Spain- one of the most beautiful countries Mediterranean with amazingly hospitable people. Tourists from all over the world are attracted by amazing beaches and beautiful nature, centuries-old history and architecture. Of course, I want to see all the cities of Spain, however, for this you just need to live here, and vacation time is usually fleeting. That is why you need to know which places you should definitely visit, so that the impressions of the rest remain the most vivid and unforgettable.

Teide volcano in Tenerife. This is not only the main attraction of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. This is the most high point Spain with a height of 3,718 m above sea level. The first volcanic eruption occurred presumably 50 thousand years ago, and the last eruption was in 1909. Today, Teide is considered active volcano and impresses any tourist with its impressive size. At the service of tourists is a modern funicular that will take all guests from the lower observation deck to a height of 3.5 meters, where you can see the crater of the volcano and neighboring islands.

Singing Fountain of Montjuic in Barcelona is an amazingly beautiful and unforgettable sight. The fountain is an adornment of the National Palace and Montjuic Park. The dimensions of the fountain are very impressive - the area is about 3 thousand square meters, and the height of the jets reaches 50 m. Every 20 minutes, the water turns on in it, and the light with music - only in the evening. An amazing combination of music of light and water creates a fabulous aura of magic, which thousands of tourists gather to plunge into every day.

House Mila in Barcelona– unique architectural building, built by the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí in the early 20th century. The building is named after the client. Pedro Mila wanted to get a profitable house, but in the end his name went down in the history of world architecture. And this is well-deserved, because there is no such unique building anywhere else. Now ordinary residents live in the house, but part of it is given for excursions, while very beautiful views of the capital of Catalonia open from the roof of the house.

Monastery of Montserrat is the shrine of Catalonia, the center of pilgrimage and the most famous Spanish attraction, located near Barcelona. The Benedictine order has owned the monastery for almost a thousand years. The monastery is surrounded by 1200 rocks, which give it grandeur and impressiveness. The main pride of the monastery is the wooden sculpture of the Mother of God, and there is also a wonderful museum with a collection of works of art created by sculptors and artists of different times.

City of Ronda is the birthplace of bullfighting. Here is the oldest Spanish bullring. It was built in 1784 and you should definitely see these unique sights of Spain. This is the only arena of its kind with stone barriers. It is interesting that it is not only the most ancient, but also the largest in diameter! However, the sights of Ronda do not end there. Another hallmark of the city is the bridge that connected the old and new town and located above the gorge, more than a hundred meters deep.

Menorca island- This is the easternmost part of Spain and here the sun rises the earliest. The central place on the island is occupied by the Albufera des Grau Natural Park. The island is called a kind of museum under open sky. And this is true, since its archaeological heritage is very large. Equestrian sports are especially popular here and tourists will always have the opportunity to watch exciting sports competitions, but the blueness of the water will forever remain in your memory.

Park Guell in Barcelona was created in 1910 by the famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí. Most Beautiful places Spain are rightfully located in this park. Amazing walking alleys allow you to fully enjoy nature and stunning views. Visitors are accompanied by the singing of parrots, of which there are a lot. And the Doric temple with a terrace and other architectural structures amaze with their beauty and grandeur, but the two gingerbread houses at the entrance to the Park really look like sweet delicacies, from which you just want to break off a piece.

Cordoba Cathedral Mosque located in the city of Cordoba is protected by UNESCO. And all because it is recognized as a unique architectural structure. Appeared in 600 and was first christian church. After the destruction in the 8th century, a mosque was built in its place. Subsequently, the mosque was repeatedly rebuilt and completed, as a result of which an Orthodox church appeared inside the mosque itself. Marble and granite columns, huge arches and luxurious gilded niches amaze any tourist with their beauty and grandeur. The visual effect in the Cordoba mosque is so strong that it is here that you can feel yourself in a real looking glass.

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is the Roman Catholic Church. It began to be built in 1882, and the construction has not yet been completed. For extraordinary appearance the temple is often compared to a coral reef. The architect Antonio Gaudi gave 43 years to the construction of the temple, but only managed to build the facade of the Nativity. According to his project, the building should have three facades with different subjects: Christmas, the Passion of the Lord and the Resurrection of Christ. At the current rate of fundraising, the building is expected to be completed by 2026.

Alhambra Palace in Granada This is the most visited place in Spain by tourists. The Moorish fortress is covered with original carvings, called Arabic script, and the entire complex of palaces is surrounded by well-kept gardens. It looks like an ordinary fortress, but all the beauty is inside. There are a lot of courtyards, pools and fountains. The main feature is the unique carving on the plaster. Of interest to tourists are the arches of buildings that look like symmetrical stalactites.

Spain harbored in its open spaces quite a few mysterious places that look like a magical dream. This is a list of the 15 most interesting ones.

Incredible waterfalls, forests like from a fairy tale, rock formations of incredible shapes, caves in which a dragon slumbers, rivers in which turquoise waters flow, absolutely red or pink land ... In Spain there are many hidden corners to discover something every time new without leaving the country.

In fact, there are so many magical places in Spain that it's hard to choose them. We tried to choose for you the 15 most magical places in Spain and tell you about them so that it would be easier for you to plan your new trip to our fabulous Kingdom.

1. Minas de Riotinto, Huelva, Andalusia

Lunar landscapes, absolutely red lands and red water in the river create the illusion that you are on Mars. But no, friends, you are on Earth and have not flown anywhere from here. Moreover, you are on the soil of the Kingdom of Spain!

Minas de Riotinto is one of the most interesting places on the map of Spain. These are landscapes changed and transformed under the influence of human activity, starting from the Bronze Age, when people began to explore these places and their bowels.

If you decide to visit this surreal place, it will not leave you indifferent.

2. Selva Irati, Navarra

Imagine a dense forest, behind every tree of which a fairy or a forest gnome or a hobbit is hiding (whatever you like). And all this among incredible colors: red earth, thousands of shades of green on the trees and the incredibly blue sky of Navarre. Selva Irati is the second largest beech forest in Europe (after the Black Forest in Germany) and the best preserved in its original virginity.

This unspoiled environment is ideal for sports and recreation, photo walks, senderism and just a weekend getaway to enjoy the unique scenery.

3. Beach of the Cathedrals, Lugo, Galicia

Do you want to feel like a small ant on planet Earth? Head north of Galicia and visit the Beach of the Cathedrals.

Huge, 32-meter rocks in the form of arches descend into the ocean. If you get here at low tide (in the morning or late in the evening), you can walk under these arches, which seem to have been carved into the rock by giant cyclops.

In fact, this unforgettable sight has been honed by nature for many, many thousands and millions of years. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this one of the most amazing places in Spain.

4. Hell's Throat Gorge (Garganta de los Infiernos), Caceres, Extremadura

The Hell's Throat Gorge Nature Reserve is without a doubt one of the most unique landscapes hidden in Spain.

It enjoys a privileged location in the north of the province of Cáceres, in the western part of the Sierra de Gredos, in the heart of Valle del Jerte, full of waterfalls, streams, natural pools and huge bowls (pozos) carved into the rocks by the erosion of rivers.

This place is perfect for hiking, photo sessions. This worthy place to feel like a hero of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit.

5. Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Canary Islands

Shrouded in mist, or pierced by rays of bright sunlight, the laurel forests of Garajonay look like prehistoric landscapes. Only dinosaurs and pterodactels on the branches of trees are missing for complete realism ...

This magical place, usually shrouded in eternal darkness, is so old and so virgin, untouched by human activity, that it takes us to the Tertiary period.

The forest is on beautiful island Homer, in the archipelago of the Canary Islands. This corner of Spain is so full of wonders that you are sure to fall in love with it.

6. Las Medulas, Leon, Castile and Leon

Burgundy sand, sharp peaks, red rocks rising between chestnut and oak. Las Medulas are natural monument, which began to form during the time of the Roman Empire, which mined gold in open pits in these places and exported tons of it outside of Spain.

Walking around Las Medulas is like stepping into another reality, another dimension that allows you to broaden your horizons.

Las Medulas are listed world heritage UNESCO and are one of the most incredible cultural parks available in Spain.

If you are traveling to Las Medunas visit observation deck Orellana to enjoy the panoramic view, be careful, she will steal your heart forever!

7. El Torcal de Antequera, Malaga, Andalusia

This is an almost surreal landscape, striking in its unusualness. El Torcal de Antequera is distinguished by bizarre forms of limestone formed as a result of karst processes.

Walking between these peaks and polished stones and rock formations immerse you in other worlds, previously unknown to man. From the very first steps of walking through this place, your imagination is completely captivated by the surrounding landscapes.

El Torcal de Antequera is the real natural paradise in Spain, which you have to see to believe it1

8. Drac Caves, Mallorca, Balearic Islands

One glance at the Drak caves is enough to imagine a sleeping dragon guarding treasure chests, how he lights a torch and in its dim light one can watch how drops roll down stalactites into a mysterious lake in a cave.

