The sights of Spain that are worth visiting in the first place. Ten most picturesque and unusual places in Spain Interesting places in Spain on the map

Spain harbored a lot in its open spaces mysterious places like a magic dream. This is a list of 15 of the most interesting ones.

Incredible waterfalls, forests, as if from a fairy tale, rock formations of incredible shapes, caves in which a dragon slumbers, rivers in which turquoise waters flow, absolutely red or pink earth ... There are many hidden corners in Spain to discover something every time new, without leaving the country.

In fact, there are so many magical places in Spain that it is difficult to find them. We tried to choose for you 15 of the most magical places in Spain and tell you about them, so that it would be easier for you to plan your new trip to our fabulous Kingdom.

1. Minas de Riotinto, Huelva, Andalusia

Lunar landscapes, completely red lands and red water in the river give the illusion that you are on Mars. But no, friends, you are on Earth and never flew anywhere from here. Moreover, you are in the land of the Kingdom of Spain!

Minas de Riotinto is one of the most interesting places on the map of Spain. These are landscapes, changed and transformed under the influence of human activity, starting from the Bronze Age, when people began to develop these places and their bowels.

If you decide to visit this surreal place, it will not leave you indifferent.

2. Selva Irati, Navarra

Imagine a dense forest, behind each tree of which a fairy or a forest gnome or a hobbit (whichever you prefer) is hiding. And all this among incredible colors: red earth, thousands of shades of greenery on the trees and the incredibly blue sky of Navarra. Selva Irati is the second largest beech forest in Europe (after the Black Forest in Germany) and the best preserved in its pristine virginity.

This unspoiled environment is ideal for sports and recreation, photo walks, senderism and just a weekend getaway to enjoy the unique scenery.

3. Beach of the Cathedrals, Lugo, Galicia

Do you want to feel like a little ant on planet Earth? Travel to the north of Galicia and visit the Beach of the Cathedrals.

Huge, 32-meter-high cliffs in the form of arches descend into the ocean. If you get here at low tide (in the morning or late in the evening), then you can walk under these arches, which seem to have been carved into the rock by giant cyclops.

In fact, this unforgettable sight has been honed by nature for many, many thousands and millions of years. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this one of the most amazing places in Spain.

4. Gorge of the Throat of Hell (Garganta de los Infiernos), Caceres, Extremadura

The Gorge of Hells Nature Reserve is without doubt one of the most unique landscapes to be found in Spain.

It is located in a privileged location in the north of the province of Caceres in the western part of the Sierra de Gredos, in the heart of the Valle del Jerte, full of waterfalls, streams, natural pools and huge bowls (pozos) carved into the rocks by the water erosion of rivers.

This place is ideal for hiking, photo sessions. This is a worthy place to feel like the hero of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit.

5. Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Canary Islands

Shrouded in fog, or pierced by rays of bright sunlight, Garajonay's laurel forests look like prehistoric landscapes. The only thing missing is dinosaurs and pterodactyls on tree branches for complete realism ...

This magical place, usually shrouded in eternal darkness, is so old and so virgin, untouched by human activity that it takes us to the Tertiary period.

The forest is on beautiful island Homer, part of the Canary Islands archipelago. This corner of Spain is so full of wonders that you will definitely fall in love with it.

6. Las Medulas, Leon, Castile and Leon

Burgundy sand, sharp peaks, red rocks towering between chestnut and oak. Las Medulas is a natural monument that began to form during the Roman Empire, which mined gold in these places in open pits and exported tons of it outside Spain.

Walking in Las Medulas is like a step into another reality, another dimension, which allows you to broaden your horizons.

Las Médulas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most incredible cultural parks to be found in Spain.

If you are traveling to Las Medunas visit the Orellan observation deck for a panoramic view, be careful, it will steal your heart forever!

7. El Torcal de Antequera, Malaga, Andalusia

This is an almost surreal landscape, striking in its uniqueness. El Torcal de Antequera is distinguished by its bizarre limestone forms, formed as a result of karst processes.

Walking between these peaks and polished stones and rock formations immerse you in Other worlds previously unknown to man. From the very first steps of a walk through this place, your imagination is completely captured by the surrounding landscapes.

El Torcal de Antequera is a true natural paradise in Spain that you must see to believe1

8. Drak Caves, Mallorca, Balearic Islands

One glance at the Drak Caves is enough to imagine a sleeping dragon guarding the treasure chests as he lights a torch and in its dim light you can watch the drops roll down the stalactites into the mysterious lake in the cave.

This magical corner is located next to Manacor and its 4 caves descend to a depth of 25 meters below ground level. Inside the cave there is a large underground lake, next to which you can hear the captivating sounds of classical music.

A more beautiful place in Spain is hard to imagine ...

9. Ordesa National Park, Huesca, Aragon

Deep intermountain valleys, high mountains, lush vegetation, turquoise rivers, waterfalls, and all this melts into the stunningly beautiful atmosphere of Ordesa National Park.

Ordesa National Park, located in the Aragon Pyrenees, is a fantasy beyond comprehension. Here you can shoot fantasy films.

Ordesa Park is located on more than 15,000 hectares of beautiful landscapes, the largest waterfall in Europe is located here, so it is simply impossible to choose just one corner to enjoy all the beauty of Ordesa.

