Spain and its attractions. Sights of Spain. Beautiful places in Spain - Costa Brava

More precisely, this post is about 10 cities in Spain that are worth visiting in order to have an idea of ​​what Spain is and its diversity according to a Spaniard. 🙂

Incredible diversity is the key word that describes this country. The variety is amazing to us. Spain is one of those small countries in Europe where, along thousands of kilometers from north to south or from east to west, nature, architecture, people, history, culture, weather, cuisine, people's language - in general, everything changes dramatically. Today you are in rainy Galicia, where it seems that you are looking at the world through a green glass bottle, everything is so green around, even the trees are covered with moss from the humidity. You eat empanadas (pies) with tuna and vegetables, communicate with calm gayegos, tomorrow you are almost in Morocco, you are in the hot, desert south surrounded by bright, noisy people, and everything around reminds you of hundreds of years of Arab rule and gypsies, you are in Andalusia. Today you are in Barcelona, ​​trying to understand their crudely funny dialect and why all the girls wear black and their haircuts are torn, especially their bangs are cut almost to the roots. And here everything is imbued with Art Nouveau style and the smell of the Mediterranean Sea, and tomorrow you are in Castilla and Leon, ears of golden wheat caress your hand, you are relaxing in the shade of a century-old oak (Encina), walking along the streets of cities as if made of warm sand, where the greatness of conquests is remembered, in the place where it all began, in the place where the wonderful language was born - casteano. You can continue endlessly...

1. Barcelona.

No comment here. Everyone knows Barcelona, ​​everyone loves it, a lot has been written about it.

2. Madrid.

Madrid is not the most beautiful city in Spain, but the most beautiful thing in Madrid (for me it is its old center) can be seen in other more beautiful cities. And yet, Madrid is the capital of Spain with its own unique, unique spirit. And for this reason alone it is worth visiting, not to mention the famous Museo del Prado.

3. Salamanca. Castilla and Leon.

Castile (Castia) and Leon is the cradle of the Reconquista. It was from these lands that the unification of all Spanish lands and the development of the Spanish language (castellano) began. And it is worth choosing Salamanca from all its wonderful cities, because it is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain with its oldest university, which creates an extraordinary atmosphere of the city, with its Renaissance architecture, Gothic, Baroque and Plateresque masterpieces, architecture made of yellow stone, from why the city was nicknamed “Golden”. Its main square, which is considered the most beautiful in Spain, has old and new cathedrals, a Roman bridge, a shell house and other attractions and romantic streets.

4. Santiago de Compostela (Galicia)

The city is considered the third center of Christianity after Rome and Jerusalem. This is the end of the famous pilgrimage route of the Apostle James or Camino de Santiago to the beautiful Cathedral of Santiago. This is the capital of a unique region of Spain - Galicia: rainy and green, full of nationalities. parks and reserves, with a beautiful coastline along the ocean, a rich and special culture (preserving Celtic roots, its own Gaiego dialect, folklore, etc.). This region is famous not only for its cultural heritage, but also for its rich cuisine, especially famous for its seafood (the ocean is nearby!) and empanadas (pies).

5. Gijón, Asturias

Asturias is a beautiful region Pacific Ocean, which the Spaniards themselves choose for relaxation. Just like everyone else north coast- This is a place of sophisticated tourism. And Asturianos, according to the Spaniards themselves, are the friendliest of them. These are one of the highest mountains in Spain - the Peaks of Europe - hence the beautiful mountain landscapes, green nature, and many nature reserves. I protested about the choice of city, I really want to visit Oviedo myself, but Javi assured me that I wouldn’t see anything unusual there compared to what I had already seen, but the coast of Asturias and Gijon with its old fishing quarters and wonderful beaches are worth seeing .

6.San Sebastian, Basque Country.(San Sebastian (Donostia), País Vasco)

My husband was born in the Basque country. And despite the fact that he was born in Bilbao, Xavi chose to include San Sebastian on the list, where his brother lives. Indeed, a former resort of the Spanish aristocracy, San Sebastian is more suitable for tourists, although Bilbao has an absolutely stunning Museum of Contemporary Art, which is interesting not only internally, but rather even externally (the museum is built in the shape of a ship), as well as many festivals special Basque culture. Yet San Sebastian made the list. Not only does it have stunning beaches, mountain views and architecture, San Sebastian is considered the best place for culinary tourism among the Spaniards. 🙂 This is also one of my favorite places in Spain, although out of the three times I’ve been there, it rained 2 times, and the third time I was frozen :)

7. Toledo. Castile-La Mancha

One of the most important cities in the history of Spain, which was once its capital. A city where cultures once coexisted: Arab, Christian and Jewish.

Painting by El Greco. View of Toledo (its hometown, the El Greco Museum are one of the main attractions of the city).

8. Avila. Castilla y Leon 9. Seville (Sevia). Andalusia

Along with Barcelona, ​​it is probably the most famous Spanish city, the birthplace of flamenco, bullfighting, from here Columbus sailed in search of India, it is the capital of bright, noisy and hot Andalusia, famous for its fiestas. This is the setting for such famous works as Carmen, Don Juan, The Barber of Seville, etc.

10. Malaga. Andalusia

Malaga is the best place to explore the Andalusian coast, Costa del Sol. This is a very picturesque city with a Phoenician fortress, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain, in my opinion, a Roman circus, etc. From here you can easily reach Seville, Cordoba and Granada.

Spain is a country in Southern Europe, its territory is located in the western part Mediterranean Sea on the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal.

Spain, with its beautiful beaches, cheerful nightlife, a large number of cultural regions and ancient cities - a great place to travel. As a country diverse both geographically and culturally, Spain can be surprisingly interesting for those who know it only from holidays on the beaches. It has everything from lush grasslands, snow-capped mountains and vast swamps to salt pans and deserts.

Current time in Madrid:
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Of Spain's many wonderful cities, the most notable are the country's thriving capital Madrid, the vibrant coastal city of Barcelona, ​​bullfighting famed Pamplona and the birthplace of flamenco, Seville. But that's not all!

How to get there

There are many different ways to get to Spain, but it all depends on which city or island you want to go to. Below we will list links, following which you can understand how to get to this or that city.

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Weather in Spain

Spain has a mild climate. The country is almost entirely influenced by the Mediterranean climate zone and is considered one of the warmest in Europe.

In summer, the air temperature in the south and central regions reaches +30, sometimes +40°C, and in winter in Spain it is cool and rainy. Frosts in the country are very rare; even in January it is usually warmer than +5°C.

The beach season in Spain lasts from May to October. Sea water at this time warms up to +18°C and above. The mild climate is favorable for excursion holidays throughout the year.

Maximum precipitation occurs in the northwestern regions, its volume reaches 2000 mm per year. In the interior parts of the country it is not so rainy, the annual rainfall does not exceed 500 mm.

Cities and regions

Cities

The main cities of Spain are, of course, the capital of the state, Madrid, and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. In addition, there are others famous cities Spain, except Madrid and Barcelona, ​​along which the famous tourist routes pass - Valencia, Salou, Toledo, Granada, Malaga, Bilbao and others.

The southwestern region of the country, characterized by an amazing variety of landscapes. Here, high cliffs alternate with fertile valleys, and desert areas give way to marshy areas. Only in this part of Spain hot climate The Mediterranean is adjacent to the cold of the mountain peaks.

A large number of tourists await in Andalusia interesting monuments antiquity - medieval fortresses and Arab towers, majestic cathedrals and cozy churches in mountain villages.
The main tourist destinations of Andalusia are the cities of Seville, Granada, Malaga, Cadiz, and the resort area of ​​the Costa del Sol.

It is with the Costa del Sol (“Sunny Beach”) that many tourists associate a holiday in Andalusia. The Costa del Sol around Malaga is one of the most significant tourist areas in Spain (length 300 km), including the famous resorts of Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona.

Andalusia also attracts tourists with its holidays, traditions, and cuisine. Here is the warmest sea in Spain, the hottest and longest summer, and the friendliest locals.

A region of Spain located in the northeast of the country, in the Ebro River basin. Surrounded by mountains - the Pyrenees, Cantabrian, Iberian and Catalan - makes Aragon the most isolated of the regions of Spain. The main cities of the Aragon region are the capital Zaragoza, Teruel with buildings in the Mudejar style, Huesca, nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees.

Tourists are attracted to Aragon by its natural resources: clear lakes, deep gorges, dense forests, thermal springs, healing properties which have been known since Roman times. Modern thermal complexes of Aragon offer a large number of wellness treatments.

The region is popular with climbers, kayakers, rafting and mountain biking. They are attracted by the Ordesa National Park located here (Parque Nacional Ordesa) - the oldest national park in Spain (1918), covering an area of ​​15,600 hectares. Pearls of the park - blooming alpine meadows, mountain rivers with waterfalls.

A small historical region located in northern Spain, off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Asturias still retains its ancient title - the Principality of Asturias (Principado de Asturias). Geographical features Asturias has sharp coastal cliffs and mountainous landscapes that shape the local climate: humid and warm in the summer and quite cold and snowy in the winter.

The main cities are the capital Oviedo and the major seaport Gijon, with picturesque beaches and old fishermen's quarters.
Tourists in Asturias may be interested in natural resources, including the Peaks of Europe National Park, spread across three administrative regions. So, in the Asturian part of the park there are beautiful lakes Covadonga (Lagos de Covadonga). In one of the caves of the park (Santa Cueva) is located the chapel of the Holy Virgin of Cavadonga (Virgen de Covadonga), which is the main attraction of Asturias and a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of believers.

An autonomous region of Spain, a large tourist area, which is an archipelago of small islands. The Balearic Islands lie in the western Mediterranean Sea, equidistant from the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and northern Africa.

The archipelago consists of two groups of islands: the Gimnesias Islands (Menorca, Mallorca and Sabrera and the small islands of Dragonera, Isla de Aire, etc.) and the Pitiusas Islands (Ibiza, Formentera and the small islands surrounding them).

The main islands of the Balearic archipelago (detailed information is available via the links)

An autonomous region of Spain located in the north of the country. The Basque Country has been granted broad autonomy: the parliament sits in its administrative center of Vitoria and the government operates. Thanks to the proximity of the ocean and mountains, the Basque Country has a favorable climate: without cold in winter and tedious heat in summer.

The region attracts tourists with its unique culture and excellent conditions for outdoor recreation: hiking, golf and all mountain sports are developed here. The Basque Country has several protected areas: national parks Valderejo, Urkiola, Urdaibai. Among the attractions of the region, it is worth visiting the active salt mines of Salinas de Añana, discovered by the Romans.

