Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations throughout the world, with around 13 million Britons alone travelling to Spain each year. This is not surprising as the country and its surrounding islands have much to offer for all types of tourist.
Spain is well known for both its bustling and cosmopolitan cities, as well as it’s long stretches of white sandy beaches and quaint, historic fishing villages.
One of the main tourist destinations in Spain for those looking to enjoy the sun, sea and sand that Spain has to offer is the various coastal resorts, which have been popular with tourists since the 1960s.
These areas include Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada and Costa del Almeria. Costa del Sol and Costa Brava have gained a reputation throughout the UK recently as lacking in true Spanish culture, having been tailored to various tastes over the past forty years.
However this is not always the case, staying in resorts on the mainland you will doubtless find many bars and restaurants offering food that certainly is not traditional Spanish cuisine and entertainment that would not look amiss on a bustling North England street, however step a few miles outside of the main areas and you will be greeted with a genuine feel of true Spain.
Aside from being a stone’s throw away from idyllic beaches and traditional villages these areas overall offer excellent value for money for any traveller looking out for cheap holidays in Spain. However there is another side to Spain which extends past lounging on a sunbed and boozy nights trying out the local sangrias.
Spain is also a hotbed for culture, arts and theatre. The city of Barcelona offers perhaps some of the most interesting and awe inspiring structures the world over. The city holds the influence from world famous architect Gaudi and has become a centre for artistic innovation ever since. Barcelona too boasts a man made beach, so for after a morning of sightseeing, there’s is still the perfect place to wind down and enjoy the warm weather.
Bilbao also is home of the famous Guggenheim museum, one of the most acclaimed in the world. You can visit the site and find more about current installations and activities.
The capital of Spain – Madrid, also boasts a variety of attractions. If shopping is your interest, then there could be no better place, one of the principle fashion capitals in the world, the streets are lined with designer stores and independent boutiques selling a range of fashion to suit all styles and tastes. Moreover, clothes and in particular leather goods are typically cheaper on the continent so you will be sure to grab a bargain! If you prefer to scour markets and find second hand buys, El Rastro holds the biggest flea market in the country, where thousands of people attend each year looking to find the perfect buy.
Food in Spain is as colourful as the culture, brimming with both tradition and flavour. Most famous for its fish, paella is the nation’s dish and they can vary wildly according to which parts of the country you are in. Tapas is equally a quintessential part of Spanish life and makes excellent food for sharing and as an accompaniment to drinks.