Spain Travel Guide by Rick Steves
▲▲▲ Barcelona The heart of Catalan culture, this trendy seaside city has an atmospheric old town, an elegant new town, strollable boulevards, and a Modernista skyline. Hometown talents Gaudí, Picasso, and Miró all left their mark on this arty city.
▲▲▲ Madrid Spain’s dynamic capital, with a huge central square (Puerta del Sol), the Royal Palace (2,000 rooms), and top-notch art treasures. This livable city has an unsurpassed tapas scene, street markets, and flamenco shows.
▲▲▲ Granada Fun-to-explore city that pairs evocative history with good living, from its magnificent Alhambra palace of Moorish legacy to the bustling shopping lanes and funky tea shops of its distinctive neighborhoods.
▲▲▲ Sevilla Soulful, nonstop city that boasts of Spain’s bests: flamenco, Holy Week fervor, bullfighting, and the late-night paseo.
▲▲ Basque Country Vibrant region overlapping southwest France, anchored on the Spanish side by the beach resort town of San Sebastián and neighboring Bilbao, with its striking Guggenheim modern art museum.
▲▲ Toledo Hill-capping former capital, with a wonderfully rich history, an outstanding cathedral, and works by hometown boy El Greco.
▲▲ Andalucía’s White Hill Towns Classic heartland of southern Spain, famous for its windswept hills and scenically perched towns, including Arcos de la Frontera and livelier Ronda, with its massive, gorge-straddling bridge.
▲▲ Tangier, Morocco Revitalized gateway that offers a fascinating look at North Africa and the Muslim culture, with a winding maze of shops and tea houses — all just a quick ferry ride from Spain.
▲ Near Barcelona Beyond Barcelona, pilgrims and photographers can head to the rugged mountain retreat of Montserrat, while fans of Salvador Dalí visit Figueres for its Dalí Theater- Museum and Cadaqués for the artist’s house.
▲ Camino de Santiago Centuries-old pilgrimage route running across the top of Spain from France to Santiago, with stops at charming villages (Puente de la Reina, O Cebreiro) and interesting cities (Pamplona, Burgos, León).
▲ Santiago de Compostela Moss-covered city that marks the end of the trail for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
▲ Salamanca Spain’s quintessential university town, with the country’s finest main square.
▲ Northwest of Madrid Sights ranging from El Escorial (imposing Inquisition palace of Spanish royalty) and the Valley of the Fallen (stern, underground Franco-era monument to the Spanish Civil War) to the pleasant towns of Segovia (with a towering Roman aqueduct) and Ávila (encircled by a medieval wall).
▲ Córdoba Home to Spain’s top surviving Moorish mosque, the huge and marvelous Mezquita.
▲ Spain’s South Coast Spain’s beach-resort zone, featuring a few charming towns (Nerja, Tarifa, and British-flavored Gibraltar) tucked away from the concrete and traffic jams of the Costa del Sol.
Cantabria Rustic northern coast of Spain, featuring world-class prehistoric art (Altamira Caves), the pleasant town of Comillas, and the mountainous Picos de Europa.
Galicia coast holiday guide: the best beaches, bars, restaurants and hotels | Spain holidays
Lush green valleys and rugged mountains, sheer cliffs and wild, frothing, slate-grey seas. Bagpipes, baroque cathedrals and the smell of grilled seafood. The architectural grace of Santiago de Compostela and the industrial churn of Vigo. Galicia, the north-west corner of Spain, is a diverse region, but amid the variety there are two constants: first, it’s one of the best places to eat seafood in the world; and, second, its wild landscape, seemingly more Scottish than Spanish, is the most beautiful on the Iberian peninsula.
Galicia map
Galicia is also large, about three-quarters the size of the Netherlands, and so for this guide we’ll travel along its coast, picking out some of the best beaches, coastal towns and seafood restaurants from Ribadeo and Ortigueira in the north via A Coruña and the Costa da Morte and then south to the area known as the Rías Baixas. Although Galicia is good to visit all year round, the best time to go is from June to September.