This magical corner is located next to Manacor and its 4 caves descend to a depth of 25 meters below ground level. Inside the cave is a large underground lake, next to which you can hear the captivating sounds of classical music.

A more beautiful place in Spain is hard to imagine...

9. Ordesa National Park, Huesca, Aragon

Deep intermontane valleys, high mountains, lush vegetation, turquoise rivers, waterfalls, and all this dissolves in the stunningly beautiful atmosphere of the Ordesa National Park.

Ordesa National Park, located in the Pyrenees of Aragon, is something from the realm of fantasy, beyond understanding. Here you can shoot fantasy films.

Ordesa Park is located on more than 15,000 hectares of beautiful landscapes, the most big waterfall Europe, so it is simply impossible to choose only one corner to enjoy all the beauty of Ordesa.

But we can advise you to go through the Añisclo canyon, the Pineta valley, and on to the famous Cola de Caballo valley.

10. Gulpiyuri Beach, Asturias

Although mass tourism already got to that unique place, it does not lose its magical appeal.

Get out on this beach sometime at dawn and you will see a stunning picture of the sea beach, with a piece of the sea ... but you will not see the sea itself, or rather the ocean, since everything is surrounded by green meadows flooded with sun and a high rock.

And although the depth of the lagoon is not enough for swimming, the Gulpiyuri beach seems special, unreal… Perhaps nymphs come here to swim at night….

11. Fageda d'en Jorda, Olot, Catalonia

Mountains that are actually a dormant volcano, green landscapes, incredible patterns of tree roots on the ground, all this adds mystery and a veil of magic to this place.

The Zona Volcanica de la Garrocha Natural Park, in spring and autumn, is covered with an incredibly colorful carpet, which gives even more confidence that here you will definitely meet one of the heroes of local mythology.

Take a book, food, sit under a tree and wait...maybe you're lucky...

12. Las Bardenas Reales, Navarra

Las Bardenas Reales is a semi-desert place where you will find various stone sculptures carved by water and wind over many thousands of years. Among the bizarre forms you will meet a variety of plateaus, volcanoes, mysterious mountain dwellers and what else your imagination will tell you.

Walking in Las Bardenas Reales is like going to the moon, only you don't have to leave planet Earth to do it.

13. Sierra de Cazorla Natural Park, Jaén, Andalusia

Next to the sea of ​​olive trees that cover most of the province of Jaén, you have a green paradise that is more typical of the north of the country.

La Serrada de Elias is the most famous route in this place and the most beautiful. In addition, this route passes through the village of Cazorla, a small medieval marvel that adorns the Castle de la Yedra with its imposing ramparts.

Here time has stopped and peace rules the place and the world.

14. Monastery de Piedra, Zaragoza, Aragon

Natural Park The Monastery of Piedra is a true symphony of water, light and nature, which merge here to give rise to one of the most magical places in Spain.

The course of the Piedra River formed rocks, lakes, caves, waterfalls on its way. Stepping once into the territory natural park Monastery de Piedra, you will leave your heart here forever.

15. Green Caves (Cueva de los verdes), Lanzarote, Canary Islands

The volcanic island of Lanzarote is so unique that it is not surprising that in its bowels it harbors such wonders as the Green Caves. This is a volcanic cavity, 7 km long, which was formed by the lava of the Corona volcano 5,000 years ago.

This is one of the longest lava tunnels in the world, where the local population has found its refuge for many centuries. Today, these caves are open to tourists.

Spain is very beautiful and hospitable country. Green hills and flowering fields, vineyards and orange groves, beautiful beaches and clear sea, attract lovers of nature and beach holidays. For lovers of history and culture, Spain opens the gates of its unforgettable cities, opens the doors of world-famous museums, and shows its most interesting corners. It will not leave indifferent gourmets and connoisseurs of fine wines, fans of shopping and lovers of noisy discos and night clubs.

Madrid

The capital of Spain is Madrid. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the city does not have its own architectural symbol; it is in itself a symbol of Spain, built in the 16th century. King Philip II, who no longer had enough space in the former capital of Toledo.

Madrid is full of architectural monuments of various eras and styles, sights, museums with priceless exhibits, beautiful gardens and parks, noisy bazaars and colorful Spanish streets.

The most beautiful place in Madrid can be safely called architectural ensemble The Royal Palace in the Baroque style, which served until 1931 as the home of the royal dynasty.

Another popular place- The Cathedral of San Isidro, built in honor of the patron saint of Madrid, Saint Isidore. In addition to this temple, the capital has many beautiful churches, cathedrals, mosques for representatives of other faiths.

One of the most famous museums in the world is located in Madrid - the Prado National Museum of Painting and Sculpture. Its collection is based on the collections of the three kings of Spain from the Habsburg dynasty - Charles I, Philip I and Philip II. All exhibits were kept in the royal palace of Escorial, until King Charles III in 1814 ordered the creation of a public museum in the Prado Park. Currently, the Prado collection has more than 9,000 exhibits, including world-famous paintings and antique sculptures.

Toledo

Toledo is the former capital of Spain. This place has woven together the history and culture of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, which is clearly reflected in its architecture and sights. In 1986, the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Cathedral of Toledo, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is one of the largest in the world, its 90 meters high bell tower is visible from anywhere in the city. Another famous religious building of the city is the Toledo Mosque, which was built by several generations of Arabs living in Spain.

The heart of Toledo - the Alcázar fortress or the royal palace - has been rebuilt several times in its history, so its facades are a bizarre mixture of architectural styles.

Seville

The second name of Seville is the Orange Grove. The streets and parks of the city are lined with orange trees, and it is surrounded by orange orchards. In spring, the air of Seville is filled with delicious aromas of flowering citruses.

One of the most remarkable buildings of the city is the Cathedral of Seville, built on the site of an ancient Moorish mosque of the 12th century. After the expulsion of the Moors, the mosque was destroyed, but its minaret was so beautiful that it was preserved and converted into the bell tower of the new cathedral, the third largest in Europe. 500 years ago, the dome of the minaret, destroyed by an earthquake, was replaced with a weather vane, which gave the name to the entire tower - La Giralda.

Seville inherited from the Moors a beautiful garden and park complex, which is part of the ensemble of the Royal Palace. In the 14th century, the palace was rebuilt, but the Moorish style of this place was preserved, and the ruling Spanish dynasties have been using it as one of the official residences for 700 years.

Canary Islands

Canary Islands- a real pearl of Spain, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean of 7 large and 6 small uninhabited islands. The largest and most popular islands among tourists are Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. The sunny beaches of the Canary Islands attract lovers sea ​​recreation and nightlife.

The islands are famous for their banana plantations, laurel forests and beautiful landscapes adorned with flowering hibiscus, prickly pear and strelitzia.

Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are another popular holiday destination in Spain. Three major islands archipelago - Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca - are known all over the world. Each of them, in addition to a great opportunity to relax on the magnificent beaches and swim in the clean and warm water of the Mediterranean Sea, attracts guests of the country with its features.

Located in Mallorca beautiful city, the capital of 5 islands - Palma de Mallorca, flaunting its Bellver castle. In the east of the island, you can also admire landscapes untouched by civilization.

Ibiza is known the world over as the capital of clubbing culture, and its noisy and luxurious nightlife in clubs and outdoors attracts many celebrities.

Menorca can rightly be called a museum island due to the large number of architectural and archaeological monuments, statues and sculptures in the open air, crypts with burials. The most mysterious prehistoric monuments are Taulas - towers of T-shaped stones lying on top of each other, the purpose of which has not yet been unraveled.

Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes

One of the most beautiful places in Spain is the Botanical Garden of the Sea and Myrtle or Marimurtra in the coastal town of Blanes. Its territory represents three geographical zones - the Mediterranean, the subtropics and the temperate zone.

The uniqueness of the Botanical Garden of Marimurtra is that it is located on the rocks, which offer a breathtaking view of the Costa Brava. The seascape is framed by magnificent flowering plants, which is why Marimurtra is considered one of the most beautiful places not only in Spain, but also in the world.

Alhambra

The Alhambra, a magnificent Arabic-style palace in Granada, is a uniquely beautiful place that has inspired many world-famous artists and writers. This citadel was built in 1238 by the Moors, who made Granada the capital of Islamic Spain.

The vast Alhambra palace complex, built on the wooded hill of Sabica, is beautifully set off by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. This place, in fact, is a whole city with gardens, pavilions, fountains, ponds, a palace ensemble and a small medina (residential quarter).

The peculiarities of the decor of the palace are carvings on plaster - an openwork ornament in the form of Arabic script, as well as zillis - glazed colorful ceramic tiles that make up complex patterns on the basement of the building.

The Lion's Courtyard is a world masterpiece of architecture, the most beautiful place in the Alhambra. It is a fountain in the form of a bowl on the backs of 12 marble lions, located in the center of arcade galleries with graceful columns.

Spain is an amazing country that falls in love with itself at first sight. Captivating history, rich cultural heritage, many attractions and, of course, the stunning nature of Spain simply cannot leave you indifferent. We will find out which are the most beautiful places in Spain that you should definitely visit in order to fully experience all its splendor.

