Spain
A destination of fiesta dancers, flamenco guitars, matadors and mind boggling architecture
Spain travel offers a richness and complexity that may surprise. All the tempting postcard fantasy pictures are there in reality, side-by-side with other, less-expected ones.
Travelling through Spain you may come across fiesta dancers in a village square, a young man practicing flamenco guitar, a medieval Arab fortress, and windmills so enormous Don Quixote could be forgiven for thinking they were giants.
There’s also the Spain’s world famous Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, its mind-bending shapes like those of no other museum elsewhere, just as the exuberant architecture of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona makes it like no other church in the world.
You may see ultra-cool young Madrilenos togged out in urban chic, talking endlessly on their cell phones; international businesspeople hurrying to appointments; and tourists and golfers of many nations flocking to Spain’s spectacular countryside and balmy beaches. There are super-fast trains, and equally there are villages where produce comes to market via donkey. The road system in Spain is well-maintained and easy to negotiate and this makes hiring a car a very viable option of travel.
Spain today is a vibrant member of the European Union that has transformed itself from a remote backwater to a modern nation, all within living memory. A Spain travel experience is sure to impress you with its contrasts, colours and vibrant spirit.
Madrid
Madrid is a cosmopolitan city, a business centre and the home of the Spanish Royal Family. Madrid is characterised by intense cultural and artistic activity and is a destination with a very lively nightlife.
When you travel to Madrid, you can see how its infectious and colourful fiestas punctuate the year with each barrio (district) trying to outdo the other in its celebrations. When travelling to Madrid you should look out for the major cultural festivals, notably the Veranos de la Villa in summer and the autumn Festival de Otoo, embracing film, dance, theatre and music of every description.
While the Province of Madrid stretches over 8,000sq km, the city’s historic heart is easily explored on foot. The narrow, labyrinthine streets of Madrid’s medieval quarter contrast with the grand boulevards. Each barrio has its own distinctive atmosphere - Lavapis, Malasaa and Chueca being the oldest and most interesting. Many travellers who come to this destination, first get to know the central area, known as the Madrid of the Austrias. It is only a short walk from here to the city's main street, the Gran Via, lined with shops, banks, offices, bars and cinemas.
WHEN TO TRAVEL to Madrid
Madrid experiences extreme differences in the weather between the winter and summer months due to its high altitude of 650 metres. The best time to travel to Madrid is between May and July when temperatures are not too hot. From July and throughout August, the temperatures soar and many shops, restaurants and business’s close. September and October with temperatures back down is also a good time for Madrid travel.
Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a cosmopolitan Mediterranean destination that incorporates in its urban street pattern, Roman remains, medieval districts and the most beautiful examples of Modernism and 20th century avant-garde art.
Of Roman origin, Barcelona's long history and economic dynamism have provided it with an impressive cultural heritage, shown in the conservation of its historic and artistic heritage.
Pedestrian streets in the old districts, green spaces and a fabulous waterfront filled with modern structures all reflect the city's aim of integration. Barcelona is also a destination for architecture buffs with some of Anton Gaudi’s famous spectacles like Casa Batllo, La Pedrera and the yet unfinished awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia. But don’t just stop there, a Barcelona travel experience has a lot more to offer from Catalan culinary delights with influences from neighbouring France and Valencia, to the famous Picasso Museum and vibrant nightlife.
With its distinct Catalan character, sublime architecture and fantastic tourist atmosphere, Barcelona has become one of the Mediterranean’s most travelled destinations. Since hosting the 1992 Olympics, the city has firmly established itself as one of Spain’s most popular destinations.
WHEN TO TRAVEL to Barcelona
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The best time to travel to Barcelona is from March to June and September – October when weather conditions are most pleasant. During the winter months December to March it can get quite cool with wind blowing from the Pyrenees, but sunny days are always on the cards during this time.
Malaga
Málaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, and also Andalusia's largest coastal city is a bustling commercial and resort destination. It was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and a museum devoted to the artist is its chief attraction today.
Malaga is also the cultural capital of the coast, with more museums and historic monuments than any other resort in the region. Málaga is the gateway to the Costa del Sol and those who travel to Malaga find much to reward them, including the city's casco antiguo, the cultural heart of the Old Town. Linger at least long enough to taste the sweet Málaga wine, famous since antiquity and served from 500-litre barrels in little tascas and bodegas.
Paseo del Parque is the centre of Malaga. Travel along Plaza de la Marina which curves to the east and discover a palm-lined pedestrian promenade filled with banana trees and fountains, even duck-filled ponds.
The beaches of Malaga, for the most part, are popular for their bars and restaurants, not their gritty, greyish sands. Paseo Marítimo runs along La Malagueta Beach, but even better are the beaches lying to the east of Baños de Carmen and El Palo.
WHEN TO TRAVEL to Malaga
Malaga is blessed with typical Mediterranean weather. Malaga's superior location ensures pleasant weather; the mountainous terrain and the warm Mediterranean coastline makes for mild weather practically the whole year round. With around 320 days of sunshine, any time is good to travel to Malaga.
