Some Information About Madrid:Madrid, Spain's capital, is a cosmopolitan city. Its position as a centre for economics, finance, administration and services combines the most modern infrastructure with an important cultural and artistic heritage, the legacy of centuries of fascinating history.
Madrid is strategically located at the geographical centre of the Iberian peninsular, 646 metres above sea level. Its old town is exemplary among major European cities, and blends harmoniously with the most modern and convenient of urban infrastructure. Madrid offers a broad range of accommodation and services along with the most advanced audiovisual and communication technology. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic and open, and at the same time warm and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world's great capitals.
The Madrid area has been settled since the Lower Paleolithic age, but it was not until 1561 that King Philip II made it the capital of his mighty empire. The historic old town, also known as "Madrid de las Austrias" (referring to the Hapsburg empire) is a living example of the city's 16th and 17th century heyday, as is its impressive Plaza Mayor (square), which was opened in 1620 and remains one of Spain's most popular and typical spots.
Near to the Plaza Mayor is the so-called "aristocratic centre" of Madrid, home to the stunning Royal Palace, a 17th century monument that combines Baroque and Classical styles. Next to the palace you can find the Plaza de Oriente (square), the Opera House and the modern Almudena Cathedral, consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II. This ensemble of monuments is completed by the Puerta del Sol, a square flanked by select shops, and the "Paseo del Arte", so called for its unique museums, palaces and gardens, not forgetting the unmistakable Bank of Spain building, the Palacio de las Telecomunicaciones (currently home to the Spanish Post Office) and the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains.
Art and culture are central to Madrid life. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries that go from the earliest Dutch masters to the most avantguard trends, and the Reina SofÃa National Art Centre, which is dedicated to Spanish contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalà and Juan Gris among others.
Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the sun, go for walks, go rowing or feed the squirrels in Madrid's large, impeccable parks and gardens. The Retiro Park, once playground of Spanish Monarchs, the Casa de Campo and the Juan Carlos I Park among others make Madrid one of Europe's greenest capitals. Madrid is also one of Europe's most attractive business centres. Its international airport receives more than one thousand flights weekly from all over the world and it has two main conference centres, as well as the modern Campo de las Naciones exhibition centre and a capacity to hold more than 80,000 people in other varied conference and meeting facilities.
If there is one thing, however, that characterizes Madrid, it is the deep, contagious passion for life reflected in its friendly, welcoming people. Madrid boasts concerts, exhibitions, ballets, select theatre productions, and the latest cinematographic releases. You can sample a wide variety of the finest Spanish and international cuisine or be enchanted by its bars and taverns. These are just some of Madrid's leisure alternatives, alongside tempting shopping in the most traditional establishments and world-famous outlets stocking the finest international brands.
Madrid's happening nightlife is another major attraction. Its pubs, bars, discos and flamenco clubs have a tremendous atmosphere, while by day there are traditional verbenas (open-air dances), popular festivals or the San Isidro bullfighting festival - rated as the world's most important.
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General Information About Spain:Spain is a treasure-trove of arts and culture brimming with fabulous flamenco, music, history, painting, architecture, literature, cinema, sport, bullfighting and fiestas!
The exuberance of the Spaniards and the glorious predictability of the summer weather have been attracting refugees from northern Europe's damp and clammy lands for decades, but Spain is much more than a real estate coastal strip of nouveau riche holiday homes and warm English beer.
It is drenched in the historical pageantry of empire and conquistadors, the artistic legacy of Goya, Velázquez, Picasso and DalÃ, and the romance of Don Quijote, Papa Hemingway and the International Brigades.
Facts at a Glance
Full country name: Spain
Area: 504,788 sq km
Population: 39.2 million (growth rate 0.2%)
Capital city: Madrid (pop 2,984,576)
People: Spanish (though Catalans and Basques display a fierce independent spirit)
Language: Castilian Spanish (also Catalan, Galician & Basque)
Religion: 99% Roman Catholic
Government: constitutional monarchy
Prime Minister: José MarÃa Aznar
Environment
Spain and Portugal share the Iberian Peninsula, a vaguely square-shaped realm at the far south-western edge of Europe. Spain occupies some 80% of this peninsula and is separated from France by the formidable Pyrenees mountains. More than half of the country is made up of vast, elevated tablelands - the mesetas - and five major mountain ranges stretch across the country. Landscapes range from the deserts of AlmerÃa to the green wetlands of Galicia; from the sunbaked plains of La Mancha to the rugged mountains of the Picos de Europa; and from the wilds of Extremadura to the highly developed coastline of AndalucÃa. The Canary Islands archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Morocco, is an `autonomous community' of Spain.