A series of snow-white towns called Pueblos Blancos, dotting the slopes of mountains and hills, is a real attraction of Andalusia. Until recently, they were in decline because young people left for larger cities in search of work, but now residents are actively engaged in attracting tourists and restoring buildings and roads. Houses with white walls, narrow lanes, churches, flowery valleys - all this gives Pueblos Blancos a special charm and charm.

The Alhambra is an architectural and park complex located in the city of Granada in southern Spain. This is one of the most popular attractions in the country, because the fortress is really impressive. The ensemble of ancient palaces, surrounded by magnificent gardens, is located on a hilltop, and behind it the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains are visible. The Alhambra is truly one of the finest architectural works of art.

3. Gaudí creations

The sights of Barcelona are varied and amazing, however, the collection can be considered the pearl of the Catalan capital. architectural masterpieces famous Antonio Gaudi. Most famous building built by him is the Sagrada Familia with unusual columns and carved towers. It is also worth visiting his houses Mila, Calvet, Batllo, Vicens, Park Güell.

The Picos de Europa National Park is located in the territories of Leon, Cantabria and Asturias. This mountain range, a journey that will especially appeal to lovers of outdoor activities and thrills. In Picos de Europa you can visit mysterious caves and mountain passes, glacial lakes and seething rivers, emerald valleys and flowering meadows. The beauty of this place is hard to put into words!

5. Cathedral of St. James

The city of Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the region of Galicia, known as the final destination of the pilgrimage Way of St. James. And his relics are believed to be kept in the majestic Gothic Cathedral of St. James. Its carved facades, decorated towers and sculptures immerse you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The cathedral is an amazing story and magnificent architecture.

Mount Teide on the island of Tenerife is the center of the Teide National Park and the highest point in Spain. From its snowy peak opens luxurious look to the Canary Islands. Since the islands are closer to the African coast, the nature there differs from the traditional Spanish landscapes. If you decide to conquer the top of the volcano on foot, then an incredible and exciting adventure is definitely waiting for you.

7. Formentera Island

Holidays on the beaches of the island of Formentera will give you peace, quiet and relaxation, because this is one of the islands most untouched by civilization. White sand and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea - what you need to recuperate after an active holiday. You can get to the island by ferry from Ibiza, the trip will take about half an hour.

Who hasn't heard of one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, Valencia? One of its main attractions is architectural complex"City of Arts and Sciences" designed by Santiago Calatrava. It includes 5 buildings: the Opera House; cinema, planetarium and theater of laser performances; gallery/garden; science museum and oceanographic park. The complex is surrounded by parks and pools, and the buildings themselves are extremely picturesque and unusual.

Seville is the capital of Andalusia, rich in stunning architecture. Plaza de España, designed by architect Anibal González, is an urban ensemble in the Neo-Moorish style. In its center there is a fountain, on the territory there are canals and figured bridges, patterned towers and colonnades. By the way, the shooting of the film “Star Wars” took place on this square. Episode II: Attack of the Clones".

The ancient city of Toledo used to be the capital of Spain. It is called the "City of Three Cultures", as it used to be inhabited by Christians, Muslims and Jews. Historical Center Toledo is a whole medieval ensemble, including many architectural monuments: The Cathedral of St. Mary, the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, the El Greco Museum, the monastery of St. Ursula, the castle of San Servando and others. This city is for those who want to immerse themselves in the rich history of Spain.

Spain is a country in Southern Europe, its territory is located in the western Mediterranean on the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal.

Spain, with its beautiful beaches, fun nightlife, a large number of cultural regions and ancient cities - a great place to travel. As a diverse country, both geographically and culturally, Spain can be surprisingly interesting for those who are only familiar with it from relaxing on the beaches. Everything is here: from dense meadows, snow-capped mountains and huge swamps to salt lakes and deserts.

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Of Spain 's many wonderful cities , the country 's thriving capital Madrid , the bustling coastal city of Barcelona , bullfighting famed Pamplona , and flamenco homeland Seville deserve to be mentioned first . But that's not all!

How to get there

There are many different ways to get to Spain, but it all depends on which city or island you want to go to. Below we list the links, following which, you can understand how you can get to a particular city.

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Weather in Spain

Spain has a mild climate. The country is almost completely influenced by the Mediterranean climate zone, it is considered one of the warmest in Europe.

In summer, the air temperature in the south and in the central regions reaches +30, sometimes +40 ° C, and in winter in Spain it is cool and rainy. Frosts in the country are very rare, even in January it is usually warmer than +5°С.

The beach season in Spain lasts from May to October. Sea water at this time warms up to + 18 ° C and above. The mild climate favors sightseeing vacation during the whole year.

The maximum precipitation falls on the northwestern regions, their volume reaches 2000 mm per year. It is not so rainy in the interior parts of the country, the annual rainfall does not exceed 500 mm.

Cities and regions

Cities

The main cities of Spain are, of course, the capital of the state of Madrid and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. In addition, there are other famous cities Spain, except for Madrid and Barcelona, ​​which are famous tourist routes- Valencia, Salou, Toledo, Granada, Malaga, Bilbao and others.

The southwestern region of the country, characterized by an amazing variety of landscapes. Here, high cliffs alternate with fertile valleys, and desert areas give way to swampy areas. Only in this part of Spain, the hot climate of the Mediterranean is adjacent to the cold of the mountain peaks.

In Andalusia, tourists are waiting for a large number of interesting monuments of antiquity - medieval fortresses and Arab towers, majestic cathedrals and cozy churches in mountain villages.
Main tourist destinations Andalusia - the cities of Seville, Granada, Malaga, Cadiz, and the resort area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe Costa del Sol.

It is from the Costa del Sol (" sunny Beach”), many tourists associate holidays in Andalusia. The Costa del Sol around Malaga is one of the most significant tourist areas in Spain (300 km long), including the famous resorts of Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona.

Andalusia also attracts tourists with its holidays, traditions, cuisine. Here is the warmest sea in Spain, the hottest and longest summer, the most friendly locals.

Region of Spain, located in the northeast of the country, in the Ebro River basin. The environment of the mountains - the Pyrenees, Cantabrian, Iberian and Catalan - makes Aragon the most isolated of the regions of Spain. The main cities of the Aragon region are the capital of Zaragoza, Teruel with buildings in the Mudéjar style, Huesca, sheltered at the foot of the Pyrenees.

Tourists are attracted to Aragon by its natural wealth: clear lakes, deep gorges, dense forests, thermal springs, the healing properties of which have been known since Roman times. Modern thermal complexes Aragon offers a large number of wellness treatments.

This region is popular with climbers, kayakers, rafting enthusiasts and mountain bikers. They are attracted by the National Park Ordesa (Parque Nacional Ordesa) located here - the oldest national park in Spain (1918), covering an area of ​​15,600 hectares. Pearls of the park - blooming alpine meadows, mountain rivers with waterfalls.

small historical area, located in northern Spain, off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Asturias still retains its ancient title - the principality of Asturias (Principado de Asturias). Geographic features Asturias are sharp coastal cliffs and mountain landscapes that form the local climate: humid and warm in summer and quite cold and snowy in winter.

The main cities are the capital of Oviedo and a large seaport Gijón, with picturesque beaches and old fishermen's quarters.
Tourists in Asturias may be interested in natural resources, including the Peaks of Europe National Park, which is spread over the territory of three administrative regions at once. So, in the Asturian part of the park there are the most beautiful lakes of Covadonga (Lagos de Covadonga). In one of the caves of the park (Santa Cueva) is the chapel of the Holy Virgin of Cavadonga (Virgen de Covadonga), which is the main attraction of Asturias and a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of believers.

An autonomous region of Spain, a large tourist area, which is an archipelago of small islands. The Balearic Islands lie in the western Mediterranean at equal distances from the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and northern Africa.

The archipelago consists of two groups of islands: the Gimnesias Islands (Menorca, Mallorca and Sabrera and the small islands of Dragonera, Isla de Aire, etc.) and the Pitiusas Islands (Ibiza, Formentera and the small islands surrounding them).

The main islands of the Balearic archipelago (detailed information is available at the links)

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the north of the country. The Basque country is granted wide autonomy: in its administrative center, Vitoria, the parliament meets and the government works. Due to the proximity of the ocean and mountains, the Basque Country has a favorable climate: no cold in winter and tiring heat in summer.

The region attracts tourists with its unique culture and excellent conditions for outdoor recreation: hiking, golf and all mountain sports are developed here. There are several protected areas in the Basque Country: Valderejo, Urkiola, Urdaibai national parks. Of the attractions of the area, it is worth visiting the active salt mines of Salinas de Anana, discovered by the Romans.

The Basque Country consists of three provinces: the lowland Alava (Alava), the center of winemaking, the mountainous Gipuzkoa (Guipúzcoa) and Biscay (Vizcaya). The main cities of the autonomy are Vitoria, Bilbao, San Sebastian.

