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The country is the home of the prospering capital Madrid, the vibrant coastal city of Barcelona and the city where flamenco was born, Sevilla.

The Kingdom of Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Spain is a site of the first hominids recorded in Europe, and the prehistoric period of this continent. Under the Roman Empire, Hispania prospered and became one of the empire's most important states. During the early Middle Age it came under Germanic rule. Later, nearly the whole territory of the peninsula came under Muslim rulers. Through a long proceeding Christian kingdoms in the north little by little rolled back Muslim rule, which was finally destroyed in 1492. That year Columbus reached the Americas, the beginnings of a world empire. Spain got to be the strongest kingdom in Europe in the 16th and first half of the 17th centuries but continued wars and other problems eventually conducted to a diminished status. In the middle decades of the 20th century it came under a dictatorship, under which it went through many years of stagnation and then a spectacular economic renewal. Democracy, following the death of Franco was restored in 1978 under the form of a constitutional monarchy.The uniqueness of Spain concentrates in a union of the separate kingdoms which made up the original Spanish nation. These regions guard diverse in their language, culture, cuisine and art. They include: Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Basque Country, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla La Mancha, Castilla Leуn, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarre and Valencia.Excellent and quiet beaches can be found near Malaga, Huelva and Almerna in the south as well as near the coasts of La Manga, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Euskadi. There are plenty of developed resort towns and crowded beaches on the Costa de la Luz and the Costa del Sol.Spain is known for its culturally diverse heritage, having been influenced by many nations and peoples throughout its history. Spanish culture has its origins in the Iberian, Celtiberian, Latin, Visigothic, Roman Catholic, and Islamic cultures. The Spanish Moors created, called Caliphal style, a style of their own that differs in many aspects from their traditional architecture. The Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the most visited sights by tourists sample of this style, the other one being Granada's Alhambra. After the country was released from the Muslims, Moorish architects who stayed developed another new style combining their traditional architecture with Romanesque and Gothic elements, the Mudejar style. In 12th century Gothic style was introduced in Spain, arriving to its greatest importance during 13th century when the cathedrals of Burgos, Toledo and Leon were built. Gothic in Spain combines frequently with Mudejar-elements. Plateresque style represented by the University of Salamanca is the Spanish variation of Renaissance style. Two opposite approaches of Spanish baroque may be observed: the works of Juan Herrera are remarkably austere, the Monastery "El Escorial". In Galicia exists another variation of baroque style, the so-called Baroco Compostelano , with Santiago de Compostela as its center. Most distinguished of the modern architectural masterpiece is the work of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, his great cathedral "Sagrada Familia".Best known among Spain's folkloristic traditions are certainly Flamenco and bullfights. Bullfights you will find indeed throughout the country, the most popular event perhaps being the "Running of Bulls" during the Sanfermines in Pamplona. But bullfights are part and parcel of any Fiesta. Another popular event of religious origin is El Rocio, a traditional pilgimship to the village El Rocio in the province of Huelva, in May. There is a fiesta "Las Fallas de San José" in Valencia, in March, when the entire city becomes the scenery of an enormous party with lots of good mood and excellent fireworks.The traditional Spanish cuisine is excellent: “paella”, "tapas", the "jamón serrano", the "morcilla", the "tortilla" and so many other delicious dishes.

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Andalusia

Andalusia video Regions, areas, large resorts Andalusia on map Andalusia

Andalusia is the jolliest part of the country. All year round the region attracts tourists by its festivals, traditions and cheerful people

Autonomous Region of Navarre

Autonomous Region of Navarre video Regions, areas, large resorts Autonomous Region of Navarre on map Autonomous Region of Navarre

Autonomous Region of Navarre has more than 50 natural reserves, the most famous of which are Reserva Integral de Lizardoia and Parque Natural de Señorío de Bértiz

Avila

Avila video Cities Avila on map Avila

Avila is a beautifully preserved medieval city, with staggering city walls, towers, monasteries, nunneries and churches

Balearic Islands

Balearic Islands video Regions, areas, large resorts Balearic Islands on map Balearic Islands

Balearic Islands are famous for its nature, beaches, excellent climate. It is one of the most attractive tourist areas in Spain

Barcelona

Barcelona video Cities Barcelona on map Barcelona

It’s Spain's second largest city and the capital of Catalonia. The city has a wealth of unique historic architecture and has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations during the 1990s.

Canary Islands

Canary Islands video World Resorts Canary Islands on map Canary Islands

In times of antiquity the Canary Islands were called the gardens of Gesperid, noting the divine origin. Someone believe that the islands are a part of sunken Atlantis

Cantabria

Cantabria video Regions, areas, large resorts Cantabria on map Cantabria

There are 6 national parks and reserves on the territory of Cantabria. Unspoiled beaches extend from east to west for 110 km. Mild climate

Catalunya

Catalunya video Regions, areas, large resorts Catalunya on map Catalunya

Situated in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula, Catalonia is a land of rich and varied scenery, 580 km of Mediterranean coastline, and has preserved a rich architectural heritage.

Costa Del Sol

Costa Del Sol video World Resorts Costa Del Sol on map Costa Del Sol

The name translates in English as "Sunshine Coast". The area's mild climate is the root attraction that makes it possible to enjoy the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities year round.

Galicia

Galicia video Regions, areas, large resorts Galicia on map Galicia

Being one of the greenest and most unusual regions Galicia is home to one of the best coastlines in Spain

Madrid

Madrid video Cities Madrid on map Madrid

The capital of Spain is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With its intense cultural activities and artistic vitality

Majorca

Majorca video Regions, areas, large resorts Majorca on map Majorca

Majorca is the largest Spanish island and an almost all-the-year round resort. The tourist season here starts on April 1 and lasts till November.

Principality of Asturias

Principality of Asturias video Regions, areas, large resorts Principality of Asturias on map Principality of Asturias

Principality of Asturias - a historical pride of the whole of Spain with beautiful corners of untouched nature

Toledo

Toledo video Cities Toledo on map Toledo

Toledo - one of the most important centres of European medieval history is also known for national cuisine, especially the world famous marzipan

Valencia

Valencia video Cities Valencia on map Valencia

Rest in Valencia - a great opportunity for any summer sport –swimming, scuba diving, golf, tennis and others; a variety of nightlife and cultural programs

Ibiza and Formentera

Ibiza and Formentera video Islands, archipelagos Ibiza and Formentera on map Ibiza and Formentera

Ibiza and Formentera - the most popular holiday destination for European youth. From June to September the island is an endless disco, that attracts connoisseurs of modern music

Zaragoza

Zaragoza video Cities Zaragoza on map Zaragoza

Zaragoza, located in the valley of the Ebro River, is as old as the Christian religion. Some tourists are attracted by its history, other – by nature.

Dining in Spain

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Noche De San Juan in Spain

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Noche De San Juan in Spain

Port Aventura

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There are very few places in the world where everyone can have adventures or can experience the sort of emotions that you will remember forever.

Spanish Wine

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Way of St. James

Way of St. James video Community and politics Way of St. James on map  
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