The prevalence of an `if you see it, shoot it' philosophy has destroyed much of Spain's wildlife. The critters that you may still come across are red squirrels, chamois, red deers, ibexes, marmots and a wide range of reptiles. Flora is, fortunately, more prolific, especially in the alpine regions.
Most tourists come to Spain's coastal strip during July and August, when the sun is at its strongest. Madrid is unbearable at this time of year, and is almost deserted by Spaniards. In the north, and on the Balearic Islands, summer temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius are standard. In winter, the rains never seem to stop in the north, except in the backlands of Galicia and the Pyrenees, where they turn into snow. Generally the north is best during summer, AndalucÃa is best in spring, the centre is best in autumn and the south in winter.
History
Located at the crossroads between Europe and Africa, the Iberian Peninsula has always been a target for invading races and civilisations. The Romans arrived in the 3rd century BC but took two centuries to subdue the peninsula. Gradually Roman laws, languages and customs were adopted. In 409 AD, Roman Hispania was invaded by a massive contingent of Germanic tribes and by 419 a Visigothic kingdom had been established. The Visigoths ruled the kingdom until 711, when the Muslims crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and defeated Roderick, the last Goth king.
By 714, the Muslim armies had occupied the entire peninsula, apart from the mountain regions of northern Spain. The Muslim occupation of southern Spain (which the Spanish called Al-Andalus) was to last almost 800 years. During this period, the arts and sciences prospered, new crops and agricultural techniques were introduced, and palaces, mosques, schools, gardens and public baths were built. In 722, at Covadonga in northern Spain, a small army under the Visigothic king Pelayo inflicted the first defeat on the Muslims. Symbolically, this battle marked the beginning of the Reconquista, the reconquest of Spain by the Christians.
By the end of the 13th century, Castilla and Aragón had emerged as Christian Spain's two main powers, and in 1469 these two kingdoms were united by the marriage of Isabel, princess of Castilla, to Fernando, heir to the throne of Aragón. Known as the Catholic Monarchs, they united all of Spain and laid the foundations for the golden age. In 1478, they established the notoriously ruthless Spanish Inquisition, expelling and executing thousands of Jews and other non-Christians. In 1482, they besieged Granada, and 10 years later the last Muslim king surrendered to them, marking the long-awaited end of the Reconquista.
Spain developed an enormous empire in the New World, following Colombus' arrival in the Americas in 1492. Gold and silver came flooding into Spanish coffers from Mexico and Peru as the conquistadors claimed land from Cuba to Bolivia. Spain monopolised trade with these new colonies and became one of the most powerful nations on earth. However, this protectionism hindered development of the colonies and led to a series of expensive wars with England, France and the Netherlands.
When Louis XVI was guillotined in 1793, Spain declared war on the new French republic, but was defeated. In 1808, Napoleon's troops entered Spain and the Spanish Crown began to lose its hold on its colonies. Sparked by an uprising in Madrid, the Spanish people united against the French and fought a five-year war of independence. In 1813, the French forces were finally expelled, and in 1814 Fernando VII was restored to the Spanish throne. Fernando's subsequent 20-year reign was a disastrous advertisement for monarchy. During his time, the Inquisition was re-established, liberals and constitutionalists were persecuted, free speech was repressed, Spain entered a severe economic recession and the American colonies won their independence.
The disastrous Spanish-American War of 1898 marked the end of the Spanish empire. Spain was defeated by the USA in a series of one-sided naval battles, resulting in the loss of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines, Spain's last overseas possessions. Spain's troubles continued during the early 20th century. In 1923, with the country on the brink of civil war, Miguel Primo de Rivera declared himself military dictator and ruled until 1930. In 1931, Alfonso XIII fled the country, and the Second Republic was declared, but it soon fell victim to internal conflict. The 1936 elections saw the country split in two, with the Republican government and its supporters on one side (an uneasy alliance of communists, socialists and anarchists, who favoured democracy, a more equitable civil society and a diminished role for the church) and the opposition Nationalists (a right-wing alliance of the army, the Church, the monarchy and the fascist-style Falange Party) on the other.