The archipelago and autonomous region of Spain, consisting of 2 provinces, seven large inhabited islands and several small ones, located just 100 km from the coast of Africa. The Canary Islands is a Spanish tropical paradise, which is visited by thousands of residents of the country and foreign tourists all year round. I can offer the guests of the Canary Islands a unique variety of tropical nature, wonderful weather all year round, magnificent beaches and opportunities for activities of any water sports sports. The total length of the beaches of the Canary Islands is 257 km.

Islands of the Canary archipelago (detailed information is available at the links)

This region of Spain is located in the north of the country. The region is famous great beaches and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities (windsurfing, yachting, snowboarding, rafting, horseback riding, hiking). There are national parks on the territory of the region: Dune Lienkres - protected area dunes at the mouth of the Pas River, guarding large populations of birds; Saha Besaia Park - the largest hunting grounds in Spain; part of the National Park "Peaks of Europe", which was chosen by climbers and ecotourists.

On the territory of Cantabria is very interesting place, which is the Paleolithic heritage of all Europe: the Center for the Study of Caves, guarding four unusually beautiful caves (El Castillo, Las Monedas, La Pasiega and Las Chimeneas).

Main city region - the capital of Santander, which is a favorite resort of the Spanish royal family. Also noteworthy is the town of Santillana del Mar with the caves of Altamira included in the list. historical heritage Humanity UNESCO.

This autonomous region is located in the center of Spain and has no access to the sea. The area is famous for its magnificent mountain landscapes - the Central Cordillera in the north, the Pyrenees in the northeast, the Sierra Morena and Montes de Toledo mountains in the south. The capital of the region is ancient historical city Toledo. Recognizable symbols of this area - windmills. Among the main attractions of the region are the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in Toledo, the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Julian in Cuenca.

The largest autonomous region of Spain, interesting for its bright historical past, impressive monuments, including well-preserved ancient cathedrals and monasteries. The region is popular with winter sports enthusiasts, with many modern ski resorts. In summer and spring, gourmet tours to Castile and Leon are especially popular with tourists.

The main cities are the unique historical city of Segovia, with an ancient Roman aqueduct and royal palace Alcazar; Salamanca with the famous university - one of the first in Europe (1218). Also interesting are the "city of one cathedral" Burgos, ancient city- Fort Avila; once the capital of the kingdom old City Leon with many historical monuments.

One of the most beautiful regions of Spain, but at the same time - the largest cultural, business and industrial center of the country. This autonomous region, located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, is famous for its history, rich culture, ancient customs and chic Mediterranean resorts.

The climate of Catalonia is temperate Mediterranean, and the Pyrenees protecting it from the winds and the influence of the sea provide comfortable weather for relaxation almost all year round. It is in Catalonia that the famous resorts of Costa Brava, Costa de Maresme, Costa Dorada are located. There are beautiful beaches, hotels, clubs, restaurants, water parks for vacationers. The most famous is the Port Avetura amusement park in Salou, popular with children and adults all over the world.

The most significant cities of the region are the capital Barcelona, ​​a city-museum, one of most beautiful cities peace; ancient Tarragona with buildings of the ancient Roman era; Girona is an ancient city that has preserved monuments of various cultures.

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the west of the country, on the border with Portugal. Most of this non-tourist region is plains covered with forests and olive trees. Guests of the region may be interested in protected areas, including the Monfragé National Park. The reserve is famous for the largest forests in the Mediterranean, filled with unique fauna.

The main cities of the region are the capital of Merida, which was once one of the most significant cities of the Roman Empire on the famous Silver Road, and the border city of Badajoz - with historical monuments Arabic period.

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the northwestern part of the country. The territory of Galicia is crossed by mountain ranges 900-1625 m high, descending to the sea coast and forming a picturesque coastline. The climate of the area is mild, but damp and rainy, and it was he who created the Galician landscape saturated with greenery.

For tourists, Galicia is interesting for its culture and nature; a type of ecotourism is developed here, called "rural tourism" - rural turism. The Rías Altas in Galicia is famous for its fishing villages, excellent beaches and monumental cliffs, while the Rías Bajas is famous for its magnificent national parks and natural reserves.

On the territory of Galicia, one of the most revered places by Catholic pilgrims is located - the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The main cities of the region are Santiago de Compostela; La Coruña with its famous glazed facades; Lugo, which has retained its flavor from ancient Roman times; port Vigo; Pontevedra with an interesting historical area.

The smallest autonomous region of Spain, and at the same time - the most famous and prosperous wine region of the country. The region is located in northern Spain, in the valley of the Ebro River and its tributary Oja, and consists of seven fertile valleys, completely covered with vineyards.

Winemaking has flourished in Rioja since ancient Roman times. Already in 1650, a law was passed here that approved the rules for making wine. On an industrial scale, wine in Rioja began to be produced at the end of the 19th century. In 1945, Rioja was proclaimed the first Spanish wine region DO (Denominacion de Origen), and in 1991 the region was awarded the status of DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada). The center of Rioja winemaking is the city of Haro.

Tourists traveling in Rioja are advised to visit the largest Wine Museum in the world and the Enkiso paleontological center, as well as the amazing grottoes-dwellings, hollowed out in the mountain of Cantabria. The main city of the region is the medieval capital of Logroño with many attractions.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and at the same time its separate autonomous region, filled with a huge number of attractions - both ancient and modern. Nearby are Aranjuez, Escorial, Salamanca, Segovia, Toledo and Valle de los Caidos.

Autonomous region located in the southeast of Spain. In the south of the region, in the area of ​​Cape Palos, rocky shores form magnificent landscapes, to the north is the picturesque Mar Menor lagoon with small islands of volcanic origin.

The region of Murcia is the horticultural center of Spain and is the largest producer of fruits, vegetables and flowers in Europe. Tourists are attracted to Murcia by local resorts: the golden-sand Costa Calida, the promising La Manga del Mar, located on a narrow sandy spit that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the large Mar Menor lagoon.

The main cities of the region are Murcia, which has preserved its Arab heritage; the ancient port city of Cartagena, founded by the Carthaginians in 221 BC. e.

The autonomous region of Spain, once a separate kingdom, is located in the north of the country, at the foot of the western Pyrenees, on the border with France. The territory of the region has a rich historical heritage: history buffs will find numerous fortresses, palaces, castles and temples here. The main cities of the region are the capital of Pamplona, ​​a cozy and calm city with many parks and attractions, exploding with a grand fiesta with a bull run on St. Fermin's day; winemaking center Olite; very beautiful city of Puente La Reina.

The region will also be of interest to lovers of active pastime: hunters and fishermen, climbers, hikers, as it has several national reserves (Reserva Natural del Embalse de las Cañas, Parque Natural del Señorío de Bértiz). Navarra is also famous for its healing springs: here in the town of Fitero there is a popular thermal spa Banos de Fitero.

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the southeast of the country. Valencia is one of the most touristic regions, consisting of three provinces: mountainous Castellon with resort towns on the coast, Valencia with an amazing lagoon and traditional festivals, and rocky Alicante with numerous tourist centers.

Valencia is an important center beach tourism Spain. Length coastline area is 485 km. In terms of the number of beaches awarded with the Blue Flag of the EU, Valencia is ahead of all other regions of the country.

The coast of Valencia is conditionally divided into zones:

• Costa Blanca ("White Coast") in the south in the province of Alicante, with a strip of magnificent fine sandy beaches and the resorts of Denia, Calpe, Javea, Torrevieja and Benidorm spread over it;
• Costa Azahar, the “Coast of Orange Flavor”, famous for its rocky landscapes, is located in the north, in the province of Castellón, where the largest resorts are Peñiscola, Alcossebre, Oropesa, Benicassim;
• Costa Valencia with the major resorts of Sagunto, Balvarosa, Saler, Perelionet, Coolera, Gaguya and Oliva.

Valencia is also home to one of the most popular amusement parks in Spain, Tera Mitica, built based on the famous myths of antiquity.

The main cities of the region are its capital Valencia with ancient and modern sights; as well as Alicante - famous tourist centre and a very beautiful old city.

What to see

Barcelona

Madrid

Ibiza

Majorca

Tenerife

Other cities

• Port Aventura in Salou
• Salvador Dali Theater Museum in Figueres
• Garajonay National Park on La Gomera
• Cave de los Verdes in Lanzarote
• Ordesa National Park in Aragon
• National Park "Peaks of Europe" in Asturias

And many other attractions in Spain ...

Where to go in Spain

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Wellness vacation

Private guides in Spain

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Spain in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Festivals in Spain

Spain is a country of festivals, dozens of such events are held there every year. The festivals cover all genres of art. The most grandiose of them are listed below. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the capital of Catalonia, then you should read the section "Festivals and parades in Barcelona".

