip.

It is not customary to include taxes in mid-range and fast food restaurants, so you should always check the menu to see if VAT is included in the price (7%, IVA in Spanish).

Spanish products

Cheese... In Spain, you can buy a large number of local cheeses. The most famous is Queso Manchego. Also popular are Cabrales, Tetilla, Mahon.

Morsilla. Anise-flavored blood pork sausage offers fresh, smoked and dried sausage.

Chorizo... The most popular sausage in Spain, it contains pork, ham, salt, garlic and pepper. Available in many varieties, in different sizes and shapes, short and long, spiced, in different shades of red, soft, dried and hard or smoked. They often contain emulsifiers and preservatives, so read the label carefully if you are allergic.

Jamon... This is an air dried ham. There are several types. Jamón Serrano (Serrano ham): canned product obtained by drying salted ham. If the front leg is taken, then the product is called "trowel" or "paletilla". It is also called jamón Iberico (Iberian) and jamón of bellota (acorn). Ham made in Huelva (Spain), in Guijuelo (in the province of Salamanca), in Pedroches (in the province of Cordoba) and in Treveles (in the province of Granada) are especially popular. Jamón Iberico is made from grazing pigs only. In the Boqueria market in Barcelona, \u200b\u200bJamon Iberico costs from € 80 / kg, Jamon Serrano - about € 25 / kg.

Paella... The famous rice dish of the Mediterranean. There are many options: with seafood, with chicken and rabbit, etc. Although a dish called "paella" can be found in almost every Spanish restaurant (and you will certainly be told that it is prepared according to the "very" real recipe), real paella is found very rare: the dish should include saffron (extremely expensive) and certain seafood (which is hard to believe in good quality outside the coastal zones). Locals advise looking for authentic paella at major local celebrations such as a village wedding, but some restaurants can still compete here.

Restaurants and cafes in Spain

Wines of spain

Spain is home to many of the world's favorite spirits. Spanish wines are no less popular than French and Italian wines, they are widely known in the world for their excellent taste and aroma. Each wine region is famous for its own centuries-old traditions and recipes for wine production.

So, the most famous Spanish wine is "Rioja" - a wine produced in the region of the same name in Spain. The Rioja region produces mainly red wines that are aged in American oak barrels and bottled in Bordeaux. However, there is a percentage of white wines to be drunk young, and rosé wines with a fruity aroma, which are usually drunk in the year following their creation.

Rioja wines, which have the quality status DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada), are classified according to the aging time: hoven - up to 1 year, Crianza - 3 years (of which at least 1 year in an oak barrel), Reserva (reserva ) - 4 years (of which 1 year in an oak barrel + 2 years in bottles), Gran Reserva - 6 years (of which 2 years in an oak barrel + 3 years in a bottle).
Wine connoisseurs advise men and women to drink different types of Rioja. For men - Alta "gran reserva", produced in the north of the Rioja region, and for women - Alavesa "reserva" or "gran reserva", created in the south of the region and has a softer and lighter taste.

Valencia is another region of Spain famous for its quality wine (it has the DO (Denominacion de Origen) quality status). It produces excellent white wines from the Mersegera and Malvasia grape varieties, as well as the aromatic sweet Moscatel of golden color. There are not many red wines in Valencia (Monastrell, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon), and it is customary to drink them young.

Malaga

Malaga is both the name of Spanish wine and the city in Andalusia, in the vicinity of which this wine is produced. Malaga is a dessert wine with a raisin or caramel flavor, it can be sweet and dry, white, golden and almost black, depending on the age. There are 16 varieties of Malaga. The best type of malaga is Lagrima, made from Pedro Ximénez grapes that are sun-dried for several days before pressing.
Malaga is also made from Moscatel grapes.

And, of course, it is impossible to imagine a collection of Spanish wines without table wines from Galicia, full of Navarre wines, fine Alellans, rich and refined ones from Tarragona and Priorat.

Sherry

Jerez is the most famous strong Spanish wine with excellent taste and delicate aroma. Real sherry is made only in Andalusia, in the vicinity of the cities of Jerez de la Frontera, San Lucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria. Sherry is made from the grape varieties Palomino Fino, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel.

