Spain
Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe and has been one of the world's most popular destinations. Because of the charm, the liveliness of the people, the color of life, the rich culture from the past, as well as there are also many tourist attractions that cater to all types of tourists, including ancient Roman cities, beach resorts, green nature, holy places and fashion trend shopping centers.
Festival
One of the most admirable things about Spanish people, in my opinion, is their commitment to a good party. Throughout the year there are a ton of festivals all over the country. Though their origins are often religious, a party is a party, and most of them can get pretty crazy. So ,let’s start. We will take you to travel festivals.
December: Nochevieja Universitaria (Salamanca)
Invented by university students who wanted to celebrate New Years Eve with their friends before going home for the winter holiday, this festival is held on the last Thursday before term ends in December. Over the years its popularity has skyrocketed, and now people from all around Spain gather in Salamanca’s beautiful Plaza Mayor to drink, dance, and celebrate.
January: Tamborrada (San Sebastián)
This raucous festival celebrates San Sebastian’s history and long-standing tradition of “gourmet clubs.” People take to the streets all night long, drinking wine and eating and watching drummer groups parade through the city. Don’t expect to get a lot of sleep, because the festivities don’t stop till sunrise.
March: Las Fallas (Valencia)
Las Fallas is one of Spain’s best-known festivals, and involves days of parades, drinking and dancing in the streets, fireworks, and the ceremonial burning of enormous wooden structures. If you only make it to one festival all year this should be it.
40 Days Before Easter: Carnival (Cadiz)
The most famous Carnival takes place in Rio de Janeiro but the Spanish version in Cadiz gives Brazil a run for its money.Traditionally meant to mark the beginning of Lent, Carnival has become one of the most famous parties in the world, featuring crazy ornate costumes, sprawling street parties, and circus-themed events.
April: Feria de Sevilla
Spring in Sevilla is a beautiful time; what better way to celebrate it than with a week-long festival including food carts with regional specialties, drinks, music, and dancing? This feria got its start as a trade fair in the 19th century but eventually grew into a huge event attracting over 1 million people from around the world!
June: Haro Wine Festival (Haro)
Haro, a sleepy town tucked into the northern corner of vineyard-dotted La Rioja, kicks off every summer with a unique celebration. Not unlike Buñol’s famous Tomatina, the main event of this fiesta is a huge wine fight!
July: International Gay Pride (Madrid)
Pride has become a celebrated event all over the world, but Madrid’s festivities in particular stand out. The streets overflow with people dancing and drinking in the streets celebrating love and equality.
Second Week of July: San Fermin & the Running of the Bulls (Pamplona)
Probably the most famous festival in Spain, the Running of the Bulls is a long-standing Spanish tradition. The festival is in honor of the beheading (and thus martyring) of Saint Fermin. Starting at 8:00am, huge numbers of brave souls risk their lives to run through the city accompanied by 7 large angry bulls. The goal, incredibly, is to touch as many of the bulls as possible. The festival wraps up with bull fights.
August: La Tomatina- the Tomato Fight (Buñol)
No one is sure of the origin of this whimsical festival, but what we do know is it began in the early 1940s and the townspeople enjoyed it so much they kept doing it every year. People come from all around the world to get soaked in tomato juice (but don’t worry—they only allow you to throw overripe tomatoes so no one gets a nasty bruise).
September: La Mercè (Barcelona)
Catalonia is a proud region famous for its food, its countryside, its wine and its culture. Every September people gather in the thousands to celebrate all of that pride at La Mercè! This 4 day festival includes feasts, concerts, parades, castling, fireworks and fire runs! It’s the largest festival ever held in Barcelona and Catalonia and is a perfect way to embrace the Catalan way of life!
October: Fiestas del Pilar (Zaragoza)
This festival in honor of Zaragoza’s patron saint is reminiscent of a county fair with lots of food stalls, carnival games, and concerts. It also features a religious ceremony with a large altar dedicated to the saint covered with offerings of flowers and fruits.