But we can advise you to go through the Añisclo canyon, the Pineta valley, and on to the famous Cola de Caballo valley.

10. Gulpiyuri beach, Asturias

Despite the fact that mass tourism has already reached this unique place, it does not lose its magical appeal.

Get out to this beach sometime at dawn and you will see a stunning picture of the sea beach, with a piece of the sea ... but the sea itself, or rather the ocean, you will not see, since everything is surrounded by green meadows drenched in the sun and a high cliff.

And although the depth of the lagoon is not enough for swimming, the Gulpiyuri beach seems special, unreal ... Perhaps at night nymphs come here to swim ....

11. Fageda den Jorda, Olot, Catalonia

Mountains, which are actually a dormant volcano, green landscapes, incredible patterns of tree roots on the ground, all this gives mystery and a veil of magic to this place.

Natural Park Zona Volcanica de la Garrotxa, in spring and autumn, is covered with an incredibly colorful carpet, which makes it even more confident that you will definitely meet one of the heroes of local mythology here.

Take a book with you, some food, sit under a tree and wait ... maybe you're in luck ...

12. Las Bardenas Reales, Navarra

Las Bardenas Reales is a semi-desert place where you will find various stone sculptures, carved by water and wind over many thousands of years. Among the bizarre forms you will find various plateaus, volcanoes, mysterious mountain inhabitants and what else your imagination tells you.

A walk in Las Bardenas Reales is like a trip to the moon, only for this you do not need to leave planet Earth.

13. Sierra de Cazorla Natural Park, Jaén, Andalusia

Next to the sea of ​​olive trees that cover most of the Jaén province, there is a green paradise that is more typical of the north of the country.

La Serrada de Elias is the most famous route in this area and the most beautiful. In addition, this route passes through the village of Cazorla, a small medieval wonder that adorns the Castle de la Yedra with its imposing ramparts.

Here time has stopped and peace rules the place and the world.

14. Monastery de Piedra, Zaragoza, Aragon

Nature Park The Monastery de Piedra is a true symphony of water, light and nature, which merge here to form one of the most magical places in Spain.

The course of the Piedra river formed rocks, lakes, caves, waterfalls on its way. Once you step into the territory of the Monastery de Piedra Natural Park, you will leave your heart here forever.

15. Green Caves (Cueva de los verdes), Lanzarote, Canary Islands

The volcanic island of Lanzarote is so unique that it is not surprising that it harbors wonders such as the Green Caves in its depths. It is a 7 km long volcanic cavity that was formed by the lava of the Korona volcano 5,000 years ago.

This is one of the longest lava tunnels in the world, where the local population found its refuge for many centuries. Today these caves are open to tourists.

Spain is a country in southern Europe, its territory is located in the western Mediterranean on the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal.

Spain, with its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, many cultural regions and ancient cities, is a great place to travel. As a geographically as well as culturally diverse country, Spain can be surprisingly interesting for those who are only familiar with the beach. It has everything from lush meadows, snow-capped mountains and huge swamps to salt lakes and deserts.

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Among the many wonderful cities in Spain, first of all, it should be noted the thriving capital of the country Madrid, the vibrant coastal city of Barcelona, ​​the famous Pamplona bullfights and the home of flamenco Seville. But that's not all!

How to get there

There are many different ways to get to Spain, but it all depends on which city or island you want to get to. Below we list the links, following which you can understand how you get to a particular city.

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Weather in Spain

Spain has a mild climate. The country is almost completely under the influence of the Mediterranean climate zone, it is considered one of the warmest in Europe.

In summer, the air temperature in the south and in the central regions reaches +30, sometimes + 40 ° C, and in winter in Spain it is cool and rainy. Frosts on the territory of the country are very rare, even in January it is usually warmer than + 5 ° С.

The beach season in Spain lasts from May to October. Sea water at this time warms up to + 18 ° C and above. The mild climate is favorable sightseeing vacation during the whole year.

The maximum precipitation occurs in the northwestern regions, their volume reaches 2000 mm per year. In the inner parts of the country it is not so rainy, the annual rainfall does not exceed 500 mm.

Cities and regions

Cities

The main cities of Spain are, of course, the capital of the state of Madrid and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. In addition, there are others famous cities Spain, except for Madrid and Barcelona, ​​along which famous tourist routes pass - Valencia, Salou, Toledo, Granada, Malaga, Bilbao and others.

The southwestern region of the country is characterized by an amazing variety of landscapes. Here, high cliffs alternate with fertile valleys, and desert areas give way to swampy areas. Only in this part of Spain does the hot Mediterranean climate coexist with the cold mountain peaks.

In Andalusia, tourists will find a large number of interesting ancient monuments - medieval fortresses and Arab towers, majestic cathedrals and cozy churches in mountain villages.
The main tourist destinations of Andalusia are the cities of Seville, Granada, Malaga, Cadiz, and resort area Costa del Sol.

It is from the Costa del Sol (" sunny Beach") Many tourists associate holidays in Andalusia. Costa del Sol around Malaga is one of the most significant tourist areas in Spain (300 km long), including the famous resorts of Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona.