All sherries can be conventionally divided into two groups: Fino and Oloroso.
Fino is a dry sherry with a strength of up to 15-16%, made exclusively from Palomino Fino grapes. It has a pale straw color and a fresh, bitter almond flavor.
Oloroso - translated from Spanish as "fragrant", it can be not only dry, but also semi-dry and sweet, with a strength of 17% and more.
Other types of sherry, of which there are quite a few today, are inherently related to either Fino or Oloroso, or they are something in between. For example, the famous Manzanilla sherry belongs to the Fino type, Palo Cortado belongs to Oloroso, and Amontillado can be considered the middle variant.

Sherry has found wide application in the preparation of cocktails-aperitifs, it goes well with vodka, gin, whiskey, and, if necessary, can even replace dry white vermouth. It is customary to drink sherry from a glass in the shape of a tulip.

Sangria

Sangria — also wine. It is prepared by diluting dry red wine with water (plain or carbonated) or juice. Sometimes sangria is seasoned with fresh fruit (peach, apple, orange, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, melon) and spices, or sugar is added. In summer, sangria is served on ice - it perfectly quenches thirst, and in winter it is drunk heated (like mulled wine).
Sangria does not have any features or classifications, but the people distinguish 5 types of it: quiet sangria, fruit, white, sparkling and strong.

The first type is the simplest: dry red wine with grapes, orange and still water.

The second is the same, but with as much fruit as possible. The third type of sangria is prepared on the basis of white wine, but, paradoxically, it is still tinted with red berry juice or grenadine syrup.

Sparkling sangria is the most delicious made with cava (a Spanish sparkling wine similar to champagne), or with regular red wine with soda.

And finally, strong sangria is prepared with the addition of sugar, spirits (cognac, brandy, liqueur, vodka, gin) and spices (cinnamon, mint, ginger, nutmeg).

Kava

Cava (cava) is a Spanish sparkling wine that is made according to technologies imported from Champagne (Methode Champenoise), mainly in the Catalan region of Penedès, which has DO status. Kava is a white wine, although small quantities of rosé wine are also produced.

Cava is produced from the following grape varieties: Pareiada, Macabeo (Viura), Chardonnay, Chardonnay and, to a lesser extent, Monastrei and Pinot Noir. Cava aromas include fruity and floral tones. The taste has hints of honey and sweetness.

Kava varies in sugar content - from very dry (Extra Brut) to sweet (Dulce). There is also a classification of cava according to the number of years of wine aging in the bottle: Cava (from 9 months); Cava Reserva (from 15 months); Cava Gran Reserva (from 30 months) - usually Brut Nature and Extra Brut.

The most popular cava brands are: Freixenet, Codorniu, Segura Viudas, Juve y Camps, Gramona, Bodegas Faustino.

Cava is served chilled in tall clear glass flute or tulip-shaped glasses. It is impossible to imagine any Spanish party, wedding or banquet without cava. Cava is often compared to champagne, because it is an excellent alternative (in terms of value for money) to the most famous sparkling wine in the world and makes it a very serious competition.

Cider

Cider (Sidra) is a low-alcohol drink made from a certain variety of apples in Asturias and the Basque Country. Juice is made from apples, which, by fermentation and without the addition of yeast, is converted into a light alcoholic drink with a strength of 2-7%. Cider has a golden or greenish color and apple smell. According to the sugar content, ciders are distinguished from dry to sweet.

It is customary to drink cider chilled. In order to form the required foam layer when filling the glass, the cider is poured into large glasses from a certain height. Places of use of cider are called cidreria, and the Spanish call the cider "the jealous bride", because this amazing drink does not tolerate combination with other alcoholic beverages.

Purchases

Spain has a rich tradition of folk arts and crafts, each province can offer tourists authentic products of local craftsmen. Thus, the best pottery in Spain is produced in the Toledo region, in Catalonia and Valencia, and Andalusia keeps the richest pottery traditions. Fine items of gold and silver, decorated with national ornaments, are made in Cordoba, Toledo, Salamanca. Colored duvets and carpets of excellent quality are best bought in Cadiz, Salamak, in the Alpujarra region. The finest laces are woven in Galicia, and the finest leather goods are produced in Albacete. Mallorca is famous for pearls and great glassware, while the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands weave wonderful baskets, hats and mats.

