WELCOME TO GIRONA OF CATALUNIA

The city of GIRONA is just an 80 minute bus or train ride from the city of Barcelona. It is fortified with an ancient wall standing aloof like a fortress on a hill way above the Onyar River.

History of Girona

Girona has been embattled in many wars over the centuries, as it was usually the ‘prize possession’ of its conquerors since it was a Roman fortress at the time of Via Augusta, taking on an ancient name, Gerunda. Through its Roman influence, it has retained the uniqueness of its first inhabitants.

Then the Moors came and conquered; Girona took on the Arabic influence for more than 200 years, which is depicted clearly in its labyrinth of alleyways at the city centre. Next, the Jews settled for about 600 years bringing with them the distinct Hebrew lifestyle. Still, Girona continued to be embroiled in battles, as many as 21, even in the 18th century until it was called ‘Immortal’ in the 19th century, surviving through these attacks, especially through the 7-month French assault in 1809.

These events, no doubt, left a deep impression on this city in some way or another since the various architectural styles have influenced the city’s form, ranging from Romanesque classic through today’s modern structures. These add value as well as beauty to this city today, making it an attractive city to visit set in a medieval atmosphere with the impressive river Onyar flowing close by.

Getting around the City

The River Onyar separates the ancient part of Girona on its east while the modern section lies on its west; but it is the old part that attracts the visitors as there are historical moments to appreciate on this side of the river. Nevertheless, it is barely a 30-minute walk from one side to the other for easy exploration of the whole area.

It is very convenient to get to Girona as trains depart at regular time intervals from Santa Estacio. One may try the bus rides which are fewer by comparison, as the journey time remains the same. There are taxis plying the train station for the visitors’ convenience.

Incidentally, there is an airport at Girona which is located 13km south from the heart of the city and caters to chartered flights from Costa Brava. You will need to get a taxi into town as there is no bus plying the airport route.

The tourist center at the train center opens during the summer with a main office at the east side of the ancient part of town. It provides maps of Girona, bus times, accommodation listings and train timetables and is serviced by local staff who speaks English.

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SPAIN - SANTANDER

THE REGION OF CANTABRIA

Cantabria is a region squeezed between the high peaks of Spain and the Cantabrian Sea. The region respresents a seductive combination of magnificent landscapes shaped by history. If you drive by car, you can expect an unbelievable trip through green valleys, abrupt hills and narrow, winding roads.

SANTANDER

Santander is the capital of Cantabria. The special fragrance of Santander comes from the fact that the city is situated along an enormous golf. Santander has a unique charm given by a strange combination of porters carrying luggage who intersect with the tourists who visit the exclusivist shops and restaurants. The arhictectural style representing the XIXth and the XXth centuries is visible on the cazinoas situated on the beach. The intense renovation suffered by Santander transformed it into a very popular resort.

SIGHTSEEING IN SANTANDER

The Magdalena Peninsula separates the elegant part of the resort , El Sardinero, from the commercial, agitated part of the city and from the port. This part of the city is dominated by the Palacio Real, built at the end of the XIXth century by King Alfonso the XIIIth and his wife, Victoria Eugenia. The story of the palace is interesting; it was built with the help of the citizens of Santander who donated the money. Their interest was to encourage the King’s custom to bathe in the sea, hoping that through this they would attract the King into their city.

The Palace is not open to the public, but the surrounding park is perfect for a walk. It even has a small zoo and some restaurants. You have direct access to the park from the route. The Cathedral is situated in the center of the city and it is actually formed by two different buildings. The first church was built in the XIIIth century, but just a few decades after that the other construction was added. Also put on your list the Correos (the building of the post office), the Palacete del Embarcadero, the Museo Maritimo and the Museo de Prehistoria y Arquelogia.

ACCOMODATIONS

Santander is a resort where hotels and villas are at every step. If you want to taste the local cuisine and experience the traditions and customs of the locals, choose a villa. Villas are extremely private, very comfortable, beautifully decorated, and situated in some of the most picturesque places in the city.

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Natural Environments in Andalusia Spain

Spain is a large European country that is divided into regions, because of administration factors. The country is rich in manmade and natural occurrences, which make it the world’s second most visited country by tourists. This means that tourism plays a very major role in the country’s economy and in the lives of the locals, who depend on tourism revenue.

Those who have had a chance to visit Spain will attest to the fact that this is one of the most beautiful places you could ever be in the world. Holidays and vacation here are very memorable and full of fun, enjoyable and relaxed. Besides the historic monuments and museums, Spain has beautiful beaches and natural environments, which are exquisitely beautiful with which you will be amazed.

