Why travel to
1. Rich History and Culture: Spain has a long and rich history, with influences from the Roman and Moorish invasions still evident today in many of its cities and towns. From ancient haunted castles to awe-inspiring architecture and art, Spain is a sensory delight.
2. Excellent Food and Drinks: Spanish cuisine is some of the most varied and flavoursome in Europe, featuring regionally-specific dishes and delicious ingredients. Don’t forget to try the famous Spanish tapas and sangria!
3. Beautiful Beaches: Spain has over 4,000 miles of stunning coastline, with stunning beaches offering great watersport opportunities. There are also several beautiful nearby islands, such as the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, to explore when you’re looking for an escape from the mainland.
4. Amazing sightseeing:comprising unique cities, beautiful countryside, bizarre rock formations and some of the most impressive historical sites in Europe. Visit ancient Roman sites in cities like Tarragona, Toledo and Segovia. Explore the awe-inspiring works of Gaudi in Barcelona. Or wander through the Alhambra Palace in Granada, a magnificent example of Moorish architecture.
5. Fun Festivals: Fiesta time in Spain is always a vibrant and exciting event, thanks to its vibrant music, colourful parades, carnivals, and amazing turistic events like the famous Running of The Bulls in Pamplona.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Spain varies greatly depending on the region and city, but in general, it is considered to be slightly higher than the European average. The average monthly cost of living for one person, including rent and basic utilities like electricity and water, is around €800 to €1,200. However, large cities like Madrid and Barcelona tend to be more expensive, with the average monthly cost of living for one person in Barcelona ranging from around €900 to €2,200.
Safety
Yes, it is generally safe to travel to Spain. The country is known for its safe tourism policies and the government has taken additional measures to ensure the safety of visitors.
Places to visit
1. Madrid: The vibrant and exciting capital of Spain, Madrid is teeming with culture and art, breathtaking architecture and a wealth of history worth exploring.
2. Barcelona: This vibrant and bustling port city is one of the most popular destinations in all of Spain and is known for its iconic architecture, great food and bustling nightlife.
3. Seville: The cultural and political centre of Andalusia and the former capital of the Spanish Empire, Seville is full of beautifully preserved monuments, vibrant plazas and cobbled streets.
4. Granada: Home to an entire city perched atop a mountaintop fortress, Granada is most famed for the breathtaking Alhambra, a grand Moorish palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site which should be near the top of your to-see list.
5. Valencia: Two gorgeous rivers and one of the largest, attractive urban parks in Europe are just some of the drawcards of this southern Spanish capital.
6. Toledo: This picturesque city is a living museum, thanks to its rich cultural and artistic heritage.
7. Bilbao: Though smaller in scale than other Spanish cities, Bilbao contains a great wealth of cultural sites and excellent food.
8. Ibiza: More than just a party destination, this isle off the coast of the mainland is home to stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and quaint old towns.
9. Mallorca: An often unfairly overshadowed destination, this beautiful and sunny island is an excellent place to relax and explore idyllic spots.
Food to try
1. Paella - a traditional Spanish rice dish often prepared with fish or seafood.
2. Patatas Bravas - fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce.
3. Tortilla de patata - a thick omelette made with potatoes and eggs.
4. Gazpacho - a cold tomato soup.
5. Jamón Ibérico - Spanish cured ham made from free-range Iberian pigs.
6. Pulpo a la Gallega - octopus served with potatoes and olive oil.
7. Churros - deep-fried pastry with cinnamon and sugar.
8. Bocadillo de Calamares – fried squid and mayonnaise on a baguette.
9. Gambas al Ajillo – garlic shrimp.
10. Crema Catalana – a creamy custard dessert topped with caramelized sugar.
Souvenirs
1. Ceramic Tiles
2. Hand-Painted Fans
3. Embroidered Linens
4. Silver Jewelry
5. Traditional Matador Doll
6. Leather Goods
7. Stoneware Mugs
8. figurines of Flamenco Dancers
9. Rugs and Textiles
10. Religious Statues and Relics