To call Spain, usually dial 8 - 10 - 34 - area code - subscriber's number.

Local SIM cards

You can significantly reduce your communication costs in Spain by purchasing a local SIM card. There are four main mobile operators in Spain - Movistar, Vodafone, ORANGE, Yoigo. But these operators offer mostly contractual terms (contrato). This means that you must have an account with a Spanish bank and the services will be paid from your bank account.

Prepaid (prepago) sim cards can be purchased from virtual operators such as HappyMovil, Hitsmobile, Legaba, Simyo and others. In addition, their tariffs are somewhat lower than those of the “big four”. For example, HappyMovil offers an interesting tariff option of 300 minutes to Russia for 15 euros, while Hitsmobile provides the first five minutes of each call for free when making calls to Russia on landlines.

The main advantage of using a local SIM card is the ability to get inexpensive high-speed Internet access (from 10 euros per 1 gigabyte). Mobile Internet is extremely expensive from a Russian operator's card, which is in roaming. The Internet is also expensive when using tourist maps.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi access points in Spain are located everywhere: at airports, train stations, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Information on the location of access points can be obtained from tourist offices, in the shops of Internet service providers.

If there is no open Wi-Fi network in your villa or hotel, then you should contact any large shopping center, where you will definitely find an office of some Spanish Internet provider. Show the office workers a list of Wi-Fi networks that your device has detected. If among them there is a public network of one of the providers, take an interest in the daily rate. As a rule, the cost of using the Internet will not exceed € 1-3 per day (including VAT), and the payment will be charged only for the days when you used the Internet.

Here are some of the plans:

• Movistar: Tarifa Diaria tariff - 1.77 € per day, if you have not exceeded 10 MB. Each additional 10 MB will cost you an additional 1.5 €, but no more than 10.62 € per day.
• Movistar: Unlimited Tarifa Plana Internet Mini, suitable for users who either "pump" large volumes, or just have a long vacation in Spain. Price - 19 € per month, download speed - 7.2 Mb / s up to 500 Mb, then it will drop to 64 Kb / s.
• : tariff "Contigo 2 horas". Another unlimited package, costing 19 € per month at a speed of 7.2 Mb / s, but with a time limit - no more than 2 hours a day.

Useful phone numbers in Spain

Security

Police

There are several types of police officers in Spain

• Policía Municipal or Local (city police), in Barcelona - Guardia Urbana. Uniforms vary from city to city, but usually they are black or blue, a blue shirt, a blue cap (or white helmet) with a strip of blue and white checkers. This police unit maintains order and regulates traffic within the city; if you are lost and do not know where to go, it is best to turn to them. Although they will not accept your theft report, they will escort you to the headquarters of the Policia Nacional (National Police) if necessary and arrest the suspects if necessary.
• Policía Nacional wears navy blue uniforms and blue caps (which can sometimes be replaced with baseball caps), but unlike the municipal police, they do not have a checkered ribbon on their headgear. They deal with all crimes committed within the city, although other police officers can also assist a person who wishes to report a crime.
• Guardia civil (National Guard) maintains order outside the cities and regulates intercity traffic on highways. They guard government offices, patrol the roads, and you can see them there. They wear similar military uniforms, some may have an odd-looking black helmet (tricornio), reminiscent of a bullfighter's headdress. But most wear green caps or white motorcycle helmets.
• The high level of political autonomy in Spain has allowed some regional governments to create their own power structures, such as the Policía Foral in Navarre, Ertzaintza in the Basque Country or Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia.

All types of police, when patrolling the roads or controlling traffic, wear reflective vests that are clearly visible from a distance.

Theft

Spain is a completely safe country, but you should still follow some of the rules accepted all over the world.