Andalusia also attracts tourists with its holidays, traditions and cuisine. Here is the warmest sea in Spain, the hottest and longest summer, the most friendly locals.

Region of Spain, located in the north-east of the country, in the Ebro river basin. The surrounding mountains - Iberian, Cantabrian, Iberian and Catalan - make Aragon the most isolated of the regions of Spain. The main cities of the Aragon region are the capital of Zaragoza, Teruel with buildings in the Mudejar style, Huesca, nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees.

Tourists are attracted to Aragon by its natural resources: transparent lakes, deep gorges, dense forests, thermal springs, the healing properties of which have been known since the time of the Romans. The modern thermal baths of Aragon offer a wide range of wellness treatments.

This region is popular with climbers, kayakers, rafting and mountain biking enthusiasts. They are attracted by the Ordesa National Park (Parque Nacional Ordesa) located here - the oldest national park in Spain (1918), covering an area of ​​15,600 hectares. The pearls of the park are blooming alpine meadows, mountain rivers with waterfalls.

A small historical area located in the north of Spain, off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Asturias still retains its ancient title - Principado de Asturias. Geographic features Asturias are characterized by sharp coastal cliffs and mountainous landscapes that form the local climate: humid and warm in summer and fairly cold and snowy in winter.

The main cities are the capital Oviedo and the major port city of Gijón, with picturesque beaches and old fishing quarters.
Tourists in Asturias may be interested in natural resources, including the Peaks of Europe National Park, which spreads over the territory of three administrative regions at once. So, in the Asturian part of the park there are the most beautiful lakes of Covadonga (Lagos de Covadonga). In one of the caves of the park (Santa Cueva) there is the chapel of the Holy Virgin of Covadonga (Virgen de Covadonga), which is the main attraction of Asturias and a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of believers.

Autonomous region of Spain, a large tourist area, which is an archipelago of small islands. The Balearic Islands lie in the western Mediterranean, equidistant from the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and northern Africa.

The archipelago consists of two groups of islands: the Gimnesias Islands (Menorca, Mallorca and Sabrera and the small islands of Dragonera, Isla de Aire, etc.) and the Pitiusas Islands (Ibiza, Formentera and the small islands surrounding them).

The main islands of the Balearic archipelago (detailed information is available on the links)

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the north of the country. The Basque country has been given wide autonomy: in its administrative center, Vitoria, the parliament sits and the government works. Thanks to the proximity of the ocean and mountains, the Basque Country has a favorable climate: no cold in winter and exhausting heat in summer.

The region attracts tourists with a unique culture and excellent conditions for outdoor recreation: hiking, golf and all mountain sports. The Basque Country has several protected areas: the national parks Valderejo, Urkiola, Urdaibai. Among the attractions of the region, it is worth visiting the operating salt mines of Salinas de Anyana, discovered by the Romans.

The Basque Country consists of three provinces: the flat Alava, the center of winemaking, the mountainous Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya. The main cities of the autonomy are Vitoria, Bilbao, San Sebastian.

Archipelago and autonomous region of Spain, consisting of 2 provinces, seven large inhabited islands and several small ones, located just 100 km from the coast of Africa. The Canary Islands is a Spanish tropical paradise, which is visited by thousands of residents of the country and foreign tourists all year round. Canary guests can offer a unique variety of tropical nature, wonderful weather all year round, magnificent beaches and opportunities for all kinds of water sports. The total length of the beaches of the Canary Islands is 257 km.

Islands of the Canary archipelago (detailed information is available on the links)

This region of Spain is located in the north of the country. The region is famous for its excellent beaches and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities (windsurfing, yachting, snowboarding, rafting, horse riding, hiking). On the territory of the region there are national parks: Dune Liencres - a protected area of ​​dunes at the mouth of the Pas river, which protects large populations of birds; Saha-Besaya Park - the largest hunting grounds in Spain; part of the National Park "Peaks of Europe", which was chosen by climbers and ecotourists.

On the territory of Cantabria, there is a very interesting place that is the Paleolithic heritage of all of Europe: the Cave Research Center, which protects four unusually beautiful caves (El Castillo, Las Monedas, La Pasiega and Las Chimeneas).

The main city of the region is the capital Santander, which is the favorite resort of the Spanish royal family. Also noteworthy is the town of Santillana del Mar with the Altamira caves included in the UNESCO list of historical heritage of mankind.

This autonomous region is located in the center of Spain and is landlocked. The region is famous for its magnificent mountain landscapes - the Central Cordilleras in the north, the Pyrenees in the northeast, the Sierra Morena and Montes de Toledo in the south. The capital of the region is the ancient historic city of Toledo. The recognizable symbols of this area are windmills. Among the region's main attractions are the Cathedral of Our Lady of Toledo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Saint Julian in Cuenca.

The largest autonomous region of Spain, interesting with a bright historical past, impressive monuments, including beautifully preserved ancient cathedrals and monasteries. The region is popular with amateurs winter species Sports: There are many modern ski resorts in the area. In summer and spring, gourmet tours to Castilla and Leon are especially popular with tourists.