The assassination of the opposition leader José Calvo Sotelo by Republican police officers in July 1936 gave the army an excuse to overthrow the government. During the subsequent Civil War (1936-39), the Nationalists received extensive military and financial support from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, while the elected Republican government received support only from Russia and, to a lesser degree, from the International Brigades, made up of intellectuals, artists, writers and the politically committed. Despite the threat of fascism, England and France refused to support the Republicans.
By 1939, the Nationalists, led by Franco, had won the war, in which more than 350,000 Spaniards died. After the war, Republicans were executed, jailed or forced into exile. Franco's 35-year dictatorship saw Spain isolated by economic blockades, excluded from NATO and the UN and crippled by economic recession. It wasn't until the early 1950s, when the rise in tourism and a treaty with the USA combined to provide much needed funds, that the country began to recover. By the 1970s, Spain had the fastest growing economy in Europe.
Franco died in 1975, having earlier named Juan Carlos, the grandson of Alfonso XIII, his successor. With Juan Carlos on the throne, Spain made the transition from dictatorship to democracy. The first elections were held in 1977, a new constitution was drafted in 1978, and a failed military coup in 1981 was seen as a futile attempt to turn back the clock. In 1982 Spain made a final break with the past by voting in a socialist government with a sizeable majority. The only major blemish on the domestic front since has been the terrorist campaign waged by separatist militant group ETA, which is trying to secure an independent Basque homeland. During 30 years of terrorist activity, ETA has killed over 800 people - in September 1998 they announced a cease fire.
In 1986 Spain joined the EC (now the EU) and in 1992, Spain announced its return to the world stage, with Barcelona hosting the Olympic Games, Sevilla hosting Expo 92 and Madrid being declared European Cultural Capital. In 1996 Spaniards voted in a conservative party under the leadership of the uncharismatic José MarÃa Aznar, an Elton John fan and former tax inspector. However, the conservatives failed to gain an overall majority, and only after months of talks managed to stitch together a coalition with moderate Basque, Catalan and Canary Islands nationalists.
Economic Profile
GDP: $548 billion
GDP per head: $14,000
Annual growth: 3.5%
Inflation: 4.3%
Major industries: textiles & apparel, food & beverages, metals & chemicals
Major trading partners: France, Germany, Italy
Culture
Spain has an extraordinary artistic heritage. The dominant figures of the golden age were the Toledo-based artists El Greco and Diego Velázquez. Francisco Goya emerged in the 18th century as Spain's most prolific painter and he produced some wonderfully unflattering portraits of royalty. The art world in the early 20th century was influenced by a remarkable group of Spanish artists: Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miró and Salvador DalÃ. Spain's architecture ranges from prehistoric monuments in Menorca in the Balearic Islands, through to the Roman ruins of Mérida and Tarragona, the decorative Islamic Alhambra in Granada, Mudéjar buildings, Gothic cathedrals, castles and palaces, fantastic modernist monuments and GaudÃ's intricate fabulist sculptures.
One of the world's greatest works of fiction is the 17th-century novel Don Quijote de la Mancha, written by Spain's Miguel de Cervantes. Important 20th-century writers include Miguel de Unamuno, Federico GarcÃa Lorca and Camilo José Cela, winner of the 1989 Nobel Prize for literature. Women writers have been prolific in the last 25 years and prominent feminist writers include Adelaida Garcia Morales and Ana MarÃa Matute. Spanish films were once synonymous with the work of surrealist genius LuÃs Buñuel, who spent much of his time abroad. They are now associated with the mad-cap kinky farces of Pedro Almodóvar, who has enjoyed huge international success.
Flamenco is experiencing a revival, and you are sure to see dramatic performances in AndalucÃa, its traditional home, accompanied by excellent guitar. You will also see flamenco at Spanish fiestas, which are not to be missed. Spaniards are sports crazy and football (or soccer) is huge; try and see a match because the atmosphere is electric. Bullfighting is also very popular, despite continued pressure from international animal rights activists.