• Try not to use expensive items in poor areas (although most of them are far from tourist areas and you can hardly get there).
• Try not to show how much money you have in your wallet.
• In tourist areas, on buses, trains, in crowded places, always keep an eye on your bag or wallet. At most airports, bus and train stations, you will be reminded of this over the loudspeaker.
• If possible, do not carry large amounts of money with you. Use a credit card (Spain has almost the largest number of terminals in Europe and most shops and restaurants will accept a credit card). Of course, you need to use it carefully.
• When getting into crowded places like crowded buses or Puerta del Sol in Madrid, beware of pickpockets. If you catch a thief, those around you will usually help.
• Tourists from the Far East (especially from Japan) often become victims of criminals in Madrid and Barcelona, \u200b\u200bas thieves consider them easy prey with pockets full of money.
• Report the crime to the local police immediately.
• You should remember that places with a lot of foreigners, such as the crowded resorts of the East Coast, are more likely to attract thieves than less popular regions.
• Avoid gypsies, immediately refuse their services; they will predict the future for you, ask for some money, and, most likely, you will lose your wallet.
• The “flea market” (el rastro), which takes place on weekends in Madrid, is very popular with tourists. However, it is no less popular with pickpockets who operate in groups. be extremely careful in a crowded market, as there is a very high chance of becoming a victim, especially if you can easily be recognized as a tourist or a person with money. Try to look so that you don't stand out from the crowd, and the risk of being robbed will decrease immediately.
• Women who carry wallets should always wear them at the front of the waistband. Always support the wallet with your hand.
• Do not hang anything on the back of a chair or place it on the floor next to you.
• If you need to use an ATM, don't go alone.
• Some may try to cash in on your ignorance of local customs.
• In Spain, taxis must have meters in a prominent place. You do not need to agree to pay a predetermined amount for travel from the airport to the city, in most cases the taxi driver will earn more money if you pay by the meter.

To call the police, firefighters and the ambulance, dial 112. If necessary, the number can be dialed from any phone free of charge.

Drugs

Drugs are prohibited in Spain, but drug use in private places is not prosecuted. If you bring drugs to public places, even for personal use, you will be fined between 300 and 3000 euros, depending on the type and quantity of the drug found on you. You will only be arrested if the drugs found are sufficient to trade on the streets.

Health

• Medicines are not sold in supermarkets, they are sold in "farmacias" (pharmacies), which are easy to find by the green cross or the Hygia cup emblem. Almost every city and town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy, and on the doors of those that close at night, there should be a poster with the address of the nearest working pharmacy, which may even be in nearby towns - this is a requirement of the law.

• If you are injured or seriously ill, contact your doctors, according to the law, they cannot refuse to help you, even if you do not have insurance.
• Although Spain is considered a warm country by most foreigners, it can be very cold in winter, especially in the central regions and in the north of the country, and in some places it is very rainy in summer. Remember to bring appropriate clothing.
• In the summer, in order not to get heat and sunstroke, try not to be under the bright sun for a long time. Drink water, walk on the shaded side of the street, and keep a jar of sunscreen or lotion handy.

Where to stay

There are many different ways to accommodate tourists, ranging from hotels, guesthouses, villa rentals to campgrounds and even monasteries.

In hotels and middle class hotels it is not customary to include tax in the price, so always read the small print carefully. In Spanish, VAT is spelled "IVA".

A little further from the coast there are small villages with narrow medieval streets, charmingly quiet and secluded, which still have a good selection of restaurants and lodging at affordable prices. In such places you can find not just hotels, but also stay in an old inn.

By the way, in Spain, the Parador ("inn") is a state-owned hotel (from 3 to 5 stars). King Alfonso XIII of Spain founded a whole chain of such hotels in 1928. Their uniqueness lies in their location and history. Most of the paradors are located in historic buildings such as monasteries and Moorish castles, or in hacienda, as opposed to uncontrolled development in coastal regions such as the Costa del Sol. In paradors, the hotel business is successfully combined with the restoration of castles, palaces and monasteries, and saves the monuments of the cultural and historical heritage of Spain from ruin and desolation.

