For an Amazing European Vacation, Spain is the Name of the Game!

For an Amazing European Vacation, Spain is the Name of the Game!

While there’s no denying that England and France make a wonderful vacation, Spain is rapidly becoming a to-go destination for travelers who want history, art and beautiful scenic views. After all, while Paploma might be one of Spain’s most famous cities, this country isn’t just about (running with the) bull. There’s so much more to Spain than meets the eye. Here are few cities and attractions you’ll want to scream “Hola!” to, Joytravel.com style.

1.Northern Spain:
Known for its wineries, forests and majestic national parks, this region is also gaining a reputation for art and culture. Some places you’ll want to siesta in include:

Picos de Europa National Park: This destination is a landmark as it’s the country’s first national park. Originally called Montana de Covadonga national Park (which translates into The Cavern of the Lady in the Mountain) this national treasure was first open in 1918. Travelers and locals come for the beautiful hiking and views of forests, rivers and oak trees. Cable cars are available for the non-athletes. Maps and friendly guides make it a great choice for groups and people traveling with families and small kids.
Santander: Don’t think there are beaches in Spain? Think again. Tourists and regionals flock to the shores of Santander along the Bay of Biscay. This is a port city, so it’s lovely to simply walk around the shoreline and admire the boats and the market activity. What makes this location particularly attractive is the “camino” (stroll) into the beach. Travelers can walk along the roads of the Piquio Gardens and marvel at the foliage. These gardens were designed in 1925 and separate Santander from another beach. Japan acacias and elm trees line the walkways, and visitors can expect to enjoy sweeping views of both beaches along a path of green.
Rioja Wine Region:As if people needed anything else to enhance their experience in Northern Spain, the Rioja Wine Region will give them plenty to buzz about – literally and figuratively. There are over 500 wineries here with the most popular destinations being Rio Alavesa, Rio Baja and Rio Alta. Some of these establishments offer horseback riding while, others offer four wheel drive terrain tours. Just don’t drink and tour! (Note: For the serious wine connoisseur, classes are also available to learn how to decipher various flavors and regions of wine.)
Bilbao:It’s hard to believe that this modern city, known for its cutting edge art and building design, was once a busy port city. Now famous for the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, travelers can enjoy works of art in a setting that is set below the rolling verdant hills of Basque country. The building itself, designed by the renown Frank Gehry, is an art piece in itself. Created with glistening titanium, the building itself is truly a modern masterpiece.
San Sebastian:This historic town is located near the ocean in Basque country. People come for both the shopping in the old historic district as well as the majestic beaches such as Playa de la Concha. Action oriented tourists can take advantage of water sports such as skiing and kayaking.
Pamplona: Tired of the bull in your real life? Then come to Pamplona and run with them! Or better yet, just watch from a safe distance while other locos try it. Every year adrenaline junkies take up the challenge at the San Fermin festivals and attempt to outrun wild bulls through the streets. Other times of the year, these streets are ideal for walking and checking out the historic buildings, as well as shopping.

2.Southern Spain:

Cordoba: If you hear folk talking with a Spanish lisp, there’s a decent chance that they do not have a speech impediment. Instead, they just might come from the Andalusian area of Spain where Cordoba is located. This area boasts quaint plazas and courtyards, as well as intricate streets that still look the way they did hundreds of years ago.  Be sure to visit the Old Jewish quarter containing lovely cafes, patios and trinket shops. You won’t want to miss the Street of Flowers, also known as the Calleja de Los Flores, with its beautiful bursts of color and whimsy. Every year in May there is an enormous festival that celebrates the beauty and color of Cordoba’s flowers, architecture and people.
Palacio de Viana:  If you want to see how the rich and wealthy live, stop no further than the Palace of Viana. Also known as the Museum of Patios (Museo de los Patios) this home of aristocracy boasts 12 patios, all with different décor, as well as an incredible library bursting with seven thousand books and intricate tapestries.
The Jewish Quarter: Jews have lived in Cordoba since the Moors conquered the city. Unlike under Roman rule, they really flourished with their new leaders and held positions of prestige beginning in the eighth century. To this day one can walk the streets of the town and get great deals on exceptional silver and gold.
Seville: Christopher Columbus might have sailed the ocean blue in 1492, but he was buried in Seville. People come here to check out the cathedrals, Moorish palaces or attend one of their many festivals. Considered a party city, this is the place to dance, eat and party if the night life is your thing.
Granada: If you’re going to go anywhere in Southern Spain, don’t miss out on Granada. Granada is one of those cities that combines both history with modern day attractions. The Alhambra, a complex heralding back to medieval history, is a stunning piece of Moorish architecture that offers guests incredible views of the town itself.

