SPAIN

2007-01-20T01:52:00.001-08:00

Spain is one of Europe's most diverse countries, historically, culturally, gastronomically and geographically. While some people prefer to go skiing in the Winter months, others prefer to sunbathe on the coast. Not many countries can offer both options during the same month, but Spain can.

As a tourist destination, Spain is often mistakenly stereotyped as a sun-and-sea location, and its most beautiful spots remain undiscovered. If you are living in Spain, or are coming over and want to do more than just get a quick tan, then check out this section for information on some of Spain's lesser known spots. Also see our Guide on Spanish paradors.

Beautiful places to visit in Spain:

San Sebastian or Donostia (the Basque name for San Sebastian) is situated on the Cantabrican coast 20 kilometres from the border with France. It is a medium sized city with a population of approximately 200,000. Surrounded by lush, green mountains on one side and the sea on the other it is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It has been a popular tourist destination for many years but this was especially true during the Belle Époque period - reflected in many beautiful buildings which date back to the early 20th century.

San Sebastian has 3 beaches - the Concha, Ondarretta and Zurriola. The Concha and Ondarretta are the best for swimming and spending a day at the seaside while the Zurriola beach is popular with surfers who can be seen there throughout the year.

The famous Old Part of the city consists of narrow streets lined with small shops, bars, restaurants and pensiones. On Friday and Saturday evenings it really comes to life and is the place to go for a good night out. It is also the best place to go to sample Basque cuisine. You can have a set menu in one of the restaurants or try some delicious pinchos (similar to tapas) which are laid out on the counters of every bar. It is a Basque custom to go from bar to bar have a small wine and a pincho. The best time to sample pinchos is from 12.00 to 1.30pm and 7.00 - 9.00pm.

Places to visit include the Aquarium, The new Kursaal auditorium and exhibition centre also know as the Cubes, San Telmo Museum or the Perla Spa Baths. You can also take a short boat trip to the small island opposite the Concha beach and visit the lovely villages Pasajes de San Juan and Fuenterrabia.

Festivals take place throughout the year the most famous being the Jazz festival in July and the International Film Festival in September. There are also numerous other special events often based on Basque culture and folklore.

Due to its popularity San Sebastian is also one of the most expensive cities in Spain. The weather can be changeable so don't forget to take an umbrella or warm clothing even during spring and summer.

Alarcón is a beautiful medieval village, set on the rocky surroundings of the River Júcar in Cuenca, about an hour and a half drive from Madrid.

The walled village, its castle, churches and stone-built houses blend in with the surrounding landscape and winding river, providing the visitor with outstanding views and complete peace and quiet.

Once you arrive, park your car in the carpark at the foot of the village, and stroll around the small, narrow village streets, savouring the peace and quiet. It is difficult to find a more peaceful, unspoilt village than Alarcon, although in recent years Alarcon has started to attract more tourists and a new hotel currently being built next to the parador suggests that its isolated charm may be about to be challenged.

The gorge of the River Júcar provides some outstanding walks. Look out for eagles and other birds of prey nesting in the craggy sides of the gorge.

Treat yourselves to a night in Alcorcon Parador, set within Alcorcón Castle, to make this a truly magic visit to rural Spain.

Bilbao, situated on the Nervion estuary, has a population of roughly half a million. For a long time it was considered a grey industrial city in decline with little to offer toursists. However, today nothing could be further from the truth.

Since the inauguration of the Guggenheim in 1997 the city has definitely come to life again.

There is now a new metro line conceived by Norman Foster aswell as the new Euskalduna music auditorium. Fashionable hotels, bars and shops have sprung up in the streets surrounding the Guggeheim along side more traditional Basque bars and restaurants offering excellent 'pinchos' (tapas) and Basque cuisine.

The shopping area consists of well known high street chains aswell as exclusive designer labels.

The Guggeheim Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Frank O Ghery, is a magnificent building - it´s covered in titanium plaques and looks good even on a cloudy day.

Other places of interest are the old part of Bilbao made up of narrow streets, lots of bars and small shops, the Maritime Museum and the Fine Arts Museum. The main shopping area is centred around Plaza Moyua and Gran Via.

Hotels in Spain
Hotels in Alicante	Hotels in Almeria	Hotels in Asturias
Hotels in Barcelona	Hotels in Benahavis	Hotels in Benidorm
Hotels in Bilbao	Hotels in Burgos	Hotels in Cadiz
Hotels in Cordoba	Hotels in the Costa Brava	Hotels Costa del Sol
Hotels in Estepona	Hotels in Granada	Hotels in Ibiza
Hotels in La Manga	Hotels in Lanzarote	Hotels in Madrid
Hotels in Malaga	Hotels in Mallorca	Hotels in Marbella
Hotels in Menorca	Hotels in Mijas	Hotels in Nerja
Hotels in Pamplona	Hotels in Salamanca	Hotels in Salou
Hotels in San Sebastian	Hotels in Santander	Hotels in Segovia
Hotels in Seville	Hotels in Tenerife	Hotels in Toledo
Hotels in Valencia	Hotels in Zaragoza	Luxury hotels in Spain

Beautiful Spain

SPAIN