Baskland is of particular interest for its completely autoctonous culture, including a language of its own (Euskera) of quite mysterious origins. Its folklore is autotoctonous too, and you may even watch particular sports like the so-called Basqueball ("pelota vasca").
Today it is one of the most industrialized regions of Spain. Despite of that there are still many areas of almost untouched nature, notably the natural parks of Valderejo, Urkiola, Urdaibai and the magical landscapes along Guernica river. It is a great region for hiking, riding, golf and all sorts of mountain sports. Another atttraction is the steep Cantabrian coast, but don't forget to bring your raincoat to protect yourself of the "txirimiri", the typical very fine rain.
The Cities:
San Sebastian (basque: Donostia)
The famous aristocratic beach resort of great reputation during the 19th century conserves its exclusive and cosmopolitan ambience. Its beautiful buildings and excellent beaches (with somewhat cool water temperatures, though) make it also today a privileged holiday destination.
Bilbao
Although the region's largest city is specially recognized as an important industrial and economic center, it conserves a beautiful historic quarter with the Gothic cathedral among its major attractions. Bilbao's greatest sight however is the Guggenheim Museum, built in 1997. This spectacular building with a facade of glass, titanium and lime stone was designed by american architect Frank O. Gehry and is one of the most outstanding examples of the avantgarde architecture of the 20th century.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
The capital of Euskadi is worth a visit due to its well-preserved historical center and its active cultural life with several festivals of international importance.
Friday, 25 July 2008
Thursday, 24 July 2008
B A L E A R I C ISLANDS
Mediterranean Paradise
This wonderful group of islands is divided into Gimnesias (Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera) in the North, and Pitiusas (Ibiza y Formentera) in the South-West.
Their excellent climate with some 300 days of sun per year, wonderful beaches, a rich cultural offer and the unusual hospitality of their inhabitants make Balearic Islands one of the preferred holiday destinations in Spain. There are more passengers at the airport of Palma de Mallorca than at the airport of any other Spanish city. Hardly anybody who has spent holidays here didn't wish to return, in fact, many visitors have made the islands their permanent home. Each of the islands has a strong personality all of its own, and each of them offers much more but the possibility to spend nice holidays at the beach
This wonderful group of islands is divided into Gimnesias (Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera) in the North, and Pitiusas (Ibiza y Formentera) in the South-West.
Their excellent climate with some 300 days of sun per year, wonderful beaches, a rich cultural offer and the unusual hospitality of their inhabitants make Balearic Islands one of the preferred holiday destinations in Spain. There are more passengers at the airport of Palma de Mallorca than at the airport of any other Spanish city. Hardly anybody who has spent holidays here didn't wish to return, in fact, many visitors have made the islands their permanent home. Each of the islands has a strong personality all of its own, and each of them offers much more but the possibility to spend nice holidays at the beach
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Asturias
The Principality of Asturias is constituted of a single province, the capital is Oviedo. It is limited by high mountain ranges, Cordillera Cantabrica, where you find some outstanding natural preserves such as Picos de Europa and the national parks of Covadonga and Somiedo. Asturias is well known for its green landscapes, and just at a few kilometers from high mountain peaks there is the Cantabric coast with great beaches and colorful fishing villages.
Major attractions are the Way of Saint James with its numberless monuments and the Ruta de la Plata, "silver route", which both lead through Asturias.
Asturias too is the home of ancient rites and beliefs, and this region's popular customs are among the most interesting of Spain. Artisany and gastronomy are of high reputation, you may try excellent sea-food along the coast and, in the mountains, typical dishes such as Fabada, made of a special sort of beans, blood sausage and various cheese specialities, together with a glass of cider.
The Cities:
Oviedo
The region's capital, located more or less at its geographical center, is specially remarkable for its pre-romanic monuments and its great cathedral.
Gijon
This historic city, founded already by Romans, is today one of the most important sea-ports and offers active cultural life.
Aviles
Aviles, one of the oldest settlements of the Cantabric area, is of high economical importance too, but conserves as well its traditional style.
All three cities were declared Patrimony of the Humanity by UNESCO, due to their outstanding monuments.
Major attractions are the Way of Saint James with its numberless monuments and the Ruta de la Plata, "silver route", which both lead through Asturias.
Asturias too is the home of ancient rites and beliefs, and this region's popular customs are among the most interesting of Spain. Artisany and gastronomy are of high reputation, you may try excellent sea-food along the coast and, in the mountains, typical dishes such as Fabada, made of a special sort of beans, blood sausage and various cheese specialities, together with a glass of cider.
The Cities:
Oviedo
The region's capital, located more or less at its geographical center, is specially remarkable for its pre-romanic monuments and its great cathedral.
Gijon
This historic city, founded already by Romans, is today one of the most important sea-ports and offers active cultural life.
Aviles
Aviles, one of the oldest settlements of the Cantabric area, is of high economical importance too, but conserves as well its traditional style.