The Basque Country consists of three provinces: the lowland Alava, the center of wine production, the mountainous Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya. The main cities of the autonomy are Vitoria, Bilbao, San Sebastian.

Archipelago and autonomous region of Spain, consisting of 2 provinces, seven large inhabited islands and several small ones located just 100 km from the coast of Africa. The Canaries are a Spanish tropical paradise, which is visited year-round by thousands of residents and foreign tourists. Canara offers guests a unique variety of tropical nature, wonderful weather all year round, magnificent beaches and opportunities for all types of water sports. The total length of the beaches of the Canary Islands is 257 km.

Islands of the Canary Archipelago (detailed information is available via the links)

This region of Spain is located in the north of the country. The region is famous for its excellent beaches and excellent opportunities for active recreation (windsurfing, yachting, snowboarding, rafting, horse riding, hiking). There are national parks in the region: Dune Liencres - a protected area of ​​dunes at the mouth of the Pas River, protecting large populations of birds; Saha Besaya Park - the largest hunting grounds in Spain; part of the Peaks of Europe National Park, which is chosen by climbers and ecotourists.

On the territory of Cantabria there is a very interesting place, which is the Paleolithic heritage of all Europe: the Center for the Study of Cave, guarding four unusually beautiful caves (El Castillo, Las Monedas, La Pasiega and Las Chimeneas).

Main city region - the capital of Santander, which is a favorite resort of the Spanish royal family. The town of Santillana del Mar with its Altamira caves, included in the UNESCO list of historical heritage of humanity, also deserves attention.

This autonomous region is located in the center of Spain and has no access to the sea. The region is famous for its magnificent mountain scenery - the Cordillera Central in the north, the Pyrenees in the northeast, the Sierra Morena and Montes de Toledo mountains in the south. The capital of the region is the ancient historical city of Toledo. The recognizable symbols of this area are windmills. Among the main attractions of the region are Cathedral Virgin Mary in Toledo, Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Julian in Cuenca.

The largest autonomous region of Spain, interesting for its vibrant historical past, impressive monuments, including perfectly preserved ancient cathedrals and monasteries. The region is popular among winter sports enthusiasts: there are many modern ski resorts. In summer and spring, gourmet tours to Castilla and Leon are especially popular among tourists.

The main cities are the unique historical city of Segovia, with an ancient Roman aqueduct and the Royal Alcazar Palace; Salamanca with the famous university - one of the first in Europe (1218). Also interesting is the “city of one cathedral” Burgos, ancient city-Fort Avila; The ancient city of Leon, which was once the capital of the kingdom, has many historical monuments.

One of the most beautiful regions of Spain, but at the same time it is the largest cultural, business and industrial center of the country. This autonomous region, located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, is famous for its history, rich culture, ancient customs and luxurious Mediterranean resorts.

The climate of Catalonia is temperate Mediterranean, and the Pyrenees protecting it from the winds and the influence of the sea provide comfortable weather for relaxation almost all year round. It is in Catalonia that the famous resorts of Costa Brava, Costa de Maresme, and Costa Dorada are located. Vacationers here have beautiful beaches, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and water parks. The most famous is the Port Avetura amusement park in Salou, popular among children and adults all over the world.

The most significant cities in the region are the capital Barcelona, ​​a museum city, one of the most beautiful cities in the world; ancient Tarragona with buildings from the ancient Roman era; Girona is an ancient city in which monuments of various cultures have been preserved.

An autonomous region of Spain, located in the west of the country, on the border with Portugal. Most of This is not a tourist region at all - plains covered with forests and olive trees. Guests of the region may be interested in environmental protection areas, including the Monfrage National Park. The reserve is famous for the largest forests in the Mediterranean, filled with unique fauna.

The main cities of the region are the capital Merida, which was once one of the most significant cities of the Roman Empire on the famous Silver Route, and the border city of Badajoz, with historical monuments of the Arab period.

An autonomous region of Spain located in the northwestern part of the country. The territory of Galicia is crossed by mountain ranges 900-1625 m high, descending to the sea coast and forming a picturesque coastline. The climate of the area is mild, but damp and rainy, which is what created the Galician landscape saturated with greenery.

For tourists, Galicia is interesting for its culture and nature; a type of ecotourism called “village tourism” is developed here. The Rias Altas region of Galicia is famous for its fishing villages, excellent beaches and monumental cliffs, while the Rias Bajas region is famous for its magnificent national parks and nature reserves.

On the territory of Galicia there is one of the most revered places by Catholic pilgrims - the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The main cities of the region are Santiago de Compostela; La Coruña with its famous glass facades; Lugo, which has retained its flavor since ancient Roman times; port Vigo; Pontevedra with an interesting historical area.

The smallest autonomous region in Spain, and at the same time the most famous and prosperous wine region in the country. The region is located in northern Spain, in the valley of the Ebro River and its tributary Oja, and consists of seven fertile valleys completely covered with vineyards.

Winemaking in Rioja has flourished since ancient Roman times. Already in 1650, a law was passed here that approved the rules for making wine. Wine began to be produced on an industrial scale in Rioja at the end of the 19th century. In 1945, Rioja was declared Spain's first DO (Denominacion de Origen) wine region, and in 1991 the region was awarded DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) status. The center of Rioja winemaking is the city of Haro.

Tourists traveling through Rioja are recommended to visit the largest Wine Museum in the world and the paleontological center of Enquiso, as well as the amazing grotto-dwellings carved out of Mount Cantabria. The main city of the region is the medieval capital of Logrono with many attractions.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and at the same time its separate autonomous region, filled with a huge number of attractions - both ancient and modern. Nearby are Aranjuez, Escorial, Salamanca, Segovia, Toledo and Valle de los Caidos.

Autonomous region located in southeastern Spain. In the south of the region, in the area of ​​​​Cape Palos, rocky shores form magnificent landscapes; to the north there is the picturesque Mar Menor lagoon with small islands of volcanic origin.

The region of Murcia is the center of horticulture in Spain and is the largest producer of fruits, vegetables and flowers in Europe. Tourists are attracted to Murcia by local resorts: the golden sandy Costa Calida, the promising La Manga del Map, located on a narrow sandy spit separating the Mediterranean Sea from the large lagoon of the Mar Menor.

The main cities of the region are Murcia, which has preserved its Arab heritage; the ancient port city of Cartagena, founded by the Carthaginians in 221 BC. e.

The autonomous region of Spain, once a separate kingdom, is located in the north of the country, at the foot of the western Pyrenees, on the border with France. The region has a rich historical heritage: history lovers will find numerous fortresses, palaces, castles and temples here. The main cities of the region are the capital Pamplona, ​​a cozy and calm city with many parks and attractions, exploding with a grandiose fiesta with the running of the bulls on St. Fermin's day; Olite wine center; very beautiful city Puente La Reina.

The region will also be interesting for lovers of active pastime: hunters and fishermen, climbers, fans of hiking, since it has several national reserves (Reserva Natural del Embalse de las Cañas, Parque Natural del Señorío de Bértiz). Navarre is also famous for its healing springs: here in the town of Fitero is the popular thermal resort of Banos de Fitero.

An autonomous region of Spain located in the southeast of the country. Valencia is one of the most tourist regions, consisting of three provinces: mountainous Castellon with resort towns on the coast, Valencia with an amazing lagoon and traditional festivals, and rocky Alicante with numerous tourist centers.

Valencia is an important beach tourism center in Spain. Length coastline area is 485 km. By number of beaches awarded Blue flag EU, Valencia is ahead of all other regions of the country.

The coast of Valencia is conventionally divided into zones:

• Costa Blanca (“White Coast”) in the south in the province of Alicante, with a strip of magnificent fine sandy beaches and the resorts of Denia, Calpe, Javea, Torrevieja and Benidorm;
• Costa Azahar, the “Orange Scent Coast”, famous for its rocky landscapes, is located in the north, in the province of Castellon, where the largest resorts are Peñiscola, Alcosebre, Oropesa, Benicassim;
• Costa Valencia with the major resorts of Sagunto, Balvarosa, Saler, Perellonet, Coolera, Gaguia and Oliva.

Valencia is also home to one of the most popular amusement parks in Spain - Tera Mitica, built based on famous myths of antiquity.

The main cities of the region are its capital Valencia with ancient and modern attractions; as well as Alicante - a famous tourist center and a very beautiful ancient city.

What to see

Barcelona

Madrid

Ibiza

Majorca

Tenerife

Other cities

• Port Aventura to Salou
• Theater-Museum of Salvador Dali in Figueres
• Garajonay National Park on La Gomera
• Cave de los Verdes on the island of Lanzarote
• Ordesa National Park in Aragon
• National Park "Peaks of Europe" in Asturias

And many other sights of Spain...

Where to go in Spain

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Wellness holiday

Private guides in Spain

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Spain in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Festivals in Spain

Spain is a country of festivals; dozens of similar events are held there every year. Festivals cover all genres of art. The most ambitious of them are listed below. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the capital of Catalonia, then you should familiarize yourself with the section “Festivals and parades in Barcelona”.

• June July. International music Festival in Granada: concerts, operetta, classical and modern dances and flamenco
• Second half of July - first half of August. International Music Festival in Santander: music, dance, theater
• End of June - beginning of August. Mérida Theater Festival: classical Greek-Latin and Mediterranean theater
• September. National Festival of Classical Theater in Almagro: classical Spanish and world theater
• Mid-September - early October. Autumn Festival in Madrid: concerts, opera, drama, classical and modern dance
• July. Jazz Festival in San Javier
• August. International Vocal Festival Habaneras in Torrevieja

Fiestas in Spain

Fiestas are mass events dedicated to national or religious holidays. There are a lot of similar events in Spain, and they are held on a large scale. The most famous fiestas are listed below.

