Vacation in Spain is a travel that needs planning ahead of time because it is relatively a big country and the beauty therein can not be found next to each other. So, it will definitely be a big travel. Every trip to each cities to be visited should be planned out well as to how many days will be consumed, otherwise your vacation will be concentrated in one city. Spain is situated in South Western Europe on the Iberian Peninsular. As big as it is, yet it still is one of the most popular destinations inEurope, choice is yours to choose among the cities and activities depends on your best interest to make a satisfying stay in Spain. There are bullfights, flamenco dancers, beaches, art and architecture commonly what Spain is popular of. Well, the best way of introducing a vacation to Spain is to get from one city to another and find out what it has to offer.
Madrid
Madrid is Spain’s capital city and known to be the largest city in whole of Spain and the residence of the royal family. Enter the city through its main gate which was built in the 15th century, the famous Puerta del Sol. Madrid is the center of Business and Arts. Travellers who are art enthusista can visit the famous museums, the Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia. Of course, everyone knows Madrid is a place for Football (soccer) which is a very popular sport in Madrid. You can’t miss the intense sport of bullfighting which takes place in Spain’s famous ring Las Ventas. For the best architecture, you can visit the Royal Palace and the adjacent Sabatini Gardens, built in the 18th century. Some historical places found in Madrid that catches tourists interest are The Golden Museum Triangle which features the Museo del Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art and the Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Center. This city of museums houses the National Archeology Museum and the Museo de Lazaro Galdiano among others.
Barcelona
Barcelona is known to be the second largest city in Spain, located in the northeastern corner on the Mediterranean Sea. The city lies by the Pyrenees Mountains in the Catalonia region. The city is carefully laid out with straight streets and an organized system of squares. Strolling along the tree-lined street of Las Ramblas is a favorite pastime in Barcelona, on a Sunday afternoon for free music and drinks Barcelona is known for its architectures, like the Cathedral located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter of the Old Town, the Sagrada Familia and the church of Sta Maria del Mar , a seafront cathedral built in the 14th century, most of which were built by the famed architect Antonio Gaudi. Since hosting the Olympic Games in 1992, Barcelona has become a popular tourist attraction. The city is a beach destination with a mild climate throughout the year. Gothic architecture of this marvelous city is very inviting among tourists visiting Barri Gòtic and take in the impressive cathedrals, fountains and hidden squares. The city is also known for a number of museums most popular of which is the Picasso Museum.
Valencia
Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, is a popular tourist destination in the west of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea. Valencia has emerged as one of the nation’s most progressive cities, it continues to reinvent itself at a heady pace, and is well on the way to equalling to the other two cities. In the last decade or so, the vast, iconic Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias has emerged, Europe’s largest cultural complex. A metro has opened and dozens of hip new bars, restaurants and boutiques have injected new life into the historic centre. The enchanting maze-like streets of the Barrio del Carmen (in Valenciano “de Carmé”), roughly the area north of the Mercado Central to the Río Turia is something to explore.The oldest part of the city is almost entirely encircled by a great loop of the Río Turia, now a landscaped riverbed park. The ancient stone bridges remain, but the riverbed now houses cycle ways, footpaths and football pitches. Valencia is famous for its orange groves, nautical sports and beaches , Valencia’s main beach is the Playa de la Malvarrosa to the east of the city centre, which becomes Playa de las Arenas at its southern end.Valencia is considered one of the primary business centers on the Mediterranean. A theme park for science, art and technology, which includes the largest aquarium in Europe. History buffs can visit the Cathedral that claims to house the Holy Grail and the gates of this medieval city, which date to the 14th century.
Granada
Granada is a small is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, belongs to the Andalusia region of southern Spain. *The city is filled with Islamic heritage, and here, visitors will find two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Alhambra, a mighty fortress with Moorish palaces, towers and gardens; and Albayzin, a barrio (neighborhood) where the original Iberian tribe settled. For entertainment, you can enjoy some of the finest flamenco performances in the country. The winter snows offer the opportunity of winter sports in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and in the summer, the beaches provide respite from the heat. Be mesmerized by Granada’s grand Moorish architecture and Muslim influences. This energetic city is also known for its youthful population. Enjoy wandering aimlessly around the city’s narrow, winding streets in the warm weather and take in the sights and sounds of this great city.
Malaga
Malaga, is the capital city of the province Costa del Sol in the mediterranean. A bustling coastal city, and is the second largest port in Spain. Visitors to Malaga will find interesting artifacts and structures showing Arabic influence such as the Alcazaba Tower that dates to the 14th century. The Roman Theatre, in use until the 3rd century, is another historic site of interest. Gibralfaro Castle is a Moorish fortress built over a Phoenician lighthouse. Malaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and you can visit the house where he was born and the Museum Picasso. Visitors to Malaga will find warm temperatures and lots of sun for enjoying the golden sand beaches. Malaga is today a city which combines tradition and modernity. Under the attentive gaze of the Gibralfaro castle spreads a warm-hearted and lively city full of attractive sites such as the Alameda Principal avenue and the La Farola seafront promenade. A city whose streets every year are filled with scenes of intense popular devotion from the local inhabitants during Easter week, an event which has been declared of International Tourist Interest.
Bilbao
Bilbao has the coolest climate compared to the most popular holiday destinations in Spain, the capital of the Basque country. Bilbao, is a beautiful city you can not miss in Spain. Besides serving as an excellent base for forays into the Pyrenees Mountains to visit authentic Basque villages, Bilbao is home to both modern and classical architectural styles that combine to give the city a stylish and artistic feel. The massive Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, holds an extensive collection of modern art in its titanium-plated walls. The historic Mercado de la Ribera is one of Europe’s largest covered markets and is full of vendors selling everything from fresh fish to the latest fashions.
Each of the cities has different sights and activities to look forward to. I just wonder if four weeks will be enough to fully enjoy each of the cities. In case, you have a limited time, I suggest, you should choose among those cities that best compliment your interest. A vacation can’t be rushed, otherwise you will not get a chance to enjoy the true beauty of your destination.