FINCA de LARA-Bell
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
When you think of Spain you'll most
likely picture bullfights, beaches and flamenco dancing, but although these do
capture the very essence of Spain, this vibrant country has a whole lot more to
offer.
Spain is situated on
the Iberian peninsula, and covers four-fifths of it, leaving one fifth of the
peninsula to its neighbour, Portugal. The Pyrenees Mountains separate Spain from
the rest of Europe, and the Strait of Gibraltar separates the country from north
Africa, by just 14km (9 miles). The northern coast borders the Bay of Biscay and
has a perpetual cloak of fine mist: it is often called the Costa Verde, or the
Green Coast. The southern coast is extremely popular and is aptly named the
Costa del Sol, or Coast of the Sun.
Spain's capital is Madrid,
a city with a rich cultural heritage and a friendly atmosphere. Spain's other
main city, Barcelona, is a liberal and exciting city.
Spanish art and
architecture give this country a unique ambience. Be sure to spend time seeing
Gaudi's architectural wonders and some of the country's splendid cathedrals,
many of which were built over mosques from the time of the Moorish Occupation,
which left an indelible imprint on Spanish culture.
Language also reflects
Spain's diversity, with Castilian Spanish being widely spoken, but the different
regional languages being just as important. English is understood in the larger
hotels and tourist resorts, but you'd be wise to invest in a Spanish phrase book
if you're going to venture out and discover the more remote and interesting
parts of Spain.
With sun and golden
beaches in the south, ski resorts, Gothic cathedrals, art galleries and
exhilarating festivals, Spain has something for everyone