
Ibiza Town © Spanish National Tourist Board
Budget airlines and affordable fares have turned
Spain into a beach resort haven for northern Europeans wishing to
escape their own (sometimes) damp and dreary climates. With
sun-bleached beaches and a favourable exchange rate for most
travellers, it's easy to see why Spain is such a popular choice for
an unforgettable beach holiday in Europe. An incredible 53 million
people visit Spain each year (the second most in Europe after
France), and the country deserves its formidable reputation as a
tourist haven.
Some may feel that the Canary and Balearic Islands
have been overrun by tourists, and this is true to some extent.
Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Mallorca have become synonymous with cheap
package holidays and warm beer, and Ibiza's reputation has been
somewhat tarnished by the revellers frequenting its famous dance
clubs and beach parties. However, even in these crowded resort
areas you will find many magical, unspoilt corners awaiting
discovery.
Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions,
offering great variation within one country. The hundreds of miles
of Mediterranean coastline provide ample opportunity to get off the
beaten track, and the country's vibrant cities and colourful
festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveller.
Art lovers can get lost in the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso,
of Goya and Velazquez - proudly displayed in the country's museums
and galleries.
Spain's Pamplona is a unique experience of thundering
streets that vibrate to the rhythm of man and beast during the
annual running of the bulls, and while the whole country celebrates
each February with the Carnaval, no place does it better than
Sitges.
Barcelona is Spain's showcase of the unique
architectural style of Gaudi's bizarre organic turrets and
balconies. For a more provincial experience, the Valencian town of
Buñol goes wild every year with the La Tomatina festival, a
time when the region's surplus tomatoes following the annual
harvest are dumped on the streets and pelted about in a friendly
riot.
Spain is also a country rich in heritage, and the
historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Seville, and Granada promise
a wealth of early Christian and Moorish buildings and monuments, as
well as the remains of some incredible medieval sites. Spain has
six cities that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites,
more than any other country in the world.