The main cities are the unique historical city of Segovia, with the ancient Roman aqueduct and the Royal Alcazar Palace; Salamanca with a famous university - one of the first in Europe (1218). Also of interest are the “city of one cathedral” Burgos, the ancient fort city of Avila; the former capital of the kingdom, the ancient city of Leon with many historical monuments.

One of the most beautiful regions in Spain, but at the same time it is the largest cultural, business and industrial center of the country. This autonomous region, located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, is famous for its history, rich culture, ancient customs and luxurious Mediterranean resorts.

The climate of Catalonia is moderate Mediterranean, and the Pyrenees and the influence of the sea that protect it from the winds provide comfortable weather for relaxation almost all year round. It is in Catalonia that the famous resorts of the Costa Brava, Costa de Maresme, Costa Dorada are located. To services of tourists there are beautiful beaches, hotels, clubs, restaurants, water parks. The most famous is the Port Avetura amusement park in Salou, which is popular with children and adults all over the world.

The most significant cities in the region are the capital Barcelona, ​​a city-museum, one of the most beautiful cities in the world; ancient Tarragona with buildings from the ancient Roman era; Girona is an ancient city that has preserved monuments of various cultures.

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the west of the country, on the border with Portugal. Most of this is not a tourist region at all - plains covered with forests and olive trees. Visitors to the region may be interested in protected areas, including the Monfrage National Park. The reserve is famous for the largest forests in the Mediterranean, filled with unique fauna.

The main cities of the region are the capital of Merida, which was once one of the most significant cities of the Roman Empire on the famous Silver Route, and the border city of Badajoz - with historical monuments the Arab period.

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the northwestern part of the country. The territory of Galicia is crossed by mountain ranges 900-1625 m high, descending to sea ​​coast and forming a picturesque coastline. The climate of the area is mild, but damp and rainy, it was he who created the Galician landscape saturated with greenery.

For tourists, Galicia is interesting for its culture and nature, a type of ecotourism is developed here, called "rural tourism" - rural turism. The Rias Altas area in Galicia is famous for its fishing villages, excellent beaches and monumental cliffs, while the Rias Baixas area is famous for its magnificent national parks and nature reserves.

On the territory of Galicia, there is one of the most revered places by Catholic pilgrims - the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The main towns of the region are Santiago de Compostela; La Coruña with its famous glazed facades; Lugo, which has preserved its flavor since ancient Roman times; port Vigo; Pontevedra with an interesting historical area.

The smallest autonomous region in Spain, and at the same time the most famous and prosperous wine region in the country. The region is located in northern Spain, in the valley of the Ebro River and its tributary Okha, and consists of seven fertile valleys completely covered with vineyards.

Winemaking in Rioja has flourished since ancient Roman times. Already in 1650, a law was passed here, which approved the rules for making wine. On an industrial scale, wine in Rioja began to be produced at the end of the 19th century. In 1945, Rioja was declared the first Spanish wine region DO (Denominacion de Origen), and in 1991 the region was awarded the status of DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada). The center of Rioja winemaking is the city of Haro.

Tourists traveling in Rioja are advised to visit the largest Wine Museum in the world and the Enkiso paleontological center, as well as the amazing grotto dwellings carved into Mount Cantabria. The main city of the region is the medieval capital of Logroño with many attractions.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and at the same time its separate autonomous region, filled with a huge number of attractions - both ancient and modern. Nearby are Aranjues, El Escorial, Salamanca, Segovia, Toledo and Valle de los Caidos.

Autonomous region located in the southeast of Spain. In the south of the region, in the area of ​​Cape Palos, rocky shores form magnificent landscapes, to the north is the picturesque Mar Menor lagoon with small islands of volcanic origin.

The Murcia region is the center of Spanish horticulture and is the largest producer of fruits, vegetables and flowers in Europe. Tourists to Murcia are attracted by local resorts: the golden sandy Costa Calida, the promising La Manga del Map, located on a narrow sand spit separating the Mediterranean from the large lagoon of the Mar Menor.

The main cities of the region are Murcia, which has preserved its Arab heritage; the ancient port city of Cartagena, founded by the Carthaginians in 221 BC e.

The autonomous region of Spain, which was once a separate kingdom, is located in the north of the country, at the foot of the western Pyrenees, on the border with France. The region's territory has a rich historical heritage: history buffs will find numerous fortresses, palaces, castles and temples here. The main cities of the region are the capital of Pamplona, ​​a cozy and calm city with many parks and attractions, exploding with a grand fiesta with a bull run on Saint Fermin's day; winemaking center Olite; very beautiful town of Puente La Reina.

The region will also be interesting for lovers of active pastime: hunters and fishermen, climbers, lovers of walking, as it has several national reserves (Reserva Natural delEmbalse de las Cañas, Parque Natural del Señorío de Bértiz). Navarra is also famous for its healing springs: here in the town of Fitero is the popular thermal resort of Banos de Fitero.

Autonomous region of Spain, located in the southeast of the country. Valencia is one of the most touristic regions, consisting of three provinces: mountainous Castellón with resort towns on the coast, Valencia with an amazing lagoon and traditional festivals, and rocky Alicante with numerous tourist centers.

Valencia is an important center for beach tourism in Spain. The length of the region's coastline is 485 km. By the number of beaches awarded Blue flag EU, Valencia is ahead of all other regions of the country.

