Spain

If you are coming to Spain for the first time, be warned: this is a country that fast becomes an addiction. You might intend to come just for a beach holiday, or a tour of the major cities, but before you know it you'll find yourself hooked by something quite different, by the celebration of some local fiesta , perhaps, or the amazing nightlife in Madrid , by the Moorish monuments of Andalucia , by Basque cooking, or the wild landscapes and birds of prey of Estremadura.

And by then, of course, you will have noticed that there is not just one Spain but many. Indeed, Spaniards often speak of Las Españas (the Spains) and they even talk of the capital in the plural, Los Madriles , the Madrids.

The cities are compellingly individual. Barcelona, for many, has the edge: for Gaudí's splendid modernista architecture, the lively promenade of Las Ramblas, designer clubs par excellence , and, not least, for Barça - the city's football team.

But Madrid, although not as pretty, claims as many devotees. The city and its people, immortalized in the movies of Pedro Almodóvar, have a vibrancy and style that is revealed in a thousand bars and summer terrazas. Not to mention three of the world's finest art museums.

Then there's Sevilla, home of flamenco and all the clichés of southern Spain; Valencia, the vibrant Levantine city with an arts scene and nightlife to equal any European rival; and Bilbao, a new entry on Spain's cultural circuit, due to Frank Gehry's astonishing Guggenheim museum .

Monuments range just as widely from one region to another, dependent on their history of control and occupation by Romans and Moors, their role in the "golden age" of Imperial Renaissance Spain, or their twentieth-century fortunes.

Touring Castile and León, you confront the classic Spanish images of vast cathedrals and reconsquista castles, literally hundreds of the latter; in the northern mountains of Asturias and the Pyrenees, tiny, almost organic Romanesque churches dot the hillsides and villages; Andalucía has the great mosques and Moorish palaces of Granada , Sevilla and Córdoba , Castile has the superbly preserved medieval capital, Toledo , and the gorgeous Renaissance university city of Salamanca; while the harsh landscape of Estremadura cradles the ornate conquistador towns built with riches from the "New World".

Not that Spain is predominantly about buildings. For most visitors, the landscape holds just as much fascination and variety. The evergreen estuaries of Galicia could hardly be more different from the high, arid plains of Castile, or the gulch-like desert landscapes of Almería. Agriculture makes its mark in the patterened hillsides of the wine- and olive-growing regions and the rice fields of the Levante.

Spain is also one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, and there is superb walking and wildlife in a dozen or more sierras, above all in the Picos de Europa and Pyrenees. Spain's unique fauna boast protected species like brown bears, the Spanish lynx and Mediterranean monk seals as well as more common wild boar, white storks and birds of prey.

One of Spain's greatest draws is undeniably its beaches although with infinitely more variety than you would be led to believe from the sun-and-sand holiday brochures. Long tracts of coastline, along the Costa del Sol , in particular, have been developed into many hotel and villa complexes but delightful pockets remain even on the big tourist costas.

On the Costa Brava, the string of coves between Palamos and Begur are often overlooked, while in the south there are superb windsurfing waters around Tarifa and some decidedly low-key resorts along the Costa de la Luz.

In the north, the cooler Atlantic coastline boasts the surfing sands of Cantabria and the unspoilt coves of Galicia's estuaries. Offshore, the Balearic islands have some superb sands and, if you're up for it, Ibiza also offers one of the most hedonistic backdrops to beachlife in the Mediterranean.

Wherever you are in Spain, you can't help but notice the Spaniards' infectious enthusiasm for life. In the cities there is always something happening, in bars and clubs, on the streets, and especially at fiesta times.

Even in out of the way places there's a surprising range of nightlife and entertainment, not to mention the daily pleasures of a round of tapas, moving from bar to bar, having a beer, a glass of wine or a fino (dry sherry) and a bite of the house speciality.

The way of Saint James Route

Registered in 1993 as a World Heritage Site. This is the route, from the French-Spanish border, which was and still is followed by pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. Along the route there are around 1800 buildings, both religious and secular, of great historical value.

The Route played a fundamental role in the cultural exchange between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe during the middle Ages. It is still testimony to the Christian faith in people of all social classes from all over Europe.

The network of Jacobean routes which lead to Santiago de Compostela, confirmed as the Leading European Cultural Itinerary by the Council of Europe for its dissemination of cultural expression and creating a common identity among the peoples of the continent, is without doubt the first great route which takes travellers from all over the world through Spanish territory.

For more than eight centuries, the cult of the apostle Saint James (Santiago) has resulted in an endless flow of pilgrims, which becomes more intense in the years of Jubilee and which usually has a spiritual foundation.

This is all in addition to the wealth of experiences provided by a route with great cultural variety in the regions and areas through which it passes, the hospitality of the people who live there, the varied corollary of personal impressions of the countryside, and the experiences and anecdotes which arise during the route.