• Fallas festival in Valencia (March 19): burning of fallas - large papier-mâché dolls, bullfight
• Holy Week (Semana Santa): solemn processions in the south, in Seville, Malaga, Granada, Murcia
• April Fair (10 days after Easter): spring festival in Seville; Sevilleans dance, eat and drink in the streets all night long
• Fiesta St. Isidro (May 15): festival of the patron saint of Madrid, bullfight (the biggest bullfight of the season), folk festivals with music and dancing
• Festival of San Fermin (second week of July): thrill-seekers running along the city streets ahead of wild bulls and bullfighting in Pamplona
• Mystery in Elche (August 14-15): theatrical ascension of the Virgin Mary (Valencia)
• La Mesa (September 24): a festival in honor of the patroness of Barcelona, ​​during which one of the attractions is the construction of a “human pyramid” and “running lights”, as well as a procession with huge papier-mâché figures
• Fiesta “Moors and Christians” is a grandiose performance with colorful shows and fireworks. It is held on the greatest scale in Alcoy. It is held in April, but similar extravaganzas occur throughout the year in many cities
• Fiesta "Bonfire of St. John" (on the night of June 24) is a grand celebration with bonfires, colorful processions and fireworks. The culmination of the holiday occurs in Alicante, where a large fiery palm tree lights up on the top of Mount Benacatil

Surfing in Spain

Getting around the country

Bus

There are bus stations (estacion de autobus in Spanish) in almost all of Spain. major cities and resort centers. Bus schedules can be found in travel agencies and bus stations, and they are often present in the windows of shops and cafes, especially those located near bus stations.

It is customary to enter city buses through the front door. To get off at the stop you need, you must first notify the driver by pressing the button at the door. Exit from the bus is only through the back door. Maps of city bus routes are available at each stop, which are indicated by yellow-green signs with the inscription “bus”. Red, as a rule, indicates routes running through the central areas of cities, and blue indicates night bus routes.

City buses in Spain run from 5:30 to 00:00. The trip is paid directly on the bus: the passenger tells the driver the destination and the number of people. The driver issues a receipt indicating the fare. In Spain, single tickets are valid for all types of public transport; their cost depends on the number of transport zones crossed during the trip. Different cities also have their own tariffs, discounts, benefits and travel passes. different types transport.

A network of intercity bus lines connects all corners of Spain and is distinguished by a high level of service (air conditioning, dry closet, video equipment). Traveling by bus is cheaper than traveling by train and allows you to get to know the country better. Thus, the cost of travel between the most remote cities, depending on the season, day of the week, time of day and travel distance, will not exceed 40-45 euros. During the peak tourist season, buses on main routes depart approximately once an hour. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station ticket office or at travel agencies.

Often the same route is served by several buses (depending on the number of tickets sold), which will have to leave at the same time. Therefore, it is worth checking the bus number indicated on your ticket (coche (autobus) No. ...) with the number on the windshield of the bus. Intercity bus routes, which are served by multiple operators, can be scheduled on .

Train

Railway lines in Spain are operated by a state-owned company (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Espanolas / National Network of Spanish Railways).

There are a variety of train fares available, depending on the day of the week and time of year. Tickets are sold at the ticket offices of railway stations and train stations, and at tourist offices. There you can also get detailed information about train schedules.

At large train stations in Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Seville, Salamanca, etc., in addition to ticket offices, there are special tourist centers - they serve travelers and sell tickets for any destination, including in advance. The employees of such centers usually speak English and French, and they accept all types of credit cards from major payment systems. To avoid crowding in line, you must first take a ticket with a number from a small machine at the entrance to the center. When it is your turn, the corresponding number will be displayed on the display above one of the windows.

You can also buy a ticket through the RENFE website. You can order tickets online a maximum of 60 days in advance, and buy them at station ticket offices at least 5 minutes before the train departs.

There are controllers on all routes and on all trains in Spain. If you did not have time to buy a ticket, you can do this after the train departs - directly from the controller, but it will cost a little more.

There are several types of trains in Spain. Firstly, train cars have two classes: first (primera) and second (segunda).
Secondly, trains vary in the level of amenities they provide.

Ave- high-speed luxury trains, currently connecting only Madrid and Seville and Barcelona and Madrid. Travel time (Madrid-Seville) - 3 hours 25 minutes with stops (11 flights per day) and 2 hours 40 minutes without stops (Madrid-Barcelona) - 6 flights per day, in the morning and evening hours.

Talgo- fast trains long distance, they operate between all major cities in Spain. They provide sleeping places and a buffet.

Diurno, Estrella, Rapidos- less fast than Talgo and not very convenient. Estrella is a night version of such trains.

Tranvia, Automotor- inexpensive regional and commuter trains, following with all stops.

In addition to regular trains, there are special tourist trains, the most famous of which is the Al Andalus Express. This is a luxury train, called a “palace hotel” on wheels, equipped with carriages from the 1930s, with toilet rooms, maids, etc. The train has 2 “fine” restaurants - “Alhambra” and “Gibralfaro”, and the Giralda bar with live music. The train is designed for only 50 passengers. It moves at a speed of 60-90 km/h, making long stops in major cities of Andalusia. Departs once a week - on Sundays. Information can be obtained from ticket offices and tourist offices.

In addition to the above, in this post you can read tourist observations about trains between Madrid and Barcelona, ​​nuances, differences, and so on.

Taxi

Taxis in Spain can be official (licensed) or private. An official taxi can be painted black and yellow (as in Barcelona) or white (as in Spain as a whole), and has a lighted sign with the inscription taxi and a meter. The fact that a taxi is free is indicated by the “libre” (free) flag or a green light (at night). You can take a taxi at the taxi ranks (Parada de Taxi), marked with a blue sign with a large white “T”, or stop by “voting” on the street. In addition, a taxi can be called by phone to a restaurant, hotel, or supermarket. The maximum waiting time for an ordered taxi is 10 minutes.

The fare is usually calculated as follows: for landing - 2 euros, then for each km - 1 euro during the day and about 1.2 euros at night (from 22:00 to 06:00). For luggage - another 1 euro. On holidays and weekends, rates increase. When traveling outside the city limits, it is necessary to negotiate the fare with the driver in advance, since the passenger also pays for the return trip by taxi. Payment in licensed taxis is made only in accordance with the meter readings.

Metro

The metro in Spain is a very convenient means of transportation, with its help you can easily and quickly go to almost anywhere in the city, in addition, some lines have stations crossing with Renfe (Spanish National Railways) and tram lines. There are metro in such large cities as Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Bilbao, Alicante, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville.

In all cities, the principle of operation of the metro is approximately the same. The Spanish metro is usually divided into transport zones, and fares are charged accordingly - the more zones a passenger crosses during a trip, the higher the fare (from 1.50 euros). Metro tickets can be one-time or multiple-use, they also apply to other public transport in cities. The ticket must be kept until the end of the trip. The metro in Spain is usually open from 05:00-06:00 to 23:00-00:00 (on weekends and holidays - until 01:00-2:00).

Tram, funicular and cable car

Trams in Spain are available in many cities and are usually part of the metro system (indicated by the letter T on metro maps). They are also called the above-ground metro. Spanish trams are modern, fast, very comfortable and equipped last word technology. Trams run regularly, usually from 05:00 to 00:00, on holidays, weekends and on Fridays - until 02:00.

Panoramic transport in Spain is represented by funiculars and cable cars. Barcelona (Montjuic cable car), the island of Tenerife and some other cities can boast of their presence.

Sea transport

Since most of Spain is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, water transport is also well developed in Spain.

Sea passenger transportation in the Mediterranean is carried out by the company. Its ferries and passenger ships depart to the Balearic Islands from the ports of Barcelona and Valencia, and to the Canary Islands from the port of Cadiz. Other ferry companies operating ferry services are and.

There is also a regular ferry service between Spain and Africa - car and passenger ferries, and high-speed boats. Thus, regular flights operate from Malaga (Spain) to the cities of Melilla (a Spanish enclave in Morocco) and Nador. The price of a one-way ticket is 35-40 euros. From Tarifa (Spain) to Tangier (Morocco) the ferry departs 8 times a day. Price - 25-27 euros. There is also a ferry from Spanish Algeciras to Tangier 8-10 times a day every day, the ticket price is about 29 euros.

Automobile

Spain has a total of 317,000 km of highways, of which 2,000 km are modern motorways. The main routes run along the Mediterranean coast from the French border to Alicante and from the Cantabrian coast to Catalonia. The maximum permissible speed is 50 km/h ( settlements), 100 km/h (on national highways), 120 km/h (on expressways). Fines for speeding are very high and must be paid on the spot.

To rent a car, the driver must present an identification document and an international driving license. You can order a car at a rental office, through the administrator at the hotel, or in advance via the Internet. Often, when you pick up your car, you are required to leave a certain amount of security deposit (which is refunded if you return the car with a full tank of gas). In Spain there are both local rental offices and representative offices of well-known international companies such as Avis, Hertz, Rent-a-car. If you rent a car for three or more days, significant discounts are available.

In large cities, such as Barcelona, ​​driving a car is expensive, and it’s better to save your nerves. The fine for incorrect parking is strictly €85 and above. A road map or navigator is a must - there are many one-way streets, left turns are less common than right turns. Renting a car makes sense if you plan to move from one city to another.

Motorcycles and bicycles

Spain is a cyclist's paradise, judging by the number of bicycles in its cities. There are bicycle paths in both large and small cities. IN resort towns In mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, bicycles can be rented.

And if you are over 16 years old, you can rent a motorcycle (on presentation of your ID and driver’s license) or a scooter. When riding a motorcycle, the driver is required to wear a protective helmet. Motorcycles at gas stations in Spain are filled with a special fuel - mezcla.

Airplane

There are about 30 international airports in Spain. Every major city has its own airport, from where planes fly to all regions of the country. The main major airports in Spain are Barajas in Madrid and El Prat in Barcelona.

The main airlines serving international and domestic routes are and. Flight time from Madrid to Barcelona is 55 minutes, to Valencia - 30 minutes, to Balbao and Seville - 50 minutes, to Mallorca - 1 hour, to the Canary Islands - 2 hours 30 minutes. All international airports are connected to city centers by express buses.

Communication

The official common language of Spain is Spanish (español, castellano). However, in many parts of Spain, different languages ​​are spoken (Catalan, Galician, Asturian, Valencian, Balearic, etc.). Some of these languages, according to the 1978 constitution, are official in their respective regions. With the exception of Basque (the origins of which, by the way, are still unclear), all the languages ​​of the Iberian Peninsula are related to the Romance language group, they are quite easy to understand if you know Castilian (classical Spanish) well. Learning a little about the local languages ​​will help you win over the locals.

Catalan. A distinct language similar to Castilian but closer to the Oscan branch of the Romance languages, considered by many to be part of the dialect continuum of Spain, France and Italy, it includes other Languedoc languages ​​such as those of Provence, Béarn, Limousin, Auvergne and Nice. A variety of dialects are spoken in northeastern Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, eastern Aragon, neighboring Andorra and southern France. To the casual listener, Catalan will seem like a cross between Spanish and French, although it, combining features of both languages, forms a completely separate language.

