Over 50 million tourists visit Spain each year. This popular West European country has much to attract visitors. The main feature attraction of Spain is the variety it offers its visitors. Whether you are referring to its climate, geography, history, culture or cuisine, there is something to appeal to all tastes, ages and budgets.

The tourist explosion which started in the 60s was originally due to its many marvellous beaches. If spending your vacation on a beach does not interest you, there are plenty of other things to do.

Spain’s major cities are jam-packed with history and art. With their abundance of parks and wide open spaces, good shops and lively night-life, they are a joy for everyone, including children. Visit the museums and monuments of Madrid, stylish Barcelona bursting with vibrant Gaudí influence, romantic Mediterranean cities such as Valencia and Alicante or the exotic cities of Granada, Seville and Málaga. Experience the haunting Islamic palaces, the brilliant colors and sounds of flamenco and the birthplace and works of Picasso.

If you enjoy the peace and quiet of a hideaway hotel in an unspoiled village, rural Spain is for you. Visit forgotten villages and medieval castles. Rural areas are ideal for walking, painting, photography or just “getting away from it all” holidays.

If you want to mix beach, city and rural, that is easy to arrange. It is certainly no problem to travel around Spain. Littered with airports, both national and international, Spain also offers a good train service. The cheapest and most convenient method of internal travel is the national bus/coach system.

For those who are a little tired of the usual hotel chains, Spain has a unique alternative in its state-established “paradores.” You can stay in converted castles, palaces, fortresses, monasteries and convents. The aim of the “paradores” is to offer high standards at reasonable prices in a noteworthy building or location and to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking by serving the best of local cuisine in the “parador” restaurants.

Spain offers a rich and varied cuisine. In whatever region of Spain you visit, you will encounter delicious Spanish food. The traditional Spanish diet, with its olive oil, its rich supply of wine, its wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and an abundance of seafood, is extremely good for the heart.

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This entry was posted on Monday, January 7th, 2008 at 10:24 pm and is filed under Adventure Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.