Spain is known for its sunshine and warm climate and so represents the perfect place to go on a winter holiday. Many Brits will head there because they can taste the same foods and experience the kind of lifestyle they have back home but with more inviting temperates to enjoy. Also, though, there will be famous and historical places to explore as with many tourists destinations.
So, let us think about three places in Spain where tourists can feel at home, if they want to, or go on to explore sights or sites beyond the beach or pool.
Barcelona
Barcelona might be Spain’s second city but it is their most popular destination when it comes to international visitors.
In terms of experiencing a relaxing holiday here, Barcelona is considered a laid-back city that offers some stunning coastline views, not to mention plenty to do.
The city’s architectural beauty can be credited to Antoni Gaudi, who is famous for creating the structures here that attract million to visit each year. The most famous of these is the Sagrada Familia which is an extravagant sight to behold and a church not to miss.
There is something for everyone in Barcelona. Apart from the beaches and the historic buildings, football fans will want to visit Camp Nou, which is Barcelona F.C.’s stadium. Then art lovers will be looking to enter the Picasso Museum, which contains many pieces of art donated by Picasso himself.
Madrid
Interestingly, Spain’s capital city of Madrid receives more visitors overall than Barcelona, because they are local visitors, but fewer international tourists than Barcelona. Surely, this cannot be when there are world-famous museums to explore? Ones such as El Prado Museum, which houses the most valuable and comprehensive collection of Spanish Paintings. Madrid is also known to have some of the world’s liveliest nightclub scenes, meaning that there is plenty to do by day and night.
The legal drinking age in Spain is 18 so a lot of young American’s visit Madrid so they can experience clubbing before they turn 21 (the legal drinking age in the US). In fact, some people under 18 visit Madrid with fake ID Oregon so they can go clubbing even sooner! The Madrid nightlife is infamous worldwide!
Places in Madrid that will delight include the Royal Palance and Gardens, Temple of Debod, and the main square (Plaza Mayor).
Now we discover why perhaps Barcelona beats Madrid for its popularity in terms of international visitors. Madrid lacks the beach that Barcelona has. However, Madrid more than makes up for it with its numerous cultural experiences.
Seville
If you fell in love with composer Gioachino Rossini’s Italian opera The Barber of Seville, then there is every chance that you might want to visit where it was set in the seventeenth century. You can follow in the footsteps of the barber, Figaro, as he helps Count Almaviva prise the beautiful Rosina away from Dr. Bartolo, her lecherous guardian.
Seville is the capital of the southern Andalusia region of Spain and is famous for sunny weather, as many people visiting Spain will be seeking. Dancers will also be heading here for the flamenco dancing. Historians, for the historical landmarks, such as Alcazar Castle and the Gothic cathedral where famous explorer Christopher Columbus’ tomb lies. He was, of course, famous for exploring and navigating the Americas under Spain’s flag. It is not strictly true that he discovered America but he certainly paved the way for European colonization there.
If you venture to the city’s squares, then you would find the atmosphere a lively one with its many bars and restaurants. Seville is one of the best places in Spain for tapas. The word “tapas” derives from the Spanish word “tapar”, meaning cover or lid. By tradition, if you are not familiar with them, they are a more snack-like way of experiencing Spanish cuisine. They can contain different types of bread and meat or be a selection of dishes consisting of ham, fried squid, stuffed mussels, olives, sautéed mushroom, and other vegetables.
Seville also offers some wonderful museums, exhibitions of art, and theatres. Then mainly for the children perhaps, theme parks. This makes Seville a family-friendly destination in terms of the entertainment provided for the whole family.
In conclusion, there is no shortage of places in Spain to head when it comes to pleasing different family members. Barcelona is a definite must for anybody into football, Madrid is trending in terms of its international visitors, and Seville is the place to buy some tapas.