However, even during the hottest months of the year, be prepared for rain, which can be heavy and, at times, persistent.
RIBADEO TO ORTIGUEIRA
Praia das Catedrais, on Galicia’s north coast
Praia das Catedrais, Ribadeo
In Galician, Praia das Catedrais means “beach of the cathedrals” and, as you walk along this beach and through the arches and craggy domes sculpted into the rocks by wind and sea, it is easy to see why. When the tide is low, and the weather holds, it’s possible to spend hours exploring the sea caves. In summer (1 July to 30 September) and Easter week, numbers are controlled and it’s vital to book a visit to the beach (free) at ascatedrais.xunta.gal.
O Barqueiro and Estaca de Bares
O Barqueiro, a small, tranquil fishing village of multicoloured houses, is the perfect place to pass the afternoon staring out at the bay while sipping a nice glass of albariño, Galicia’s most famous grape varietal.
From here it’s only a 15-minute drive north to Estaca de Bares, the most northerly point of the Iberian peninsula. Its 19th-century lighthouse is a quiet place from which to appreciate the uninterrupted views of the Bay of Biscay and the relentless ferocity of the Atlantic.
Viveiro
Santa Maria do Campo in Viveiro
Set amid rolling hills covered with pines and eucalyptus trees, Viveiro is on the estuary of the river Landro. It is a picturesque place, with walls that have withstood pirate attacks and plagues, and springs that have attracted countless Santiago pilgrims. Wander through its idyllic squares, its grand entrance gates and over its medieval bridges. Covas beach is also only a short walk from the town centre.
Praia de Xilloi, O Vicedo
Isla Coelleira and the cliffs near Praia de Xilloi. Photograph: Alamy
Replete with dunes, imposing cliffs, and fine white sand, this kilometre-long beach is one of the best in Lugo province.
The turquoise waters, although brisk, are not too dissimilar to the Caribbean. The beach has parking, showers and restaurants nearby and is a good place for families.
Where to eat and drink
A Lonxa, Burela
This traditional cafe-bar-restaurant is the haunt of local fishermen. It may have a school-canteen vibe but the food is simple and delicious. The product is the protagonist here, not the chef. Try the steamed clams (€12) to start, followed by the fried bonito (€10). The swordfish is also excellent.
Rúa do Berbés, + 34 982 581 157, on Facebook
Porto de Rinlo, Rinlo
In the fishing town of Rinlo, close to Praia das Catedrais, is this rather dull looking hotel-restaurant. But people flock here from all over the province for arroz caldoso con bogavante (€35), a soupy rice with lobster (like a cross between risotto and bouillabaisse), which goes very well with chilled albariño. Be sure to reserve a table.
Praza Santa Catarina 9,+ 34 982 123 137, portoderinlo.com
A Cabana do Fos, Ortigueira
Near the beach of Mourozos, this popular local eatery offers an excellent selection of seafood and meat dishes. Try the fried razor clams, pulpo a la gallega (disks of boiled octopus, with spicy paprika and potatoes, pictured), a juicy entrecote with chips, or, if you just want a drink, a caña (small beer) on the terrace.
Mains from €16, Playa Mourouzos, on Facebook
Where to stay
El Castaño Dormilón
Just 5km outside of the lovely town of Ortigueira and 10km from the beach of Mourozos, this former schoolhouse has been converted into a simple but comfortable hotel in the verdant countryside.
Doubles from €89 B&B, elcastanodormilon.es
A Miranda
Between the mountains and the sea on the Ortigueira estuary, this new hotel is a perfect microcosm of Galicia, with sleek design, light airy rooms and spectacular views of the northern coast.
It even has its own boat, which you can rent to explore the imposing cliffs that surround it.