The Valencia coast is conventionally divided into zones:

• Costa Blanca ("White Coast") in the south in the province of Alicante, with a strip of magnificent fine sandy beaches and the resorts of Denia, Calpe, Javea, Torrevieja and Benidorm;
• Costa Azaar, "Orange Scent Coast", famous for its rocky landscapes, is located in the north, in the province of Castellón, where the largest resorts are Peñiscola, Alcossebre, Oropesa, Benicasim;
• Costa Valencia with the large resorts of Sagunto, Balvarosa, Saler, Perellonet, Coolera, Gaguya and Oliva.

Valencia is also home to one of the most popular amusement parks in Spain - "Tera Mitica", built on the basis of the famous myths of antiquity.

The main cities of the region are its capital Valencia with ancient and modern sights; and also Alicante - a famous tourist center and a very beautiful old city.

What to see

Barcelona

Madrid

Ibiza

Majorca

Tenerife

Other cities

• Port Aventura in Salou
• Theater-Museum of Salvador Dali in Figueres
• Garajonay National Park on Gomera Island
• Cave de los Verdes on Lanzarote island
• Ordesa National Park in Aragon
• National Park "Peaks of Europe" in Asturias

And many other sights of Spain ...

Where to go in Spain

sights

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Wellness holiday

Private guides in Spain

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Spain in more detail.
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Things to do

Festivals in Spain

Spain is a country of festivals, dozens of similar events are held there every year. The festivals cover all genres of art. The most ambitious of them are listed below. If you are planning to spend a lot of time in the capital of Catalonia, then you should familiarize yourself with the section "Festivals and Parades in Barcelona".

• June July. International Music Festival in Granada: concerts, operetta, classical and modern dances and flamenco
• Second half of July - first half of August. Santander International Music Festival: music, dance, theater
• End of June - beginning of August. Merida Theater Festival: Classical Greco-Latin and Mediterranean Theater
• September. National Festival of Classical Theater in Almagro: Spanish Classical and World Theater
• Mid September - early October. Madrid Autumn Festival: concerts, opera, drama, classical and contemporary dances
• July. Jazz Festival in San Javier
• August. Habaneras International Vocal Festival in Torrevieja

Fiesta in Spain

Fiestas are mass events dedicated to national or religious holidays. There are a lot of such events in Spain, and they are held on a large scale. The most famous fiestas are listed below.

• Fallas Festival in Valencia (March 19): burning of the fallas - large papier-mâché dolls, bullfight
• Holy week (Semana Santa): solemn processions in the south, in Seville, Malaga, Granada, Murcia
• April Fair (10 days after Easter): Spring Festival in Seville; all night long Sevillians dance, eat and drink in the streets
• Fiesta of St. Isidro (15 May): feast of the patron saint of Madrid, bullfight (the biggest bullfight of the season), festivities with music and dancing
• Feast of San Fermin (second week of July): thrill seekers run down a city street ahead of the wild bulls and bullfighting in Pamplona
• Mystery in Elche (14-15 August): Theatrical Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Valencia)
• La Mesa (24 September): a celebration in honor of the patroness of Barcelona, ​​during which one of the attractions is the construction of the "human pyramid" and "running lights", as well as a procession with huge figures in papier-mâché
• The Moors and Christians fiesta is a grand performance with colorful shows and fireworks. It is carried out with the greatest scope in Alkoy. The time of the event is April, but such extravaganzas take place throughout the year in many cities.
• The Fiesta "Bonfires of Saint Juan" (on the night of June 24) is a grand celebration with bonfires, colorful processions and fireworks. The culmination of the holiday takes place in Alicante, where a large fire palm tree lights up at the top of Mount Benacatil.

Surfing in Spain

Traveling around the country

Bus

Bus stations (in Spanish estacion de autobus) in Spain are available in almost all large cities and resort centers. Bus timetables can be found at travel agencies and bus stations, and they are often found in the windows of shops and cafes, especially those located near bus stations.

It is customary to enter city buses through the front door. To get off at the stop you want, you must first notify the driver by pressing the button at the door. You can leave the bus only through the back door. City bus route maps are available at each stop, which are marked with yellow-green plates with the word “bus”. In red, as a rule, they indicate routes running through the central areas of cities, and blue - routes of night buses.

City buses in Spain run from 5:30 to 00:00. The trip is paid directly on the bus: the passenger tells the driver the destination and the number of people. The driver issues a receipt indicating the fare. In Spain, unified tickets are valid for all types of urban transport, their cost depends on the number of transport zones crossed per trip. Different cities also have their own tariffs, discounts, benefits and passes for different types of transport.

The network of intercity bus lines connects all corners of Spain and is distinguished by a high level of service (air conditioning, dry closet, video equipment). Traveling by bus is cheaper than by train and allows you to get to know the country better. Thus, the cost of travel between the most distant cities, depending on the season, day of the week, time of day and distance of travel, will not exceed 40-45 euros. During the high tourist season, buses on the main routes leave at intervals of approximately one hour. Tickets can be bought at the bus station ticket offices or travel agencies.

