Spain

General 

Spain is a country that combines unique geographic varieties. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east, the Cantabric Sea to the North and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It shares borders with Portugal, France, Andorra, Morocco and the British colony of Gibraltar and its territory includes the Balearic and the Canary Islands too. Spain’s immense cultural and geographical diversity have elevated it to an exceptional travel destination. Its relaxed lifestyle, delicious cuisine, authentic people, unique history, daring architecture and Mediterranean climate attract more than 50 million tourists every year. Visit Spain and reserve a hotel in Madrid or a hotel in Barcelona. Spanish hospitality is the ever-present element that ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay.

History

Many different nations and tribes have occupied Spain, due to its crucial geographic location, for many millennia. The first identifiable people of the Iberian Peninsula, which are the oldest current surviving group in Europe, are the Basques. Successively, during a more recent period the Iberians arrived from North Africa and later on the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Carthaginians, the Celts and of course the Romans, who arrived in the second century BC. All these national and cultural mixtures combined with Spain’s presence in America transformed it into Europe’s most powerful nation during the 16th century. However, its immense wealth and power ended by Spain’s defeat from the English in the war of Invincible Armada in 1588. Later on, a long period of turbulences, foreign occupations (France in the early 1800s) and wars resulted in the revolt and independence of most Spanish colonies. It was in the 19th century, when the Spanish-American War (1898) costed Spain the loss of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines. During the 20th century Spain witnessed one of the most devastating civil wars in recent European History, the Spanish Civil War of 1936. The victory of the nationalist forces (1939) resulted in the 36 years dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Spain is a democracy since 1975 and part of the European Union since 1986.

Art and Culture  

Spain has a unique cultural and spiritual heritage. Its controversial influences vary from Islamic palaces to Gothic cathedrals and from Medieval castles to modern architectural miracles. Spain’s great architectural diversity is greatly depicted in the work of the exceptional Antoni Gaudi and his masterpieces like La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona that have given new perspectives in the art of architecture. Spain has also a long tradition of great painters including the unique Pablo Picasso. Other great painters are Goya and Velázquez, whose largest collection is hosted in Museo del Prado, in Madrid. The Museo del Prado accommodates the most important pieces of art within the country and a visit there is certainly recommended. Another museum that you should visit is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Its collection includes works from early 13th century with valuable pieces of Durero, Van Dyck, Renoir and Degas. Music is another art form with rich tradition in Spain. Particularly, Flamenco, originated in the canta jondo (deep song) of the gypsies, comprises Spain’s music symbol. Finally, a very popular Spanish tradition of another kind is La corrida de toros (bullfighting), originated in the mid-eighteen century. 
 

Gastronomy

Spanish eating habits resemble those of other South European countries. The day starts with a very light breakfast (desayuno), which consists of coffee and a slice of bread with marmalade, around 10:30 comes the brunch (almuerzo) often being little more than some bread. Between 1.30 pm and 4 pm Spanish eat the main dish of the day, namely the comida (lunch), which entails a great variety of vegetables, meat and fish. Finally, dinner (cena), served as late as 10 pm or 11 pm, is usually accompanied by Spanish wine, famous for its gentle and fruitful taste (sangria). Among the most famous Spanish dishes are the Tapas and Paella. Tapas are mini snacks of every kind and include ingredients such as squid, tripe, meatballs, prawns, and anchovies. Tapas can be taken as a meal in themselves or as a starter before dinner. Each region of Spain has its own specialties. Paella is also a dish with a variety of ingredients differing according to gastronomic preferences. Originated in Valencia, Paella is made by rise cooked in the Pan with plenty of seafood, such as squid, octopus and crab combined with vegetables. Traditionally the Paella was the dish of the leftovers cooked all together with rise. Today, delicious recipes that travel you in unique gastronomic trips, can be found in restaurants and bars all over the country

Places to visit

A place you certaintly you have to visit in Spain is Madrid. The capital of Spain is known for its nightlife, great restaurants and trendy clubs. The "city that never sleeps" promises unforgettable moments to all its visitors. Moreover, besides its vivid lifestyle, Madrid hosts brilliant art museums and galleries. Particularly, the museums in Madrid’s Golden Triangle accommodate some of the world’s most important art pieces. The Old Town Madrid is surely a place to be if you want to stroll around beautiful plazas, traditional buildings and pick up delicious snacks or meals in cozy restaurants. Hotels in Madrid are known for their high quality services and luxurious style. However, low budget visitors can also find cheap hotels in Madrid that do not lack neither the style nor the warm atmosphere.

Another must city of Spain is Barcelona. The Catalonian capital is a place unlike any other in Europe. It is so refreshing and attractive that you may have to cancel your trip to other destinations once you are there. Be prepared to change your rhythm, as Barcelona is a city that comes alive at night. Plenty of restaurants, salsa and Latin dance halls, nightclubs and a cheerful atmosphere compose an exclusive scenery. During the day you should visit Barcelona's port and see the great statue of Columbus pointing the Americas. Finally, the particular architecture of Antoni Gaudi constitutes a unique characteristic of the city. La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera and the Parc Guell are places that every tourist must visit. Reserve a hotel in Barcelona and get ready to live a without precedent experience. 

Spain has many other places that provoke with their beauty and style. Visit Seville, a city with splendid architecture and unique sites such as the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Hotels in Seville have very cozy rooms and exceptional environment. Cordoba is another town you should not miss. Its historic center is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage, due to its well known site of Mezquita Mosque. The glorious Granada is another Idyllic spot of Andalusia that you could spend some days. Other beautiful and historic towns, which are also part of UNESCO’s World Heritage, are Salamanca and Avila. For your summer holidays, visit the Balearic Isles of Ibiza and Mallorca, famous for their excellent lifestyle and fantastic beaches. Particlarly, Ibiza has some of the best clubs in Europe and it is fairly considered as the absolute party island. Holiday resorts and hotels in Ibiza  or hotels in Mallorca promise a pleasant stay and some relaxed moments. Finally, the splendid Valencia is another Spanish city you should not miss. Valencia has also a strong student life, a fact that infuses a cheerful atmosphere all year long. Moreover, many hotels in Valencia are located along the sea coast offering great sea view.