Barcelona enchants
In Barcelona, the Rambla forms the busiest street between the center at Plaça de Catalunya and the port in Barcelona. There are art collections of international importance such as B. the Picasso Museum, the Miro Museum and the Museum of Catalan Art. The most impressive buildings include the old cathedral (1298-1448), the bishop’s palace, the Palacio de la Generalidad and the Plaza del Rey. The construction of the Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been going on for over 100 years – according to Gaudí’s plans. Two of Gaudí’s finest residential buildings are Casa Battló and Casa Mila. From the Tibidabo and Montjuic mountains and from Parque Güell you can enjoy a magnificent view over the city.
Winter sports in the land of the sun
Spain offers numerous winter sports opportunities in 34 ski areas with more than 900 kilometers of slopes for alpine skiing. You can often combine a skiing holiday with a beach holiday, for example the mountains of the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia, which are about 100 kilometers away from the coast of Granada, are particularly suitable. The five largest ski areas in Spain are in the Pyrenees, in the Cantabrian Mountains, in the Iberian mountain range, in the Castilian mountains and in the Betic Cordilleras. These mountains have diverse attractions and are suitable for mountaineering as well as for winter sports.
- ANDYEDUCATION: Introduction to education system in Spain, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
The Altamira Caves
The Altamira Caves are located near the town of Santillana del Mar, as well as near Santander and Magdalena in the autonomous community of Cantabria. Visitors can see imitations of the 13,000-year-old murals in an exhibition about 500 meters from the caves. The originals are preserved in the caves, which are no longer open to the public. The Stone Age cave paintings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Alicante: The beauty of the coast
The port city of Alicante is the hub of the Costa Blanca (White Coast) in the province of Autonomous Valencian Community. The Moorish castle of Santa Barbara dominates the cityscape. A trip inland from Alicante to the hilltop village of Guadalest is worthwhile for San José Castle, the old town and the Orduñas townhouse. The excursion destination Elche offers those interested in nature the famous palm grove El Palmeral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over a million palm trees and a botanical garden. Medieval mystery plays are performed in the Basilica every August.
Salamanca: Former European Capital of Culture
Salamanca is the southernmost province of Castile-Leon. The university and provincial capital of Salamanca sits on the banks of the fast-flowing Tormes. Sun and wind have given the beautiful old buildings their attractive golden brown hue. The most famous of them is the Cathedral, the construction of which started around 1500. However, it was not completed until 1733. The university was founded in the 13th century and is the oldest in Spain. The beautiful houses in the Plaza Mayor are also notable. In 2002, Salamanca (along with Bruges in Belgium) was the European Capital of Culture.
Málaga with a lot of Spanish culture
Málaga is the most important city in Andalusia. The university town with the pleasant Mediterranean climate is easily accessible through its airport. Sights include the Alcazaba Moorish fortress, the Catedral de la Encarnación, the birthplace of the painter Pablo Picasso, the La Malagueta bullring and the Picasso Museum. Just a few kilometers from Malaga are the famous resorts of Marbella and Torremolinos. From Málaga you can make trips into the hinterland, a trip to the old mountain town of Ronda in the Sierra de Ronda is particularly recommended.
Water sports on beautiful beaches
The coasts of mainland Spain stretch for 4900 kilometers and offer beaches for the most diverse needs and interests. Windsurfers will be happy at Playa de Valdevaqueros near Tarifa on the Atlantic coast, families at Playas les Marines on the Costa Blanca in Valencia and lovers at Praia de Carnota in Galicia. In Spain you can combine a winter holiday with water sports and a beach holiday. The most famous coasts include the Costa de la Luz in Andalusia, Costa Brava in Catalonia, Costa Blanca in Valencia, Costa Verde in Cantabria and Costa Vasca in the Basque Country.
Valladolid is an oasis
Valladolid is the capital of a province that is particularly rich in castles and historic buildings. The city’s lush gardens provide a delightful contrast to the surrounding arid landscape. The Ferias Mayores (fairs) and Easter parades are also held here. Columbus died here in 1506. His house can be visited, as can Cervantes’ house, which has been converted into a museum. The city has a beautiful medieval cathedral and a university worth seeing.
Santiago de Compostela: destination of the pilgrimage
The world-famous pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela is located in Galicia. The old town and the cathedral are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Attractions also include the Galician Center for Contemporary Art and the Cultural City of Galicia on Mount Gaias. On July 25th the festival of the patron saint of Spain begins in Santiago de Compostela. Beautiful destinations are the city of Lugo with its Roman city walls, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city of Orense, which was popular with the Romans for its mineral springs.
