Discover ‘ Real Spain ’ with Expressions Holidays
Spain is a passionate and dynamic country with extraordinary variety in its scenery , culture , cuisine , climate and language . Think of the fusion of hundreds of years of history with influences from the Celts and Romans , through to the Moors , the Catholic Monarchs , the Napoleonic Wars and more recently the Spanish Civil War , General Franco and then the emergence of a European democracy . Overlay this rich historical tapestry with the delights of the experiences of currentday Spain : golden beaches , seductive flamenco dancing , dramatic bullfights , extravagant festivals and mouth-watering tapas and paella . You have an extraordinary holiday land where you can relax , explore , enrich and enjoy .
At the geographical heart of Spain is the exciting capital of Madrid , where days can be filled in art galleries and atmospheric outdoor cafes , and evenings promise an energetic nightlife . Encircling the capital are the dry plains of the country ’ s central plateau , divided by spectacular mountain ranges dotted with castles , magnificent cathedrals and ancient Roman ruins . In the far south is the sun-soaked region of Andalucía , brimming with colourful cities and white-washed villages , vast sierras and long , sandy beaches , Moorish palaces and Roman ruins . On the east coast is Spain ’ s second city , Barcelona . Dynamic and cosmopolitan , the city promises unique architecture , gourmet restaurants , stylish bars , golden beaches and tranquil parks . Catalonia is a fascinating region which is fiercely proud of its cultural identity , so don ’ t miss the soaring mountains , idyllic beaches and mediaeval towns away from the city . Stretching inland from the idyllic coves and fishing villages of the Costa Brava are the Pyrenees , a towering mountain range that constitutes the French border all the way to the Bay of Biscay .
The coast of Asturias
Alcazar of Seville
This leads us to the autonomous Basque Country ; considered by its occupants to be a separate nation with ancient traditions and a distinct language which endure . Just south from here is La Rioja , a small region whose name is synonymous with high quality wine thanks to the region ’ s prevalence of vineyards and wineries . Heading westward along the Atlantic coast , the landscape evolves to feature idyllic beaches , rugged cliffs and isolated fishing villages . Inland there are picturesque mountains , lush pastures and emerald forests – to which the region owes the nickname ‘ Green Spain ’. Running through the southern part of Green Spain , and lined by stunning monuments , is the most popular of the pilgrimage routes which lead to Santiago de Compostela , the resting place of St James the Apostle in the westernmost region of Galicia .
Whilst the Iberian Peninsula has plenty to offer , one cannot forget the Spanish islands . Marooned in the Mediterranean Sea are the Balearic Islands , where tourists flock to enjoy the indulgent climate . Known for their lively coastal resorts and sandy beaches , they also host rural villages , hilltop monasteries , rocky coves and pretty harbours . The vastly different Canary Islands sit off the western coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean and are warmed by year-round sunshine . These unique islands feature otherworldly landscapes of volcanic craters , lava deserts and cute coves with black-sand beaches , while steep hillsides and terraced farmland give way to peaceful fishing villages and characterful old towns .
Fishing village of northern Spain , Asturias
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