Andalusia is one of the regions of Spain and just like any other; it has a variety of things to offer to its visitors. Among the most attractive things you will find here are the reserved natural territories that preserve the countryside’s ecological importance. Actually, Andalusia’s 1/5th area is protected and you have to obtain a permit to visit the areas or even camp there.

National Parks

The parks, found in this region, hold great importance for the locations geology and wildlife, and the ecosystems here are less tampered with by human activity. Actually, there are restricted areas that you cannot access within the parks.

Donana National Park is found in this region, as well as the Sierra Nevada National Park. They can be accessed by foot, bicycles or horses, although the trips are guided. You will see many wild animals and bird species, as well as volcanic mountains that are splendid.

Natural Parks

The parks also have Mediterranean woodlands, salt marshes, mountain forests, coastal dunes, semi desert steppe and beaches. They are unrestricted, although you are not allowed to disturb anything and sometimes you have to get special permission to access some areas. One example of such parks is the Sierra de Grazalema.

Natural reserves and areas

These natural grounds are mostly protected, because they contain unique landscapes and wildlife. The aim is to conserve the fragile ecosystems of the province maintaining their natural nature.

Natural monuments

Coastal features, distinctive formation of rocks and trees, that are very old, act as natural monuments here. This is quite impressive and retains historical values of the region, as well as Spain as a whole.

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Beautiful Rivers of Spain

Apart from the mountains, the parks and the beautiful beaches and landscapes, Spain has a variety of rivers that are interestingly beautiful. The rivers complete the beautiful natural landscapes of this second largest tourist destination. The river banks act as very good spots for picnicking, soul searching or just for experiencing peace and quiet for nature lovers.

River Tajo

This is the longest river in Spain and begins its course in Madrid’s eastern mountains. This beautiful and important river is also referred to as Tagus and it cuts across Toledo, central Spain, up to the border of Portugal and Spain. From here, it continues its course to Portugal and into the Atlantic Ocean. Tajo River is very important, as its water is the main power source of Spain. Reservoirs and dams have been built for hydroelectricity production. This attracts people who want to see the generation of power.

The beauty of the river is the deep gorges it has and the various beautiful waterfalls that it creates on its course. It stretches 625 miles with Jarama and Alagon as its tributaries.

River Ebro

Marking 565 miles in length, this river is considered to be Spain’s most voluminous. Its course starts in Fontibre, flowing through Logrono, Miranda de Ebro, Zaragoza and Catalonia. It drains at Tarragona into the Mediterranean Sea. The significance of the river is the fact that it was the Northern Roman and Southern Carthaginian division point, which holds an important historic period.

Cultivation of rice, vegetables and citrus is done on the river’s wetland area, in Tarragona, where Ebro Delta is found. This land is exquisite and beautiful.

River Guadiana

This river forms part of Spain Portugal border, as it flows through Spain’s south central area and Portugal’s south eastern area. The river’s course begins from Cuenca province mountains, through Damiel marshy areas, then cuts westward through Toledo Mountains gorges. Hydroelectric power is also generated from this river, although not much.

These are some of the most beautiful and significant rivers in Spain that are worth checking out. They form very beautiful and attractive landscapes, some of which are breathtaking. Bridges found on some of these rivers are good spots for taking beautiful pictures that will forever hold the beautiful memories of Spain.

It is always a good thing to explore as much as possible, when touring in any part of the world, unlike reserving oneself to the major areas of attraction alone.

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TOP ATTRACTIONS IN SPAIN

A top holiday destination

Thousands of tourists from all around the world visit Spain every year. Spain is one of the most visited countries in Europe and in the world thanks to its history, its culture and its warm climate which makes it possible to visit the country throughout the whole year. The landscapes are absolutely amazing and Spaniards know how to take advantage of them by creating luxurious resorts in which tourists can spend their free time in the most pleasant way possible.

Main attractions

If you consider visiting Spain, but are in trouble regarding what destination to choose, you should know that the list is very long. In the following, you will find the main attractions of Spain and it is up to you to choose the ones that meet your expectations and desires. As a foreign visitor, you should definitely put Alhambra on your list. This destination brings together the spirit of the Orient and of modernity; it is a place of huge cultural, historic and architectural significance that will charm you through the stone decorations, the filigrees and the mosaics of the Nasrid dynasty.

Barcelona is well known for the Gaudi architecture, the unique Art Nouveau style that covers the city, giving it a special allure. The Cathedral in Seville is the largest one in Spain, famous for its gold altar and it is also one of the top attractions in the country. El Escoriale is the monastery that governs the foothills of Madrid and one of the most respected attractions in Spain, as it is also the pantheon for the Spaniard kings. Last but not the least; go to Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim, one of the most spectacular buildings not only in Spain, but in the world, the building that impresses through its curves which were designed to look random.