Galician. Very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in Galicia and western Asturias. Galician predates Portuguese and is considered one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese group, which includes Brazilian, Southern Portuguese, Central Portuguese and Galician.

Basque. A language unrelated to Castilian (or any other known language), it is spoken in three provinces in the Basque Country, in two neighboring provinces on the French side of the Franco-Spanish border, and in Navarre. Basque is not related to any Romance language or to any other language of the Indo-European or Indo-Iranian language family. It currently defies classification and is considered a linguistic isolate that does not appear to be related to any language in the linguistic tree.

Asturian. It is spoken in the province of Asturias, where it enjoys semi-official protection. It can also be found in rural areas of Leon, Zamora, Salamanca, in some villages in Portugal (where it is called Mirandes) and in villages in the very north of Extremadura. Although the Constitution of Spain states the right to use Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the single name Catalan, Galician and Spanish as the official language of the province, Asturian does not have such a right. But the province of Asturias uses it as an official one, and the state does not object.

Aragonese. It is spoken in the north of Aragon. Its existence is recognized, but it is not an official language of the province (as of June 2008). The language is close to Catalan (especially in Benasque) and to Castilian, with some influence from Basque and Ocian (southern France). Today, only a few villages near the Pyrenees speak pure Aragonese, while the majority of the population uses a mixture of Aragonese and Castilian in their everyday speech.

Aranese. It is spoken in the Aran Valley and is considered one of the official languages ​​of Catalonia (but not Spain), along with Catalan and Spanish. This language is a variant of Gascon and is very closely related to the languages ​​of Provence, Limousin, Languedoc and Catalonia.

In addition, English and French are usually taught in Spanish schools. If you come to any tourist center, you will meet people who speak several languages ​​fluently. But you are unlikely to see this in other places: most Spaniards speak English quite poorly. In this case, it is better to turn to urban youth. Speak slowly, use simple words, don't hesitate to use gestures, drawings or writing - if the word is written, you are more likely to be understood.

In northeastern Spain, many people understand French, sometimes even better than English, because most tourists in this region are from France. Locals will appreciate any attempt you make to speak the local language. For example, trying to say “good morning” or “thank you.”

Culture

The historical and cultural heritage of Spain is rich and diverse, it was shaped by many eras, peoples, religions, as well as Spain’s border position between Europe and Africa, the isolation of the Mediterranean and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

Architecture

The architecture of Spain is an amazing interweaving of the building traditions of ancient civilizations and the architecture of modern architects. The sights of Spain are amazing: here ancient amphitheaters peacefully coexist with powerful Arab fortresses and Visigoth forts. Thus, the Alcazar in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada are excellent examples of Moorish architecture from the Caliphate era.

In addition, Spain is rich in world-famous temples, the most famous of which are the Romanesque cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the cathedral in Teruel in the Mudejar style, the Escorial monastery-palace near Madrid in the Herreresco style, the Gothic churches of Seville, Burgas, Toledo, Tarragona and the Baroque-Renaissance cathedrals of Granada, Murcia and Valencia.

It is impossible not to mention the masterpieces of the brilliant Catalan Antonio Gaudi, who created in the style of Spanish modernism at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Painting

It is difficult to imagine world fine art without Spanish painting. Its heyday began with the work of Domenico Theotocopouli, nicknamed El Greco, who became the founder and head of the Toledo school of painting. Spain was also glorified by those who followed him, Jose de Ribera, Francisco Zurbaran, B. E. Murillo and Velazquez, whose paintings are now kept in the best museums in the world.

Spanish painting is unthinkable without the work of Francisco Goya (1746-1828), as well as the pioneer of surrealism Salvador Dali (1904-1989), the founder of cubism Juan Gris (1887-1921), abstract artist Joan Miró (1893-1983) and the versatile genius Pablo Picasso (1881-1973).

Literature

Spanish literature has come a long way in its development to become one of the most prominent components of world literature today. Her contribution is difficult to overestimate, if only because the two most famous human types - Don Quixote and Don Juan - were created by Spanish writers.

The first Spanish literary work to become widely known is the epic poem "The Song of My Cid" (circa 1140). Felix Lope de Vega, Pedro Calderon de la Barca, Tirso de Molina, and Miguel de Cervantes are considered to be classics of Spanish literature.

Starting from the end of the 19th century, called the period of spiritual renewal of Spain, new authors appeared in the country, whose works quickly found their readers around the world: Miguel de Unamuno, Ramon Maria del Valle-Inclan, Federico García Lorca. Among contemporary authors, it is worth mentioning the 1989 Nobel laureate Camilo José Cela, as well as Juan Goytisolo, Miguel Delibes, Manuel Vázquez Montalbán.

Music

Spanish musical culture developed from folk music, the origins of which go back to the 6th century BC. e. - to the musical art of the ancient Iberians and Celts, and church music of the 16th century. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Spanish music had become one of the most prominent in Europe thanks to composers such as Enrique Granados (1867-1916), Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) and Manuel de Falla (1876-1946). Modern Spain is famous throughout the world for its opera school, the most prominent representatives of which are Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe.

Flamenco

Flamenco is a famous Spanish art originating from Andalusia. Flamenco is an amazing fusion of song (Cante), dance (Baile) and guitar playing (Guitarra), and also includes various forms from a mixture of these genres. The first written mention of flamenco dates back to 1774. Flamenco was formed under the influence of two cultures - the Gypsy, from which flamenco took its dance part, and the Moorish, which brought deep meaning to flamenco music.

Flamenco styles (palos) differ in their rhythmic patterns; there are more than 50 of them. The most popular styles are tones, fandango, soleo and segiriya. Songs and dances are usually accompanied by percussion (tapping with castanets, clapping hands) and guitar.
The custodians of flamenco traditions are the Andalusian gypsies. In 2010, UNESCO awarded Flamenco World Heritage Site status.

Film art

The history of Spanish cinema has long traditions: already in the 20s of the 20th century, the film “Andalusian Forest” by Luis Buñuel was released. Since then, Spanish directors have included Carlos Saura (“Carmen”), Pedro Almodóvar (“A Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” “Kika,” etc.), Fernando Trueva (“Belle Epoque”), Julio Medel (“ Red Squirrel"), contributed to strengthening the world fame of Spanish cinema.

Kitchen

The Spaniards are very passionate about food, wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish cuisine consists of light vegetable dishes and a huge variety of meat and fish. Spanish cuisine uses few spices and excellent quality ingredients.

As a rule, in big cities, restaurants are open until midnight on weekdays, and until 2-3 am on weekends.

In bars under the general name "Tapas" you will find a wide variety of dishes that are served as a snack to drink. Some bars offer a wide range of different tapas; others specialize in one type (such as seafood appetizers). Traditionally, Spaniards have one tapas and one small drink at a bar, then move to another bar and repeat. A group of visitors can order 2 or more “tapas” or order instead “raciones”, which are larger and can be shared.

In large cities you can find McDonalds and Burger King. Their menu will surprise you: it has been revised to suit local tastes, so beer, salads, yogurt and wine feature prominently. Pizza is growing in popularity and you can find outlets selling pizza in major cities, but they can sell either their own homegrown products or something international like Pizza Hut.

Many restaurants offer set menus at fixed prices - "menú del día" - often very profitable. The price includes the cost of water or wine.

Tips and taxes

The invoice does not include service fees. It is customary to give a tip, the size of which can be increased if you really liked the service. Usually a separate note is left as a tip.

In mid-range and fast food restaurants it is not customary to include taxes in the price, so you should always check on the menu to see if the price includes VAT (7%, IVA in Spanish).

Spanish products

Cheese. In Spain you can buy a large number of locally produced cheeses. The most famous is Queso Manchego. Also popular are Cabrales, Tetilla, Mahon.

Morcilla. Anise-flavored pork blood sausage offers fresh, smoked and dried sausage.

Chorizo. The most popular type of sausage in Spain, it contains pork, ham, salt, garlic and pepper. There are many varieties available, in different sizes and shapes, short and long, spiced, different shades of red, soft, dried and hard or smoked. They often contain emulsifiers and preservatives, so if you have allergies, read the label carefully.

Jamon. This is an air dried ham. There are several types. Jamón Serrano (Serrano ham): a canned product made by drying a salted ham. If the front leg is taken, then the product is called “trowel” or “paletilla”. It is also called jamón Iberico (Iberian) and jamón of bellota (acorn). Particularly popular are hams made in Huelva (Spain), Guijuelo (in the province of Salamanca), Pedroches (province of Cordoba) and Treveles (province of Granada). Jamón Iberico is made only from pasture-raised pigs. At the Boqueria market in Barcelona, ​​Jamon Iberico costs from €80/kg, Jamon Serrano - about €25/kg.

Paella. Famous Mediterranean rice dish. There are many options: with seafood, with chicken and rabbit, etc. Although a dish called “paella” can be found in almost every Spanish restaurant (and they will certainly tell you that it is prepared according to “that very” real recipe), real paella can be found very rare: the dish must include saffron (extremely expensive) and certain seafood (the good quality of which is hard to believe outside of coastal areas). Locals recommend looking for authentic paella at large local celebrations, such as a wedding in the village, but some restaurants can still compete with them here.

Restaurants and cafes in Spain

Wines of Spain

Spain is the birthplace of many spirits loved all over the world. Spanish wines are no less popular than French and Italian; they are widely known in the world for their excellent taste and aromatic qualities. Each wine region is famous for its own centuries-old traditions and wine production recipes.

Thus, the most famous Spanish wine is Rioja, a wine produced in the region of the same name in Spain. The Rioja region produces mainly red wines, which are aged in American oak barrels and bottled in Bordeaux. However, there is a percentage of white wines, which should be drunk young, and roses with fruity aroma, which are usually drunk in the year following their creation.

Rioja wines, which have DOC quality status (Denominacion de Origen Calificada), are classified according to aging time: Hoven - up to 1 year, Crianza - 3 years (of which at least 1 year in oak barrel), Reserva ) - 4 years (of which 1 year in oak barrel + 2 years in bottles), Gran Reserva - 6 years (of which 2 years in oak barrel + 3 years in bottle).
Wine connoisseurs advise men and women to drink different types of Rioja. For men - Alta "gran reserva", produced in the north of the Rioja region, and for women - Alavesa "reserva" or "gran reserva", created in the south of the region and having a softer and lighter taste.

Valencia is another region of Spain famous for its quality wine (it has DO (Denominacion de Origen) quality status). Excellent white wines from the Merceghera and Malvasia grape varieties are produced here, as well as the aromatic sweet golden-colored Moscatel. There are not many red wines in Valencia (Monastrell, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon), and they are usually drunk young.

