Santiago de Compostela

The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is built on the site where the mortal remains of the Apostle Santiago el Mayor were found, and which are still revered today. This cathedral, together with Rome and Jerusalem, is one of the great holy places of Christianism. The original building was in pure Romanesque style. In one of the later changes, the Claustro was converted to Gothic and Plateresque style. 

Barcelona

From the airport
Train: Trains go to Barcelona's Sants station every 30 minutes.
Bus: the Aerobus stops outside each terminal every six to 15 minutes and heads straight for Placa Catalunya.

Shop
Find urbane-yet-dainty fashion for women at Como Agua de Mayo in the heart of the Barri Gothic.
For the latest in urban art and culture, head to the edgy gallery Iguapop for fashion, exhibitions and concerts.

If you fancy being a culture vulture, take a trip to Europe's coolest city to visit the Picasso museum, go for drinks at hip Hotel Arts and, if it all gets too much, recover on the city's man-made beach.

The best place to catch movies in English is the Icaria Yelmo theatre near the Vila Olimpica.

You can get on-the-day concert and theatre tickets at the main Barcelona tourist office, underground beneath Placa Catalunya.

In August, the beach is the place to be. The Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta beaches are most popular but the crowds thin out as you head north up the coast.

The Eixample district street Consell de Cent is packed with art galleries, ranging from startlingly contemporary to classic. Between the cross streets Passeig de Gracia and Enrique Granados, you will pass more than a dozen galleries worth exploring.

Day trip
La Molina. Just two hours away, La Molina has 53-kilometres of ski slopes for all abilities. It is a bit of a snowboarding hot-spot. Get there by train and coach.
Ebro River. The protected Ebro River Delta, two hours from Barcelona, is a marshy bird-lover's paradise with pristine beaches that never get crowded, even in the height of summer.




The Monumento a colon was erected in 1886 in memory of Christopher Columbus based on drawings by Boligas. From this 50m high column the great world explorer overlooks the port of Barcelona. His four great journeys of discovery are represented here: the first to San Salvador, the second to Guadeloupe, the third to Trinidad and the fourth to Haiti. A model of the Santa Maria, the admirals' caravel with which he discovered America in 1492 also lies berthed in the port of Barcelona.

La Mancha

The desolate landscape of La Mancha recalls Don Quixote and his faithful companion Sancho Panza. The white windmills with their black roofs and waving vanes look like those frightful giants against which the "Sad Knight" fought in vain. Cervantes set this adventure of Don Quixote in the red-brown sandy-coloured plains against the contrasting blue open sky. Incidentally, this region is named after the Arabic "manxa" meaning "dry earth".

Madrid

From the airport
Train. Underground line 8 (pink) links Barajas airport with Nuevos Ministerios metro and suburban train station in 12 minutes.
Bus.The number 200 leaves every 10 minutes from 6am-11.30pm. It stops at Avenida de America bus station.

Plaza Major

Day trip

The Escorial is located 49 kms from Madrid in the mountains, at an altitude of 1000 meters. Philippe II had this royal monastery built to commemorate the defeat of the French troops in 1557 on St Lawrence's Day. The basic plan is inspired by the Temple of Solomon. Philip II decided to add the functions of pantheon, basilica, convent, school and library to it. El Escorial contains 26 tombs of kings and queens, 7500 relics and 35 000 books. The time Philip II spent in Flanders can be seen in the very steep roofs that he was so fond of. El Escorial has a total of 2600 windows, 1200 doors, 15 cloisters and 86 staircases.

general information

Kingdom
capital: Madrid
area: 506 000km2
population: 46,8 millions
population density/km2: 92
EU member since 1986
national holiday: October 12

• Scorpion sting. In two parts of Spain, a careless footstep could see you hopping around and screaming. The Mediterranean scorpion lives in the country's driest spots, while in the north of the country the European black scorpion is waiting to give you a dash of venom.

• Bear maul. It sounds like madness, but brown bears were recently reintroduced to the Pyrenees. 

• On October 12th 1492, Christopher Colombus discovered America. That day is now a national holiday in Spain.

• Spain welcomes 50 millions tourists a year. The tourist sector accounts for 15% of employment among the active population.

• Spain also has the cities of Ceuta and Melilla on the coast of Morocco and Llivia in the French Pyrenees.

• Spain is a large country with large autonomous regions: Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia and Andalusia, and several official languages.

• Gibraltar, at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is still claimed by Spain.

• In 1190, Spain stopped giving financial support to the Catholic Church. Since then, taxpayers who make donations to the church can deduct them from income tax, up to a certain amount.