• June July. Granada International Music Festival: concerts, operetta, classical and modern dances and flamenco
• The second half of July - the first half of August. Santander International Music Festival: music, dance, theater
• End of June - beginning of August. Mérida Theater Festival: Classical Greco-Latin and Mediterranean Theater
• September. National Festival of Classical Theater in Almagro: Classical Spanish and World Theater
• Mid September - early October. autumn festival in Madrid: concerts, opera, drama, classical and modern dances
• July. Jazz Festival in San Javier
• August. International Vocal Festival Habaneras in Torrevieja

Fiesta in Spain

Fiestas are mass events on the occasion of national or religious holidays. There are a lot of such events in Spain, and they are held on a large scale. The most famous fiestas are listed below.

• Fallas festival in Valencia (March 19): burning of fallas - large papier-mâché dolls, bullfighting
• Holy Week (Semana Santa): solemn processions in the south, in Seville, Malaga, Granada, Murcia
• April Fair (10 days after Easter): spring festival in Seville; all night long the Sevillians dance, eat and drink in the streets
• Fiesta of St. Isidro (May 15): feast of the patron saint of Madrid, bullfighting (the biggest bullfight of the season), folk festivals with music and dancing
• Feast of San Fermin (second week of July): Thrill-seekers running down the city street ahead of wild bulls and bullfighting in Pamplona
• Mystery in Elche (August 14-15): Theatrical Ascension of the Virgin Mary (Valencia)
• La Mece (September 24): a celebration in honor of the patroness of Barcelona, ​​during which one of the attractions is the construction of a "human pyramid" and "running lights", as well as a procession with huge papier-mâché figures
• Fiesta "Moors and Christians" is a grand performance with colorful shows and fireworks. It is carried out on the largest scale in Alcoy. The time is April, but such extravaganzas take place throughout the year in many cities.
• Fiesta "Bonfires of St. Juan" (on the night of June 24) is a grand celebration with bonfires, colorful processions and fireworks. The culmination of the holiday happens in Alicante, where a large fiery palm tree lights up on the top of Mount Benacatil.

Surfing in Spain

Movement around the country

Bus

Bus stations (in Spanish estacion de autobus) in Spain are available in almost all major cities and resort centers. Bus timetables can be found at travel agencies and at bus stations, and they are often found in shop windows and cafes, especially those located near bus stations.

It is customary to enter city buses through the front door. To get off at the stop you need, you must first notify the driver by pressing the button at the door. Exit from the bus is carried out only through the back door. Maps of the city's bus routes are available at each stop, which are marked with yellow-green boards with the word "bus". Red color, as a rule, denote routes that run through the central areas of cities, and blue color - routes of night buses.

City buses in Spain run from 5:30 to 00:00. The trip is paid directly on the bus: the passenger tells the driver the destination and the number of people. The driver issues a check, which indicates the fare. In Spain, all types of public transport are subject to single tickets, their cost depends on the number of transport zones crossed per trip. IN different cities also established their own tariffs, discounts, benefits and travel cards for different types of transport.

The network of intercity bus lines connects all corners of Spain and is distinguished high level service (air conditioner, dry closet, video equipment). Traveling by bus is cheaper than by train and allows you to get to know the country better. So, the fare between the most remote cities, depending on the season, day of the week, time of day and distance of the trip, will not exceed 40-45 euros. At the height of the tourist season, buses on the main routes depart at intervals of about once an hour. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office of the bus station or at travel agencies.

Often the same route is served by several buses (depending on the number of tickets sold) that will have to leave at the same time. Therefore, it is worth checking the bus number indicated on your ticket (coche (autobus) No. ...) with the number on the windshield of the bus. Intercity bus routes that are served by many operators can be planned for.

Train

Railway lines in Spain are operated by a state-owned company (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Espanolas / National Network of Spanish Railways).

There are many train fares on the train, depending on the day of the week and time of year. Tickets are sold at the ticket offices of railway stations and train stations, tourist offices. There you can also get detailed information about train timetables.

At large train stations in Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Seville, Salamanca and others, in addition to ticket offices, there are special tourist centers - they serve travelers and sell tickets for any direction, including advance ones. Employees of such centers usually speak English and French, and all types of credit cards of major payment systems are accepted for payment. In order not to crowd in the queue, you must first take a ticket with a number in a small machine at the entrance to the center. When your turn comes, the corresponding number will be displayed on the scoreboard above one of the windows.

You can also buy a ticket through the RENFE website. You can order tickets online a maximum of 60 days, and buy at the box office of stations - at least 5 minutes before the train's departure.

Controllers work on all directions and in all trains in Spain. If you did not have time to buy a ticket, you can do it after the train has departed - directly from the controller, but it will cost a little more.

There are several types of trains in Spain. First, train cars have two classes: first (primera) and second (segunda).
Secondly, trains vary in the level of amenities provided.

Ave — high speed trains luxury, connecting so far only Madrid and Seville and Barcelona and Madrid. Travel time (Madrid-Seville) - 3 hours 25 minutes with stops (11 flights per day) and 2 hours 40 minutes non-stop (Madrid-Barcelona) - 6 flights per day, in the morning and evening hours.

Talgo- fast trains long distance, they run between all major cities in Spain. They provide sleeping places, buffet.

Diurno, Estrella, Rapidos- less fast than Talgo and not very comfortable. Estrella is a night version of these trains.

Tranvia- inexpensive regional and suburban trains following with all stops.

Apart from conventional trains, there are special tourist trains, the most famous of which is the Andalus Express (Al Andalus Express). This is a luxury train called a "palace hotel" on wheels, equipped with 1930s carriages, with toilet rooms, maids, etc. The train has 2 restaurants of "high" cuisine - Alhambra and Gibralfaro, and bar "Giralda" with live music. The train is designed for only 50 passengers. It moves at a speed of 60-90 km / h, making long stops in the major cities of Andalusia. Departs once a week - on Sundays. Information can be obtained at the box office and tourist offices.

In addition to the above, in this post you can read a tourist's observations about trains between Madrid and Barcelona, ​​nuances, differences, and so on.

Taxi

Taxis in Spain are official (licensed) and private. An official taxi can be painted black and yellow (as in Barcelona) or white (as in Spain as a whole), has a light board with the inscription taxi and a counter. The fact that the taxi is free is indicated by the “libre” flag (free) or the green light (at night). You can take a taxi at the taxi ranks (Parada de Taxi), marked with a blue sign with a large white letter "T", or stop by "voting" on the street. In addition, a taxi can be called by phone to a restaurant, hotel, supermarket. The maximum waiting time for a booked taxi is 10 minutes.

The fare is usually calculated as follows: for landing - 2 euros, then for each km - 1 euro during the day and about 1.2 euros at night (from 22:00 to 06:00). For luggage - 1 euro more. Rates increase on holidays and weekends. When traveling outside the city limits, it is necessary to negotiate the fare with the driver in advance, since the passenger also pays for the taxi return trip. Payment in licensed taxis is made only in accordance with the meter.

Metro

The metro in Spain is a very convenient means of transportation, with its help you can easily and quickly go to almost anywhere in the city, in addition, some lines have stations of intersection with Renfe (Spanish National railways) and tram lines. Metro is available in such major cities as Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Bilbao, Alicante, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville.

In all cities, the principle of operation of the subway is approximately the same. The Spanish metro, as a rule, is divided into transport zones, and fees are charged accordingly - the more zones a passenger crosses during a trip, the higher the fare (from 1.50 euros). Metro tickets are single-use and reusable, they also apply to other public transport in cities. The ticket must be kept until the end of the trip. The metro in Spain is usually open from 05:00-06:00 to 23:00-00:00 (on weekends and holidays - until 01:00-2:00).

Tram, funicular and cable car

Trams in Spain are available in many cities and are usually part of the metro system (marked with the letter T on metro maps). They are also called ground metro. Spanish trams are modern, fast, very comfortable and equipped with the latest technology. Trams run regularly, as a rule, from 05:00 to 00:00, on holidays, weekends and on Fridays - until 02:00.

Panoramic transport in Spain is represented by funiculars and cable cars. Barcelona can boast of their presence ( cable car Montjuic), Tenerife island and some other cities.

Sea transport

As much of Spain is washed by mediterranean sea And Atlantic Ocean, in Spain, water transport is also well developed.

Marine Passenger Transportation in the Mediterranean is carried out by the company. Her ferries and passenger ships depart to the Balearic Islands from the ports of Barcelona and Valencia, to the Canary Islands - from the port of Cadiz. Other ferry companies operating ferry services - and.

Between Spain and Africa there is also a regular ferry service - car and passenger ferries, speed boats. So, regular flights are made from Malaga (Spain) to the cities of Melilla (Spanish enclave in Morocco) and Nador. The price of a one-way ticket is 35-40 euros. From the city of Tarifa (Spain) to Tangier (Morocco), the ferry departs 8 times a day. The price is 25-27 euros. From the Spanish Algeciras, a ferry also runs to Tangier 8-10 times a day daily, the ticket price is about 29 euros.

Automobile

Spain has a total of 317,000 km of highways, of which 2,000 km are modern motorways. The main routes run along the Mediterranean coast from the French border to Alicante and from the coast of Cantabria to Catalonia. The maximum allowable speed is 50 km/h ( settlements), 100 km/h (on national highways), 120 km/h (on expressways). Fines for speeding are very high, paid locally.