For example, the parador in Santiago de Campostela is located near the cathedral, in the former royal hospital, built in 1499. The rooms are decorated in an old style but with modern amenities. Noteworthy are the paradors in Arcos de la Frontera, Ronda, Santillana del Mar (Altamira cave), as well as over a hundred more paradors throughout Spain. In the parador you will be served breakfast (about 10 euros) and good food typical of the region (about 25 euros).

Room charges are quite high because hotels are often located in the heart of scenic spots. Prices range from 85 euros for a double room to 245 euros for a two-room suite (eg in Granada). The most beautiful paradors are found in León and Santiago de Campostela.

You can view information on accommodation in the country of bullfighting and flamenco (amenities in the room and on the territory, photos, reviews of tourists) in the section "Hotels in Spain Hotels in Malaga

Cordoba Accommodation

Zaragoza Accommodation

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1. Alhambra

The Alhambra palace complex in Granada is close to architectural perfection. Perhaps the most exquisite piece of Islamic art in the world. It is also the most enduring monument of 800 years of Moorish rule in the Spanish area they called Al-Andalus. The red fortress towers of the Alhambra dominate the panorama of Granada, standing out against the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Close to the Alhambra, we see how the perfect proportions of the Generalife gardens complement the exquisite details of the Nasrid Palace. All in all, this is the finest monument in Spain.

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2. Sagrada Familia

One of the greatest landmarks in Spain, the brainchild of Antoni Gaudí, built in the style of Spanish modernism, will be completed for more than 80 years after the death of its creator. Whimsical and sophisticated, inspired by nature itself and only slightly constrained by the Gothic style, the stunning temple of Barcelona rises into the sky with majesty. The incredible curves and deviations from the architectural canons will leave you perplexed, and the small details of the decorative curls on the facade of the Passion of Christ and the facade of the Nativity are worth hours of study.

3. Mesquite

The Mesquita, a striking temple complex in Cordoba, was founded in 785 and is the most beautiful mosque in Europe, and rivals any other architectural masterpiece in the Muslim world. This mosque meant so much to the main city of Muslim Andalusia that each new caliph tried to leave a trace of his rule in it. The most impressive additions to the mosque are the arches and vaults of the chapel of the august persons, erected in the 10th century. Apart from the Christian temple, which became part of the Mesquita in the 16th century, this is purely Muslim architecture in all its splendor.

4. Easter in Seville

Return to ancient Spanish medieval Christianity and participate in the Seville Masses for amazing Easter celebrations taking place during Holy Week. During processions of representatives of religious brotherhoods, believers carry the most beautiful pasos (figures) Christ and the Virgin Mary to the noisy greetings of the laity. The most glorious procession takes place in madru-gada (first hours) Good Friday. Having seen these celebrations, it is no longer possible to forget them, as they are an exotic and infinitely delightful combination of theatricality, seriousness and deep faith. Religious processions can be found in other cities in Spain, but nowhere do they reach such proportions as in Seville.

5. Evening Madrid

Madrid is not the only European city with an active nightlife, but it surpasses the rest in its rhythm and the power of street noise. As Ernest Hemingway noted, "In Madrid, no one goes to bed until they enjoy the night to the end." Here you will find an endless variety of adjoining bars, small clubs, lively discos, cocktail lounges, as well as chic and famous clubs. To truly experience this atmosphere, head to neighborhoods like Huertas, Malasana, Chueca and La Latina.

The main attraction of any country is its people! For what the Spaniards really are, see our video:

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6. Pinchos in San Sebastian

Chefs can even turn snacks at the bar into works of art. Pintxos (pintxos - Basque tapas), sometimes referred to as "gourmet cuisine in miniature", are small appetizers often served on a piece of French bread. It is worth stopping by any bar in downtown San Sebastian for a wide selection of snacks at the counter. All in all, this is the most memorable culinary experience in Spain. Although the atmosphere in these bars is always relaxed, the art of experimenting with flavor combinations is very serious (this is the hallmark of the Basque Country), and there is no doubt that it will only improve over time.