Often, the same route is served by several buses (depending on the number of tickets sold), which will have to leave at the same time. Therefore, it is worth checking the bus number indicated on your ticket (coche (autobus) №…) with the number on the windshield of the bus. Intercity bus routes that are served by many operators can be planned for.

A train

The rail lines in Spain are operated by a state-owned company (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Espanolas / National Spanish Railways Network).

There are many train fares available on the train, depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Tickets are sold at ticket offices of railway stations and train stations, in tourist offices. There you can also get detailed information on train timetables.

At the large train stations of Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Seville, Salamanca, etc., in addition to ticket offices, there are special tourist centers - they serve travelers and sell tickets to any destination, including pre-tickets. The employees of such centers usually speak English and French, and they accept all types of credit cards of the main payment systems. In order not to be crowded in line, you must first take a coupon with a number in a small machine at the entrance to the center. When it's your turn, the corresponding number will be displayed on the scoreboard above one of the windows.

You can also buy a ticket through the RENFE website. Tickets can be booked online a maximum of 60 days in advance, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices of railway stations at least 5 minutes before the train departure.

Controllers work on all directions and on all trains in Spain. If you did not have time to buy a ticket, you can do it after the train departs - directly from the controller, but it will cost a little more.

There are several types of trains in Spain. First, the train cars have two classes: the first (primera) and the second (segunda).
Secondly, trains vary in the level of amenities they provide.

Ave- high-speed luxury trains connecting so far only Madrid and Seville and Barcelona and Madrid. Travel time (Madrid-Seville) - 3 hours 25 minutes with stops (11 flights per day) and 2 hours 40 minutes non-stop (Madrid-Barcelona) - 6 flights per day, in the morning and evening hours.

Talgo- high-speed long-distance trains, they run between all major cities in Spain. They provide sleeping places, a buffet.

Diurno, Estrella, Rapidos- less fast than Talgo and not very comfortable. Estrella is the overnight version of these trains.

Tranvia, Automotor- inexpensive regional and commuter trains following with all stops.

In addition to regular trains, there are special tourist trains, the most famous of which is the Al Andalus Express. This is a luxury train, called a "hotel-palace" on wheels, equipped with carriages of the 1930s, with toilets, maids, etc. The train has 2 restaurants of "gourmet" cuisine - "Alhambra" and "Gibralfaro", and the Giralda bar with live music. The train is designed for only 50 passengers. It moves at a speed of 60-90 km / h, making long stops in the major cities of Andalusia. Sent once a week - on Sundays. Information can be obtained from ticket offices and tourist offices.

In addition to the above, in this post you can read the tourist's observations about trains between Madrid and Barcelona, ​​nuances, differences, and so on.

Taxi

Taxis in Spain are official (licensed) and private. An official taxi can be painted black and yellow (as in Barcelona) or white (as in Spain in general), has an illuminated board with the inscription taxi and a counter. The fact that a taxi is free is indicated by a flag "libre" (free) or a green light (at night). You can take a taxi at the taxi ranks (Parada de Taxi), marked with a blue sign with a large white letter "T", or stop by "voting" on the street. In addition, a taxi can be called by phone to a restaurant, hotel, supermarket. The maximum waiting time for the ordered taxi is 10 minutes.

The fare is usually calculated as follows: for landing - 2 euros, then for each km - 1 euro during the day and about 1.2 euros at night (from 22:00 to 06:00). For luggage - 1 more euro. On holidays and weekends, rates increase. When traveling outside the city limits, it is necessary to negotiate the fare with the driver in advance, since the passenger also pays for the return taxi journey. Payment in licensed taxis is made only in accordance with the meter readings.

Metro

The metro in Spain is a very convenient means of transportation, with its help you can easily and quickly leave almost anywhere in the city, moreover, some lines have stations of intersection with Renfe (Spanish National Railways) and tram lines. There is a metro in such large cities as Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Bilbao, Alicante, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville.

In all cities, the principle of the metro is approximately the same. The Spanish metro is usually divided into transport zones, and the payment is charged accordingly - the more zones a passenger crosses during a trip, the higher the fare (from 1.50 euros). Metro tickets are single-use and reusable, they also apply to other public transport in cities. The ticket must be kept until the end of the trip. The metro in Spain is usually open from 05: 00-06: 00 to 23: 00-00: 00 (on weekends and holidays - until 01: 00-2: 00).

Tram, funicular and cable car

Trams in Spain are available in many cities and are usually part of the metro system (indicated by the letter T on metro maps). They are also called overground metro. Spanish trams are modern, fast, very comfortable and equipped with the latest technology. Trams run regularly, usually from 05:00 to 00:00, on holidays, weekends and Fridays until 02:00.

Panoramic transport in Spain is represented by funiculars and cable cars. Barcelona (Montjuic cable car), Tenerife and some other cities can boast of their presence.

Sea transport

Since most of Spain is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, water transport is well developed in Spain.

Sea passenger transportation in the Mediterranean is carried out by the company. Its ferries and passenger ships go to the Balearic Islands from the ports of Barcelona and Valencia, and to the Canary Islands from the port of Cadiz. Other ferry companies providing ferry transportation - and.