What else should you know about Spain?

Do not create the false image that this is all you can visit in Spain. The list is very long and probably every city and every little village has at least one attraction worth mentioning. Spain is a very special country, one that can make you dream about going back. It has a little bit to offer for every single tourist: some romance for the sensible ones (the unique, breathtaking landscapes), adventure for the ones who love the adrenaline (the mountains, great for a jeep safari or a foot walk) and even amazing experiences for the sports fans (Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabeu for the football lovers). Doesn’t it sound perfect? Well, what are you looking for? Spain is there, patiently waiting to be discovered!

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THE PERFECT HOLIDAY DESTINATION-SPAIN

What Spain is known for

The country of flamenco dance, bullfights, delicate sun and exquisite beaches, Spain is also known for its vast culture, diverse architecture and exciting history. The artistic heritage is unique in the world; it cannot be compared to anything. If you want to see the works of Diego Velasquez, Francisco de Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali or Joan Miro, Spain is the right place for you. In architecture, Gaudi is the most imposing figure. Barcelona hosts millions of tourists every year, people who come to visit the city attracted by the works of Gaudi: the Guell Park built in order to be a residence for more than sixty middle and upper class families, Casa Mila and La Sagrada Familia are among his most famous works.

Where to go

Tourists have a wide range of destinations in Spain. For instance, if you are new to Spain, you could go to Andalusia. Situated in the south of the peninsula, Andalusia is well known for its capital Sevilla, for being the region where the guitar was invented and also for being the birth place of Pablo Picasso and Diego Velasquez. The best time of the year for visiting Andalusia is in August: August hosts the Feria de Agosto in Malaga, a traditional festival that will impress your senses. Local cuisine, traditional clothing, flamenco and bullfights are all in one place once a year, in Malaga. For those who are most interested in arts and history, Barcelona and Madrid are the perfect destinations. Every little street in these two cities offers a grand spectacle of shapes and colors that impress and make you want to go back at least one more time. If you want a short break from the city, you can choose one of the trips into the mountains. You will enjoy the fresh air, the breathtaking surroundings and the thrill of adventure.

Accommodation

The hotel network is very wide but so is the villa network. The best thing that a tourist can do is to rent a villa. The villas are available all around the country, offering accommodation conditions similar to those in hotels. In addition to that, you can enjoy the privacy that a villa can provide and the lower prices. Novelda, Benijofar, Moraira, Aracena, Corralejo, Cumbre del sol, Duquesa Marina or Playa Flamenca are some of the best rentals available for tourists. What are you waiting for? Pack your luggage and prepare to have the experience of a lifetime in sunny Spain!!

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SIERRA NEVADA

Andalusia and Sierra Nevada

Andalusia is one of the most beautiful regions in Spain. It is located in the south of the peninsula and enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. The terrain of Andalusia is unique in Spain as it offers a multitude of altitudes. The highest mountain peaks are in Andalusia but there are also areas under 100 meters. Sierra Nevada is the Spanish mountain range known for both containing the highest point of Spain and for being the southernmost place where people can ski in Europe. Sierra Nevada is the holiday destination preferred by those who love winter sports because the conditions are among the best in Europe, able to compete with France and Switzerland, countries famous for their mountain resorts.

What can you do in Sierra Nevada?

Sierra Nevada is great for skiing in winter and perfect for jeep safaris in summer. It is probably the only place in the world where you can enjoy the snow in the morning and then head to a swim in the Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon. Sierra Nevada allows it and this is what makes it so famous and one of the top holiday destinations in Spain. Jeep safaris, bike trips and foot walks are very popular in the summer because they all provide the same thing: sightseeing which is absolutely spectacular in Sierra Nevada. The landscapes are beautiful and offer a once in a lifetime experience; this is what tourists are looking for. In winters, after getting bored of skiing, you can visit the wonderful towns of Malaga or Almeria. They are situated right at the foothills of Sierra Nevada.

Where should you stay?

The answer to this question is very simple: villas. Renting villas is a very good idea: they are very private and situated in idyllic places. What else can you ask for? Chalet Airam, for example, is situated in the heart of Sierra Nevada in the centre of the Natural Park. Just five kilometers away from Granada, it offers easy access to the shops and restaurants. The lush garden hosts a private pool and has breathtaking views of the mountains. If you choose the southern slopes of the mountains, Cortijo La Suerte is waiting for you. It is a typical house for “el campo”, where nature lovers can enjoy the atmosphere of the countryside. Canoeing, climbing, horse riding, mountain biking and even rafting are available very close to the villa. Is there anything else that one can ask for?

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