Doubles from €80 B&B, hotelamiranda.com
A CORUÑA AND THE COSTA DA MORTE
Torre de Hércules, A Coruña
Photograph: Alamy
A Coruña may not be one of Spain’s most beautiful cities but it does have a great gastronomic scene and some interesting sights. At the end of a bracing 2km walk along its sprawling promenade is its most impressive attraction: the 55-metre Torre de Hércules is the only ancient Roman lighthouse of its kind still functioning. It was built in the second century AD (possibly modelled on the Lighthouse of Alexandria), renovated in the late 18th century and made a Unesco world heritage site in 2009.
Open daily, €3, concessions €1.50, torredeherculesacoruna.com
Praia de Carnota
Some 7km long, this beach is considered the longest in Galicia. Far from any urban area, with rolling dunes, white sand and framed by the majestic Mount Pindo, it is a spectacular place to pass a few hours.
Be warned, however, the tidal currents are strong and, with no lifeguards present, it’s not ideal for children. The beach is accessible by car, but lacks amenities like showers and changing rooms.
Praia de Laxe, Costa da Morte
Sheltered from the Atlantic by the estuary of the river Anllóns, this beach has calm, clean waters and white sand, and is almost 2km long. And being in the centre of the town of Laxe, it offers more services than most of Galicia’s more rural beaches. There’s parking, lifeguards, showers and disabled access to the beach. There is also a host of bars and restaurants along the promenade, including Marisquería Zurich, one of the best seafood restaurants in the area.
Cabo Finisterre
The traditional Galician calvary at Cape Finisterre Photograph: Alamy
For centuries, this rugged outcrop was considered the most westerly point in Europe (though Cabo da Roca in Portugal is actually 10 miles further west) and, until medieval times, the End of the World..jpg)
The last stop before the beginning of the Mare Tenebrosum, the cape is submerged in legend – tumble down the rocks, visit the lighthouse, and it feels like standing on the precipice of the world.
Where to eat and drink
O Bebedeiro, A Coruña
Open for almost 70 years, this rustic tavern is famous for its Galician cooking. Try the oven-baked zamburiñas (baby scallops), followed by the octopus and an excellent fried raxo (pork loin, a classic Galician dish). The atmosphere is welcoming and the food unpretentious.
Mains from €17, Ángel Rebollo 34, +34 981 210 609, adegaobebedeiro.com
A Taberna de Cunqueiro, A Coruña
Receiving free tapas when you order a beer is not uncommon in A Coruña. In the Taberna de Cunqueiro, however, such a practice is taken for granted and punters get anything from a small square of tortilla to a bowl of soup. In any case, this bar-restaurant is a great place to drink and eat good Galician fare without breaking the bank.
Main courses from €13, Rúa Estrella 22, +34 981 212 629, atabernadecunqueiro.com
As Garzas, Barizo
This Michelin-starred restaurant in the secluded seaside town of Barizo is the place for a blowout. The cuisine of Fernando Agrasar takes advantage of the region’s excellent products and enhances their flavour with scrupulous technique. His tasting menu is short, interesting and unpretentious – and served in a dining room with sea views over the Costa da Morte.
Tasting menu €74, + 34 981 721 765, asgarzas.com. There are reasonably priced rooms here, too, from €90 B&B
Where to Stay
Hotel Lois, A Coruña
This hotel, in the centre of town, is minimalist while remaining comfortable. Its low prices and friendly service make it a good option for staying in the city for a few days. It also has its own restaurant.
Doubles from €45 B&B, loisestrella.
com
RÍAS BAIXAS
The Ria de Pontevedra from Combarro. Photograph: Getty Images
Isla de Ons
When asked about beaches in the Rías Baixas area, almost everyone recommends the Praia das Rodas on the Cíes Islands. With its Colgate-white sand and crystalline waters, it is consistently named among the best beaches in Europe. However, for something a little less tourist-trodden but equally as beautiful, catch a ferry to La Isla de Ons. Like Las Cíes, it is part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia national park and offers a great selection of beaches, from pristine white sands to more rocky and rugged bays (it also has a nudist beach). There are three restaurants on the island (try the octopus at Casa Acuña), trails for walkers and a hostel, apartments sleeping between two and six people, and a campsite.