All three cities were declared Patrimony of the Humanity by UNESCO, due to their outstanding monuments.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Aragon
This community, bordering on France with the Pyrenees, is of particular interest for its outstanding mountainous landscapes, with glacier lakes and several natural preserves where you still may observe animals which have been extincted in many other regions of Europe long ago. In total contrast is the plain Ebro valley, which is limited by the mountain range Moncayo, in the east.
When you are crossing Aragon's three provinces, Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel, with many monumental towns, the splendor of the old Kingdom of Aragon, one of the centers of Spanish culture in medieval times, comes alive again.
The mountain ranges offer great possibilities for winter sports, and during the warm season you may explore this almost virginal natural paradise as well as the region's celebrated gastronomy, artisany and folklore.
The Cities:
Zaragoza
The region's capital, located at Ebro river, is one of the great monumental cities of Spain. Its historic heritage of Romans and Moors is documented in its museums.
Teruel
Most notable are the city's great Mudejar style monuments, consequence of a long Moorish dominance. Highlights include the cathedral with its beautiful belltowers and the churches of San Martin, San Pedro and El Salvador.
Huesca
Huesca, located at the foot of the Pyrenee mountain range, offers landscapes of incredible beauty.
When you are crossing Aragon's three provinces, Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel, with many monumental towns, the splendor of the old Kingdom of Aragon, one of the centers of Spanish culture in medieval times, comes alive again.
The mountain ranges offer great possibilities for winter sports, and during the warm season you may explore this almost virginal natural paradise as well as the region's celebrated gastronomy, artisany and folklore.
The Cities:
Zaragoza
The region's capital, located at Ebro river, is one of the great monumental cities of Spain. Its historic heritage of Romans and Moors is documented in its museums.
Teruel
Most notable are the city's great Mudejar style monuments, consequence of a long Moorish dominance. Highlights include the cathedral with its beautiful belltowers and the churches of San Martin, San Pedro and El Salvador.
Huesca
Huesca, located at the foot of the Pyrenee mountain range, offers landscapes of incredible beauty.
Monday, 21 July 2008
Spain - Andalucia
Andalucia is the Spanish Autonomous Community with the greatest number of inhabitants and the second in surface. Its varied landscapes, the benignancy of its climate and the friendly character of its population have turned it into one of the most attractive regions.
3000 hours of sun per year, many kilometers of golden sand beaches and those beautiful natural ports made it a safe refuge already for Phoenician navigators, thousands of years before Christ.
The coast of Huelva and Cadiz corresponds to the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by fine sand. The Mediterranean coast, from the Strait of Gibraltar to Almeria, on the other hand offers smoother climate with less wind and higher water temperatures.
Andalucia is crossed by Guadalquivir river, the "father" of old civilizations who have left along its borders an impressive monumental track, as well as the high mountain ranges of Sierra Morena and Sistemas Beticos.
The offer for visitors is extremely varied, from golden beaches to those beautiful mountain ranges with their highly interesting fauna, and the famous "white villages" with their richdom in folklore and artisany. There are great possibilities for most different sports as well, from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to surfing at the coast of Cadiz, where you will find ideal conditions as nowhere else in Europe.
Andalucia is the "mother" of the Spanish folklore which is probably best known abroad: here you will live the magic of Flamenco and bullfighting in their most authentic style, and myths like Don Juan and Carmen were born here. A land of great traditions, which has understood as well to assimilate the progress.
Major attractions:
Seville
The Andalusian capital, the third largest city of Spain, is among the most beloved places by tourists, thanks to its unique ambience and its great monuments: the Arabian belltower Giralda, the city's landmark, the enormous cathedral, Torre del Oro, and the old district Barrio Santa Cruz are among the highlights.
Granada
The Moorish Jewel, located at the foots of snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a must-see. Most outstanding is certainly the great Arabian palace Alhambra.
Cordoba
The long-time center of Moorish Spain preserves monuments of outstanding importance. The Mezquita, the great Mosque, is perhaps most impressive.
Malaga
Among its major attractions are the Moorish Alcazaba and, of course, the splendid Mediterranean coast.
Costa del Sol
The coast of Malaga is of great touristical importance, thanks to its splendid beaches, outstanding installations and smooth climate. Among the most famous centers are Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, and San Pedro de Alcantara.
Ronda
A beautiful town, surrounded by an impressive mountain range.
Almeria
Almeria is among those Andalusian cities which have best preserved their Moorish heritage. Of great touristical attraction is also its splendid coast, Costa de Almeria.
Cadiz
Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Spain, founded by Phoenicians. It is fascinating for its typical Andalusian ambience with whitewashed houses and tropical vegetation.
Huelva
Of great importance as a fishing port as well as for its industry. The city itself and its surroundings are marked by Christopher Columbus, who started his travel to America from the nearby Palos de la Frontera. There you may still visit the monastery where he prepared his travel, alongside with a reconstruction of the port and the three famous ships.
