Spain Spain | Page 7

ANDALUCIA 34 This southern region of contrasts acts as a gateway between the European and African continents , boasting vibrant Moorish cities and white-washed mountain villages , vast sierras and long , sandy beaches .

BARCELONA AND EASTERN SPAIN 50 Consisting of Catalonia , Valencia and the eastern part of Aragon , this is a diverse area with buzzing cities and mediaeval towns and is also home to the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava and the soaring mountains of the Catalan Pyrenees .

MADRID AND THE HEART OF SPAIN 68 Surrounding Spain ’ s capital city are the dry plains of Castilla y Leon , Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura , divided by spectacular mountain ranges and dotted with numerous castles , magnificent cathedrals and ancient Roman ruins .

BASQUE COUNTRY 78 The Basque cultural area refers to Navarre as well as the autonomous Basque Country itself , whilst the vineyards of La Rioja lie just to the south . The spectacular coastline boasts sweeping sandy beaches and rugged cliffs , with rolling green hills just inland .

GREEN SPAIN 86 The dramatic north . From the wide inlets on the west coast of Galicia to the peaceful countryside of Asturias and the mountains of Cantabria , Green Spain is a picturesque area which lies along the rugged Atlantic coastline .

MALLORCA , MENORCA AND IBIZA 94 Lying in the Mediterranean Sea , the Balearic Islands boast rugged mountains , picturesque rural villages , hilltop monasteries , extensive underground caves , pretty harbours and much more .

CANARY ISLANDS 110 Marooned in the Atlantic Ocean and warmed by year-round sunshine are Tenerife , Fuerteventura , Lanzarote , Gran Canaria , La Palma , El Hierro and La Gomera – a group of unique islands with volcanic landscapes , peaceful fishing villages and characterful old towns .

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