The Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia - Barcelona (Spain)

The Spaniards say that Spain is different. It is different from the other countries of Europe but it is also different within itself. It is a diversified country both in terms of landscape and culture. People usually associate Spain with bull-fighting and flamenco, with crowded but sunny beaches and with the remarkable architecture of Barcelona, but that is not all. Spain is the third largest country in Europe. It is located on the Iberian Peninsula. The country is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea along the east and south coast and the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast. Spain shares borders with Portugal, France, Andorra, Morocco and Gibraltar. Its diversified landscape makes it one of the most beautiful countries of Europe. There are mountainous landscapes in the north of the country, the south is full of Moroccan landscapes and architecture and the whole country is surrounded by incredibly beautiful beaches. The landscape of Spain changes from the snow covered peaks of the Pyrenees, through the green fields of Galicia and orange groves of Valencia to the desert-like Almeria. The weather in Spain depends on where you are in the country. The north is very wet and green, having a constant year round temperature. Southern Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands have very hot summers and mild winters, and so are popular holiday destinations.

Not only has the climate made Spain popular among holidaymakers, it is also its history. Since the 9th Century BC Spain has been a place of great expansions by the many tribes of Europeans like the Celts, Greeks or Carthaginians. In the 2^nd century BC it was invaded by the Romans and in the 5th by the Visigoths. These Germanic tribes were later conquered by the Muslims, which after a long period were converted back to Christianity. These numerous expansions gave Spain a great cultural richness. Although Spain may not be the most powerful or wealthiest country in Europe the people of Spain are known to be the happiest on the Continent.

Spain not only offers tourists sunny and beautiful beaches but also remarkable cities. Madrid is the capital of Spain and has many museums, galleries, beautiful parks and gardens as well as a flourishing night life. It is a paradise for art lovers thanks to Museo Arqueológico and Museo del Prado, one of the greatest museums in the world. Impressing decorations and ornaments are also in The Royal Palace located on the Plaza Mayor. Gran Via is the most exciting street in Madrid, full of hotels, cinemas, expensive shops and restaurants. However, the greatness of Madrid is sometimes overshadowed by Barcelona, the beautiful capitol of Catalonia with the famous architecture by the great Antoni Gaudi. The symbol of Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Traveling south tourists should visit Valencia, third biggest city of Spain, with its many monuments. Valencia shows many contrasts between the past and present Spain. Traveling along the coast we reach Andalusia, with its snowy peaks and green valleys, olive groves and blue Mediterranean Sea. Andalusia has many remnants of the Muslim reins like the great palace of Alhambra in Grenada. Aside from the numerous Muslim palaces and baths Grenada offers beautiful churches and the hill of Sacromonte, the capitol of Spanish flamenco. The area between Madrid and Andalusia may appear to be uninteresting, but it is a hidden treasure with its remarkable country views and the region of Costilla, full of old castles built by the Moors.

An equal number of tourists visit Spain to spend time on its beautiful beaches situated along the Iberian Peninsula and on the islands of Majorca, Minorca or Ibiza which are famously known for their night life.

Spain is like a colorful mosaic, surprising us at every turn. Every region and town has something different to offer, and it never disappoints.

Gallery - Monuments of Spain