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Spain
is a perennial favourite, especially with Europeans, and
boasts endless coastlines, fabulous beaches, modern resorts,
historical sites and unique Spanish character. Madrid’s
Museo del Prado is full of masterpieces, the Basilica de
San Isidro near the Puerta del Sol is stunning, while the
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena took 100 years
to complete, the immodest Palacio Real is impressive and
the Palacio Real de El Pardo, north of the city, is also
magnificent. Parque del Buen Retiro is lovely, and the Plaza
de Toros Monumental de las Ventas is the world’s biggest
bullring! Barcelona is Spain’s crown jewel. Port Vell, and
Montjuïc we’re especially redeveloped for the Olympics,
At its foot is Plaça d'Espanya, Parc Joan Miró, Museu Nacional
d'Art de Catalunya, and spectacularly colourful fountains.
The world famous ‘Las Ramblas’ – is a tree lined pedestrian
street of buskers, pavement cafes and street artists, leading
up to Placa de Catalunya, through the Barri Gotic, (old
town). The unrivalled Sagrada Familia cathedral, along with
bizarre la Pedrera and Park Guell are unique legacies of
Antonio Gaudi. Seville was once the capital, evident in
its immense cathedral, La Giralda (minaret tower), Alcácazar
palace, Moorish Palacio de Don Pedro, 13th-century Torre
del Oro, and Barrio de Santa Cruz (medieval Jewish quarter).
Valencia’s centerpiece is the Palacio del Marqués de Dos
Aguas, and Baroque Cathedral, along with many fine museums.
Málaga is a thriving tourist centre and hub for the entire
Costa del Sol. It has a delightful old town and excellent
Picasso museum. By car you can explore the Costa del Sol,
Granada, Pyranees and Pamplona, San Sebastian, Toledo and
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