Doubles from €65 B&B, apartments from €90, camping from €30 for two, bell tents from €70, isladeons.
net
Rúa das Ostras, Vigo
Photograph: Alamy
Oysters have been famous in the city of Vigo for hundreds of years. Farmed on the estuary in the nearby town of Arcade, they come in fresh every morning to the oyster shops of Rúa das Ostras (the street of the oysters). From 9am to 3pm, the many street stalls sell the shellfish for between €12 and €18 a dozen.
Cambados
Bodega Pazo Fefiñáns, Cambados
For wine lovers, a stop in Cambados is a must. Synonymous with the albariño grape, this small coastal town is packed with bodegas, 21 of which can be visited. The town itself is also worth exploring. The centre has 16th-century renaissance-style squares, baroque facades, ruined churches and old granite mansions. On the seafront, there is access to excellent beaches and a busy fish market.
For a bodega visit, try Bodegas Albamar
Combarro
On the Pontevedra estuary, this village is perhaps one of the most beautiful on the Galician coast.
After the rustic stone houses that line the seafront, the biggest attraction here is the hórreos, traditional granaries built in wood or stone and raised on pillars. There are 30 of these unique constructions dotted along the promenade and throughout the town.
Where to eat and drink
Fish stew at d’Berto
d’Berto, O Grove
This place is considered by many in the Rías Baixas as the temple of “big game seafood”: expect king crabs, lobsters, groupers and turbot – all simply prepared but excellently cooked. It is popular, however, so be sure to book.
Avenida Teniente Domínguez 84, +34 986 733 447, dberto.com
El Nautico, San Vicente do MarEnjoy a glass of crisp godello white wine (another local grape) or a paralysingly strong gin and tonic on the terrace of this lively bar. With views on to the small Barrosa beach and out across the majestic bay, this is a perfect place to relax during the day.
At night, however, the tempo is upped, and El Nautico becomes a venue for live music.
Praia da Barrosa, elnautico.org
Casa Durán, Moaña
According to local Michelin-star chef Pepe Solla, this is the best traditional restaurant in Galicia. It offers hearty stews, big bowls of mussels and mountains of razor clams. Although the service can be a bit hit and miss when the restaurant is busy, the food and reasonable prices are worth the waiters’ indifference.
Marrúa 25, +34 986 311 653, no website
Where to stay
Inffinit Vigo
This hotel is in Vigo’s new town but is very close to the charming and lively historic centre. The hotel is sleek and stylish, with light, spacious rooms and comfortable beds.
Doubles from €80 room only, inffinit.es
Parador de Pontevedra
Like Vigo, the small city of Pontevedra, across the estuary, is a perfect place from which to explore the Rías Baixas.
Full of renaissance and gothic architecture, all finished in Galicia’s trademark gun-metal grey, the city has lots of idyllic squares and windy, narrow streets. The best place to stay here is the Parador, the former palace of the counts of Maceda. With a host of stately rooms, worn antique furniture and beautiful gardens, this charming hotel is a microcosm of the city itself.
Doubles from €80 room only, parador.es
Holidays in Spain. Everything you need to know about Spain: climate, resorts, cuisine, visa
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Visa
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Weather
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Hotels
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Resorts
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Good to know
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What’s up with the coronavirus
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Telegram channel with the most important travel information
Spain is located in the southwest of Europe. The coast of this country
washed in the north and west by the waters of the Atlantic,
and in the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea.
Except
mainland, the territory of Spain includes the Balearic
and the Canary Islands are popular holiday destinations.
When choosing tours to Spain, travelers choose large
cities – Barcelona, Granada, Seville, Cordoba. lovers
beach holidays are chosen by the resorts of Costa Brava, Costa Dorada,
Costa del Sol and also the island of Tenerife.
Go skiing and snowboarding in Spain in winter
you can in the resorts of Sierra Nevada and Pradogliano.