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7. City of Arts and Sciences

The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, created by one of the greatest Spanish architects, Santiago Calatrava, helped transform Spain's third largest city into one of its most vibrant places. A daring and stunning masterpiece of modern architecture, this complex includes a modern theater - the Reina Sofia Palace of the Arts, the huge Oceanographic Aquarium, the Hemisphere Planetarium and the Prince Philip Science Museum.

8. La Rioja - the land of vineyards

La Rioja is a place where you can spend whole weeks winding along quiet roads in search of a glass of delicious wine. Wine shops (bodegas) offer wine tastings, and in picturesque villages, the traveler will find the magnificent wine museums that are the backbone of the region. Hotel MarquesdeRiscalnot far from Elciego, erected by Frank Gehry, can be called the "Guggenheim of Bilbao" - in terms of architectural scale and ambition. This hotel has become an elite center for wine tourism throughout the region.

9. Salamanca - Renaissance city

Flooded with bright lanterns, Salamanca's elegant central Plaza Mayor is perhaps the most beautiful square in Spain. But she is just one of the many gems of the city, with architectural splendor that few places in the entire country can match. One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe is located in this city, so night festivities are not complete without student feasts. It is the combination of splendor and energy that makes Salamanca the favorite city of many Spaniards.

10. Sierra Nevada and Las Alpujarras

The Sierra Nevada, with its majestic peak Mulasen (3479 meters), the highest mountain in mainland Spain, serves as a mesmerizing backdrop for the warm city of Granada. Here you can ski in winter, walk in summer, and explore amazing pueblosblancos (white villages) Las Alpujarras. The villages of Las Alpujarras are one of the havens of the Moors on Spanish soil and are somewhat reminiscent of the oases of North Africa; they are lost among the forests and deep gorges for which the region is famous.

11. Madrid's Golden Triangle of Arts

There may not be many architectural wonders in Madrid, but their lack is more than offset by the incredible array of art galleries. The pearl of Madrid is the Prado Museum, where there was a place for the masterpieces of Goya, Velazquez, El Greco and other masters from all over Europe. However, within walking distance from the Prado are also the Reina Sofia Center for the Arts, where Picasso's Guernica, as well as works by Dali and Miro are exhibited. Nearby is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which has collected the works of the greatest authors of many centuries.

12. Asturian coast

According to one of the evidences, the emerald green region of Asturias, stretching in the north-west of Spain, has 211 bays. Although the Atlantic is quite chilly here, which may not be to the liking of sunbathers, the beauty of these often wild and unspoiled stretches is simply breathtaking. Moreover, the villages, of which there are many on the coast and throughout the area, are some of the most beautiful in the coastal regions of Spain. And the dishes served in this part of the country are also famous throughout Spain.

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13. Flamenco in Andalusia

The sublime and melancholic, touchingly intense art of flamenco originated in Andalusia and still exists here in the south of Spain, where you can get acquainted with the masterpieces of this genre. Flamenco's homeland lies somewhere between Seville, Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera, and in all three cities the colors of living flamenco cut through the night. Seville is especially rich in flamenco establishments. Performances with this dance are very fiery and memorable for a long time.

14. Walks in the Aragonese Pyrenees

Spain offers a wide variety of walking destinations for the hiker, but the Aragonese Pyrenees are especially renowned for being ideal for hiking. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is one of the most outstanding (both literally and figuratively) places in the Pyrenees. The highest point of this mountain range is the Monte Perdido peak (3348 meters). The park invites you to climb majestic rock walls and ice rinks, where you can sometimes see chamois. Please note that the park has a limit on the number of people who can be in it at the same time.

15. Overnight in a beautiful parador

You can get a royal overnight stay in the Spanish state network paradores(paradors) - often luxurious and always extremely comfortable former castles, palaces and monasteries. There are only 86 such paradors throughout the country. They constitute the golden fund of European real estate services, and many are also located on the territory of historical complexes (for example, the Granada Alhambra), and prices for the night are more moderate than you might imagine, especially if you book places online and in advance.

16. Picos de Europa

These peaks rise in tight clusters just above the rugged and ever-changing coastlines of Cantabria and Asturias. Picos is three majestic limestone massifs, unique to Spain, but geologically similar to the Alps. The peaks of Europe are crossed by the most interesting tourist routes. These mountain ranges, as an integral part of Spain's second largest national park, boast some of the most scenic mountain landscapes in the country - a serious claim considering that Spain also has the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. The Picos de Europa occupy a place of honor in this high circle.