3.Central Spain:

Madrid: For those who like to party, make Madrid your first stop. This is not only Spain’s capital city but it’s also home to a vibrant entertainment life. People of all ages, colors and economic backgrounds come together to dance, drink and hang out at bars and cafes. This town is also known for its art, markets, plazas and architectural feats – such as the Royal Palace. (See below.)

Just a few places to visit in Madrid include:
Museo Reino Sofia: Move over Prado, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is in town. Well, at least it’s in Madrid! Queen Sofia herself dedicated this beautiful museum over twenty years ago. What began as a hospital now serves as a building to house healthy works of art by such painters as Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Jose Solana, Miro and more. Picasso’s famous “Guernica” painting hangs here. In addition to paintings it serves as a monument to Spanish costumes, treasures, architectural trinkets and writing. It was designed by Jean Nouvel, a famous architect from France.
Mercado de San Miguel: If you like to shop and eat, this is the place for you. In addition to a lovely ambience for daytime strolling (iron, glass and wide walking areas full of everything from food to clothing) you can enjoy the night scene. It’s open until two in the morning on weekends. It’s not uncommon to find live music and people drinking coffee or alcoholic beverages at café tables.
Puerta del Sol: Translated as “Gate of the Sun,” this is the hot spot on New Year’s Eve. Car traffic is limited so that people can walk and enjoy the sites. There is a beautiful clock that chimes in the New Year. It’s also the beginning of Spain’s national highway.
Prado Museum: This is not only one of the most popular places to visit in Madrid but it’s also quite old. Built in the 18^th century, this museum is home to seven thousand pieces of art from artists such as El Greco, Velazquez, Goya and more. There are many modern exhibits on display as well.
Plaza Mayor: If elegance is your thing, you must take your sophisticated self to the Plaza Mayor! Built in 1619, this once was a structure dedicated to bullfights. Many people also died here during the Spanish Inquisition. Despite the gruesome activity of the past, today one will find ornate frescoes, balconies with incredible flowers and views of everything from the Casa de la Panderia (where one can stop for tourist info) and three story apartment complexes.
Palacio Real: London and Paris are not the only places with incredible castles. The Palacio Real (translated as the Grand Palace) has over twenty-five hundred ornate rooms. It was originally built in 1764 and served as the Royal Residence of Carlos the Third. Today one can find tour fifty of the rooms. Just some of the rooms include an armory, a room dedicated to the throne and even a pharmacy. Don’t forget to check out the fresco in the hall featuring beautiful scenes of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. In it, the royal couple is accepting presents from Christopher Columbus, Spain’s most famous explorer.
Toledo: For a true medieval experience, check out Toledo. It was Spain’s capital until the 16^th It sits on a mountain and is popular today for its incredible architecture which features three cultures including a beautiful Jewish synagogue.

4.Western Spain:

Satillana Del Mar: For those who want to go back in time to a medieval village, they need go no further than Santillana Del Mar. No cars are allowed, so it’s advised that fancy European shoes stay in the suitcase. Not only will you want to stroll up and down the stone paved streets, but you’ll want to take advantage of activities nearby, including the Caves of Altamira known for their prehistoric paintings. For a completely different experience in the same region, consider stopping at the Museum of the Inquisition. The instruments of torture will remind you quickly how lucky you are to tour in freedom afterwards!

5.Eastern Spain:

Valencia: The City of Arts and Sciences is just one landmark and entertainment complex that makes Valencia the city of fiesta. One can visit a science, planetarium and aquarium just to name a few. For those traveling in March, be sure to check out the Fallas Festival which includes several cities within Valencia displaying paper-mache figurines. These figures come in all sizes and shapes. Culminating at the end of the week are giant bon fires where the figures are burned with offerings of intention and speeches. It’s not uncommon for parties to continue through the night.
Barcelona: From night life to Spain’s most popular beach, Barcelona is the perfect combination of culture and relaxation. Many people stop here first and spread out through the rest of Spain after getting their feet wet in a modern European city.

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