A
Quick Tour of Spain
by: Linda Plummer
With over
fifty million tourists visiting Spain each
year, this popular West European country
must have something special which attracts
the visitor. What exactly is it ...?
The main
beauty of this lovely land can be summed
up in just one word - variety - and, as
you all well know, variety is the spice of
life!
Whether you
are referring to its climate, geography,
history, culture or cuisine ... there is
something to appeal to all tastes, ages
and pockets.
The tourist
explosion which took place in the 60s was
originally due to its marvellous beaches.
And, with good reason, for the Foundation
for Environmental Education states that
"Spanish beaches are the most
environmentally healthy in Europe"
and has awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag
to 450 of the country´s beaches - more
than any other participating country.
But maybe
lolling about on the beach all day is not
your thing and you prefer more action ...
a touch of sophistication?
Should this
be the case then Spain´s major cities are
ideal for you ... jam-packed full of
history, and an art-lover´s dream. Yet,
with their abundance of parks and wide
open spaces, good shops and pulsating
night-life, they are a joy for everyone -
children included.
So ...
mooch around the truly marvellous museums
and monuments of Madrid. Enjoy the bustle
of stylish Barcelona bursting with vibrant
Gaudí influence. Savor the delights of
romantic Mediterranean cities such as
Valencia and Alicante. Or journey further
south to the exotic cities of Granada,
Seville and Málaga. Immerse yourself in
their haunting Islamic palaces, the
brilliant colors and sounds of flamenco,
and in the birth-place and works of
Picasso.
Maybe you
hunger for the peace and quiet of a
hideaway hotel in an unspoiled village?
Then rural Spain is for you: full of
forgotten villages, bursting at the seams
with medieval castles, and offering
prolific flora and fauna, it is ideal for
walking holidays, painting, photography or
just plain "get away from it
all" holidays. Not to mention ski-ing
opportunities for the more active amongst
Spain´s snow-capped peaks.
Should you
fancy a mix of all three - beach, city and
rural - then that is also easy to arrange.
Although Spain is the largest country in
Western Europe after France, it is
certainly no problem to get around.
Littered with airports - both national and
international - it also offers a good
train service, though the cheapest and
most convenient method of internal travel
is by using the national bus/coach system.
For those
who are a little tired of the stereo-typed
hotel chains, Spain has a unique
alternative on offer in its
state-established "paradores".
In these, you will find accommodation in
converted castles, palaces, fortresses,
monasteries, convents ...
The aim of
the "paradores" is to offer high
standards at reasonable prices in a
noteworthy building or location and to
help preserve the traditions of regional
cooking by serving the best of local
cuisine in the "parador"
restaurants.
Which
brings us on to yet another delight that
Spain has to offer - its rich and varied
cuisine. Whichever region of Spain you
decide to visit, you will surely encounter
scrumptious Spanish food!
What´s
more, the traditional Spanish diet, with
the liquid gold of its olive oil, its rich
supply of wine (in moderation!), its wide
variety of fresh fruit and vegetables,
plus an abundance of seafood, all mean
that it is extremely good for the heart.
On top of that, it is affordable!
Even their
"caviar" of cured hams - "jamón
Ibérico" - has fat unusually high in
oleic acid which is known to lower
cholesterol levels! Now I ask you, where
else can you get something pleasurable,
that is cheap, and also good for you?!
Even if you
fancy picking between meals you can opt
for their tempting "tapas" -
much healthier for you than a packet of
crisps or a donut!
Tapas
originate from the large, southerly region
of Andalucia and it is this region that we
also have to thank for flamenco and the
Spanish guitar. Which holiday would be
complete without visiting an authentic
flamenco show or dancing the night away to
the beat of romantic Spanish music?
So ... come
visit this land where the warmth of its
climate is only surpassed by the warmth of
its people. You are bound to have a great
time!
About
The Author
After living in Spain for 20 years, Linda
Plummer compiled http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com
offering information on Spain for the
traveler or expatriate |
