A Sunlit Country of Cities, Coasts and Tables
Spain is a country in south-western Europe, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula and also including the Balearic and Canary Islands, known for its sunshine, its architecture, its food and its long, varied coastline. It has a population of about 48 million and a capital in Madrid, and its regions each carry a distinct identity, from Catalonia and the Basque Country to Andalusia and Galicia. The Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Pyrenees shape its landscapes, and its cultures reflect Roman, Moorish and Christian layers of history.
That layering is what makes travel here so rewarding. The Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Prado in Madrid and the Camino de Santiago to Galicia are among the most visited and admired places in Europe, and the country is exceptionally rich in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Pair that with the late dinners, tapas bars and lively plazas of daily life, and Spain offers a destination that feels both grand and wonderfully easy. In the south, Andalusia is the heartland of flamenco, whitewashed villages and Moorish palaces.
Tapas, Beaches and Fiestas from North to South
Food is a national passion. Jamón ibérico, paella from Valencia, pintxos in San Sebastián, fresh seafood in Galicia and olive oil from Jaén are only the start, and the Spanish habit of sharing small plates makes dining a social event. The coastline adds its own appeal, from the Costa del Sol around Málaga to the beaches of Catalonia, the coves of Mallorca and the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, with a seaside for nearly every taste.
Festivals punctuate the calendar. Semana Santa in spring fills the streets of Seville and Málaga with processions, Las Fallas lights up Valencia in March, and the Feria de Abril brings flamenco costume, horses and music to Seville. San Fermín in Pamplona, La Tomatina in Buñol and the Madrid summer cultural programme draw visitors from around the world. A tourist board has a wonderful range of stories to tell here, and Spain's regional diversity makes it ideal for themed itineraries across the year.
Read the full Spain guide on Visit Travel Group, or see SpainDirect.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.