Malaga

Malaga is both the name of Spanish wine and the city in Andalusia in the vicinity of which this wine is produced. Malaga is a dessert wine with a raisin or caramel flavor; it can be sweet and dry, white, golden and almost black, depending on age. There are 16 varieties of malaga. Best View Malaga - “Lagrima”, it is made from Pedro Ximénez grapes, which are dried in the sun for several days before pressing.
Malaga is also produced from the Moscatel grape variety.

And, of course, it is impossible to imagine a collection of Spanish wines without table wines from Galicia, full wines from Navarra, fine wines from Alellanz, rich and refined wines from Tarragona and Priorat.

Sherry

Sherry (Jerez) is the most famous strong Spanish wine with excellent taste and delicate aroma. Real sherry is made only in Andalusia, in the vicinity of the cities of Jerez de la Frontiera, San Lucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria. Sherry is produced from the Palomino Fino, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel grape varieties.

Conventionally, all sherries can be divided into two groups: Fino and Oloroso.
Fino is a dry sherry with a strength of up to 15-16%, made exclusively from Palomino Fino grapes. It has a pale straw color and a fresh, bitter-almond taste.
Oloroso - translated from Spanish as “fragrant”, it can be not only dry, but also semi-dry and sweet, with a strength of 17% and above.
Other types of sherries, of which there are quite a lot today, are essentially either Fino or Oloroso, or are something in between. For example, the famous Manzanilla sherry belongs to the Fino type, Palo Cortado belongs to the Oloroso type, and Amontillado can be considered a middle option.

Sherry is widely used in the preparation of aperitif cocktails; it goes well with vodka, gin, whiskey, and, if necessary, can even replace dry white vermouth. It is customary to drink sherry from a tulip-shaped glass.

Sangria

Sangria — also wine. It is prepared by diluting dry red wine with water (regular or carbonated) or juice. Sometimes sangria is seasoned with fresh fruits (peach, apple, orange, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, melon) and spices, or sugar is added. In summer, sangria is served on ice - it perfectly quenches thirst, and in winter it is drunk warmed up (like mulled wine).
Sangria does not have any characteristics or classifications, but people distinguish it into 5 types: quiet sangria, fruity, white, sparkling and strong.

The first type is the simplest: dry red wine with grapes, orange and still water.

The second is the same, but with the maximum possible amount of fruit. The third type of sangria is prepared on the basis of white wine, but, paradoxically, it is still tinted with red berry juice or grenadine syrup.

Sparkling sangria is the most delicious made with cava (a Spanish sparkling wine similar to champagne) or regular red wine with soda added.

And finally, strong sangria is prepared with the addition of sugar, strong drinks (cognac, brandy, liqueur, vodka, gin) and spices (cinnamon, mint, ginger, nutmeg).

Kava

Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made using technologies imported from Champagne (Methode Champenoise) mainly in the Catalan region of Penedes, which has DO status. Cava is a white wine, although small quantities of rosé are also produced.

Cava is produced from the following grape varieties: Pareiada, Macabeo (Viura), Charello, Chardonnay and in smaller quantities Monastrey and Pinot Noir. Cava aromas include fruity and floral tones. The taste contains hints of honey and sweetness.

Kava varies in sugar content, from very dry (Extra Brut) to sweet (Dulce). There is also a classification of cava based on the number of years the wine has been aged in the bottle: Cava (from 9 months); Cava Reserva (from 15 months); Cava Gran Reserva (from 30 months) - usually Brut Nature and Extra Brut.

The most popular brands of cava are: Freixenet, Codorniu, Segura Viudas, Juve y Camps, Gramona, Bodegas Faustino.

Cava is served chilled in tall clear glass glasses in the shape of a flute or tulip. It is impossible to imagine any Spanish party, wedding or banquet without cava. Cava is often compared to champagne, because it is an excellent alternative (in terms of price-quality ratio) to the most famous sparkling wine in the world and is a very serious competitor to it.

Cider

Cider (Sidra) is a low-alcohol drink made from a certain variety of apples in Asturias and the Basque Country. Juice is made from apples, which, through fermentation and without adding yeast, is turned into a light alcoholic drink with a strength of 2-7%. Cider has a golden or greenish color and the smell of apples. Ciders are classified according to their sugar content from dry to sweet.

Cider is usually drunk chilled. To ensure that the required layer of foam is formed when filling the glass, cider is poured into large glasses from a certain height. The places where cider is consumed are called cidrerias, and the Spaniards call cider itself the “jealous bride”, since this amazing drink cannot be combined with other alcoholic drinks.

Purchases

Spain has a rich tradition of folk art and crafts; each province can offer tourists authentic products of local craftsmen. Thus, the best ceramics in Spain are made in the Toledo region, in Catalonia and Valencia, and Andalusia preserves the richest traditions of pottery. Beautiful products made of gold and silver, decorated with national ornaments, are made in Cordoba, Toledo, and Salamanca. Colored blankets and carpets of excellent quality are best purchased in Cadiz, Salamaca, and the Alpujarra region. The finest lace is woven in Galicia, and the best leather goods are produced in Albacete. Mallorca is famous for its pearls and magnificent glassware, while the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands produce wonderful baskets, hats and mats.

To call Spain, you usually dial 8 - 10 - 34 - area code - subscriber number.

Local SIM cards

You can significantly reduce communication costs in Spain by purchasing a local SIM card. There are four main mobile operators in Spain - Movistar, Vodafone, ORANGE, Yoigo. But these operators offer mainly contract terms (contrato). This means that you must have a Spanish bank account and the services will be paid from your bank account.

Prepaid (prepago) SIM cards can be purchased from virtual operators such as HappyMovil, Hitsmobile, Legaba, Simyo and others. In addition, their tariffs are slightly lower than those of the Big Four. For example, HappyMovil offers an interesting tariff option of 300 minutes to Russia for 15 euros, and Hitsmobile provides the first five minutes of each call for free when calling landlines in Russia.

The main advantage of using a local SIM card is the ability to get inexpensive high-speed Internet access (from 10 euros per 1 gigabyte). With a card from a Russian operator, which is in roaming, mobile Internet is extremely expensive. The Internet is also expensive when using tourist cards.

WiFi

Access points for Wi-Fi connections in Spain are located everywhere: at airports, train stations, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Information about the location of access points can be obtained from tourist offices and Internet service provider stores.

If there is no open Wi-Fi network in your villa or hotel, then you should contact any large shopping center, where you will definitely find an office of a Spanish Internet provider. Show office workers a list of Wi-Fi networks that your device has detected. If among them there is a public access network of one of the providers, ask about the daily tariff. As a rule, the cost of using the Internet will not exceed 1-3 € per day (including VAT), and payment will be charged only for those days when you used the Internet.

Here are some tariff plans:

• Movistar: "Tarifa Diaria" tariff - 1.77 € per day, if you do not exceed 10 MB. Every next 10 MB will cost you an additional 1.5€, but not more than 10.62€ per day.
• Movistar: unlimited tariff Tarifa Plana Internet Mini, suitable for users who either “download” large volumes or simply vacation in Spain for a long time. Price - 19 € per month, download speed - 7.2 Mb/s up to a volume of 500 MB, then drops to 64 Kb/s.
• : tariff “Contigo 2 horas”. Another unlimited package costs 19 € per month with a speed of 7.2 Mb/s, but with a time limit of no more than 2 hours per day.

Useful phone numbers in Spain

Safety

Police

There are several types of police in Spain

• Policia Municipal or Local(city police), in Barcelona - Guardia Urbana. The uniform varies from city to city, but is usually a black or blue uniform, blue shirt, blue cap (or white helmet) with a stripe of blue and white checkers. This police unit maintains order and regulates traffic inside the city; if you are lost and don’t know where to go, it’s best to turn to them. Although they will not accept your report of theft, they will, if necessary, escort you to the Policia Nacional (national police) headquarters and, if necessary, arrest the suspects.
• Policia National wears a dark blue uniform and blue caps (which can sometimes be replaced with caps such as baseball caps), but unlike the municipal police they do not have checkered bands on their headdresses. They deal with all crimes committed within the city, although other police officers may also assist a person wishing to report a crime.
• Guardia Civil(National Guard) maintains order outside cities and regulates intercity traffic on highways. They guard government institutions, patrol the roads, and that's where you can see them. They wear military-like uniforms, some may wear a strange-looking black helmet (tricornio), reminiscent of a bullfighter's headdress. But most wear green caps or white motorcycle helmets.
• The high level of political autonomy in Spain has allowed some regional governments to create their own security forces, such as the Policía Foral in Navarre, the Ertzaintza in the Basque Country or the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia.

All types of police, when patrolling roads or directing traffic, wear highly visible reflective vests from a distance.

Theft

Spain - quite safe country, but you should still adhere to some internationally accepted rules.

• Try to avoid expensive items in poor areas (although most of them are far from tourist areas and you are unlikely to be able to get there).
• Try not to show how much money you have in your wallet.
• In tourist areas, on buses, trains, and in crowded places, always keep an eye on your bag or wallet. Most airports, bus and train stations will remind you of this over a loudspeaker.
• If possible, do not carry large sums of money with you. Use a credit card (Spain has perhaps the largest number of terminals in Europe, and most shops and restaurants will accept credit cards). Of course, you need to use it carefully.
• When in crowded areas, such as crowded buses or Puerta del Sol in Madrid, beware of pickpockets. If you apprehend a thief, those around you will usually help you.
• In Madrid and Barcelona, ​​tourists from the Far East (especially Japan) are often targeted by criminals, as thieves consider them easy targets with pockets full of money.
• Report the crime to your local police immediately.
• You should remember that areas with a large number of foreigners, such as crowded East Coast resorts, are more likely to attract thieves than areas that are less popular.
• Avoid gypsies, refuse their services immediately; they will predict your future, ask for some money, and most likely you will lose your wallet.
• The flea market (el rastro) that takes place in Madrid on weekends is extremely popular among tourists. However, it is no less popular among pickpockets who operate in groups. Be extremely careful in the crowded market, as the possibility of becoming a victim is very high, especially if you can easily be recognized as a tourist or a person with money. Try to look so as not to stand out from the crowd, and the risk of being robbed will immediately decrease.
• Women who carry purses should always wear them on the front of their waistband. Always hold your wallet with your hand.
• Do not hang anything over the back of a chair or place it on the floor next to you.
• If you need to use an ATM, don't go alone.
• Some may try to profit from your lack of knowledge of local customs.
• In Spain, all taxis must display meters in a visible place. There is no need to agree to pay a pre-agreed amount for travel from the airport to the city; in most cases, the taxi driver will earn more money if you pay according to the meter.