Sun, beaches and lots of Sangria in what attracts travellers to Spain, as well as Flamenco dancers, handsome toreros and delicious paellas. Located on the Mediterranean Sea and cut off from the rest Europe by the Pyrenees, Spain is the holiday destination for all sun-loving travellers. Admire the art of Gaudi in Barcelona, party hard in Madrid and go on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

La Tomatina, Bunol

Imagine seeing red. Imagine seeing so much red you feel the urge to hurl soft, fleshy, round projectiles in someone's direction and hear the satisfying splat in their face. This summer, dispel that pent-up aggression in the little Spanish town of Bunol, 38 km west of Valencia, by joining tens of thousands in what has cheekily been billed as the world's biggest food fight. Here, on the last Wednesday of every August, the only rule is to let loose and paint the town red, with more than 125 tonnes of overripe tomatoes as your ammunition.

While today it is the biggest tomato battle, La Tomatina had its petty origins in 1945, when a brawl erupted between youth and townspeople during a festival parade. Since then, sleepy Bunol has found renewed energy in gunning up for these messy, explosive fights, with coincide with festivals celebrating their patron, Luis Bertran, and the Virgin Mary. 

Santander

Do: Even if you are not a guest at this nautical-themed hotel, you can enjoy a cracking view over the ocean and the popular Sardinero beach from its cafe terrace. Then use it as a starting point from which to navigate the rugged coastline or explore the city's compact centre.

Valencia

From the airport
Train: metro lines 3 and 5 run straight to the city centre (Colon) from just outside Arrivals.

Shop
Take time out to rifle through the rails and rails of vintage dresses, second-hand denims and colourful heels at Vintage Police, a jam-packed makeshift warehouse in the Carmen district.


See
Formula one street circuit. Whether you are one of the lucky few with a ticket or not, it will be impossible to miss the race buzz surrounding the city's Formula One Grand Prix (August).

Plaza Xuquer is a lively neighbourhood where bustling bars and restaurants line the main square. Start with an aperitif in La Salamandra followed by dinner in Arabic restaurant Aljuzama then catch a film in the nearby Albatros cinema.

Part of the Old Town, Barrio del Carmen is built over the Roman city of Valencia, so named because of the valiant folk that once inhabited it.

Often overlooked in favour of the contemporary art museum IVAM (just up the road), Casa de la Beneficencia houses a wealth of colourful exhibitions not to be missed. Once inside this former refuge, admire the neo-Byzantine courtyard.

Once a small, sleepy fishing town, Alboraya (now on metro line 7) has still managed to retain it village charm.




Day trip
Elche. Do not miss the chance to see one of the largest palmtree plantations in Europe in the pretty town of Elche. With about 200000 trees, there is almost one per inhabitant.

Morella. A short bus ride from Castellon lies the medieval town of Morella. On a hilltop and graced with a magnificent castle, it is one of the country's oldest continuously inhabited towns. In the outlying region are a number of challenging caminos (pilgrim routes) which attract walkers.

Zaragoza

Shop: La rinconada del queso. This self-proclaimed paradise of the senses laughs in the face of size limitations by packing its small shop full of cheeses and fine bottles of vino. 

Cantabria

If there is one thing that defines the geography and appearance of Cantabria it is the variety of landscapes. This variety is due to the concentration oh high mountains, deep valleys and a sheer coastline in an area of little more than 5000 km2. 

So stunning is the landscape of this region that despite occupying only a small area in central norther Spain, it gives name to two geographical features that define the Iberian Peninsula on this flank: the Cordillera Cantabrica (mountain rauge) and the Cantabrian Sea.

It is a harsh, yet beautiful land, worked by the hand of man for hundreds of thousands of years; however still being a valuable habitat for local vegetation and wildlife. It is a land of mist and water, in which the brilliant light, filtered by infinite clouds, paints an incredible concert of green on the rocks and cliffs.

The Net of Natural Protected Spaces from Cantabria is integrated by 37 spaces. Of them, one is National Park (Picos de Europa) and six are Natural Parks (Liencres's dunes, Saja-Besaya, Oyambre, The Pena Cabarga Massif, The Ason Heights and Santona's Marshes, Victoria and Joyel). The curious, sensitive and knowledgeable traveller will find in Cantabria an infinite number of alternatives with which to turn the exploration of this land into an unforgettable personal experience.

One of the main Jacobean routes, the Northern Camino of Santiago along the Coast, crosses Cantabria from east to west. Apart from this, you can go for walks in the region, following routes marked with internationally recognised indications or the Green Routes and discover an ideal destination to practise adventure sports such as canoeing, rafting, paragliding, horse riding, water skiing or bungee-jumping. 

Up to 90 beaches of fine and white sand along the 220 kilometres coastline of Cantabria are one of the main tourist attractions in the Spanish region. Larges, small, urban or rural, peaceful and protected or open to the bay of Biscay, most of these beaches are located near towns that provide a wide-ranging offer of accommodation and other infrastructures.

Seville

Seville is primarily famous for its bullfights which are held in the Plaza de Toros. Work started on building this arena in 1760. The Spanish sense of drama and colour finds expression in what some people call "art", while others consider it nothing more than a barbaric spectacle. The traditional bullfight is the setting in which three matadors slay six bulls. The point of the bullfighters' exercise is to wear the bull out by means of the red cape (muleta), then deliver the death-blow, plunging the sword down between the shoulders, right into the heart. There are 6000 people portrayed in the arena, each one hand-painted in their own.

