With over fifty million tourists visiting Spain each year, this popular West European country must have something special which attracts
visitor. What exactly is it ...?The main beauty of this lovely land can be summed up in just one word - variety - and, as you all well know, variety is spice of life!
Whether you are referring to its climate, geography, history, culture or cuisine ... there is something to appeal to all tastes, ages and pockets.
The tourist explosion which took place in 60s was originally due to its marvellous beaches. And, with good reason, for Foundation for Environmental Education states that "Spanish beaches are most environmentally healthy in Europe" and has awarded much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 of country´s beaches - more than any other participating country.
But maybe lolling about on beach all day is not your thing and you prefer more action ... a touch of sophistication?
Should this be case then Spain´s major cities are ideal for you ... jam-packed full of history, and an art-lover´s dream. Yet, with their abundance of parks and wide open spaces, good shops and pulsating night-life, they are a joy for everyone - children included.
So ... mooch around truly marvellous museums and monuments of Madrid. Enjoy bustle of stylish Barcelona bursting with vibrant Gaudí influence. Savor delights of romantic Mediterranean cities such as Valencia and Alicante. Or journey further south to exotic cities of Granada, Seville and Málaga. Immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces, brilliant colors and sounds of flamenco, and in birth-place and works of Picasso.
Maybe you hunger for peace and quiet of a hideaway hotel in an unspoiled village? Then rural Spain is for you: full of forgotten villages, bursting at seams with medieval castles, and offering prolific flora and fauna, it is ideal for walking holidays, painting, photography or just plain "get away from it all" holidays. Not to mention ski-ing opportunities for more active amongst Spain´s snow-capped peaks.
Should you fancy a mix of all three - beach, city and rural - then that is also easy to arrange. Although Spain is largest country in Western Europe after France, it is certainly no problem to get around. Littered with airports - both national and international - it also offers a good train service, though cheapest and most convenient method of internal travel is by using national bus/coach system.
