Most of Spain's territory (with over 47 million inhabitants and whose capital is Madrid) is on the Iberian Peninsula, though the country also has two archipelagos (Balearic Islands and Canary Islands).

 

Any of these areas is perfectly accessible thanks to an extensive and complete transport network (plane, train, boat, car, etc.) which means one can quickly reach major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Zaragoza, Santiago de Compostela, Valencia, and more.

 

Spain is one of Europe's warmest countries, enjoying over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Due to their geographical location, the Canary Islands are known to average 22º C along the coast over the course of the year.

 

Spain has 8,000 km of coastline, some of which is exceptional. The coast is surprisingly varied: from the calm sand beaches of Andalusia and the Mediterranean, through the coves of the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, to the natural beauty and cliffs around the beaches in the north. Spain is also one of the countries with the most declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the world; it has areas of great beauty and ecological value, such as its 14 National Parks, which are home to many treasures like marshes, volcanoes, etc.

 

Exceptional art and culture. Centuries of history have given Spain an impressive monument heritage. In fact, it is the country with the second most World Heritage sites, as declared by UNESCO. In addition, in Spain's 1,400-plus museums you will find many great works from artists such as Goya, Picasso, and Velázquez, true icons of Spanish culture. There are many examples which are not to be missed in the main cities.

 

In Madrid, come to the so-called "Paseo del Arte" ["Art Trip"], an itinerary which starts at one of the best galleries in the world: Mueso del Prado.

 

Barcelona (in the north-east of the country), is another unmissable stop. The city is a paradise of modernism thanks to the work of the famous architect Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia or Park Güell.

 

In the south of Spain you can find the very impressive Córdoba Mosque, which is considered to be the most important Islamic work in the West, or the gardens and palace of the Alhambra of Granada, one of Spain's most visited monuments.

 

Seville and its Cathedral, Valencia and its City of Arts and Science, Bilbao and its Guggenheim Bilbao Museum: these are all examples which will leave you speechless.

 

If Spain is known for anything, it is for the life on the streets at all hours. During the day, you can choose to have a drink in one of the many bars with open-air terraces, go shopping, etc. The large shopping centres are open all day from 10 am to 10 pm approximately.

 

Along the coast, during high season, establishments are quite often open past 10 pm.

 

Throughout the whole year, it is possible to share in the local traditions and celebrations: the Carnivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Cádiz (in February), Easter week (in March-April), Las Fallas (in March), or San Fermín (in July), are some of the more international festivals.

 

Spain is deeply involved in sport. As such, it organises several international sporting competitions such as the Madrid Open tennis tournament, the motoGP awards of Jerez (Andalusia), Catalonia, Community of Valencia, and Aragón, or the Formula 1 awards held in Catalonia and the Community of Valencia. The Spanish football league is known as the "league of stars". Spain has also produces some of the best sportsmen in the world, such as Rafa Nadal, Fernando Alonso, Jorge Lorenzo, Alberto Contador, etc. Thanks to this enthusiasm for sport, Spain has many spaces where you can practice your sport of choice: nautical activities, golf (over 400 courses), skiing (Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe), hiking, etc.

 

Eating in Spain is a true privilege. The quality of the products is unbeatable and they have a proven designation of origin. This country is the birthplace to prestigious chefs such as Ferrán Adriá, Arzak, or Berasategui, resulting in there being no shortage of restaurants to choose from. You can also visit cellars and experience wine tasting.

 

All of this and more is what Spain is about. A welcoming, bright, and happy country. A country that knows how to combine tradition with modernity.