While Catholicism is deeply ingrained in all aspects of Spanish society, only about 40% of Spaniards are regular churchgoers. Many Spaniards have a deep-seated scepticism of the Church; during the Civil War, churches were burnt and clerics shot because they represented repression, corruption and the old order.
Spanish food has a deservedly fantastic reputation and tapas are probably one of the most civilised inventions since cold beer. Paella, gazpacho and chorizo may be familiar to most Western diners, but the range of meals goes well beyond this, with a smorgasbord of rich stews, soups, beans, seafood and meats, all of which have been influential in Latin American cooking. It's a good idea to reset your stomach-clock when travelling in Spain because lunch is usually the main meal of the day, and is eaten between 1.30 and 4 pm. The evening meal is lighter and is served between 10 and 11 pm.
Events
In true Spanish style, cultural events are almost inevitably celebrated with a wild party and a holiday. Among the festivals to look out for are La Tamborrada in San Sebastián in February, when the whole town dresses up and goes berserk. Carnival takes place throughout the country in late February; the wildest is said to be in Sitges. In March, Valencia has a week-long party known as Las Fallas, which is marked by all-night dancing, drinking, first-class fireworks and colourful processions. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the week leading up to Easter Sunday with parades of holy images through the streets; Sevilla is the place to be if you can get accommodation. In late April the Feria de Abril in Sevilla is a week-long party counterbalancing the religious fervour of Semana Santa.
The last Wednesday in August sees the Valencian town of Buñol go beserk with La Tomatina, in which the surplus from its tomato harvest is sploshed around in a riot of friendliest fashion. The Running of the Bulls (Sanfermines) in Pamplona in July is Spain's most famous festival. Along the north coast, staggered through the first half of August, is Semana Grande, another week of heavy drinking and hangovers. Olé!
Facts for the Traveller
Visas: Spain, along with Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal forms part of the border-free travel zone known as the Schengen Area. US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Israeli citizens are among those who may enter Spain as tourists without a visa and stay up to 90 days. EU passport holders can come and go as they please.
Time: GMT/UTC plus one hour
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz AC
Weights & measures: metric
Tourism: 45.1 million visitors
Money & Costs
Currency: peseta
Exchange rate: US$1 = 144 pta
Relative costs:
Budget meal: US$4-8
Restaurant meal: US$10-15 Spain is one of Europe's more affordable countries. If you are particularly frugal it's just about possible to scrape by on US$20-25 a day. This would involve staying in the cheapest possible accommodation, avoiding eating in restaurants or going to museums or bars, and not moving around too much. A more comfortable budget would be US$40 a day. Travellers' cheques can be cashed at banks and exchange offices, and usually attract a slightly higher exchange rate than cash. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, especially from the middle range up, and also for long-distance train tickets. These days, even smaller towns have an ATM (cajero automático) where you can withdraw pesetas from credit and debit accounts. Be careful carrying your money, whether it's jingling or plastic as tourists are a major target of theft - 200,000 British credit cards and cash cards went missing in Spain in just four months (June to September) in 1995. In restaurants the law requires menu prices to include service charge, and tipping is a matter of personal choice - most people leave some small change if they're satisfied and 5% is usually plenty. It's common to leave small change at bar and café tables. Markets and cheap hotels are the only places in Spain where you are likely to bargain. When to GoThe ideal months to visit are May, June and September (plus April and October in the south). At these times you can rely on good weather, yet avoid the sometimes extreme heat - and the main crush of Spanish and foreign tourists. That said, there's decent weather in some part of Spain virtually year-round. Winter along the southern and south-eastern Mediterranean coasts is mild, while in the height of summer you can retreat to the north-west, or to beaches or high mountains anywhere, if you need to get away from excessive heat. If you want to make sure you hit some parties, the best festivals are concentrated between Semana Santa (the week leading up to Easter Sunday) and October. Attractions
Madrid
Madrid may not have the glamour or user-friendliness of Barcelona, but what it lacks in style it more than makes up for in substance, with a remarkable collection of museums and galleries, beautiful parks and gardens and wild nightlife.