Game of Thrones fan? HBO has confirmed part of series five is being filmed around Andalucia's Seville, thanks to the area's Moorish fortresses and lush gardens. 

Formentera

Formentera is in-the-know vibe. You reach this tiny Balearic island via a ferry from Ibiza. It is where the cool set head to relax post-party. Bikes are a fun way to see sights such as the lighthouse at La Mola, perched on a dramatic cliff edge. And don't miss Sant Francesc, the former capital. Relax in one of the cafes that in line the main square, then shop for bracelets and white cotton clothes in the pretty boutiques.

The beaches. Illetes, with white sand and lagoon-style sea, is the most famous. Wild Migjorn and a secret cove: cycle the Road of the Dead, ditch the bikes when you reach a sandy path, walk to steps carved into the rock and descend to an amazing beach. If you're lucky, you will have to yourself.

Don't leave without visiting Amore Iodio, a bar on the Es Calo beach. Buy a beer then lie on the white sand beneath an umbrella and listen to the well-chosen tunes.

Pack it

• trainers: hiking through pine forests and biking along dusty, rocky tracks, you need more than flip-flops.
• Spanish phrase book: this is not Ibiza and not all the locals are fluent in English.
• sun hat and shades: it is hot in the Balearics and there are models about, so go for glam.

Mallorca

Palma is home to the island's only airport and you would not do badly to stay close by. Just 10 minutes outside the city is Illetes, a great place for families. 

If you are looking for gentle countryside ending in miles of sandy beaches, the south eastern corner is popular.

Yachties head west from Palma to Port d'Andratx with its buzzy marina, excellent restaurants, hip beach boutiques and boat hire. A little further up the coast is Deia, home to the famous Residencia Hotel. Set in acres of gardens with a rocky descent down to a tiny sparkling bay. It is the place for romantic getaway rather than family holiday. Further up the west coast is the fishing village of Port Soller. The utterly charming inland village of Soller itself is linked to Palma by a beautiful old train. The ride takes about an hour and is well worth doing.

Palma itself is lovely with an historic seafront cathedral, a warren of pretty cobbled alleys and excellent shopping. Culture vultures should not miss the Miro Foundation where the artist lived and worked at the end of his life.

Stock up on the freshest fish, seasonal fruit and veg and delicious jamon at the Santa Catalina market, Palma's oldest. Make sure to try an ensemade, Mallorca's unique breakfast pastry. 

Day trip

Do not miss Cabrera, the tiny Nature Reserve to the south of the island with excellent swimming and snorkelling.

Palma
What to do: go to Port de Pollenca (pretty town and really chilled, quiet beach)

From the airport

Bus. Line 1 links Son Juan Airport to central Palma from 6.10am to 2.15am. There are about four services an hour. 

If the relentless August heat is draining the life out of you, why not visit air-conditioned shopping centre Porto Pi? You will find shops including Zara, Mango and Cortefiel, as well as a good selection of fast-food restaurants.

Superstore El Corte Ingles has two branches in Palma's city centre. Sshop for everything from clothes to household goods, electronics and perfumes.

Palma's impressive Parc de la Mar, in front of the cathedral, regularly hosts open-air movies in July and August, often with English subtitles. See local press for details. Shows usually start at 8pm. 

Genova is a small village perched high in the hills behind Bellver Castle, with an excellent selection of traditional restaurants. Try the famous Restaurante Meson Ca'n Pedro for lamb and rabbit specialities.

Shrove Tuesday sees one of the island's most bizarre fiestas when the villagers of Son Carrio wheel a huge paper-mache sardine around the streets before cooking its smaller, real-life relatives on outdoor barbecues.

The whole place feels friendly and family orientated with swallow seas and long sandy beaches, perfect for sandcastles. The best time to go is from April through to October.

Majorca does have something for everyone, from pink-fringed coves and golden beaches to watersports and blissful pools. Cruise the coast or travel through the Tramuntana Mountains to Soller by train. Bike hire is available for those wishing to enjoy quiet roads and thrilling views, a cyclists's paradise!

Mallorcan cuisine, which is based on fresh fish and vegetables with generous dressings of garlic and olive oil. Locally produced sausages come in a variety of delicious flavours. Jamon Serrano (whole cured ham) can be found at good local bars and is not to be missed.

Portixol, a former fishing village, has undergone a renaissance in recent years, with trendy bars, cafes and restaurants now adorning the fantastic promenade.

Day trip

Pollensa. The name Pollensa originates from the Roman pollentia and this pretty town on Majorca's north-east coast remains relatively untouched by the tourist crowds. The main square is a hive of activity with lots of bars and cafes.

Puig de Santa Eugenia. Enjoy a bracing walk that starts from the village of Santa Eugenia (about 25 km from Palma) and takes you to Ses Coves. From here, a series of tracks takes you up to a pass and the cross on the summit of Puig de Santa Eugenia, offering breathtaking view.