There is also a regular ferry service between Spain and Africa - car and passenger ferries, high-speed boats. Thus, regular flights are made from Malaga (Spain) to the cities of Melilla (Spanish enclave in Morocco) and Nador. One way ticket price is 35-40 euros. From the city of Tarifa (Spain) to Tangier (Morocco) the ferry departs 8 times a day. The price is 25-27 euros. From Algeciras, Spain, there is also a ferry to Tangier 8-10 times a day, the ticket price is about 29 euros.

Automobile

Spain has a total of 317,000 km of highways, of which 2,000 km are modern motorways. The main roads run along the Mediterranean coast from the French border to Alicante and from the Cantabrian coast to Catalonia. The maximum permissible speed is 50 km / h (settlements), 100 km / h (on national highways), 120 km / h (on highways). Speeding fines are very high and are payable locally.

To rent a car, the driver must present an identity document and an international driver's license. You can order a car at the rental office, through the administrator at the hotel, or in advance via the Internet. Often, when picking up a car, you need to leave a certain security deposit (which is refunded if you return the car with a full tank of gasoline). In Spain, there are both local rental offices and representative offices of well-known international companies such as Avis, Hertz, Rent-a-car. If you rent a car for three or more days, substantial discounts apply.

In large cities such as Barcelona, ​​it is expensive to travel by car, and it is better to save your nerves. The penalty for incorrect parking is strictly - 85 € and more. A road map or a navigator is a must - there are many one-way streets, left turns are less common than right turns. It makes sense to rent a car if you plan to move from one city to another.

Motorcycles and bicycles

Spain is a cyclist's paradise, judging by the number of bicycles in cities. There are bike paths in both large cities and small ones. In the resort cities of mainland Spain, the Canary and Balearic Islands, you can rent a bike.

And if you are over 16 years old, you can also rent a motorcycle (upon presentation of an ID and driver's license) or a scooter. When riding a motorcycle, the driver must wear a protective helmet. Motorcycles at gas stations in Spain are fueled with a special fuel - mezcla.

Airplane

Spain has about 30 international airports. Each major city has its own airport, from where planes fly to all regions of the country. The main major airports in Spain are Barajas in Madrid and El Prat in Barcelona.

Major airlines serving international and domestic routes - and. The flight time from Madrid to Barcelona is 55 minutes, to Valencia - 30 minutes, to Balbao and Seville - 50 minutes, to Mallorca - 1 hour, to the Canary Islands - 2 hours 30 minutes. Everything international airports connected to city centers by express buses.

Communication

The state spoken language of Spain is Spanish (español, castellano). However, many parts of Spain speak different languages ​​(Catalan, Galician, Asturian, Valencian, Balearic, etc.). Some of these languages, according to the 1978 constitution, are official in the respective regions. With the exception of Basque (the origin of which, by the way, is still not clear), all the languages ​​of the Iberian Peninsula are associated with the Romance language group, they are quite easy to understand if you know Castilian (classical Spanish) well. Learning the local languages ​​a little can help win over the locals.

Catalan... A separate language similar to Castilian but closer to the Oscan branch of Romance languages, considered by many to be part of the dialectal continuum of Spain, France and Italy, includes other Languedoc languages ​​such as the languages ​​of Provence, Béarn, Limousin, Auverne and Nice. A variety of dialects are spoken in northeastern Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, eastern Aragon, neighboring Andorra and southern France. To the casual listener, Catalan will seem like a cross between Spanish and French, although, combining the features of both languages, it forms a completely separate language.

Galician... Very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in Galicia and western Asturias. Galician developed before Portuguese and is considered one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese group, which includes Brazilian, South Portuguese, Central Portuguese and Galician.

Basque... A language not related to Castilian (or any other known language), it is spoken by three provinces in the Basque Country, two neighboring provinces on the French side of the Franco-Spanish border, and Navarre. Basque is not associated with any Romance language or with any other language of the Indo-European or Indo-Iranian language family. It defies classification at present and is considered a linguistic isolate that does not seem to be associated with any language in the linguistic tree.

Asturian... It is spoken in the province of Asturias, where it is under semi-official protection. It can also be found in rural areas of Leon, Zamora, Salamanca, in some villages in Portugal (where it is called Mirandes) and in villages in the very north of Extremadura. Although the Spanish constitution stipulates the right to use Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the same name Catalan, Galician and Spanish as the official language of the province, Asturian does not have such a right. But the province of Asturias uses it as an official one, and the state does not object.

Aragonese... It is spoken in the north of Aragon. Its existence is recognized, but it is not the official language of the province (as of June 2008). This language is close to Catalan (especially in Benasque) and to Castilian with some influence of Basque and Oka (southern France). Today, only a few villages near the Pyrenees speak pure Aragonese, while the majority of the population uses a mixture of Aragonese and Castilian in their everyday speech.

Aransky... It is spoken in the Aran Valley and is considered one of the official languages ​​of Catalonia (but not Spain) along with Catalan and Spanish. This language is a variant of Gascon and is very closely related to the languages ​​of Provence, Limousin, Languedoc and Catalonia.

In addition, English and French are usually taught in schools in Spain. If you come to any tourist center, you will meet people who speak several languages ​​fluently. But in other places you are unlikely to see this: most Spaniards speak English rather poorly. In this case, it is better to turn to urban youth. Speak slowly, use simple words, do not hesitate to use gestures, pictures or writing - if the word is written, there is a better chance that you will be understood.