The most fitting place to start getting to know Madrid is at Puerta del Sol. Sol, as it is known to locals, is not much more than a huge traffic-junction-cum-bus-stop, but it's as central as you can get. Although Madrid is an enormous metropolis, the region which is of most interest to travellers is confined by Campo del Moro in the west and Parque del Buen Retiro in the east. The most exciting street is Gran VÃa, but Plaza Mayor is the true heart of Madrid.
Be sure not to miss one of the greatest art galleries in the world, the Museo del Prado, where the main emphasis is on Spanish, Flemish and Italian art from the 15th to 19th century. Goya is well represented and you'll find a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez. If you haven't run out of steam after the Prado, the Casón del Buen Retiro houses an excellent collection of 19th-century Spanish art. For one of the best art history lessons you'll ever get, check out the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, a private assembly of paintings from Titian to Pollock. The Museo de la Escultura Abstracta, has an interesting collection of abstracts by some of Spain's better known modern sculptors, including Chillida and Miró. The beautiful Real Jardin Botánico, near the Prado, is a good spot to recover from an art overdose.
For the little bit of interior decorator in everyone, visit the Palacio Real, if only as a lesson in what can happen when you give yourself free reign - you'll see some of the most elaborately decorated walls and ceilings imaginable. If you've ever got stuck renovating a house, take heart in the stark and cavernous Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena. It opened to the public in 1992 after only 110 years under construction.
Madrid is the home of the world's largest bullring, Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas, and is one of the best places to see a bullfight (corrida) - if you're so inclined. For something a little less cruel to animals, check out a football match when local favourites Real Madrid or Atlético de Madrid are playing at home. If you're in town on a Sunday morning, snaffle a bargain at El Rastro, one of the biggest flea markets you are ever likely to see. This is said to be the place to go if you want to buy your stereo back, so watch your pockets and bags.
Finding a place to stay in Madrid is never really a problem. In summer the city is drained of people, thanks to the horrific heat, so if you are mad enough to be here then, you may well be able to make a hot deal on the price. At other times it is still worth trying to bargain if you intend to stay a while. The Santa Ana area is one of Madrid's most popular places to stay and it's close to good restaurants and nightclubs. The epicentre of Madrid's nightlife is Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña.
Barcelona
If you only visit one city in Spain, it probably should be Barcelona. It's sophisticated, elegant and romantic, but has the energy and raffishness of a port city. The inspiring and unique architecture of Antoni Gaudà is evident in buildings such as the Sagrada FamÃlia church and Parc Güell, and its world-class museums include Museu Picasso and the Fundació Joan Miró. There is a fascinating old quarter, the Barri Gòtic, and a night scene to rival any in the country.
As a starting point, the area around La Rambla, Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol and the Plaça Reial is where you'll pick up the vibe of the city. There's a buzz of activity and a constant stream of people promenading and enjoying the scene. There are hundreds of cafés, bars, shops and sights to take your fancy.
In the north of the city, the fantasy land of Parc Güell showcases GaudÃ's work. If you miss this place, you will have missed a huge part of the essence of Barcelona. For more modernism, try the Passeig de Grà cia and its surrounds; for the best modern art museum in Spain, head to the Fundació Joan Miró.
Barcelona has an imposing Gothic cathedral, where each Sunday at noon crowds gather for the performance of the sardana, a traditional Catalan dance. Just east of the cathedral is the fascinating Museu d'Història de la Ciutat (City History Museum) which features a subterranean walk through excavated portions of Roman and Visigothic Barcelona.
For retail therapy, the markets are great places to shop. The best are the Els Encants, a good second-hand market at Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes; the antiques market on Plaça Nova; and the crafts market at Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol. There are also enough chic boutiques to keep the fashion-conscious happy for weeks.
When you're all shopped out, there's always food and drink to pass the time. Barcelona has a seemingly endless variety of bars which are much more than just watering holes. The greatest concentration of bars and restaurants is within walking distance of La Rambla. The best cheap places to stay are in the old city, on either side of La Rambla.