Doñana National Park
This extense preserve including beach areas with moving dunes as well as marshy regions of great value concerning their fauna is located next to the outlet of Guadalquivir river, Matalascañas, Acebuche and El Rocio. Numerous species of migrant birds, on their way from Eurasia to Africa, stay here during the breeding phase.
Costa de la Luz
The "Coast of the Light", in the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz at the Atlantic Ocean, offers splendid beaches of fine sand. Major centers of attraction are Punta Umbria, Islantilla, Isla Cristina, Mazagon, Matalascañas, Barbate, Algeciras, Tarifa, Conil de la Frontera, Chiclana de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Rota, Chipiona, and Sanlucar de Barrameda.
Jerez de la Frontera
In the hometown of the world-famous Sherry wine several "Bodegas" may be visited. Jerez too is the site of a renowned equestrian school. Wine and horses mark the ambience of this manorial town.
Jaen
Jaen, located inland, is dominated by its medieval fortress. Additional attractions are the 11th century Moorish baths and the Renaissance cathedral. The nearby Sierra de Cazorla is an outstanding natural preserve.
3000 hours of sun per year, many kilometers of golden sand beaches and those beautiful natural ports made it a safe refuge already for Phoenician navigators, thousands of years before Christ.
The coast of Huelva and Cadiz corresponds to the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by fine sand. The Mediterranean coast, from the Strait of Gibraltar to Almeria, on the other hand offers smoother climate with less wind and higher water temperatures.
Andalucia is crossed by Guadalquivir river, the "father" of old civilizations who have left along its borders an impressive monumental track, as well as the high mountain ranges of Sierra Morena and Sistemas Beticos.
The offer for visitors is extremely varied, from golden beaches to those beautiful mountain ranges with their highly interesting fauna, and the famous "white villages" with their richdom in folklore and artisany. There are great possibilities for most different sports as well, from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to surfing at the coast of Cadiz, where you will find ideal conditions as nowhere else in Europe.
Andalucia is the "mother" of the Spanish folklore which is probably best known abroad: here you will live the magic of Flamenco and bullfighting in their most authentic style, and myths like Don Juan and Carmen were born here. A land of great traditions, which has understood as well to assimilate the progress.
Major attractions:
Seville
The Andalusian capital, the third largest city of Spain, is among the most beloved places by tourists, thanks to its unique ambience and its great monuments: the Arabian belltower Giralda, the city's landmark, the enormous cathedral, Torre del Oro, and the old district Barrio Santa Cruz are among the highlights.
Granada
The Moorish Jewel, located at the foots of snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a must-see. Most outstanding is certainly the great Arabian palace Alhambra.
Cordoba
The long-time center of Moorish Spain preserves monuments of outstanding importance. The Mezquita, the great Mosque, is perhaps most impressive.
Malaga
Among its major attractions are the Moorish Alcazaba and, of course, the splendid Mediterranean coast.
Costa del Sol
The coast of Malaga is of great touristical importance, thanks to its splendid beaches, outstanding installations and smooth climate. Among the most famous centers are Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, and San Pedro de Alcantara.
Ronda
A beautiful town, surrounded by an impressive mountain range.
Almeria
Almeria is among those Andalusian cities which have best preserved their Moorish heritage. Of great touristical attraction is also its splendid coast, Costa de Almeria.
Cadiz
Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Spain, founded by Phoenicians. It is fascinating for its typical Andalusian ambience with whitewashed houses and tropical vegetation.
Huelva
Of great importance as a fishing port as well as for its industry. The city itself and its surroundings are marked by Christopher Columbus, who started his travel to America from the nearby Palos de la Frontera. There you may still visit the monastery where he prepared his travel, alongside with a reconstruction of the port and the three famous ships.
Doñana National Park
This extense preserve including beach areas with moving dunes as well as marshy regions of great value concerning their fauna is located next to the outlet of Guadalquivir river, Matalascañas, Acebuche and El Rocio. Numerous species of migrant birds, on their way from Eurasia to Africa, stay here during the breeding phase.
Costa de la Luz
The "Coast of the Light", in the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz at the Atlantic Ocean, offers splendid beaches of fine sand. Major centers of attraction are Punta Umbria, Islantilla, Isla Cristina, Mazagon, Matalascañas, Barbate, Algeciras, Tarifa, Conil de la Frontera, Chiclana de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Rota, Chipiona, and Sanlucar de Barrameda.
Jerez de la Frontera
In the hometown of the world-famous Sherry wine several "Bodegas" may be visited. Jerez too is the site of a renowned equestrian school. Wine and horses mark the ambience of this manorial town.
Jaen
Jaen, located inland, is dominated by its medieval fortress. Additional attractions are the 11th century Moorish baths and the Renaissance cathedral. The nearby Sierra de Cazorla is an outstanding natural preserve.
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