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Spanish holidays

By Anthony Pemberton

Spanish HolidaysSpain is a country rich with history and oldness and has many little hidden villages and towns waiting to be explored. Even though the Costas are a popular destination to enjoy your Spanish holidays with plenty of tourists being attracted by beaches, sea and constant hot weather, many people forget that Spain is much more than that. Mainland Spain is divided into 14 different regions or Comunidades Autónomas; as a country it is diverse and differs very much depending where you go.

Many people in search of sea and sun flock to the Costas of Valencia and Andalusia where some of Spain´s most beautiful beaches are found. Andalusia´s beaches in particular have something for everyone. For example Bolonia beach, situated in the Costa de la Luz, boasts strips of white sand and clear blue water making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surrounding tranquil atmosphere. On the other hand, La Herradura beach, on the Costa Tropical, boasts more rocky scenery with its mountainous surroundings and offers the chance to go paragliding for more active people. Much of Andalusia can be seen on guided walks through the sunny hills in the region, which is also an alternative way this region can be enjoyed. 

Further up from the coast of Andalusia into its mainland is where some of the rich history of Spain lies and is a must see for the holiday-maker looking to get in touch with Spain´s heritage. The cities of Granada and Córdoba are manifestations of Arab rule shown through the beautiful architecture of the Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Córdoba.

Likewise other areas of Spain which have to be seen if on a cultural holiday lie within the heart and centre of Spain in the `comunidades´ of Madrid, Castile-La-Mancha and Castile-León. Spoilt for choice but the main must sees are Alcalá de Henares in, Madrid, Toledo in, Castile-La-Mancha, and Ávila, Segovia and Salamanca in, Castile-Leon.  All relatively medium to small-sized towns and cities, they are charming and boast much of Spain´s beautiful heritage – the old Universities of Salamanca and Alcalá, sand stone buildings, magnificent cathedrals, an aqueduct, and magical `plaza mayor´. Anyone seeking true Spain will definitely find themselves discovering it in all these places.   

Spanish BreakHidden away right at the top of Spain is, how it is sometimes put, `Green´ Spain. The northern most regions of Spain attract many people due to the nature that can be found there. The regions from `el País Vasco´ across to Galicia possess beautiful countryside, rivers, and mountains. Much of this part of Spain can be seen in diverse ways from walks, to horse riding, with the famous walk to Santiago de Compostela (St James´ Way). Much of this part of Spain is protected by UNESCO, therefore natural beauty is everywhere to be seen.  A visit to the los Picos de Europa mountains in Cantabria and a ride to the top on the `ferrocarril´ (train) to look at the snow-capped peaks is a pleasant experience with lovely views from the top. Hikers can also enjoy walks through the UNESCO protected Sierra de Los Ancares in Lugo, Galicia, stretching just into the neighbouring region of Castile-León with walking paths, hills, the often lovely cottage-like house and scenery a plenty.

Furthermore, travelling to a country would not be an experience without visiting the capital and its major cities so Madrid and Barcelona with their buzzing atmospheres and exciting-city feel are definitely a must if in Spain with their museums, diverse night life, restaurants of all types, gardens and royal palaces.

Be it sun, sea, nature, culture or history Spain is certainly a place where everyone can find something that suits them



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