Toledo
Toledo is one of Spain's most magnificent historical monuments. It's an intact medieval city of narrow winding streets perched on a small hill above the RÃo Tajo. The city is crammed with fascinating museums, galleries, churches and castles. Unfortunately, it is also crammed with daytrippers, so travellers wanting to enjoy the city should stay overnight and explore in the evening and early morning to see it at its best. The dominant Alcázar has been the scene of military battles from the Middle Ages right through to the 20th century. The awesome cathedral, in the heart of the city, harbours glorious murals, stained-glass windows and works by El Greco, Velázquez and Goya. Other attractions include the city's two synagogues, the Iglesia de Santo Tomé (which contains El Greco's greatest masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz) and the Museo de Santa Cruz. Archaeologists working on Toledo's Carranque recently uncovered a 4th century basilica, Spain's oldest.
Valencia
Spain's third-largest city, and capital of the province of Valencia, comes as a pleasant surprise to many. Home to paella and the Holy Grail, it is also blessed with great weather and the spring festival of Las Fallas, one of the wildest parties in the country.
One of Valencia's most raved about attractions is the baroque Palacio de Marqués de Dos Aguas. The façade is extravagantly sculpted and the inside is just as outrageous. The Museo de Bellas Artes ranks among the best museums in the country and contains works by El Greco, Goya, Velázquez and a number of Valencian impressionists. The Institute of Modern Art houses an impressive collection of 20th-century Spanish art. Valencia's cathedral is also worth a visit. Climb to the top of its tower for a great view of the sprawling city.
Granada
During the period of Muslim domination of Spain, Granada was the finest city on the peninsula. Today it is still home to the greatest Muslim legacy in Europe, and one of the most inspiring attractions on the Continent - the Alhambra.
La Alhambra is one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, and is simply breathtaking. Much has been written about the fortress, the palace, its patios and gardens, but somehow nothing can really prepare you for it. The Alcazaba is the Alhambra's Muslim fortress dating from the 11th to the 13th centuries, with great views of the city from the tops of its towers. The Casa Real is the centrepiece of the Alhambra, and is noted for the intricacy of its stonework. Finally, there is the Generalife - the summer palace of the sultans, set in the soul-soothing Alhambra gardens.
Granada's biggest attraction after the Alhambra is the city itself which is set against the mountain backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. Simply wandering around the narrow streets of the AlbaicÃn, the city's old Muslim quarter, across the river from the Alhambra, or the area around Plaza Bib-Rambla is a real pleasure. Stop by the Casa del Castril (Archaeological Museum) and Baños Ãrabes (Arab Baths), and the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) in which Fernando III and Isabel, the Christian conquerors of Granada in 1492, are buried. Next door to the chapel is Granada's cathedral, which dates from the early 16th century. The Gypsy caves of Sacromonte, dug into a hillside in the north of the city, are another popular attraction.
Sevilla
Sevilla is one of the most exciting cities in Spain, with wonderful parks and gardens, Muslim monuments, flamenco, bullfights and a large and lively student population. Expo 92 brought the city into the international spotlight. If you really want to experience Sevilla at its best, try to come for Semanta Santa (the week before Easter) or the Feria de Abril (in April) - a truly unforgettable experience.
Sevilla's immense cathedral is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having an area greater than any other in the world. This immense structure is primarily Gothic, though the work done after its central dome collapsed in 1511 was mostly in Renaissance style. The climb to the adjoining tower, known as the Giralda, is well worth the effort for the great views of the city. Check out the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from the Moorish times of Spain; and the Archivo de Indias, which houses over 40 million documents dating from 1492 through to the decolonisation of the Americas.
Other attractions are the Parque de MarÃa Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains and shaded lawns; the Museo Arqueológico, which has an interesting collection of broken statues and bronze tablets; and the rather kitsch Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares.
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is stunning. Famed as a ritzy resort for wealthy Spaniards who want to get away from the hordes in the south, it has been a stronghold of Basque nationalist feeling since well before Franco banned the use of Euskera, the Basque language, in the 1930s. Donostia, as the city is known in Euskera, is a surprisingly relaxed town with a population approaching 180,000. Those who live here consider themselves the luckiest people in Spain and will not hesitate to tell you so. After spending a few days on the beaches in preparation for the wild evenings, you may well begin to appreciate their unbashful claim.