Dates Change Every Year: Holi Run (Madrid)
Holi is a recent addition to Spanish festival culture. It is a colorful 5k run where thousands of participants throw brightly-hued powders into the air. It originated in Nepal and is also known as the festival of colors.
Food
If you’ve ever been to Spain, you’ll know just how important food is to the county’s rich and varied culture. Over the centuries, Spanish cuisine has developed into a wide range of delicious dishes based on fresh and colorful ingredients from all corners of the country.
Many people will be introduced to the wonders of Spanish food through a tapas bar, often marveling at the choice and flavors on offer. But Spanish cooking is a whole lot more than delicious tapas. From hearty stews to light bites, there is something to satisfy every palate in this vibrant country.
To help bring a little Spanish excitement into your kitchen, here are the top 10 Spanish foods, along with recipes to try at home. ¡Qué aproveche!
1. Croquetas
We start our list with the ultimate tapas bar classic – croquetas. Many countries do their own version of croquettes, but the Spanish have them down to a fine art. The best ones combine some unforgettable Iberian flavors, whether jamón (cured ham), morcilla (blood sausage) or bacalao (fresh cod) blended with béchamel sauce. These are then breaded and fried and served up with a sauce of your choice.
2. Tortilla Española
Another tapas bar favorite is tortilla Española – or Spanish omelette as it’s known around the world. However, it’s not just a tapas treat. Tortilla can also be eaten as a main dish, a break time snack, or even in a sandwich, which is popular with kids. To create your own tortilla, you’ll need to slowly fry up onions and potatoes in olive oil before adding the egg. This will caramelize the onions and give your omelette that extra sweetness.
3. Gazpacho
What better way to cool down during a hot Spanish summer than with a cool bowl of gazpacho? Usually served as an appetizer, this chilled tomato soup definitely packs a punch. To make it, simply blend up some fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs, and serve it with toasted bread for a low-calorie dish crammed full of vitamins. The idea of eating cold tomato soup might sound a little odd to some foreigners, but once you’ve enjoyed a traditionally made gazpacho on a hot summer’s day you’ll be hooked! For a twist, add some bread to create the Andalusian favorite, salmorejo.
4. Pisto
Think ratatouille is something you’d only ever get served in a French restaurant? Think again. Okay, so it’s not technically ratatouille, but pisto is often called the Spanish version of the classic French dish. The recipe sees tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions, and garlic sliced up and roasted with a lot of olive oil to give it that classic Mediterranean flavor. Hailing from the plains of the La Mancha region, pisto can be a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course. Serve it with some fresh salad, bread, and of course, some local red wine for the ultimate Spanish experience.
5. Pulpo a la gallega
Octopus is a big deal in Spanish cuisine, whether it’s deep-fried and served as tapas or transformed into something a little more sophisticated. One of the more elaborate dishes is the popular pulpo a la gallega, which sees paprika, rock salt, and olive oil combined to bring out the very best flavors from the octopus. This is usually served on sliced potatoes for a light yet warming meal. The dish hails from the north-western region of Galicia, which is definitely something to note for seafood-lovers. After all, the region is well-known around Spain for it’s unique, seafood-heavy cuisine.
6. Fabada
You might not picture winter warmers when you think about Spanish food. However, it can get pretty cold on the Iberian peninsular and when it does, the locals love to tuck into a hearty fabada. This popular bean stew is perfect when the temperatures drop and definitely packs a punch when it comes to flavor. You can throw all sorts of spicy meats into your stew, including chorizo, morcilla (blood pudding), and more. Traditionally, fabada hails from the Asturias region. However, there are plenty of regional variations you can try throughout Spain.
