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It is always a good moment to come to Spain. Whether you come to spend your summer holidays, or just a few days, there are endless possibilities to be found here. Besides Valencia, why not discover some of our other major cities? Take note.
Madrid: a historic, fun, capital city
Different aspects such as tradition, vitality, art and fun come together in the Spanish capital. You only have to take a stroll through the centre of Madrid to feel the open nature and dynamism of a city where people from all over Spain come to live. The streets of Madrid are overflowing with life, shops, traditional bars serving the famous tapas, street terraces… The positive spirit can be felt all the more by night, with a multitude of bars, nightclubs, theatres and shows. These leisure activities go hand in hand with the city’s artistic attractions. It has a surprising wealth of architecture and a packed cultural agenda. To discover one side of this historic legacy, nothing better than a stroll through the Los Austrias neighbourhood, in the heart of the old town, a stunning area with old palaces, churches and quiet squares. A walk down the paseo del Prado, where you will find the Prado Museum, one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world, is a must, of course. Alongside it are the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, home to a host of priceless works.
Barcelona: an avant-garde city
Barcelona is an avant-garde, cosmopolitan city. Design and new trends can be seen in its shops, its cultural agenda, its bars and its restaurants. It is a city of contrasts: coast and mountains, progress and tradition. A modern metropolis whose personality captivates all who come to visit. Feel this special atmosphere as you walk through its streets and avenues, with their unique quality of light. Explore the port and the narrow streets of the old town; discover La Rambla, an avenue with a succession of street kiosks, flower stalls, terrace bars and living statues that go to create a unique ambience. Don’t miss the Barri Gótic (Gothic quarter), with its medieval flavour, and no visit to Barcelona would be complete without admiring the work of the wonderful architect Gaudí, a unique legacy of worldwide renown that includes buildings such as the Sagrada Familia Church, Batlló House and Milà House (“La Pedrera”), on the busy Passeig de Gràcia street, as well as Güell Park.
Seville, Granada and Cordoba, the flavour of Andalusia
If you want to feel all the passion of Andalusia, then come to Seville: hospitable, bright and sunny, traditional… The capital of Andalusia has its own special magic. Visit the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, with its whitewashed houses, barred windows and interior patios filled with flowers. Stroll through Triana and Plaza de España square, savour a delicious plate of fried fish on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and take in a fascinating flamenco show in any of the city’s tablaos (flamenco clubs). These are just a few of the options that await you in Seville.
Still in Andalusia, just 145 kilometres away, is Cordoba. This city has the UNESCO World Heritage designation, and the best way to discover its history is to explore the historic old town. In its streets you will find monuments and remains from the various peoples and civilisations that settled over the ages in this beautiful city, washed by the waters of the Guadalquivir. The most outstanding is the Great Mosque, symbol of Moorish heritage in Spain, and one of the most extraordinary works of art ever created. The fascinating beauty of old Al-Andalus can also be found in Granada, where, sheltered by the mountains of Sierra Nevada, you can find the Alhambra, a building like something taken from the tales of the Thousand and One Nights. This is Spain’s most visited monument. Here you will find exquisite beauty and architectural perfection in its many rooms, patios and gardens. You will also be enchanted by the streets of Granada, with different spots and squares that overflow with history and culture. You will feel the joyful spirit of the local people and the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Bilbao: a regenerated city
There are other charms to be found in the north of Spain. On the Cantabrian coast you will find Bilbao, where the traditional old town meets the avant-garde Guggenheim Museum. This is a city undergoing a complete urban regeneration, as you can see from the many areas that have been recovered alongside the estuary. Not to be missed are the delicious pinchos (tapas served on bread) that you can try in any of its bars, along with the city’s surrounding area, with beaches and the traditional fishing villages of this part of the Basque Country.
Santiago: where the Camino reaches its end
Santiago is a World Heritage City and has been the final destination for pilgrims since the Middle Ages. It continues to be an open city, a meeting point for cultures. Each year, three million people visit the city to discover the origins of one of Europe’s biggest cultural phenomena: the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. You will find a major slice of universal history in its monuments, streets and squares.
Zaragoza: historic monuments
This city has more than 2,000 years of history and is located on the banks of the Ebro River, in inland Spain. Its streets and squares are home to an important array of monuments, with buildings such as La Aljafería, one of Spain’s largest Moorish palaces; the Seo, inside which you will find a large part of the Region of Aragon’s history, and, above all, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, a huge Baroque church, symbol of Zaragoza. Shops, bars and taverns, a lively atmosphere all day long and the friendly nature of the locals ensure that your stay in Zaragoza will be a truly enjoyable experience.
Salamanca: joy and culture
There are always good reasons to visit Salamanca, designated UNESCO World Heritage City. This city has centuries of tradition as a university town, and you will be fascinated by the culture that overflows its streets and its festive, jovial atmosphere. Stroll round the spectacular Plaza Mayor Square, its most famous monument, discover its University, home to historic scholars and intellectuals, and explore the old town with its impressive wealth of historic monuments.
In Spain’s major cities you will find art, gastronomy, shopping, incessant cultural activity, friendly people and age-old heritage. There is always a good reason to come to Spain. Come and discover them for yourself.
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