Spain

SPAIN DIRECT TRAVEL SERVICES S.A.

Spain

SPAIN ON THE WHOLE

With a greater range of landscapes than any other European country, Spain has much more to offer than its fabulous famous beaches.

Once one can prise oneself away from the usual sand, sea, and sun holiday, a whole new world opens to us under the heading SPAIN. Where you can discover a treasure trove of history, culture, tradition, architecture, customs, and a never ending etc.

Spain is separated from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees, and reaches south towards the coast of North Africa, separated by a stretch of water just 14 kilometres wide. It has both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. It also has two groups of islands - The Balearics and The Canary Islands.

Spain and Portugal

Covering an area of 504.708 sq km (194.900 sq miles) and divided into 17 autonomous regions, with the establishment of democracy. Spain has a population of 40 million and receives more than 57 million visitors a year. Its capital, Madrid is the highest capital in Europe and Spain its most mountainous country after Switzerland and Austria.

The climates and landscapes vary greatly, from snow-capped mountains, to lush green meadows, citrus groves, deserts and marsh land.

Spains best known wetland is that of Doñana in Huelva. It boasts more than 200 nature reserves and 11 natural parks, and some of Spains finest scenery is to be found in the north where rivers have carved gorges between the high peaks of the Picos de Europa. And not forgetting the Canary Islands' amazing volcanic scenery.

In early times, Spain was a coveted prize for foreign conquerors including Phoenicians and Romans.

While during the Middle Ages most of it was ruled by the Moors, who arrived from North Africa in the 8th century and remained until it was reconquered by the Christian forces at the end of the 15th century, leaving behind a great architectual wealth, such as can be enjoyed today if one visits any of the palaces or mosques which still remain to this day.

But it is not only the Moorish architecture that can be enjoyed, as Spain was conquered, over the passing of time since its discovery, all have left their mark in its history, tradition, and on its landscape.

The fiestas of Spain also play a great part in its personality. There isn't a village, town or city that does not pay honour its patron saint, the Virgin or the changing of the seasons with, processions, bull-running, fireworks, re-enacted battles or a romeria.

Also one cannot forget its miles and miles of golden beaches and excellent climate, which together with its cultural richness makes tourism one of the major industries in Spain today.

Not forgetting its amazing contrast in gastronomy, with delights to suit every taste, fresh from the sea, ripe from the orchard or excellently reared from the land.