17. Beaches of Menorca

While the Mediterranean coast of Spain has become the epitome of mass tourism, Menorca has a special place in it. The island was saved from the harmful effects of overdevelopment, so most of it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island has a 216 km long coastline with many beaches that deserve a separate description. Someone claims that getting to them by sea is the height of pleasure, but it is no less pleasant to spend time there. Among the best beaches are Macarelleta and Turqueta.

18. Santiago de Compostela

According to legend, it was here that Saint James, one of the twelve apostles, rested. Therefore, Santiago de Compostela in the far northwest of Galicia attracts pilgrims like no other place in the country. Its magnificent cathedral is decorated with an unusually rich Romanesque façade and remarkable spiers. The cathedral is a famous pilgrimage destination for pilgrims who walk to it along the Way of St. James, which runs in northern Spain. But look behind the cathedral and you will see many other exquisite monuments, as well as the magnificent culinary culture that embodies all of Galicia.

19. Las Fallas

The noisiest Spanish festival is one of the most spectacular. Held annually in March in Valencia, it is an explosive celebration of fireworks, music and bonfires that light up the sky for nearly a week. But this is not just noisy fun. The Las Fallas Festival has deep cultural roots and exceptional inventiveness. During it, each district tries to surpass the rest in the production of beautiful sculptures in wood and papier-mâché, which are burned at the climax of the holiday.

20. Try the finest jamon

Jamon (ham, smoked ham) is one of the main dishes of Spanish cuisine and one of the few that is found throughout the country. If there is a nationwide Spanish dish, it is not even paella, but jamon. In almost any Spanish restaurant, at least one jamon is prepared at almost any time, laid out in a special brazier called jamonera... Waffle-thin slices of selected jamon (called jamonibericodebellotaalthough there are many other types of jamon) are simplicity itself, and they represent the Spanish culinary paradise for us.

21. Cabo de Gata

Cape Cabo de Gata is a virgin protected coastline east of Almeria. These places are truly legendary for many Spaniards. For most of the year, the beaches between the towering cliffs are virtually deserted. Rarely where else can you dive and walk like this. Indeed, Cabo de Gata is a kind of oasis, places of stunning beauty that look exactly the same as in those days when no one except the inhabitants of the Spanish coast had ever heard of the Costa del Sol. Best of all, you can't see any tourist areas from here.

22. The Way of Saint James

Each year, tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists, driven by a wide variety of motives, embark on a journey through northern Spain. They are heading to Santiago de Compostela, a place of immense importance to all Christians. But the appeal of this great itinerary isn't just about religious feelings. There are many tourist routes in the north of Spain, but no other allows you to penetrate so deeply into the soul of Spain, to experience the joys and whims of its nature. And after completing even the smallest transition, you will gain impressions for the rest of your life.

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23. Segovia

One of the most beautiful small towns in Spain is Segovia. Here you will find beautiful Castilian churches and scenic spots, as the city stretches along a mountain range, often covered with snow. But Segovia also has two legendary architectural masterpieces. Firstly, this is the Alcazar castle with several towers, which served as the prototype for the famous magic Disney castle. Secondly, it is a gigantic but graceful Roman aqueduct built of granite blocks (held together without a drop of cement). It has stood the test of time and has stood in the city center for almost 2000 years.

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24. Rest in Cadiz

Cadio creates a special dashing feeling of "living for today" and almost immediately makes you fall in love with its central, sometimes destroyed, streets of the 18th century. Locals while away the hot summer nights in the squares of the old town and in the bars by the water. And the fame of how the carnival is celebrated in Cadiz, about its fun and passion, spreads throughout the country. And the city itself is absolutely enchanting: breathtaking historical sites, snaking whitewashed paths, panoramic viewpoints and cathedral square are all just as beautiful as in other cities in Spain, and sometimes even better when the cool, salty Cadiz breeze blows around you.