The Playa de Concha, and its continuation at Ondarreta, is one of the most beautiful city beaches in Spain. You can swim from Ondarreta to Isla de Santa Clara, in the middle of the bay, and in summer, a number of rafts are anchored at the halfway point to serve as rest stops for the daring.
The Museo de San Telmo, in a 16th-century monastery, has a bit of everything - ancient tombstones, sculptures, agriculture and carpentry displays, a wonderful fine arts collection - and the squeakiest floors in Spain. Overlooking BahÃa de Concha is Monte Urgull, which is topped by a statue of Christ and has stunning views.
Balearic Islands
Floating in the blue waters of the Mediterranean off the east coast of Spain, the Balearic Islands are invaded every summer by a massive multinational force of hedonistic tourists. Not surprising really, when you consider the fine beaches, relentless sunshine and wild nightlife. What is surprising is how the islands have managed to maintain their integrity, identity and strong links with the past. Beyond the discos and beaches are Gothic cathedrals, Stone Age ruins, small fishing villages, and endless olive groves and orange orchards. There are four islands, the biggest is Mallorca, followed by Menorca, Ibiza and tiny Formentera. Formentera is the least developed; Ibiza attracts party animals, gays, hippies and fashion victims - it's one of the world's bizarre melting pots.
Off the Beaten Track
Las Hurdes
Nowhere in Spain has been untouched by tourism, but Las Hurdes in mountainous northern Extremadura comes about as close to being untarnished as possible. It also happens to be extremely beautiful. Time has not quite stood still, but it has certainly slowed right down, and many people still live in the traditional stone houses that are unique to this corner of Spain. It's an area of picturesque hamlets, waterfalls and fine walks, but you'll need a car to explore it properly.
Zaragoza
Zaragoza, capital of Aragón, is often said to be the most Spanish city in Spain. The city's appeal lies in the fact that it has been left relatively untouched by tourism: most travellers know it only as a train station on the way from Barcelona to Madrid. Those who take the time to get off the train are rarely disappointed. The old town is full of authentic Spanish restaurants, and Aragonese cooking is superb. Attractions include the AljaferÃa, the greatest Moorish edifice outside AndalucÃa, the Roman Forum of ancient Caesaraugusta, and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.
Teruel
Located in the deep south of Aragón, Teruel has maintained an atmosphere all its own. It is best known for its Mudéjar architecture and the flavour left by the many centuries of Moorish domination. Teruel has four magnificent Mudéjar towers: the cathedral of Santa MarÃa and the churches of El Salvador (13th century), San MartÃn and San Pedro (14th century). Note the inlaid stones and colourful tiles which are so typical of the style. The Museo Provincial de Teruel has a fascinating archaeological collection going back to the days of Homo erectus.
Activities
Skiing is cheap and the facilities and conditions are surprisingly good. The season runs from December to May and the most accessible resorts are in the Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and in the ranges north of Madrid. Spain is a trekking paradise, especially in the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa in northern Spain.
Cycling is popular but there are deterrents, like the often-mountainous terrain, crowded roads and summer heat. Take your pick of the hundreds of beaches offering fine swimming, but be prepared to tiptoe over package tourists during summer. The coast of the PaÃs Vasco has good surf.
Getting There & Away
Spain has many international airports, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Sevilla, Granada, Málaga, AlmerÃa, Alicante, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Maó. Bus and train travel are other good options and there are regular bus services to Spain from all major centres in Europe, including Lisbon, London and Paris. Travelling to Spain by train can be more expensive than by bus unless you are under 26 or have a rail pass. Ferry services connect Spain directly with the UK and Morocco. A departure tax applies when flying out of Spain, but this is included in the price of the ticket at purchase.
Getting Around
The only time you might seriously consider flying within Spain is to get out to the islands. From Barcelona, Valencia or Alicante, there are often good deals on charter flights. Ferries regularly connect the mainland with the Balearic Islands, but flying is better value considering the time saved. There are plenty of bus routes serviced by dozens of independent companies, and the bus network is more extensive than the train system and cheaper. Walking is the best way to meet the locals.
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Topic: Glorious Madrid (Read 1839 times)