To rent a car, the driver must present an identity document and an international driving license. You can order a car at the rental office, through the administrator at the hotel, in advance via the Internet. Often a security deposit is required upon pickup (which is refundable if you return the car with a full tank of gas). In Spain, there are both local rental offices and representative offices of well-known international companies such as Avis, Hertz, Rent-a-car. If you rent a car for three or more days, significant discounts apply.

In large cities such as Barcelona, ​​driving is expensive, and it's better to save your nerves. Fined for incorrect parking strictly - 85 € and more. A road map or navigator is a must - many one-way streets, left turns are less common than right turns. Renting a car makes sense if you plan to move from one city to another.

Motorcycles and bicycles

Spain is a paradise for cyclists, judging by the number of bicycles in cities. Bicycle paths are available in both large cities and small ones. IN resort towns continental Spain, the Canaries and the Balearic Islands, bicycles can be rented.

And if you are over 16 years old, you can also rent a motorcycle (upon presentation of an identity card and a driver's license) or a scooter. While riding a motorcycle, the driver must wear a protective helmet. Motorcycles at gas stations in Spain are filled with a special fuel - mezcla (mezcla).

Airplane

Spain has about 30 international airports. Each major city has its own airport, from where planes fly to all regions of the country. The main major airports in Spain are Barajas in Madrid and El Prat in Barcelona.

The main airlines serving international and domestic routes are and. Flight time from Madrid to Barcelona is 55 minutes, to Valencia 30 minutes, to Balbao and Seville 50 minutes, to Mallorca 1 hour, to the Canary Islands 2 hours 30 minutes. All international airports are connected to city centers by express buses.

Communication

The official language of Spain is Spanish (español, castellano). However, different languages ​​are spoken in many parts of Spain (Catalan, Galician, Asturian, Valencian, Balearic, etc.). Some of these languages, according to the 1978 constitution, are official in their respective regions. With the exception of Basque (whose origin, by the way, is still not clear), all the languages ​​​​of the Iberian Peninsula are related to the Romance language group, they are quite easy to understand if you know Castilian (classical Spanish) well. If you learn a little local languages, this will help you win over the locals.

Catalan. A distinct language similar to Castilian but closer to the Oscan branch of the Romance languages, considered by many to be part of the Spanish, French and Italian dialectal continuum, includes other Languedoc languages ​​such as those of Provence, Béarn, Limousin, Auverna and Nice. A variety of dialects are spoken in northeastern Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, eastern Aragon, neighboring Andorra, and southern France. To the casual listener, Catalan seems to be something between Spanish and French, although it combines features of both languages ​​to form a completely separate language.

Galician. Very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in Galicia and western Asturias. Galician predates Portuguese and is considered one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese group, which includes Brazilian, South Portuguese, Central Portuguese and Galician.

Basque. A language not related to Castilian (or any other known language), it is spoken by three provinces in the Basque Country, two neighboring provinces on the French side of the Franco-Spanish border, and Navarre. Basque is not related to any Romance language or to any other language of the Indo-European or Indo-Iranian language family. It currently defies classification and is considered a linguistic isolate that does not seem to be related to any language of the linguistic tree.

Asturian. It is spoken in the province of Asturias, where it is under semi-official protection. It can also be found in the rural areas of León, Zamora, Salamanca, in some villages in Portugal (where it is called mirandes) and in villages in the very north of Extremadura. Although the Spanish constitution provides for the right to use Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the single name Catalan, Galician and Spanish as the official language of the province, Asturian does not have such a right. But the province of Asturias uses it as an official one, and the state does not mind.

Aragonese. It is spoken in northern Aragon. Its existence is recognized, but it is not the official language of the province (as of June 2008). This language is close to Catalan (especially in Benasca) and to Castilian with some influence from Basque and Oca ( southern France). Today, only a few villages near the Pyrenees speak pure Aragonese, while the majority of the population uses a mixture of Aragonese and Castilian in everyday speech.

Aran. It is spoken in the Aran Valley and is considered one of the official languages ​​of Catalonia (but not Spain) along with Catalan and Spanish. This language is a variant of Gascon and is very closely related to the languages ​​of Provence, Limousin, Languedoc and Catalonia.

In addition, schools in Spain usually study English and French. If you come to any tourist center, you will meet people who speak several languages ​​fluently. But in other places you are unlikely to see this: most Spaniards speak English quite poorly. In this case, it is better to turn to urban youth. Speak slowly, use simple words, feel free to use gestures, drawings or writing - if the word is written, you are more likely to be understood.

In the northeast of Spain, many people understand French, sometimes even better than English, because most of the tourists in this region are visitors from France. locals any attempts you make to communicate in the local language will be appreciated. For example, trying to say "good morning" or "thank you."

culture

The historical and cultural heritage of Spain is rich and varied, it was formed by many eras, peoples, religions, as well as the border position of Spain between Europe and Africa, the isolation of the Mediterranean and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

Architecture

The architecture of Spain is an amazing interweaving of the building traditions of ancient civilizations and the architecture of modern architects. The sights of Spain amaze the imagination: here the ancient amphitheaters peacefully coexist with powerful Arab fortresses and Visigoth forts. Thus, the Alcazar in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada are excellent examples of Moorish architecture from the era of the Caliphate.

In addition, Spain is rich in world-famous temples, the most famous of which are the Romanesque Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the Mudejar Cathedral in Teruel, the Herreresco-style Escorial Monastery near Madrid, the Gothic temples of Seville, Burgas, Toledo, Tarragona and the Baroque-Renaissance cathedrals of Granada, Murcia and Valencia.

It is impossible not to mention the masterpieces of the brilliant Catalan Antonio Gaudí, who worked in the style of Spanish modernism at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Painting

It is difficult to imagine the world fine arts without Spanish painting. Its heyday began with the work of Domenico Theotokopuli, nicknamed El Greco, who became the founder and head of the Toledo school of painting. Spain was also glorified by José de Ribera, Francisco Zurbaran, B. E. Murillo and Velazquez, who followed him, whose paintings are now kept in best museums peace.

Spanish painting is unthinkable without the work of Francisco Goya (1746-1828), as well as the pioneer of surrealism Salvador Dali (1904-1989), the founder of cubism Juan Gris (1887-1921), the abstract artist Juan Miro (1893-1983) and the brilliant versatile master Pablo Picasso (1881-1973).

Literature

Literature in Spain has come a long way to become one of the most prominent components of world literature today. Her contribution can hardly be overestimated, if only because the two most famous universal types - Don Quixote and Don Juan - were created by Spanish writers.

The first Spanish literary work to become widely known is the epic poem "The Song of My Side" (circa 1140). The classics of Spanish literature are considered to be Felix Lope de Vega, Pedro Calderon de la Barca, Tirso de Molina, Miguel de Cervantes.

Since the end of the 19th century, called the period of spiritual renewal of Spain, new authors have appeared in the country, whose works quickly find their readers all over the world: Miguel de Unamuno, Ramon Maria del Valle Inclan, Federico Garcia Lorca. Among modern authors, it is worth mentioning the 1989 Nobel laureate Camilo José Sela, as well as Juan Goitisolo, Miguel Delibes, Manuel Vazquez Montalban.

Music

Spanish musical culture developed from folk music, the origins of which date back to the 6th century BC. e. - to the musical art of the ancient Iberians and Celts, and church music of the 16th century. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Spanish music had become one of the most notable in Europe thanks to composers such as Enrique Granados (1867-1916), Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) and Manuel de Falla (1876-1946). Modern Spain is famous all over the world for its opera school, the most prominent representatives of which are Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe.

Flamenco

Flamenco is a famous Spanish art that originated in Andalusia. Flamenco is an amazing fusion of song (Cante), dance (Baile) and guitar playing (Guitarra), and also includes various forms from a mixture of these genres. The first written mention of flamenco dates back to 1774. Flamenco was formed under the influence of two cultures - the gypsy, from which flamenco took its dance part, and the Moorish, which brought deep meaning to flamenco music.

Flamenco styles (palos) differ in rhythmic pattern, there are more than 50 of them. The most popular styles are tones, fandango, soleo and seguiriya. Songs and dances are usually accompanied by percussion (castanets tapping, hand clapping) and a guitar.
Andalusian gypsies are the keepers of flamenco traditions. In 2010, Flamenco was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO.

Cinematography

The history of Spanish cinema has a long tradition: already in the 20s of the 20th century, the film “Andalusian Forest” by Luis Buñuel was released. Since then, Spanish directors, including Carlos Saura ("Carmen"), Pedro Almodovar ("Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown", "Kika", etc.), Fernando Trueva ("Belle Epoque"), Julio Medel (" Red Squirrel"), contributed to the strengthening of the world fame of Spanish cinema.

Kitchen

Spaniards are very passionate about food, wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish cuisine is light vegetable dishes and a huge variety of meat and fish. Spanish cuisine uses few spices and excellent quality ingredients.