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25. Costa da Morte and Cape Ortegal in Galicia

We look quite tiny next to the wild Atlantic cliffs of the Galician coast. Near Cape Ortegal, strong winds will blow you, and huge Atlantic waves will seem like a tide when they crash against the rocks of the promontory far below. And along the Costa da Morte, where only shipwrecks are said to be, long, desert sandy spaces interspersed with formidable rocky headlands. If only all Spanish beaches were so pristine! ..

26. Shopping in Barcelona

Barcelona has been an icon of European style for decades, and designers from the world of haute couture have played a significant role in ensuring that this reputation never leaves the city. As a result, Barcelona has become one of the world's largest shopping centers, a place where originality really counts. Shop while strolling along Barcelona's boulevards (Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya and Diagonal Avenue), as well as in the countless private boutiques and jewelry boutiques in the Gothic Quarter, along the Born and Gràcia boulevards.

27. Three cultures in Toledo

The symbolic home of the Spanish Catholic Church and the army, the medieval center of Toledo is an outstanding masterpiece of world heritage. Toledo is known as the "city of three cultures" (where Muslims, Jews and Christians once lived side by side) and today remains a fascinating labyrinth of former mosques, synagogues and churches. The latter are still actively used, and the Cathedral of Toledo is one of the most majestic in Spain. Since Toledo is located very close to Madrid, many travelers stay in it only during the day, and in the evening they rush to the capital. But spend the night here and see Toledo in all its glory.

28. Costa Brava

This coast is easily accessible by plane from the rest of Europe. It is dotted with villages and beaches that have spawned Northern Europe's passion for summer vacations in Spain. Costa Brava in Catalonia is one of the most beloved corners of the Mediterranean. In addition, the originality and exquisite eccentricity of these places gives the spirit of Salvador Dali. The great artist once lived in Cadaques. In addition, places such as Figueres and Poubol Castle are associated with the name of Dali.

But should we expect to marry a Spaniard ?! In this matter, it is better to heed the advice of experienced compatriots ...

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Spain: unusual and amazing places to see

Are you dreaming of visiting the most unusual Spanish sights? Then check out the TOP 5 unusual places in Spain.

Spain boasts ancient culture and history, picturesque beaches, the tallest mountains in Europe, buzzing cosmopolitan cities and remote tiny villages.

Rio Tinto river, Huelva

This unusual red river is home to iron, copper, gold and silver. Located in southern Andalusia, in the province of Huelva, Rio Tinto boasts 5000 years of history. Early records prove that the Iberians and Tartessians first discovered this area, and later the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Moors settled here.

This river is a favorite among NASA scientists who come to study such extreme conditions for the survival of aquatic animals.

Setenil de las Bodegas, Cadiz

This village, located in the province of Cadiz, rightfully takes pride of place on the list of unusual places to visit in Spain. The 3,000 people in Setenil de las Bodegas live alone with nature: their homes literally support the mountain. Not the best place to live for people with claustrophobia, but this miracle is worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. It is also home to the finest olive oils in Spain!

Temple of Debod, Madrid

A few meters from Plaza de España, in one of the most beautiful parks in Madrid - Montagna, there is an ancient Egyptian temple.

This 4th century BC temple originally stood in Egypt in the Nile Valley, but was sent piece by piece to Spain in 1968 as a gift. It is a gift from the Egyptian government in recognition of its assistance in the construction of the Aswan Dam and in saving important historical sites from flooding.

The lake, which reflects the Debod Temple, is perhaps the best place to watch the sunset in Madrid.

Desert Tabernas

Torcal, Antequera

Mountain range Torcal, which amazes all tourists, is located outside the city of Antequera, in the heart of Andalusia.

Karst formations are among the most spectacular in Europe, they have been forming over millions of years, and some breeds have even found dinosaurs. The Torkal limestone was part of the seabed over 150 million years ago, and the entire region was located under the Tethys Sea.

There are several hiking trails around the park - a great way to see and feel the power and antiquity of nature. Children will be delighted with this exciting journey, because they have to go through tunnels, wade through caves and admire bizarre fossils, after all, this is the land of dinosaurs!