7. Paella
For many, this colorful rice dish epitomizes Spanish food. However, many Spanish people actually see paella as a Valencian dish, not a national dish. But that shouldn’t stop you from making it at home. Traditional paellas often use chicken or rabbit (or both), but many chefs will throw in some seafood to keep things fresh. Depending on your tastes, you can opt for calamari, mussels, prawns, or even clams.
8. Gambas al ajillo
The Spanish love their seafood, and a lot of their most popular dishes showcase the very best flavors found under the sea. One of these is gambas al ajillo. Whether you try it as an appetizer or as tapas alongside plenty of other flavors, the dish will definitely stand out from the crowd. The prawns are cooked in a small clay dish filled with hot olive oil, roasted garlic, and a small pinch of chili which gives it a little kick. It is best served with crusty bread, which is perfect for mopping up all that delicious garlic sauce!
9. Patatas bravas
Looking to whip up some delicious tapas for your next Spanish dinner party? Then look no further than patatas bravas, a dish that is native to Spain and super easy to create. This crowd favorite typically consists of cubed potatoes which are fried in oil and served warm with spicy sauce. The dish is commonly served in restaurants and bars in Sevilla and throughout Spain.
10. Leche frita
Ever wondered what fried milk tastes like? Neither had we until we came across this Spanish delicacy. Leche frita – which translates to fried milk – is a popular dessert across the north of Spain. Milk pudding is encased within a warm, crunchy batter and dusted with sugar and cinnamon.
landmarks
Spain. It’s one of those countries that you just have to see. It’s exotic, it’s exciting, and it’s historical. They are just three reasons why España is worthy of anyone’s travel list. But there’s a lot of Spain, and only a small amount of you.
So what to see? Well, there are some amazing landmarks which are breath taking. A prime opportunity to point a camera and take in a little culture at the same time. Let’s look at a few of them shall we…
1- BASILICA LA SAGRADA FAMILIA (BARCELONA)
Conjured from the fertile imagination of one of the world’s most famous architects of all time, Basilica La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s most famous work.He started building it in Barcelona in 1883 and worked on it right up until his death but even today, this world-famous landmark in Spain is still not complete. When Gaudi took over the project from the original architect, who had planned a neo-Gothic building, it changed Barcelona forever taking its place as one of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
2- ALHAMBRA (GRANADA)
The Alhambra in Granada is a mysteriously alluring complex of buildings and gardens, with tree-lined walkways and flowing streams.Once a major political hub for the Muslims in the west, the palace is a breathtaking geometrical landmark in Spain with rectangular courtyards and fountains.It’s a fairytale palace with Nasrid buildings, which was once where the Muslim rulers lived, and the enchanting courtyard of the Lions with its magical fountains. Alcazaba citadel is the oldest structure in Alhambra while the view from La Vela tower is stunning.
3- GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (BILBAO)
A contemporary architectural masterpiece in the heart of Spain’s Basque Country, Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum is a Spain landmark that is truly awe-inspiring.Built from titanium, glass and limestone, the futuristic design of the museum makes it one of the most impressive buildings of the 20th century.
4- ALTAMIRA CAVES (CANTABRIA)
This World Heritage-listed site is home to some of the best prehistoric rock art in the world.The paintings depict prehistoric scenes of animals such as bison, deer and wild boar using natural red ochre with black outlines. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed into the original cave as the paintings are fragile but there’s a reproduction in the Altamira Museum cave.
5- SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA CATHEDRAL (SANTIAGO)
The Cathedral Santiago de Compostela is the one that stands out as a landmark in Spain that has stood the test of time.The cathedral is in Plaza del Obradoiro square and is where all roads into Santiago converge.The most significant feature of this hallowed Spain landmark is the Cathedral is the final stop on the pilgrims’ journey. The Cathedral’s Obradoiro façade, the work of Fernando de Casas y Novoa, is one of the most famous examples of Spanish Baroque design.