The land route par excellence, which is also the most well-known and the best equipped, is the one known as the French Route. It enters Spain through Somport or Roncesvalles, in the Pyrenees, joins up later in Puente la Reina, in the lands of Navarre, continues through La Rioja and Castilla-León, to enter Galicia via O Cebreiro until it reaches Santiago.

Another interesting route is the Northern Route, also known as the Cantabrian route or the high route, which travels through the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias, dividing when it enters Galicia.

Historically, some illustrious pilgrims completed the Route by continuing to Finisterre, which became a compulsory destination for everyone who had done the Jacobean route. The “Vía de la Plata” route, used by pilgrims living in Islamic territory, was a Roman road which came back into Christian hands.

It crosses over Extremadura, Salamanca (where it joined up with routes coming from Portugal) and Zamora, reaching Galicia through Verín or linking with the French Route in Astorga. The Portuguese and English routes and the maritime routes were some of the many other ways of reaching Santiago.

The silver route

From South to North
Since the distant past there has been a route between mountains, valleys and plains, which unites the north and south of Spain, where, in the lower basin of the Guadalquivir, the first great western culture flourished, under the mythical monarchy of Tartessos at the end of the Bronze Age.

Thanks to its great mining wealth, the area took on great significance as a producer of precious metals. When the Romans invaded the Iberian Peninsula in 218 BC, they gave great importance to roads to cover the whole territory, with the Vía de la Plata, a road which links Gijón with Seville via Astorga, León, Salamanca and Mérida, being one of the most important.

The Vía de la Plata was the cornerstone, from the 1st century until the 19th, on which new paths and roads were built, and during the medieval period it took on greater importance with the cattle tracks, which the 'Mesta' (farmer's council) used to drive its flocks from one area of pasture to another.

For this reason, the Vía de la Plata route is an exceptional historical and artistic legacy because of the art and civilization which were created along its length, with the building of cities, circuses, temples, aqueducts, bridges, arches and fortresses, in addition to the encouragement of the development of rich traditional architecture, folklore, handicrafts, etc.

The route begins in Seville, the ancient city of Hispalis. From there, passing through the ruins of Itálica, ancient city of Roman Baetica, the route takes us through Zafra and Almendralejo to Mérida, the so-called Hispanic Rome. It continues its course to Cáceres and Plasencia.

Now in the lands of Castile, the route moves inwards to Béjar and Salamanca. Still heading north, we arrive at Zamora and, through fields of cereals and lakes, to Benavente and on to Astorga and León. Campomanes and Pola de Lena are the first landmarks in Asturias which will take us on towards Oviedo and Gijón, the end point of its long journey.

Green Spain route: the call of nature

A coastline that stretches for more than 2,000 km, with cliffs, mountains, forests, rivers, beaches, deep gorges and valleys... Imagine the countryside caressing the seashore. This is the region known as Green Spain and you will find it between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay.

It is the territory made up of the Regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country, in northern Spain. Although they have some things in common, each one of these Regions has its own unique character that you will want to get to know. Their range of different landscapes and ecological wealth cannot fail to please. Come for an active holiday and discover the range of activities available in this part of Spain.

A world of options
The environmental wealth of its protected areas is reason in itself to visit Green Spain. Proof of this lies in the fact that many of these areas have been given the Biosphere Reserve designation by UNESCO.

This is true of the Picos de Europa National Park, which lies in Cantabria and Asturias, and which is Spain's largest single protected area.

In Asturias you will also find nature reserves such as Redes, Somiedo (with Europe's largest population of Brown Bears in liberty) and Fuentes del Narcea (with one of Europe's largest oak forests).

The Terras do Miño Reserve in Galicia, and the Urdaibai Estuary in the Basque Country, also have this internationally recognised designation.

There are however, even more landscapes and places of interest in the region: expanses of sand dunes such as the Liencres Nature Reserve; the Altamira Caves, designated World Heritage, in Cantabria. Rugged mountains just 10 km from the beach, like the Aiako Harria range in the Basque Country.

Cliffs such as A Capelada in Galicia, Europe's highest one, and islands like those of the Atlantic Islands Park, also in Galicia. There are too many to list, but one thing is for sure, the best way to get the most out of them is through active/adventure tourism.

A thousand trails
A pleasant way to get to know Green Spain is on foot. We have a network of trails, ideal if you want to take your time discovering the natural and cultural diversity of this region in depth.

What were once old railway lines, Roman roads and livestock trails, are now a wonderful way to discover the valuable flora and fauna which can still be found in northern Spain.

There are easier and more challenging routes, divided into stages suitable for a weekend or a single day, meaning you can design an itinerary to suit you.