To call the police, firefighters and emergency services, dial 112. If necessary, the number can be dialed from any phone for free.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in Spain, but using them in private places is not punishable. If you bring drugs into public places, even for personal use, you will be fined between 300 and 3,000 euros, depending on the type and quantity of the drug found in your possession. You will only be arrested if the drugs found are sufficient to sell on the streets.

Health

• Medicines are not sold in supermarkets, they are sold in "farmacias" (pharmacies), which can be easily identified by the green cross or the logo with the cup of Hygia. Almost every city and town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy, and on the doors of those that close at night there must be a poster with the address of the nearest working pharmacy, which may even be in nearby towns - this is a legal requirement.

• If you are injured or seriously ill, contact your doctors; by law, they cannot refuse to help you, even if you do not have insurance.
• Although most foreigners consider Spain warm country, it can be very cold in winter, especially in the central regions and north of the country, and in some places it can be very rainy in summer. Don't forget to bring appropriate clothing.
• In summer, to avoid heatstroke and sunstroke, try not to stay in the bright sun for a long time. Drink water, walk on a shaded side of the street, and keep a bottle of sunscreen or lotion handy.

Where to stay

There are many different ways to accommodate tourists, from hotels, guesthouses, villa rentals to campsites and even monasteries.

In hotels and mid-range hotels it is not customary to include tax in the price, so always read the fine print carefully. In Spanish, VAT is written as “IVA”.

A little further inland there are small villages with narrow medieval streets, charmingly quiet and secluded, which still have a good selection of restaurants and accommodation at very reasonable prices. In such places you can find not just hotels, but also accommodation in an old inn.

By the way, in Spain, a Parador (“inn”) is a state-owned hotel (from 3 to 5 stars). King Alfonso XIII of Spain founded a whole chain of such hotels in 1928. Their uniqueness lies in their location and history. Most paradores are located in historic buildings such as monasteries and Moorish castles, or in haciendas, as opposed to uncontrolled development in coastal regions such as the Costa del Sol. In the paradors hotel business successfully combined with the restoration of castles, palaces and monasteries, and saves the monuments of the cultural and historical heritage of Spain from ruin and desolation.

For example, the parador in Santiago de Campostela is located near the cathedral, in the former royal hospital built in 1499. The rooms are decorated in an antique style but with modern amenities. The paradors in Arcos de la Frontiera, Ronda, Santillana del Mar (Altamira Cave), as well as more than a hundred more paradors throughout Spain are worthy of attention. The parador will serve you breakfast (about 10 euros) and also offer good dishes typical of the region (about 25 euros).

Room fees are quite high because hotels are often located in the very center of picturesque places. Prices range from 85 euros for a double room to 245 euros for a two-room suite (eg in Granada). The most beautiful paradores are in Leon and Santiago de Campostela.

You can view information about accommodation in the country of bullfighting and flamenco (amenities in the room and on site, photographs, reviews of tourists) in the section “Hotels in Spain Hotels in Malaga

Cordoba Hotels

Zaragoza Hotels

Spain is a beautiful and diverse country. There is everything for a rich and unforgettable holiday: huge beaches, lots of entertainment, beautiful European architecture and even ski resorts. Every year Spain is gaining more and more popularity among Russian tourists. The most popular tourist destinations in Spain are Barcelona, ​​the Canary Islands, Madrid, Seville and some others Famous places. Next, the most important and most famous sights of Spain, which every visitor to this beautiful country should see.

Best places in Spain

1. Alhambra (Granada)

The largest architectural and park ensemble located in the east of Granada. This is a whole complex of palaces and parks with a rich history and stunning views. The main development of the Alhambra occurred during the Muslim dynasty. During the period of its existence, the ensemble actively developed, adding new buildings. Today, the Alhambra includes numerous towers, palaces, halls, several squares and even a full-fledged park, the road to which passes through the Gate of the Garnets. The Alhambra is on the list of World Heritage Sites and is one of the main attractions of Spain.

2. Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)

- the most beautiful temple in Spain and one of the most beautiful in the whole world. Construction of this structure began in 1882. The main architect was Antonio Gaudi. The architectural style of the temple is neo-Gothic and modern. The cathedral continues to be built today. Once completed, it will have 18 towers. The central tower of the temple is 170 m high. The Sagrada Familia has a rich interior decoration. It uses different geometric shapes and the most unusual architectural solutions.

3. Royal Palace (Madrid)

Home The Royal Palace is deservedly one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. This majestic architectural structure serves as the official residence of the kings of Spain. Construction of the palace took place from 1738 to 1764. The palace has a luxurious interior design, including frescoes by great artists, luxurious crystal chandeliers, large tapestries, furniture of various styles, etc. The Royal Palace in Madrid consists of many halls, each of which has its own characteristics. This is simply a must visit place in Spain!

4. Alcazar in Segovia

The Alcazar of Segovia is not only an important landmark in Spain, but also one of the 10 most impressive castles in the world. This stunning fortress has witnessed many historical events: its premises were the resting place of Alfonso X the Wise, Isabel I the Catholic was crowned here, and the marriage of Philip II and Anne of Austria was held in the castle chapel.

5. Mezquita in Cordoba

The Mosque of Cordoba is one of the most important monuments of Islamic architecture in Spain, as well as the most emblematic example of Spanish-Muslim Umayyad art. Construction of the structure began in 785 and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the city's historic center. It is now a Catholic cathedral, known as the Mosque of Cordoba.

6. Abbey of Sacromonte (Granada)

One of the most famous and most beautiful sights in Spain, which is a must-see in Granada, is the Abbey of Sacromonte. It was erected on the top of Mount Valparaiso. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the abbey was completed and expanded. Currently it consists of three parts - the abbey, seminary and collegiate church. Each of these buildings has its own remarkable places. On the territory of the abbey there is an interesting museum with a rich collection of paintings and tapestries. A wonderful place is the patio. Its decoration is magnificent: arches decorated with stucco, galleries with columns and a large fountain in the center - all this attracts crowds of tourists.

7. Gothic Quarter (Barcelona)

The Gothic Quarter is an ancient district of Barcelona and one of the most attractive places in this beautiful spanish city. We can say that this is where Barcelona was born. The street layout here is the same as everyone else's. medieval cities– intersecting, winding and very narrow, mostly pedestrian streets. In the Gothic Quarter, amazingly, ancient buildings that have preserved the spirit of the Middle Ages coexist next to the buildings of the last century. This is the main tourist magnet!

The quarter is famous for its large number of architectural and historical buildings, ancient temples. One of the most famous is the Cathedral. The architecture of its facade simply fascinates visitors.

The beautiful squares of the quarter deserve special attention:

• Plaza Nova was founded in 1355. Fragments of the ancient walls are still preserved here.
• Royal Square. All buildings, including the Royal Palace, were built in Romanesque and Gothic styles. It was here that King Fernando received Christopher Columbus after his voyage to America.
• Plaza de Sant Jaume. The main administrative buildings are now located here - the City Hall of Barcelona and the Parliament of Catalonia.

Moving from one historical building to another, you suddenly find yourself in a cozy public garden. There are many of them in the Gothic Quarter. Here you can relax, listen to street musicians, and sit in a cozy cafe. Among the attractions of Barcelona, ​​the Gothic Quarter is one of the most popular.

8. Prado Museum (Madrid)

There are quite a few attractions in Spain for art lovers, but the Prado Museum deserves special attention - one of the most visited fine art museums in the world. His collection began with art objects collected by Spanish monarchs starting in the 16th century. Nowadays, in the spacious halls of the Prado Museum, the best paintings by artists of the Spanish school, world masterpieces, sculptures, and objects of decorative art await the visitor. The permanent exhibition includes more than 7 thousand paintings and thousands of sculptures. Among them you can see works by Rubens, Raphael, Durer, Titian, Goya and other great masters who have left their mark on art for centuries.

9. Park Güell (Barcelona)

Park Güell is the most unusual and beautiful park in Spain and a favorite Barcelona attraction for many travelers. This is a masterpiece of the great Antonio Gaudi, who was able to transform the failed project of the industrialist Güell to create a garden city. Just look at the two houses at the entrance, giving the impression of gingerbread houses. The main staircase is decorated with fountains, animal figures and, of course, the symbol of Barcelona - a mosaic salamander. The “Hall of a Hundred Columns” is impressive, decorated with stained glass mosaics. In the central part of the park there is the famous winding bench, decorated with collages of fragments of ceramics and glass. While relaxing here, you can admire the views of the city.

10. Alcazar in Toledo

It is one of the most beautiful and the main attraction of Toledo, proudly towering over the entire city. It can be seen from everywhere, no matter what part of Toledo you are in. The grandeur of the austere architecture of the Alcazar is stunning. Throughout the history of its existence, this beautiful Spanish building was damaged and burned several times, and was restored just as many times. What happened within these walls? The kings of Castile once lived here. Later, in the 17th century, there was a state prison here. Located on the highest point of the city, the Alcazar was ideal place for defense. Currently, the palace houses the Army Museum and the regional library.

11. Arena Las Ventas (Madrid)

Plaza del Toros Monumental de Las Ventas is the full name of the first largest bullfighting arena in the entire country. In addition to bullfighting, all kinds of festivals and celebrations are held here. The arena's capacity is more than 23 thousand spectators. Built almost a hundred years ago, the Arena Las Ventas building amazes with its interesting architecture in the neo-Moorish style. The walls are made of red brickwork, the arched entrances in the shape of a horse's shoe are decorated with tiles. In the park in front of the arena there are two sculptural compositions.

Another attraction of the arena was the bullfighting museum, opened in 1951. Visitors here can examine many unusual exhibits, including the heads of killed bulls and the blood-soaked costume of a dead matador.

12. Alcazar Palace in Cordoba

What is a must see in Spain are the numerous palaces and fortresses. One of these beautiful attractions is located in ancient city Andalusia - Cordoba. The history of the ancient historical complex begins from the times of the Roman Empire. Alcazar means “palace” in Arabic. But initially the fortress was a defensive bastion, and only in 1328, during the reign of King Alfonso XI, it was converted into the residence of the kings.

The architecture of the Alcazar in Cordoba combines the directions of Arab and European cultures. The palace building is a regular square topped with four towers. Each of these towers has its own name and purpose. The undoubted decoration of the Alcazar are its stunning gardens with fountains and ponds. This fortress was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is a tourist hotspot in Spain.

