Viva Espana! From delicious tapas dishes and paella to intriguing cities and, of course, sun-scorched beaches, it's little surprise Spain is a hotspot with European tourists, especially the Brits. Visitors can spend their days exploring cobbled streets or seeing Gaudi's designs, while of an evening there are flamenco shows and numerous restaurants to enjoy.
1. Explore Barcelona
The beach side city is one of the best places in Spain to visit for a combination of beach-lounging and cosmopolitan exploring. Tourists looking to give their credit cards a workout should head to the Gracia neighbourhood, although there are hundreds of cute shops all over the city – and plenty to buy on the famous Las Ramblas boulevard. For time away from the shops, a visit to the Sagrada Familia church, designed by Gaudi, is a must.
2. Check out the golden triangle of art in Madrid
For something a little arty, visitors should head to Madrid's Paseo del Arte, where three famous art museums form something of a golden triangle of art. The Reina Sofia, Prado and Thyssen museums are in such close proximity, it would be a shame to miss one of them out – and tickets are designed so that it's possible to buy entry to all three.
3. Visit Toledo, the imperial city
Toledo is a rather popular place. Once the main headquarters of Charles I, it is now a big hit with tourists. Often referred to as the City of Three Cultures, it is historically home to Muslims, Christians and Jews, who enjoyed harmony and peace within the city and contributed to its cultural history, and today tourists can see the churches mosques and temples there.
4. Stroll round Segovia
Segovia looks like something straight out of a fairytale. This has a lot to do with the Alcazar, which was originally a fortress and later became a royal palace. Perched atop the cliffs, the castle looks absolutely magnificent. Tourists who are bored with staring at the castle and daydreaming will find there's lots more on offer in the UNESCO World Heritage city, from exploring the churches and strolling alongside the medieval wall to relaxing at a local café.
5. See Seville
Described as the perfect city for couples, Seville is a fantastic place to explore (even if you're exploring alone). The food in the city is fantastic 9 and many tourists grab a jar of marmalade made with Seville oranges to take home with them). Flamenco dancing is also particularly important in the city – and tourists can visit the three-floor Museo del Baile Flamenco or, even better, watch a flamenco show.
6. Relax on Majorca
For something a little more beachy, visitors should head over to Majorca, an island popular with Spain's pretty young things. Exclusivity is the way to go with this destination, where fancy hotels are the order of the day. During the day, there are activities such as golf or yachting to pass the time.
7. See The Alhambra, The Red Castle
The 'red fortress', so called because of its reddish walls, is a spectacular sight, particularly at sunset. Build in the 13th century as an Arabic fortress, it's set to the background of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Tourists interested in seeing the castle should book a ticket beforehand, to secure a spot at the site.
8. Shop 'til you drop
In Valencia, there are shops dedicated to arts and crafts – providing ample temptation for tourists looking to send home decorative souvenirs, of snag themselves some beautiful home ware. As well as arts and crafts, there are street markets, clothes shops and plenty of restaurants for some apres-shopping eats.
9. Watch a football game
The Spanish are, understandably, passionate about the beautiful game. And tourists with similar levels of enthusiasm can catch a Real Madrid or FC Barcelona game, to see Spain's top football stars in action. For a behind-the-scenes look at the world of football, the Maracana Stadium is worth a visit, and tourists can pay to take a guided tour.
10. Discover Flamenco 'duende'
The entrancing Flamenco style of dance is a big hit with tourists and locals alike, and one of the best ways to take in a Flamenco show is with dinner. There are several Tablaos (traditional flamenco clubs) that offer dinner and a show, and give visitors a chance to experience 'duende', the mysterious sensation associated with the dancing.
Viva Espana! From delicious tapas dishes and paella to intriguing cities and, of course, sun-scorched beaches, it's little surprise Spain is a hotspot with European tourists, especially the Brits. Visitors can spend their days exploring cobbled streets or seeing Gaudi's designs, while of an evening there are flamenco shows and numerous restaurants to enjoy.
1. Explore Barcelona
The beach side city is one of the best places in Spain to visit for a combination of beach-lounging and cosmopolitan exploring. Tourists looking to give their credit cards a workout should head to the Gracia neighbourhood, although there are hundreds of cute shops all over the city – and plenty to buy on the famous Las Ramblas boulevard. For time away from the shops, a visit to the Sagrada Familia church, designed by Gaudi, is a must.
2. Check out the golden triangle of art in Madrid
For something a little arty, visitors should head to Madrid's Paseo del Arte, where three famous art museums form something of a golden triangle of art. The Reina Sofia, Prado and Thyssen museums are in such close proximity, it would be a shame to miss one of them out – and tickets are designed so that it's possible to buy entry to all three.
3. Visit Toledo, the imperial city
Toledo is a rather popular place. Once the main headquarters of Charles I, it is now a big hit with tourists. Often referred to as the City of Three Cultures, it is historically home to Muslims, Christians and Jews, who enjoyed harmony and peace within the city and contributed to its cultural history, and today tourists can see the churches mosques and temples there.
4. Stroll round Segovia
Segovia looks like something straight out of a fairytale. This has a lot to do with the Alcazar, which was originally a fortress and later became a royal palace. Perched atop the cliffs, the castle looks absolutely magnificent. Tourists who are bored with staring at the castle and daydreaming will find there's lots more on offer in the UNESCO World Heritage city, from exploring the churches and strolling alongside the medieval wall to relaxing at a local café.
5. See Seville
Described as the perfect city for couples, Seville is a fantastic place to explore (even if you're exploring alone). The food in the city is fantastic 9 and many tourists grab a jar of marmalade made with Seville oranges to take home with them). Flamenco dancing is also particularly important in the city – and tourists can visit the three-floor Museo del Baile Flamenco or, even better, watch a flamenco show.
6. Relax on Majorca
For something a little more beachy, visitors should head over to Majorca, an island popular with Spain's pretty young things. Exclusivity is the way to go with this destination, where fancy hotels are the order of the day. During the day, there are activities such as golf or yachting to pass the time.
7. See The Alhambra, The Red Castle
The 'red fortress', so called because of its reddish walls, is a spectacular sight, particularly at sunset. Build in the 13th century as an Arabic fortress, it's set to the background of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Tourists interested in seeing the castle should book a ticket beforehand, to secure a spot at the site.
8. Shop 'til you drop
In Valencia, there are shops dedicated to arts and crafts – providing ample temptation for tourists looking to send home decorative souvenirs, of snag themselves some beautiful home ware. As well as arts and crafts, there are street markets, clothes shops and plenty of restaurants for some apres-shopping eats.
9. Watch a football game
The Spanish are, understandably, passionate about the beautiful game. And tourists with similar levels of enthusiasm can catch a Real Madrid or FC Barcelona game, to see Spain's top football stars in action. For a behind-the-scenes look at the world of football, the Maracana Stadium is worth a visit, and tourists can pay to take a guided tour.
10. Discover Flamenco 'duende'
The entrancing Flamenco style of dance is a big hit with tourists and locals alike, and one of the best ways to take in a Flamenco show is with dinner. There are several Tablaos (traditional flamenco clubs) that offer dinner and a show, and give visitors a chance to experience 'duende', the mysterious sensation associated with the dancing.
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