Visa
A Schengen visa is required to visit Spain.
The traveler’s passport must remain valid for at least
3 months from the end of the trip to Spain.
The passport must have 2 blank pages.
Weather
Swimming season on the Mediterranean coast of Spain
lasts from June to October. In the Canary Islands
you can swim all year round.
Best for visiting the Basque Country, Galicia, Barcelona, Malaga
only July and August are suitable. And for walking
in Madrid and Toledo, you should choose late spring or
early autumn.
Day and night temperature
+13
+4
Jan
+14
+5
Feb
+15
+6
Mar
+17
+8
Apr
+20
+12
May
+24
+15
June
+27
+18
July
+28
+19
Aug
+25
+16
sen
+21
+12
Oct
+17
+8
Nov
+14
+5
Dec
Hotels
Resorts
When in Barcelona, you can’t help but see
to the most famous long-term construction in the world, the brainchild of the great
Gaudí, the fantastic Sagrada Familia – Sagrada
Surname.
Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí transformed Barcelona
in the garden of your fantasies. Many call his style modernism,
however, all the creations of the genius Gaudi are so original, fabulous
and unique that only one definition suggests itself –
Gaudí style.
Sagrada Familia became the main project of the architect –
creating drawings and supervising the construction of a grandiose
He devoted 43 years of his life to the temple. According to plan
Gaudi, three facades were to appear at the temple: Christmas,
Passion of Christ and Resurrection. Every façade must be crowned
4 towers of enormous height – 120 meters each. These
The 12 towers symbolize the number of apostles. Central
tower – 170 meters high – was supposed to be
raised to the glory of Jesus. The Sagrada Familia is open to
tourists and visitors daily. You can see the inside
decoration of the temple, stained-glass windows and stucco, mosaics and frescoes.
The average tour time is 4 hours.
A huge fountain is located on the hill of Montjuic
in Barcelona.
Water cascades occupy 3,000 square meters
meters, and the main bowl of the fountain in the form of an ellipse has
65 meters long and 59 meters wide.
Fountain – decoration of the architectural ensemble of Plaza de España
and the National Palace of Catalonia. 3620 water jets
soar to a height of 54 meters. The play of light and color
provide 120 spotlights, in the spectrum of which more than
50 colors. Dancing Montjuic to classical music.
Amazing Park Güell is another brainchild of Antoni Gaudí.
Mosaic, mysterious paths, fabulous, like “gingerbread”
the houses are all Park Güell, a fantastic garden city
in Barcelona. On the roof of the columned hall is located
a serpentine bench stretched along the perimeter. She is bright
decorated with mosaics and very comfortable – according to
recollections, Gaudi asked the builder to sit in soft clay,
to get a cast that follows the contours of the human body.
In Seville, wander through the labyrinth of the Old City
and visit Plaza de España.
Panels are placed among the columns
from tiles, each of which depicts one
from the Spanish provinces.
In Valencia, you need to eat paella to the bone –
it was invented right here. More worth seeing
to the legendary Holy Grail and the fantastic City of Sciences
and arts at the bottom of a drained river. Knightly Toledo beckons
with its castles and olive groves. And to restaurants
San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, you need to sign up
in six months – here are the best establishments
with Michelin stars.
In A Coruña, admire the lighthouse that was built
even during the time of the Roman Empire. He rises
55 meters above the ground and so far successfully
works.
What is Spain without windmills? Look at the “monster”
with whom Don Quixote fought, you can on the hill of the World.
Costa del Sol is beaches, beaches and more beaches,
as many as 240 kilometers of uninterrupted beaches with luxurious sand.
In Malaga, see the world through the eyes of Pablo Picasso, who
was born here.
Costa Dorada, “Gold Coast” – the most beautiful Spanish
beach resort. Luxurious hotels, purest water and 200
kilometers of golden sand. Here, as well as in Mallorca,
families with children like to come: the entrance to the water is gentle,
no strong waves.
