Spain Visitors' Guide

What is it about Spain that makes so many people keep coming back? Could it be the unparalleled richness of its culture, its marvelous beaches, the sun, the delicious food, the siesta. ? Spain enjoys an unrivalled reputation among travelers and people who seek a place to rest. The Spain we know today is a product of thousands of years of complex history. The phenomenal architecture and quaint character of Spain is the result of a fusion of diverse influences, which makes the country wholly unique.

History

The first human settlements in Spain date from as far back as 25,000 to 10,000 B.C. Prior to the famous Moorish occupation Spain had also hosted the Romans and the Visigoth Kingdom. The Moorish occupation is the one that left the strongest influence in the country and evidence can be seen in the unique architecture in the cities. Spain was neutral in the two World Wars, but the Civil War (1936-39) devastated the country in the meantime. Spain entered the EU in 1986 and the economy started to bloom drastically from 1986 to 1990 with an average 5% annual growth. It currently maintains a good position in the world's economy.

Spain has largely managed to resist mass globalisation and has retained many of its cultural traditions including flamenco dancing, bullfighting and numerous religious festivals. Roman Catholicism is still the dominant religion in Spain but cultural diversity exists in the cosmopolitan cities. Spain has more cultural heritage sites than any other country, a testament to the complex history and the architectural talent of the Spanish. The 'must see' list in Spain is long but the good transport system allows easy exploration of the country.

Places to Visit

The Capital city Madrid ilies in the hear of Spain and is home to the Royal family. Renowned for its cutting edge fashion, the city has some of the best retail in Europe and attracts shoppers from all over the world. The City is home to some of the best art galleries and museums in Spain including the royal palace which is open to the public .

The Alhambra, in Granada is one of Spain's main attractions. The breathtaking architecture of this well preserved ancient castle is a must see. The city of Granada is great to visit all year round and a walk through the quaint streets and local shops gives a genuine insight into Spanish culture.

Located at the northeast of the Spanish coast, Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan and economically active city in Spain.  The city is a centre of Modernist architecture distinguished in particular by the works of Antoni Gaudi. This famous Spanish born architect, along with some of his contemporaries, are responsible for Barcelona's modern and original look.

Along the South coast of Spain lie the magnificent costas. Miles of beautiful beaches linked by a number of interesting and attractive cities make the area popular with international tourists. Often referred to as the Costa del golf, the region is home to some of the best and most affordable courses in Europe.

Whether it is city life or the relaxed seaside that draws you to Spain, you can guarantee that you will find good food, good people and plenty of parties! The Spanish are endlessly sociable and the tradition of a midday siesta means that the locals always have the energy to enjoy the evenings, sharing good conversation and tapas or dancing the night away at a salsa bar.

For more Spain trip-planning resources, visit our Spain hotels, Spain car rentals and Spain Cellular Information pages. Here is a Euro to US Dollar converter. Also, here's a very nice general guide to Spanish cities.