As a rule, in big cities restaurants on weekdays are open until midnight, on weekends - until 2-3 am.

In bars under the general name "Tapas" you will find a wide variety of dishes that are served as an appetizer for drinking. Some bars offer a wide range of different "tapas"; others specialize in one type (for example, seafood starters). Traditionally, Spaniards take one tapas and one small drink at a bar, then move to another bar and repeat. A group of visitors can order 2 or more "tapas" or order "raciones" instead, which is larger and can be shared.

In major cities, you can find McDonalds and Burger King. Their menu will surprise you: it has been revised to suit local tastes, so beer, salads, yogurt and wine feature prominently. Pizza is growing in popularity, and you can find outlets selling pizza in major cities, but they may sell their own home-grown products or something international like Pizza Hut.

Many restaurants offer set meals at fixed prices - "menú del día" - often very profitable. The price includes the cost of water or wine.

Tipping and taxes

The bill does not include service charges. It is customary to give a tip, which can be increased if you really liked the service. Usually, a separate banknote is left as a tip.

Mid-range restaurants and fast food restaurants do not usually include taxes in the price, so you should always check the menu to see if VAT (7%, IVA in Spanish) is included in the price.

Spanish Products

Cheese. In Spain, you can buy a large number of locally produced cheeses. The most famous is Queso Manchego. Cabrales, Tetilla, Mahon are also popular.

Morcilla. Anise-flavoured blood pork sausage offers fresh, smoked and dried sausage.

Chorizo. The most popular type of sausage in Spain, the composition includes pork, ham, salt, garlic and pepper. There are many varieties, different sizes and shapes, short and long, with spices, different shades of red, soft, dried and hard or smoked. They often contain emulsifiers and preservatives, so if you're allergic, check the label carefully.

Jamon. This is air-dried ham. There are several types. Jamón Serrano (Serrano ham): A preserved product obtained by drying a salted ham. If the front leg is taken, then the product is called "trowel" or "paletilla". It is also called jamón Iberico (Iberian) and jamón of bellota (acorn). Particularly popular are hams made in Huelva (Spain), in Guijuelo (in the province of Salamanca), in Pedroches (province of Cordoba) and in Treveles (province of Granada). Jamón Iberico is made only from the meat of grazing pigs. In the Boquería market in Barcelona, ​​Jamon Iberico costs from €80/kg, Jamon Serrano costs about €25/kg.

Paella. The famous rice dish of the Mediterranean. There are many options: with seafood, with chicken and rabbit, etc. Although a dish called "paella" can be found in almost every Spanish restaurant(and they will certainly tell you that it is cooked according to the “same” real recipe), real paella is very rare: the composition of the dish must include saffron (extremely expensive) and certain seafood (in good quality which are hard to believe outside the coastal zones). Locals advise looking for real paella at major local festivities, such as a wedding in the village, but some restaurants can still compete here.

Restaurants and cafes in Spain

Wines of Spain

Spain is the birthplace of many spirits loved all over the world. Spanish wines are no less popular than French and Italian wines, they are widely known in the world for their excellent taste and aromatic qualities. Each wine region is famous for its centuries-old traditions and recipes for wine production.

So, the most famous Spanish wine is "Rioja" ("Rioja") - a wine produced in the region of the same name in Spain. The Rioja region produces mostly red wines that are aged in American oak barrels and bottled in Bordeaux bottles. However, there is a percentage of white wines that should be drunk young and fruity rosés that are drunk in the year following their creation.

Wines of Rioja, which has the status of quality DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada), are classified according to the aging time: Hoven - up to 1 year, Crianza (crianza) - 3 years (of which at least 1 year in an oak barrel), Reserve (reserva ) - 4 years (of which 1 year in oak barrel + 2 years in bottle), Gran Reserva - 6 years (of which 2 years in oak barrel + 3 years in bottle).
Wine connoisseurs advise men and women to drink various types of Rioja. For men - Alta "gran reserva", produced in the north of the Rioja region, and for women - Alavesa "reserva" or "gran reserva", created in the south of the region and has a milder and lighter taste.

Valencia is another region of Spain famous for its quality wine (it has the quality status DO (Denominacion de Origen)). It produces excellent white wines from the Merseguera and Malvasia grape varieties, as well as the fragrant sweet Moscatel of golden color. There are not many red wines in Valencia (Monastrell, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon), and it is customary to drink them young.

Malaga

Malaga is both the name of Spanish wine and the city in Andalusia, in the vicinity of which this wine is produced. Malaga is a dessert wine with raisin or caramel flavors, it is sweet and dry, white, golden and almost black, depending on age. There are 16 varieties of Malaga. best view Malaga - "Lagrima» (Lagrima), it is made from the grape variety Pedro Jimenez (Pedro Ximénez), which is dried in the sun for several days before pressing.
Malaga is also made from Moscatel grapes.

And, of course, it is impossible to imagine a collection of Spanish wines without the table wines of Galicia, the full wines of Navarra, the fine ones from Alellanza, the rich and refined ones from Tarragona and Priorat.

Sherry

Sherry (Jerez) is the most famous strong Spanish wine with excellent taste and delicate aroma. Real sherry is made only in Andalusia, in the vicinity of the cities of Jerez de la Frontera, San Lucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria. Sherry is made from Palomino Fino, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel grapes.

Conventionally, all sherries can be divided into two groups: Fino and Oloroso.
Fino is a dry sherry with a strength of up to 15-16%, made exclusively from Palomino Fino grapes. It has a pale straw color and a fresh, bitter almond flavor.
Oloroso - translated from Spanish as "fragrant", it can be not only dry, but also semi-dry, and sweet, with a strength of 17% or more.
Other types of sherry, of which there are quite a lot today, in their essence belong either to Fino or Oloroso, or they are something in between. For example, the famous sherry Manzanilla (Manzanilla) belongs to the Fino type, Palo Cortado belongs to the Oloroso, Amontillado can be considered the middle option.

Sherry has found wide application in the preparation of aperitif cocktails; it goes well with vodka, gin, whiskey, and, if necessary, can even replace dry white vermouth. It is customary to drink sherry from a tulip-shaped glass.

sangria

sangria — also wine. It is prepared by diluting dry red wine with water (regular or carbonated) or juice. Sometimes sangria is seasoned with fresh fruit (peach, apple, orange, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, melon) and spices, or sugar is added. In summer, sangria is served on ice - it perfectly quenches thirst, and in winter it is drunk warm (like mulled wine).
Sangria does not have any features or classifications, but people distinguish between 5 types of it: quiet sangria, fruity, white, sparkling and strong.

The first type is the simplest: dry red wine with grapes, orange and still water.

The second is the same, but with the maximum possible amount of fruit. The third type of sangria is prepared on the basis of white wine, but, paradoxically, it is still tinted with red berry juice or grenadine syrup.

Sparkling sangria is the tastiest, made with cava (a Spanish sparkling wine similar to champagne) or regular red wine with soda.

And finally, strong sangria is prepared with the addition of sugar, strong drinks (cognac, brandy, liquor, vodka, gin) and spices (cinnamon, mint, ginger, nutmeg).

Kava

Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made using technologies imported from Champagne (Methode Champenoise) mainly in the Catalan region of Penedès, which has DO status. Cava is a white wine, although small quantities of rosé are also produced.

Cava is made from the following grape varieties: Pareyada, Macabeo (Viura), Charello, Chardonnay and, to a lesser extent, Monastrei and Pinot Noir. Flavors of kava include fruity and floral tones. On the palate there are hints of honey and sweetness.

Kava varies in sugar content from very dry (Extra Brut) to sweet (Dulce). There is also a classification of cava according to the number of years the wine has been aged in the bottle: Cava (from 9 months); Cava Reserva (from 15 months); Cava Gran Reserva (from 30 months) - usually Brut Nature and Extra Brut.

The most popular brands of cava are: Freixenet, Codorniu, Segura Viudas, Juve y Camps, Gramona, Bodegas Faustino.

Cava is served chilled in tall flute- or tulip-shaped clear glass glasses. It is impossible to imagine any Spanish party, wedding or banquet without cava. Cava is often compared to champagne, because it is an excellent alternative (in terms of value for money) to the most famous sparkling wine in the world and is a very serious competitor to it.

Cider

Cider (Sidra) is a low-alcohol drink made from apples of a certain variety in Asturias and the Basque Country. Juice is made from apples, which, by fermentation and without the addition of yeast, is turned into a light alcoholic drink with a strength of 2-7%. Cider has a golden or greenish color and the smell of apples. Ciders vary in sugar content from dry to sweet.

Cider is usually drunk chilled. In order to form the necessary layer of foam when filling the glass, the cider is poured into large glasses from a certain height. The places where cider is used are called ciderries, and the Spaniards call the cider itself the “jealous bride”, since this amazing drink does not tolerate combination with other alcoholic beverages.

