Traveling in Spain

The Wonders of Traveling in Spain

Traveling in Spain allows you to enjoy the Old World in a wonderful way

Spain is connected to the European continent at the French border, but when you travel in Spain you realize that in many ways it feels more like North Africa. The Iberian Peninsula stretches away from northern Europe into the Mediterranean and nearly touches Morocco. The Moors crossed into Spain from Morocco and for centuries occupied most of the country. They left their mosques, their palaces, and their poetry behind. Spain is exotic and awe-inspiring. It has Roman ruins, Moorish fortresses, and early Christian cathedrals. The landscape is ruggedly beautiful, the traditions are colorful, and Spain's museums inspire tourism with some of the greatest art collections in the world.

Traveling in Madrid

Madrid is a cosmopolitan city with tremendous works of art, elegant restaurants, and trendy clubs, so it is logical that most people traveling in Spain try to make a stop in Madrid. The most picturesque section of Madrid is the old quarter. A labyrinth of narrow streets lies between Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace, each with a sign depicting an activity that distinguished the street in the past; for instance, Pasadize del Panecillo has a picture of friars distributing bread to the poor. To the east of the Royal Palace is Plaza de Oriente, with its magnificent statue of Philip IV created by Diego Velazquez. Have a glass of sangria in the Plaza Mayor, near the palace: You will be surrounded by 17th-century buildings with balconies and arches.

Anyone not too faint of heart who visits Madrid must attend at least one bullfight. They provide a unique insight into the Spanish, who see bullfights as matches between man and the untamed elements. While they may seem barbaric to animal lovers, the Spanish believe bullfights are fair contests.

Side Trips From Madrid

Travel in Spain can be some of the most rewarding and enjoyable in all of Europe

San Lorenzo del Escorial, on a mountain northwest of Madrid, is the 16th-century monastery-palace where the Inquisition was held. A giant, gloomy building with hundreds of rooms and thousands of windows, it is full of history, art, rare manuscripts, and reminders of the Inquisition. Almost all Spain's royalty and a number of saints are entombed here in a cavernous, black-marble room. A tourism visit to Avila is more uplifting. This medieval walled town is perfectly preserved and has several fine churches and monasteries. It is just beyond El Escorial.

Barcelona's Beauties

Flower-filled Barcelona is sociable, stimulating, and the most European of the Spanish cities. Residents love their town--to them, Barcelona's ancient hegemony over the Mediterranean is only temporarily in eclipse. The city's Catalan culture, once suppressed by General Franco, is back in full swing, with street signs, maps, museum labels, and conversations in the distinctive Catalan language. Adding to Barcelona's charms are low-priced hotels, restaurants, and efficient transportation that make traveling in this part of Spain a breeze.

Traveling in Romantic Granada

Granada is one of those romantic towns inspiring feelings that you're living a legend or lost on a movie set. It is most famous for the beautiful Moorish palace called the Alhambra, but it is worth traveling to for its own sake. The city looks out on one side at the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains. On the other side it looks down at the Mediterranean with a fringe of tropical vegetation. The city is set on two hills, one topped by the Alhambra, and the other by a cluster of tiny houses set along narrow streets.

Traveling in Costa del Sol

Don't go to the Costa del Sol unless you thrive on the excitement of crowds and nightlife. It's overdeveloped and overcrowded. But its long, sandy beaches are lined with beautiful bodies from all over the world; its clubs are filled with fun-loving dancers ready for a good time. Young people flock to the coast during their vacations in the same way that American college students flock to Florida during spring break, and the great crowd isn't always a drawback--in some cases, it's an attraction. The climate is warm and gentle on the Costa del Sol. The average temperature year-round is 75° F, the sky is intensely blue and nearly always cloudless.

Traveling in Costa Brava

Spaniards who would rather relax on a secluded beach than gaze at crowds of bodies head for the Costa Brava (as long as they avoid going during July and August). Spain's northernmost Mediterranean coastline, the Costa Brava, stretches from north of Barcelona, Blanes, to the French border. The "Wild Coast," as it is known, has an untamed, rugged beauty. Pine trees fringe the rocky cliffs that drop to the beaches. Little towns are sheltered by the coast's protective coves. The climate here is temperate, even in winter. The water is transparent and warm.

Traveling on the Canary Islands

Scattered off the coast of West Africa, Spain's 13 Canary Islands are blessed with 360 days of sunshine, and only on record-breaking days does the temperature dip below 65° F. The major islands are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, Hierro, and La Palma.

Traveling on the Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands peek sleepily out of the Mediterranean, half hoping no one will notice them. They have changed a great deal since the days when Mallorcans threw stones at George Sand for wearing pants. Today, artists and hippies mingle among the old women in traditional black.

Learn more about a Spain travel in IL Postcards.

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