13. Walls of Avila

The 11th-century Romanesque walls of Avila are among the most important historical sites in Spain. Their dimensions are: 2537 meters in total length, 12 meters in height, 88 towers, 9 gates and three wickets.

There is some disagreement about the date of construction of the walls, but everyone agrees on their artistic and historical importance. Avila is the best preserved medieval walled city in Spain and perhaps in all of Europe. Old city and the city walls were declared a World Heritage Site.

14. Monastery of Escorial

The El Escorial Monastery is a palace complex, a basilica and a monastery. The palace was the residence of the Spanish royal family, the basilica is the burial place of the kings of Spain, and the monastery is the current residence of the monks of the Order of St. Augustine. This is one of the most unique pieces of Renaissance architecture in Spain and Europe. Its construction in the second half of the sixteenth century was initiated by King Philip II. This, as it is called, "the eighth wonder of the world", certainly deserves to be part of the list of the best tourist sites in Spain!

15. Plaza Mayor (Madrid)

Plaza Mayor is included in the list of the best attractions in Madrid, and it is also one of the two main squares of the city that every tourist visits. Its appearance dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. The history of Plaza Mayor is very rich. In the beginning it was just a market square outside the city. Later, military parades, knightly tournaments, and even Inquisition courts were held here. The first place equipped for bullfighting was also Plaza Mayor. These days, this beautiful square is particularly popular among visitors to Spain and locals. The square is bordered by many arches housing cafes, restaurants and shops. It's always very lively here.

16. Mount Montserrat (Barcelona)

Montserrat is a picturesque mountain range located 50 km from Barcelona. This area is famous for its Catholic church, located on the top of the mountains and bearing the same name. Next to the monastery there is a natural complex that is under special protection of Spain. The Montserrat mountains have breathtaking views and rich flora. There are more than 1,500 plant species here. Walk this natural complex will definitely be very exciting and memorable.

17. Mount Tibidabo (Barcelona)

Tibidabo is part of the Collserola mountain range. The height of the mountain is 512 m. This highest point all over Barcelona. The mountain offers beautiful views of the city, which is why it is so popular among tourists. On one of the slopes there is a picturesque Tibidabo park, which has Observation deck and the oldest attractions in Europe. At the top of the mountain is the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart, which was built between 1902 and 1961.

18. Barcelona Aquarium

This building is located in the Old Port of Barcelona. This is a very popular destination among both guests and city residents. Today, the Barcelona Aquarium deservedly bears the title of one of the largest aquariums in the world. Its dimensions are amazing. The structure consists of 35 separate aquariums, which hold more than 5 million liters of water. Each aquarium contains individual representatives water world. In total, there are about 11 thousand in aquariums. sea ​​creatures. The main attraction of the structure is a huge oceanarium, through which a transparent pipe 80 meters long runs. A visit to the Barcelona Aquarium will be an excellent solution for both adults and children.

19. Spanish village (Barcelona)

An excellent solution for those who want to explore the most significant places in Spain without leaving Barcelona. The Spanish village is a complex that contains exact copies of the famous sights of Spain: temples, palaces, monasteries, castles, etc. On the territory of the village there are copies of buildings in reduced and natural sizes. Each structure was built from the same materials as the originals. This museum was built in 1929 by famous Spanish architects.

20. Teide National Park (Tenerife)

The largest and most popular nature reserve in Canary Islands. Every tourist on the island of Tenerife is obliged to visit this natural Spanish attraction. total area The park area is 18.9 hectares. The main object of the reserve is the Teide volcano and its majestic crater. Teide is a high mountain area, so tourists can see incredible contrasts. In the lower regions, subtropics reign, and at the peaks there is snow and a completely different nature appears. Teide Park is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level.

21. Seville Cathedral

This is the largest and one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Its construction took place from 1401 to 1519. The temple consists of a main chapel and five side chapels. In one part of the cathedral, many ancient treasures are preserved: paintings by famous artists, precious items, church relics and much more. It is in the Seville Cathedral that the tomb of Christopher Columbus is kept. This attraction is a must-visit in Spain.

22. La Seu Cathedral (Palma de Mallorca)

One of the majestic Gothic cathedrals in Spain. It was erected on the site of a destroyed mosque in honor of the liberation of Mallorca from the Moors. The height of the cathedral is 121 meters, width - 55 m. The construction of the cathedral took many decades, so its appearance was influenced by many architectural movements: classical Gothic, late Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Mannerism. In 1904-1914, the cathedral was restored under the leadership of Antonio Gaudi.

23. City of Ronda

Ronda is the most beautiful city in Spain, located in the province of Malaga. The city has stunning views, many attractions and small cozy streets. Ronda literally hangs over the abyss, being located on the very edge of a steep hill. The city is home to one of the oldest bullrings. Here you can also get acquainted with ancient weapons, ammunition and other ancient relics. The city has many cozy cafes, where you can eat traditional snacks and enjoy the silence of European streets.

24. Fortress of Vila Velha (Tossa de Mar)

One of the largest and most significant fortresses on the sea coast, the main attraction of Tossa de Mar. More than 800 years ago, there was a full-fledged city here bearing the same name. A winding stone path leads to the top of the fortress. This place has a rich history and beautiful views. The fortress walls offer stunning views of the sea and the nearby beach.

25. Plaza de España (Seville)

The main park ensemble of Seville, located in the southern part of the city. Made in neo-Moorish style with art deco elements. Construction took place in the 1920s. The square contains many ancient buildings and several museums. The main attraction of the square is the central fountain, designed by famous Spanish architects. Plaza de España has stunning views both during the day and at night.

All countries, without exception, are proud of their achievements in the field of science and culture. The Spaniards do this skillfully and for show. Gaudí's architecture, the unsolved secrets of flamenco rhythms, traditional bullfights, exotic islands and famous resorts - this is not a complete list of what is offered to the enthusiastic tourist in this temperamental country. We'll take you on a tour of 15 best places Spain.

Tourist map of Spain attractions

There are 17 regions in Spain, including the Canary and Balearic Islands. Outside the major Spanish cities there are many interesting places that tell about the versatility of nature and art in Spain. A visit to each of these amazing places will make your trip rich and colorful.

Video: top 10 attractions in Spain

1. Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)

Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) - the temple is the most ambitious long-term construction project, which has been under construction for 132 years. Initially, construction (1882) was entrusted to the architect Francisco del Villar, who soon abandoned the project. In 1883, work was continued by Antonio Gaudi. The famous architect managed to complete only one tower unusual building. To date, only 8 towers out of a planned 18 have been erected. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

Cape Marroqui is the southernmost point of the European continent. It is an artificial dam built in the 19th century. From here you can see the coast of Morocco with the naked eye.

Arena Las Ventas (Madrid) is a bullring built in the neo-Moorish style (neo-Mudéjar). Accommodates 23,798 spectators. Inside the complex you can visit the Bullfighting Museum.

Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Europe, built in 1401-1519. It is a treasury of ancient relics and paintings by famous artists such as Goya, Velazquez, Murillo and others.

The magical fountains of Montjuic (Barcelona) are one of the most visited places in the capital of Catalonia. The unique show invites tourists to enjoy a magical combination of music, water and light.

Cibeles Fountain (Madrid) - a sculptural composition erected in 1782, represents the goddess Cybele seated on a chariot drawn by lions.

Mount Tibidabo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Barcelona and throughout Spain. From here you have beautiful views of the capital of Catalonia. On the slopes of the mountain there is an amusement park of the same name with rides and an observation tower.

Montserrat Monastery is a Benedictine monastery, the religious center of Catalonia and a place of pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world.

Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao) - the museum of modern art is a spectacular building made in the style of deconstructivism. Exhibitions of contemporary Spanish and foreign artists are held here.

Barcelona Zoo - The zoo's collection includes 400 plant species and 319 animal species.

The Prado Museum (Madrid) is one of the most famous and most visited fine art museums. The museum houses works by Velazquez, Goya, Bosch, El Greco and other representatives of European painting.

Royal Palace (Madrid) - the residence of the kings of Spain, located on the banks of the river. Manzanares. The interior of the palace is famous for its frescoes by Caravaggio, Giordano, Velazquez, Goya, unique Flemish tapestries, etc.

Port Aventura is the most visited amusement park and the largest resort in Spain. The park is divided into 6 thematic zones.

City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia) - is represented by a unique complex of examples of modern architecture. Surrounded by swimming pools and parks.

Dali Theater-Museum (Figueres, Catalonia) - a museum dedicated to the work of S. Dali. The interior decoration is represented by unique compositions of paintings, decorations, sculptures, etc.

Sunny and cheerful Spain awaits tourists in its hot embrace all year round. In the homeland of the most fun and carefree drink - sangria, you will find noisy Barcelona, ​​rich Madrid, the amazing Canary Islands and, of course, hot bullfighting with sultry flamenco dancing.

Spain is a country of diversity, where holidays sandy beaches borders with a rich historical heritage, and ski resorts are interspersed with the creations of the genius of Gaudi. Here you will find the fiery rhythms of Ibiza and the most crazy holiday in Port Aventura.

Spain is a country with a rich gastronomic heritage. All tourists coming to the country should definitely try the local cuisine. On a hot, sultry day, there is nothing better than cool gazpacho soup - the creation of Spanish muleteers. In Valencia it is worth trying the famous paella. And in the capital of Spain, do not deny yourself the pleasure of trying Madrid stew. Cava, sherry and “devil's blood” (sangria) will be the best addition to the national cuisine of Spain.

The most famous places in the country

The attractions of Spain are concentrated mainly in two cities: Barcelona and Madrid. At the same time, Barcelona is a more popular destination among tourists than the capital of the country. And there is an explanation for this. The genius Antonio Gaudi lived and worked in Barcelona, ​​and his architectural masterpieces remain here. Places associated with his life and work have become a magnet for tourists from all over the world.

Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia

Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia

The famous project of Antonio Gaudi is also called the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. This is the most beautiful church in Spain and Europe. And although the great architect will not see the completion of his brainchild, the cathedral became his manifesto to his descendants. According to the plan of the genius, the temple should have three facades: the facade of the Nativity, from which he began construction, the facade of the Passion and the facade of the Ascension. White pillars, like fairy-tale trees, support the entire vault of the cathedral. Star-shaped elements hang scattered on the ceiling. And the light, passing through the multi-colored stained glass windows, casts colored reflections on the interior of the temple. To visit Barcelona and not see the creation of the immortal Gaudi is a crime. The cost of visiting starts from 15 euros. With this money, as well as donations, the construction is being completed.