Costa Brava is famous for its wild nature – cliffs
and pines, warm sea and fresh breeze are intertwined here
into a truly Spanish symphony of relaxation.
The legendary island of Tenerife attracts tourists from all over
light with its amazing beaches with dark volcanic
sand.
Good to know
- The plane flies from Moscow to Barcelona about
4.5 hours; to the island of Tenerife – 7 hours. Time
in Spain is 2 hours behind Moscow
(on 3 in the Canary Islands). - Siesta in Spain lasts from 13:00 to 16:00:
at this time most banks close for lunch,
shops and government agencies. In the Sierra Nevada
no siesta. - Spaniards, talking among themselves, from time to time
necessarily touch each other’s shoulder, expressing that
the very disposition towards the interlocutor.
- The main Spanish souvenir is the abanico fan. Also
we recommend purchasing Spanish lace, wood products
and skin. - Real jamon can only be found in Spain.
- The prestige of a restaurant can be determined by the number of
forks on a signboard. The more, the tougher. - We recommend trying the whole palette of Spanish cuisine –
paella in Valencia, tortilla, gazpacho, escudella, churros
and chorizo. - The national drink of the Spaniards is sangria. Cocktail create
from semi-sweet red wine or cava with ice
and fruits. - The wines of Spain are divided into three groups: tinto, blanco
and rosado (red, white and pink). - The brightest Spanish festival – Tomatina. All-Spanish
The Battle of the Tomatoes takes place in August. - When you arrive in Tenerife, be sure to go up
on the funicular to the top of the dormant volcano. His
height – 3700 meters, it is located
in Teide National Park. - The beaches in Spain are free. Only sunbeds are paid
and umbrellas. - If you decide to wash fruit or dishes at the beach
soul in Mallorca, immediately prepare a 750 euro fine. No need
think no one will notice. They will notice and punish. - In Barcelona you can be fined 120 euros,
if you appear on the street in a bathing suit or
swimming trunks.
Only sunbeds are paidWhat’s up with the Coronavirus
We’re monitoring the situation so we can provide more details in a timely manner
about the requirements
for Russians when entering Spain due to the coronavirus.
Telegram channel with the most important information about trips
Here is a telegram channel with
a huge number of travelers to whom you can ask
question for any country and any situation. Our people are all over
planet. Plus, in the channel itself there are important news that are better not
miss.
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Spain popular holiday destination |
Spain is one of the most popular countries for tourists from many countries.
Most often, citizens of Great Britain, Italy, France, countries of central Europe and the Scandinavian countries come to Spain. Spain is the fourth most popular (most visited) country in the world after France, USA and China (2010). In 2010, over 50 million people visited Spain.
The most popular among foreign tourists is the rest on the beaches and resorts of Spain. Residents of European countries (including residents of Spain) love to relax in the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea, not only in summer, but also at other times of the year. The famous Canary Islands can be considered a year-round resort. The most popular resort regions of Spain are the Mediterranean coast, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
General information about Spain
Spain (España), the Kingdom of Spain is a state in southwestern Europe. It occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula. Spain covers an area of 504,645 kilometers, being the fourth largest country in Europe after Russia, Ukraine and France.
Spain borders: Portugal to the west, British Territory of Gibraltar and Morocco to the south, France and Andorra to the north. Spain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and west, as well as the Mediterranean Sea in the south and east. The largest cities in Spain are: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, Malaga. The population of Spain is about 46 million people.
Spain is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. Plateaus and mountains make up about 90 percent of the country’s territory. Most of the territory of Spain is located at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. It is the second highest country in Europe after Switzerland. The only major lowland in Spain (Andalusian lowland) is located in the south of the country. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is the highest capital in Europe.
Madrid International Airport (Barajas) is one of the busiest airports in the world. Barcelona Airport (El Prat) also receives a large number of aircraft.
Large airports are also located in Gran Canaria, Malaga, Valencia, Seville, Mallorca, Alicante and Bilbao.