6- ALCÁZAR FORTRESS (SEGOVIA)
Built on to of a rock, Alcazar Fortress in Segovia looks like a fairytale castle straight out of a Medieval story. Alfonso VIII lived in the fortress in the 12th century before architectural improvements turned it into a Gothic castle in the 13th century.Charles II founded the Royal College of Artillery at the fortress in 1764 and it’s worth paying a visit to the Artillery Museum. The fortress has secret passageways used to escape to the river and connected a number of palaces within the city.
7- GREAT MOSQUE (CORDOBA)
Built in 785 by Emir Abdurrahman I, the Great Mosque of Cordoba is a representation of Spain’s Muslim art. One of the unique things about this mosque is it was constructed on the site where the ancient Visigoth church of San Vicente once stood.Inside the mosque is a labyrinth of columns with double arcades and horseshoe arches.In 1523, the Christians conquered the region and built a cathedral inside the mosque.The internal craftsmanship is impeccable and it’s impressive to see the Byzantine mosaic and crafted marble.
8- NIEMEYER CENTRE (ASTURIAS)
Located minutes from the historic town centre of Aviles, the Niemeyer Centre is a modern architectural Spanish landmark built in 2011.Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the famous architect who designed many Brazilian landmarks, the centre is a cultural hub with a programme of concerts, exhibitions, plays, dances, films and cultural events.
The design consists of an auditorium, dome, a 20m tower and there’s also a restaurant with great views of the city.
9- SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL
This Spanish monument is dedicated to the reign of Philip II and has courtyards, rooms and halls connected by 16 km of corridors.Herrera’s 30 m jasper and red marble retablo is an impressive religious work of art and a main feature in the church while the Tibaldi’s frescoes a festooned in the library and other rooms. The Panteón de los Reyes is a historic Baroque burial vault and final resting place of several Spanish kings.
The palace highlights the grand lifestyles of Spain’s monarchy with displays of paintings by famous artists, tapestries and antique furniture.
10- CIUDAD DE LAS ARTES Y LAS CIENCIAS (VALENCIA)
Spanish architect’s Santiago Calatrava’s stunning suite of contemporary buildings is an impressive landmark in the Spanish city of Valencia.The futuristic cluster of museums and art halls along with an aquarium designed by another Spaniard Félix Candela were completed in 2005 have been used as film sets for Dr Who and Tomorrowland.
Oceanografic resembles a water lily and is Europe's largest aquarium, home to over 500 species of marine life from all over the world.
Hotel
If you are looking for a place to stay in the center of the city and convenient to travel,
we would like to present 5 interesting hotels. Which is cheap until reaching a 5-star rating.
They are all quality.
1. VP Plaza España Design
Located in Gran Via, in Madrid city centre, VP Plaza España Design offers 5-star
accommodation with parking, a wellness centre, and a seasonal pool. Guests at the
accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast, or have a meal at Botania, the Mediterranean
restaurant located on-site. Guests can also relax after work at the Ginkgo Sky Bar, enjoying
the stunning view of Madrid City.
2. Hotel Cantón
Hotel Cantón is located in the centre of Barcelona. Cantón offers easy access to many of
Barcelona's attractions and has a tour desk. It is less than 5 minutes' walk from the hotel to
Plaza Reial, and there are many bars and restaurants nearby and the price is not expensive.
3. Hotel Casa de Indias By Intur
Hotel Casa de Indias By Intur is ideally located in the heart of Seville. It offers air-conditioned
rooms and outdoor pools. The accommodation is located close to many popular attractions.
4. Palm Oasis Maspalomas
Palm Oasis Maspalomas is set in a tropical garden in a quiet area. The property offers
views of the Maspalomas Dunes or the Atlantic Ocean. Palm Oasis Maspalomas offers
spacious studios and apartments with a terrace.
5. Eurostars Catedral
Eurostars Catedral is located in Granada. A stroll through the Moorish alleys of Albayzin will
take you back in time, with the center of the district home to the famous Alhambra Palace.
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