Royal Palace in Madrid

Royal Palace in Madrid

On the site of the fortress of the emirs of Cordoba and Toledo stands the royal residence of the Spanish monarchs. The palace burned down several times, so during restoration it was built entirely of stone and abandoned the wooden decoration. If the Spanish flag flies over the palace in Madrid, this means that Philip VI, the King of Spain, is in residence. There is a museum in the royal palace, the cost of visiting it is 10 euros.

Park Guell in Barcelona

Park Guell in Barcelona

This is one of the earliest works of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. Business card parks are two gingerbread houses, built for administrative purposes, but looking like fairy-tale dwellings. The main staircase, framed by fountains, rises directly to the Hall of a Hundred Columns. Thanks to good acoustics, musical groups love to perform in this place. From the top of the stairs there is a beautiful view of Barcelona and the sea coast.

Alcazar in Segovia

Alcazar in Segovia

At the confluence of the two rivers Clamores and Eresma, on a high cliff stands one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. Archaeological excavations indicate that a fortified settlement arose here during the reign of Rome. Initially the fortress was wooden, then rebuilt into stone. The interior of the fortress is made in the Spanish-Moorish style. Today, thousands of tourists visit this attraction to visit Royal Hall, see the chapel in which the kings of Spain were married and climb the tower of Juan II.

Arena Las Ventas in Madrid

Arena Las Ventas in Madrid

This is the largest arena in Spain created for bullfighting. Its capacity exceeds twenty thousand people. The arena is built in the likeness of the ancient Roman Colosseum. The building is made of red brick with figured arches in the form of a horse shoe in the Moorish style. There is also a bullfighting museum here, where unusual exhibits are presented. For example, here you can see the blood-soaked costume of the famous matador Manolete.

Interesting places in Spain that tourists should visit

There are so many interesting places in Spain that a lifetime would not be enough to see them all. But it's still worth a try. Spain has preserved a rich cultural heritage for its descendants. It is represented by palaces and castles, museums and national parks.

Mezquita (Cordoba Cathedral Mosque)

Mezquita (Cordoba Cathedral Mosque)

The history of the largest mosque of the Middle Ages ended during the Spanish Reconquista. The mosque was converted into christian cathedral. In general, these places have always been revered as sacred since the times ancient Rome. The Visigoths were the first to consecrate the temple here. Arab rulers spared no expense in decorating the mosque. Giant arches, columns, lined with precious materials: jasper, onyx, marble - all this represented a magnificent architectural masterpiece. The ceilings, walls, prayer niches and decorative elements are painted in gold.

Prado Museum in Madrid

Prado Museum in Madrid

This is one of the most visited museums in the world. The museum houses a rich collection of Flemish art, sculptures and works by Golden Age artists. Tourists come here to see the works of Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, and Bosch. One of the most significant works stored in the Prado Museum is Rubens' painting "The Three Graces". The museum building itself is also a landmark of Spain. It was built in the style of late classicism with reference to the ancient heritage. The cost of visiting the museum is 15 euros.

Alcazar in Toledo

Alcazar in Toledo

A fortress was built at the bend of the Tagus River in the city of Toledo. From the south there were steep slopes that descended to the river, and from the north the Spaniards built powerful fortifications. The result was one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. The rulers of Castile once lived in the Alcazar. With the loss of independence, a prison was built in this place. Today the fortress walls offer a beautiful panorama of the whole of Toledo.

Cathedral of St. James

Cathedral of St. James

One of the most important shrines of the Christian world is located in Santiago de Compostela. In the historical part of the city, there is a medieval cathedral, and it houses the relics of the Apostle James, a disciple of Christ. The relics of the Saint are placed in a silver shrine. An important attraction of the cathedral is the unique censer. This is the largest censer in the world. It requires at least forty kilograms of coal to operate and is driven by 8 clergy.

Teide National Park (Tererife)

Teide National Park (Tererife)

Home pearl national park- This is the Teide volcano. The fire-breathing giant attracts millions of tourists who vacation in the Canary Islands. Anyone can conquer the giant on foot or using transport. There is a good road to the top, and the rest of the way can be covered by cable car. The most breathtaking views await those who decide to spend the night at the top of the volcano. The brightest stars shine here and the Milky Way is clearly visible.

City of Avila

City of Avila

The ancient medieval city of Avila lies at the foot of the Cordillera. The main attraction of the city is the well-preserved fortress walls. The territory of the old city was surrounded by walls more than three meters thick. Twenty-meter towers rise along the perimeter of the walls. There were nine gates in total leading into the city. This is a perfectly preserved example of medieval fortifications in Spain. The Avila Cathedral, which in appearance resembles a palace-fortress rather than a temple, houses the works of the great Spanish painter El Greco.

Beautiful places in the south of Spain

The south of Spain is traditionally associated with beach holiday, but this is not entirely true. Of course, most of the southern cities of the country have access to the Mediterranean coast. But there are also many historical sights that are worth seeing. And most importantly, in the south of Spain there is the small birthplace of passionate dance - flamenco.

Alcazaba fortress in Malaga

Alcazaba fortress in Malaga

In the very heart of the city, the Arab rulers built a fortress. Stones from ancient Roman buildings were partially used for the construction of the fortress walls. The Roman theater has survived to this day. open air. The citadel was protected by a triple ring of fortress walls and powerful towers. A luxurious palace in Arabic style was built inside. Today, an archaeological museum is opened in this place.

City of Ronda

City of Ronda

This is a city over an abyss. One of the most beautiful cities in Spain is located above the El Tajo gorge. This settlement has been known since the times of the ancient Romans. The white houses of local residents are paved on a high steep cliff, and a deep gorge stretches below. From almost anywhere in the city, stunning views open up. Ronda's main attraction is Spain's oldest bullring. The great matador Romero performed here; he defeated thousands of bulls.

Chipionsky lighthouse

Chipionsky lighthouse

This is the tallest lighthouse in Spain. Interestingly, it is used for navigation not only by ships, but also by aircraft. This became possible thanks to the design of the lighthouse, the light from which is visible not only in the horizontal plane, but also vertically. In clear weather, the lighthouse is visible at a distance of fifty kilometers around. You can visit the Chipion Lighthouse as part of an excursion.

Alhambra

Alhambra

In Southern Spain, in the former capital of the Emirate of Granada, a palace and park complex in the Moorish style was built. This place was the last stronghold of the Islamic state in the territory of modern Spain. Fortress walls, palaces, mosques, houses and gardens have survived to this day. All buildings are integrated into the surrounding landscape for a harmonious unity with nature. The palace complex is filled with light and the sound of water. Here you can find both large reservoirs and small secluded fountains. Pomegranate and orange trees grow in the gardens, and huge cypress trees are planted in orderly rows. From the fortress walls there is a magnificent view of the mountains and forests.

Abbey of Sacromonte in Granada

Abbey of Sacromonte in Granada

Just three kilometers from the city of Granada there is an interesting attraction - the Abbey of Sacromonte. They began to build it at the end of the sixteenth century on the Holy Mountain. Ancient cave dwellings have been preserved under and next to the abbey. Apparently, they were the last refuge for Arabs who were fleeing the Spanish Reconquista, and before them Jews were hiding in this place. Today it is a large Benedictine monastery, whose patron saint is St. Cecilius.

Other popular places to see

There are a lot of beautiful and popular places in Spain. Most of them are in good transport accessibility, which makes visiting them easier. History buffs will find medieval castles, ancient Roman architectural monuments, and amazing cathedrals converted from mosques in the country. These places are rich in a mixture of cultures and eras.

Port Aventura

Port Aventura

It is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe and the most popular in Spain. Port Aventura is located near the city of Salou and is divided into thematic zones. There is the Wild West, the Caribbean, Siberia and the latest Ferrari Land. The park will appeal to both adults and children. The youngest visitors have their own attractions that they will love. Here you can watch a show: go hunting with the fearless Indiana Jones, or watch a cool western with horses. Attractions in the park are presented for every taste, there is a free-fall tower, a walk along a river canyon, and a roller coaster with loops. The infrastructure of the park allows you not only to eat in themed restaurants, but also to live in appropriate hotels. For example, you can stay in a hotel that is stylized as the Wild West. The cost of a full day ticket is 55 euros per adult.

Alcazar in Cordoba

Alcazar in Cordoba

This is the second most important attraction in Cordoba after the Mezquita. The residence of the emirs of Cordoba was located here. The fortress is an almost regular square with powerful towers and gates. In addition to the palace itself, there is a magnificent garden outside the walls. The best time to visit the garden is spring, when everything is in bloom, and evening, when the night lights turn on. After the Spanish Reconquista, the city was occupied by supporters of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. In this place they received Chr. Columbus - the great traveler and navigator. The once former royal residence was given over to the rule of the Inquisition. At one of the towers of the citadel, mass executions took place on the orders of the clergy.

Montserrat mountain in Barcelona

Montserrat mountain in Barcelona

Montserrat Mountain attracts ecotourism lovers and pilgrims from all over Europe. Bald rocks of a bizarre shape, standing separately from the main mountain range, have always attracted attention. The area around the mountain in Spain is recognized as a protected area; unique species of plants and animals live here. Hiking routes, laid out for tourists, pass through the most beautiful places. An ancient monastery was erected on Mount Montserrat, which houses one of the most important Christian shrines - the Black Madonna or Black Virgin of Montserrat. She helps women find the joy of motherhood.

Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral

This is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Spain and Europe. The temple was erected on the site of the mosque after the end of the Spanish Reconquista. According to local belief, the cross in the cathedral is made of gold brought by Columbus from America. The grave of the great navigator was located in this place until his remains were transported to the territory of modern Dominican Republic. The cathedral library contains documents from Chr.'s personal archive. Columba.

Dalt Vila (Ibiza)

Dalt Vila (Ibiza)

Many tourists see the resort town of Ibiza as a place of fun and dancing until the morning. However, Ibiza boasts not only beautiful beaches and incendiary parties, but also ancient buildings. In the Old Town, the center of attraction for tourists has become the fortress - Dalt Vila. Behind the walls, visitors will find narrow streets, cobblestone streets, Ibiza Castle and the Cathedral. Ibiza Castle, built during the time when these places were under Arab rule. It is visible from almost anywhere on the island, and from the fortress walls of the citadel the most breathtaking view of Ibiza opens. It is especially beautiful at night when the city lights up.