Spain is one of the warmest countries in Western Europe. Spain has an average of 260-285 sunny days a year. The average annual temperature on the Mediterranean coast is 20 degrees Celsius. In winter, the temperature drops below zero degrees only in the central and northern regions of the country. Summer in Spain is very hot, the temperature rises to 40 degrees and above. On the northern coast, the temperature is usually not so high – about 25 degrees Celsius.
Spain is a country with a rich history. The first people settled here about 35 thousand years ago. Many peoples of different cultures and religions have influenced this country. Several types of cultures have replaced each other. History lovers will be interested to get acquainted with the historical sights of Spain.
Spain’s most famous museum, the Prado Museum, is located in Madrid. The museum contains a large number of paintings that cannot be exhibited simultaneously in one building and viewed in one day.
Many other museums are known all over the world: the Picasso Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia are located in Barcelona, the National Museum of Sculpture in Valladolid, the El Greco Museum in Toledo, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art in Cuenca.
Beaches and resorts in Spain
Holidays on the sea, on the beaches and resorts of Spain, have been popular for several decades. This type of tourism is the most profitable for the Spanish economy at present. The mild climate throughout the year and the extensive sandy beaches of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, attract tourists from various European countries.
Many countries do not have such a warm sea and warm climate. Tourists from the countries of northern and central Europe tend to spend their holidays in warmer places, including Spain. Summer resorts are popular with the Spaniards themselves too. Spanish pensioners often have a rest in the Mediterranean resorts in winter.
There are more than two thousand beaches on the coast of Spain. The most famous and popular holiday destinations in Spain are the resort coasts of the Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa del Assar, Costa de Almeria, Costa Blanca, Mar Menor, Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz , Rias Bahas, Rias Altas, Costa Cantabrica, Canary and Balearic Islands.
The most popular summer holiday destinations on the Spanish coast
Costa Brava, Costa Dorada and Costa del Maresme. Located in the autonomous region of Catalonia. Popular resorts such as Barcelona and Salou are located here. Salou is a seaside resort and tourist center in Catalonia, Spain. Located at a distance of about 10 kilometers from the city of Tarragona, on the “Gold Coast” – Costa Dorada. These places are popular with tourists from France and the Spaniards themselves.
Costa del Azar, Costa de Valencia, Costa Blanca. Located in Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. The resorts are popular with tourists from the UK and Germany.
One of the most popular coastal towns is Benidorm with the beaches of Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente. Here is the amusement park “Terra Mitica”.
The resort coast “Costa Calida” (Warm Coast) is located in the region of Murcia. The main attraction of the region is the “Mar Menor” (Small Sea) – a lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea with a special microclimate. There are large sandy beaches here.
The resorts “Costa de Almeria”, “Costa Tropical”, “Costa del Sol” and “Costa de la Luz” are located in the region of Andalusia. The wealthiest tourists from European countries love to relax here. The city of Malaga located here is also one of the largest ports in Spain.
More about the Mediterranean coast of Spain.
Spain also has two archipelagos, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. These islands are among the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
Sights and interesting events
Not only rest on the beaches, but also by the sea attracts tourists to Spain.
There are many historical sights here, many cultural, sports and business events take place. The most famous cities are Madrid and Barcelona. Both cities offer a large number of interesting sights and events.
But this is only a small part of the tourist attractions in Spain. Thirteen Spanish cities are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alcala de Henares, Avila, Cáceres, Córdoba, Cuenca, Ibiza, Salamanca, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Santiago de Compostela, Segovia, Tarragona and Toledo . In total there are 42 such objects in Spain. In terms of the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain is in second place in the world after Italy (45 historically significant places).
How do you say it in Spanish?
The most necessary words in Spanish for tourists:
- Good morning – Buenos dias (Buenos dias).
- Good afternoon – Buenas tardes (Buenas tardes).
- Good evening – Buenos noches (Buenas noches).
- Hello – Hola (Ola).