The majority of protected reserves have visitor centres where you can get information on routes and their main points of interest. Guided bird watching visits are even organised, given that this area is home to a great diversity of resident bird species and visiting colonies.

There are also horseback and biking routes on offer, the choice is up to you. If water is your thing, in Asturias and Galicia you will find many rivers ideal for canoeing, kayaking and even white water rafting for the more daring. These activities are available all year round, as long as there is sufficient water in the rivers. The best time of year tends to be spring and summer.

If you like strong sensations and are a fan of climbing, canyoning, caving or abseiling, then here you will find ideal locations. There are companies that organise this type of activities both in the nature reserves themselves, as well as in nearby towns and villages.

The best thing to do is to enquire in the relevant visitor centre or tourist office and they will give you all the necessary details.

You will love Green Spain, not only for its countryside, but also for its art, culture, traditions and gastronomy. Come and discover it for yourself.

The Route of the Caliphate

This route is an adventure of the spirit: from Córdoba to Granada, two upsets of history, two unrepeatable moments, two golden ages. Córdoba, the pinnacle, the blinding light which made the remaining cities of the West pale into insignificance.

Granada, the refined terminal mannerism of a whole civilization living its final moments. And between them, the castles, the cities which were first staging posts or markers for a more or less haphazard exchange, and later a camp and a base to lay siege to Granada.

This route is not just a lesson in history. It is also aesthetic enjoyment, and pleasure for the senses.

Wine routes: a world of creative activities

There are many wine routes in Spain. They will take you to destinations rich in culture and gastronomic tradition. They all offer activities, landscapes and traditional fiestas that will make your trip a unique experience.

Would you like to learn to distinguish between fruity and sparkling wines? Then visit the wineries on these routes. They offer tasting courses for beginners with wine experts. Hiking, cookery workshops and visits to spa resorts are three more activities of many you will be surprised to find on these wine routes.

Why not sample wines accompanied by a delicious tapas of ham on the Penedès wine and cava route, where you can also enjoy entertaining themed dinners?

On the Montilla-Moriles wine route you can take part in olive oil tasting sessions, while in Tenerife, on the Tacoronte-Acentejo route, you have the chance to try a potato tasting session or a gastronomic workshop at the Monje Winery. Come and give your sense of smell and your palate a real treat.

Wine culture
If you visit the many museums specialising in this field, you will see for yourself that wine is a primordial element of Spanish culture. From the Catalonia Wine Culture Museum (VINSEUM), to the “La Baranda” House of Wine in Tacoronte and the “Villa Lucía” Centre in Álava, you will love the pleasant surprises that await you.

They will show you the ritual of wine production, the machinery used, and you can buy presents to take away with you.

If you would like to know more about the culture of each region, there are guided routes to the historic centres of towns and to the many vineyards and wineries. Can you imagine following in the footsteps of Don Quixote?

You can do so exploring the windmills and vineyards of the La Mancha route. We would also suggest a dramatised trip to the historic sites and Modernist buildings of the Alt Penedès region (Penedès route), a visit to the country houses of the Rías Baixas route or a tour of where wine barrels are kept on the Montilla-Moriles route.

 
Sport and health
If you want to tone up your body after savouring these delicious wines, then Spain is your destination too. Sports lovers can go hiking here, surrounded by the beautiful colours of the vineyards.

From the cultivated lands of Foix de Alt Penedès Park to the stunning views of Sierra de El Carche Regional Reserve in Murcia (on the Jumilla route), the laurisilva forest of Monte de Agua García on the Tacoronte-Acentejo route in Tenerife, or the canyons to be found in the Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Nature Reserve on the Somontano route; Spain's countryside is sure to offer you a pleasant surprise.

Fancy a few more options? On the Navarre wine route they organise outings on foot, on horseback or by bicycle through the vineyards; on the Tacoronte-Acentejo route, meanwhile, you can go scuba diving, paragliding, play golf or go swimming on black sand beaches.

And after so much activity, what better than rest and relaxation at a spa? We suggest the spa resorts at La Toja on the Rías Baixas route or the wine therapy treatments available on the Rioja Alavesa route. Bathe in wine and enjoy a massage with oil. Your body will love it.

Enjoy the fiesta
A very special time to sample Spanish wines is during the wine harvest fiesta, normally held between the months of July and October. If you come at this time, you can see flamenco shows, horse races, and witness the traditional treading of grapes. You can also ride in a horse and cart, in the Sierra de Montilla region, for example.

For the more enterprising, on itineraries like the Jumilla route you can do interesting activities at any time of year, such as making homemade soap, olive collecting or pottery.

While you take part in such activities, you can choose your accommodation from stately houses, traditional farmsteads, 16th-century farmhouses, country hotels and Modernist buildings with jacuzzi and sauna. Comfort and tradition close at hand.