Purchases

Spain has a rich tradition of folk arts and crafts; each province can offer tourists authentic products of local craftsmen. Thus, the best ceramics in Spain are made in the Toledo region, in Catalonia and Valencia, and Andalusia keeps the richest traditions of pottery. Beautiful items made of gold and silver, decorated with national ornaments, are made in Cordoba, Toledo, Salamanca. Colored blankets and carpets of excellent quality are best bought in Cadiz, Salamaque, in the Alpujarra region. The finest lace is made in Galicia, and the finest leather goods are produced in Albacete. Mallorca is famous for its pearls and fine glassware, and mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands weave wonderful baskets, hats and mats.

To call Spain, they usually dial 8 - 10 - 34 - area code - subscriber number.

Local SIM cards

You can significantly reduce communication costs in Spain by purchasing a local SIM card. There are four main mobile operators in Spain - Movistar, Vodafone, ORANGE, Yoigo. But these operators offer mostly contract terms (contrato). This means that you must have an account with a Spanish bank and the services will be paid from your bank account.

Prepaid (prepago) sim cards can be purchased from virtual operators such as HappyMovil, Hitsmobile, Legaba, Simyo and others. In addition, their tariffs are somewhat lower than those of the Big Four. For example, HappyMovil offers an interesting tariff option for 300 minutes to Russia for 15 euros, while Hitsmobile provides the first five minutes of each call for free when calling landlines to Russia.

The main advantage of using a local SIM card is the ability to get inexpensive high-speed Internet access (from 10 euros per 1 gigabyte). From the card of the Russian operator, which is in roaming, Mobile Internet extremely expensive. The Internet is also expensive when using tourist cards.

WiFi

Access points for Wi-Fi connection in Spain are located everywhere: at airports, train stations, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Information on the location of hotspots can be obtained from tourist offices, Internet service providers' shops.

If there is no open Wi-Fi network in your villa or hotel, then you should contact any major shopping mall, where you can definitely find the office of a Spanish Internet provider. Show office workers a list of Wi-Fi networks that your device has detected. If among them there is a public access network of one of the providers, ask about the daily rate. As a rule, the cost of using the Internet will not exceed 1-3€ per day (including VAT), and the payment will be taken only for the days when you use the Internet.

Here are some pricing plans:

• Movistar: "Tarifa Diaria" tariff - 1.77€ per day if you have not exceeded the volume of 10 MB. Each next 10 MB will cost you an additional 1.5€, but no more than 10.62€ per day.
• Movistar: Unlimited tariff Tarifa Plana Internet Mini, suitable for users who either "download" large volumes or just have a long vacation in Spain. Price - 19€ per month, download speed - 7.2 Mb / s up to 500 Mb, then it will decrease to 64 Kb / s.
• : fare "Contigo 2 horas". Another unlimited package, costing 19€ per month with a speed of 7.2 Mb / s, but with a time limit of no more than 2 hours per day.

Useful phone numbers in Spain

Safety

Police

There are several types of police officers in Spain

• Policia Municipal or Local(city police), in Barcelona - Guardia Urbana. Uniforms vary from city to city, but are usually black or blue, with a light blue shirt, blue cap (or white helmet) with a stripe of blue and white checkers. This police unit maintains order and regulates traffic within the city; If you are lost and do not know where to go, it is best to contact them. Although they will not accept your report of theft, they will, if necessary, escort you to the headquarters of the Policia Nacional (National Police) and, if necessary, arrest the suspects.
• Policia Nacional wears navy blue uniforms and blue caps (which can sometimes be changed to caps like baseball caps), but unlike the municipal police, they do not have a checkered ribbon on their headgear. They deal with all offenses committed within the city, although other police officers can also assist a person wishing to report a crime.
• Guardia Civil(National Guard) keeps order outside the cities and regulates intercity traffic on freeways. They guard government offices, patrol the roads, and you can see them there. They wear similar to military uniforms, some may wear a strange black helmet (tricornio), reminiscent of a bullfighter's headdress. But most wear green caps or white motorcycle helmets.
• The high level of political autonomy in Spain has allowed some regional governments to create their own power structures, such as the Policía Foral in Navarre, the Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, or the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia.

All types of police, patrolling roads or controlling traffic, put on reflective vests that are clearly visible from afar.

Theft

Spain - quite safe country, but still you should adhere to some rules accepted around the world.

• Try not to use expensive things in poor areas (although most of them are far from tourist areas, and you are unlikely to be able to get there).
• Try not to show how much money you have in your wallet.
• In tourist areas, on buses, trains, in crowded places, always keep an eye on your bag or wallet. At most airports, bus and train stations, you will be reminded of this by loudspeaker.
• If possible, do not carry large sums of money with you. Use a credit card (Spain has one of the largest number of terminals in Europe, and most shops and restaurants will accept credit card). Of course, you need to use it carefully.
• When you get to crowded places, such as crowded buses or Puerta del Sol in Madrid, beware of pickpockets. If you apprehend a thief, those around you will usually help you.
• In Madrid and Barcelona, ​​tourists from the Far East (especially from Japan) often become victims of criminals, as thieves consider them easy prey with pockets full of money.
• Report the crime to the local police immediately.
• You must remember that places with a large number of foreigners, such as crowded resorts on the East Coast, are more likely to attract thieves than regions that are less popular.
• Avoid gypsies, immediately refuse their services; they will predict the future for you, ask for some money, and, most likely, you will lose your wallet.
• The “flea market” (el rastro) held on weekends in Madrid is very popular with tourists. However, it is no less popular with pickpockets who operate in groups. be extremely careful in the cramped market, as the possibility of becoming a victim is very high, especially if you can easily be recognized as a tourist or a person with money. Try to look so that you do not stand out from the crowd, and the risk of being robbed will immediately decrease.
• Women wearing purses should always wear them on the waist in front. Always hold your wallet with your hand.
• Do not hang anything on the back of a chair or place it on the floor next to you.
• If you need to use an ATM, don't go alone.
• Some may try to cash in on your ignorance of local customs.
• In Spain, all taxis must have meters in a conspicuous place. You don't have to agree to pay a predetermined amount for a ride from the airport to the city, in most cases the taxi driver will make more money if you pay the meter.

To call the police, firefighters and ambulance, dial 112. If necessary, the number can be dialed from any phone free of charge.

drugs

Drugs are illegal in Spain, but their use in private places is not punished. If you bring drugs into public places, even for personal use, you will be fined between 300 and 3,000 euros, depending on the type and amount of drugs found in your possession. You will only be arrested if the drugs found are enough to trade on the streets.

Health

• Medicines are not sold in supermarkets, they are sold in "farmacias" (pharmacies), which are easy to find by the green cross or the emblem with the cup of Hygia. Almost every city and town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy, and those that close at night must have a poster on the door with the address of the nearest working pharmacy, which may even be in nearby towns - such is the requirement of the law.

• If you are injured or seriously ill, contact the doctors, by law they cannot refuse to help you, even if you do not have insurance.
• Although most foreigners consider Spain to be a warm country, it can get very cold here in winter, especially in the central regions and in the north of the country, and in some places it can be very rainy in summer. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing.
• In the summer, in order not to get heat and sunstroke, try not to be under the bright sun for a long time. Drink water, walk on the shady side of the street, and keep a jar of sunscreen or lotion handy.

Where to stay

There are many different ways to accommodate tourists, from hotels, guesthouses, villa rentals, to campsites and even monasteries.

It is not customary in hotels and mid-range hotels to include tax in the price, so always read the fine print carefully. In Spanish, VAT is written as "IVA".

A little further from the coast there are small villages with narrow medieval streets, charmingly quiet and secluded, in which still preserved a good choice restaurants and accommodation at very reasonable prices. In such places you can find not just hotels, but also stay in an old inn.

By the way, in Spain Parador (“inn”) is a state-owned hotel (from 3 to 5 stars). King of Spain Alfonso XIII founded in 1928 a whole network of such hotels. Their uniqueness lies in their location and history. Most paradors are located in historical buildings such as monasteries and Moorish castles, or in haciendas, as opposed to uncontrolled development in coastal regions such as the Costa del Sol. In the paradors, the hotel business is successfully combined with the restoration of castles, palaces and monasteries, and saves the monuments of the cultural and historical heritage of Spain from ruin and desolation.

For example, the parador in Santiago de Campostela is located near the cathedral, in the former royal hospital, built in 1499. The rooms are decorated in an old style but with modern amenities. Worthy of attention are the paradors in Arcos de la Frontera, Ronda, Santillana del Mar (Altamira Cave), as well as more than a hundred more paradors throughout Spain. In the parador you will be served breakfast (about 10 euros) and will also offer good dishes typical of this region(about 25 euros).

Room fees are quite high because hotels are often located in the very center picturesque places. Prices range from 85 euros for a double room to 245 euros for a room with two rooms (for example, in Granada). The most beautiful paradors are in León and Santiago de Campostela.

You can view information about accommodation in the country of bullfighting and flamenco (facilities in the room and on the territory, photos, reviews of tourists) in the section “Hotels in Spain Hotels in Malaga

Hotels in Cordoba

Zaragoza Hotels