In the north-east of Spain, many people understand French, sometimes even better than English, because most of the tourists in this region are visitors from France. The locals will appreciate any attempt you make to speak the local language. For example, trying to say good morning or thank you.

The culture

The historical and cultural heritage of Spain is rich and diverse, it was formed by many eras, peoples, religions, as well as the border position of Spain between Europe and Africa, the isolation of the Mediterranean and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

Architecture

The architecture of Spain is an amazing interweaving of the building traditions of ancient civilizations and the architecture of modern architects. The sights of Spain amaze the imagination: here ancient amphitheaters peacefully coexist with powerful Arab fortresses and Visigoth forts. Thus, the Alcazar in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada are excellent examples of Moorish architecture of the Caliphate era.

In addition, Spain is rich in world-famous temples, the most famous of which are the Romanesque Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the Cathedral in Teruel in the Mudejar style, the Escorial monastery-palace near Madrid in the Erreresco style, the Gothic temples of Seville, Burgas, Toledo, Tarragona and the Baroque-Renaissance cathedrals of Granada, Murcia and Valencia.

It is impossible not to mention the masterpieces of the genius Catalan Antonio Gaudi, who worked in the style of Spanish modernism at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Painting

It is difficult to imagine world fine art without painting in Spain. Its heyday began with the work of Domenico Teotokopouli, nicknamed El Greco, who became the founder and head of the Toledo school of painting. Spain was also glorified by those who followed him, José de Ribera, Francisco Zurbaran, B. E. Murillo and Velazquez, whose paintings are now kept in the best museums in the world.

Spanish painting is unthinkable even without the work of Francisco Goya (1746-1828), as well as the pioneer of surrealism Salvador Dali (1904-1989), the founder of Cubism Juan Gris (1887-1921), the abstract artist Juan Miro (1893-1983) and the brilliant versatile master Pablo Picasso (1881-1973).

Literature

Spanish literature has come a long way to become one of the most visible components of world literature today. It is difficult to overestimate her contribution if only because the two most famous common human types - Don Quixote and Don Juan - were created by Spanish writers.

The first Spanish literary work to become widely known is the epic poem "Song of my Side" (about 1140). Felix Lope de Vega, Pedro Calderon de la Barco, Tirso de Molina, Miguel de Cervantes are considered to be the classics of Spanish literature.

Starting from the end of the XIX century, called the period of spiritual renewal of Spain, new authors appeared in the country, whose works quickly find their readers all over the world: Miguel de Unamuno, Ramon Maria del Valle-Inclan, Federico Garcia Lorca. Among contemporary authors, it is worth mentioning the 1989 Nobel laureate Camilo José Cela, as well as Juan Goitisolo, Miguel Delibes, Manuel Vasquez Montalban.

Music

Spanish musical culture developed from folk music, whose origins date back to the 6th century BC. e. - to the musical art of the ancient Iberians and Celts, and church music of the 16th century. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Spanish music had become one of the most prominent in Europe thanks to composers such as Enrique Granados (1867-1916), Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) and Manuel de Falla (1876-1946). Modern Spain is world famous for its opera school, the most prominent representatives of which are Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe.

Flamenco

Flamenco is a famous Spanish art, whose homeland is Andalusia. Flamenco is an amazing fusion of song (Cante), dance (Baile) and guitar playing (Guitarra), and also includes various forms from a mixture of these genres. The first written mention of flamenco dates back to 1774. Flamenco was formed under the influence of two cultures - the gypsy, from which flamenco took its dance part, and the Moorish, which brought deep meaning to flamenco music.

Flamenco styles (palos) differ in rhythmic pattern, there are more than 50 of them. The most popular styles are Tones, Fandango, Soleo and Segiriya. Songs and dances are usually accompanied by percussion (tapping with castanets, clapping hands) and guitar.
Andalusian gypsies are the keepers of flamenco traditions. In 2010, Flamenco was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Cinematography

The history of Spanish cinema has a long tradition: already in the 1920s, the film “Andalusian Forest” by Luis Buñuel was released. Since then, Spanish directors, including Carlos Saura (Carmen), Pedro Almodovar (A Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Kika, etc.), Fernando Trueva ( A beautiful era"), Julio Medel (" Red Squirrel "), contributed to the consolidation of the world fame of Spanish cinema.

Kitchen

Spaniards are very passionate about food, wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish cuisine is made up of light vegetable dishes and a huge variety of meat and fish. Spanish cuisine uses few spices and excellent quality ingredients.

As a rule, in big cities restaurants on weekdays are open until midnight, on weekends - until 2-3 am.

The bars, collectively known as Tapas, offer a wide variety of dishes served as an appetizer to a drink. Some bars offer a wide range of different tapas; others specialize in one particular type (for example, seafood appetizers). Traditionally, Spaniards take one tapas and one small drink at a bar, then move to another bar and repeat. A group of visitors can order 2 or more "tapas" or order "raciones" instead of them, which is larger and can be divided.

In major cities, you can find McDonalds and Burger King. Their menu will surprise you: it has been revised to suit local tastes, so beer, salads, yoghurt and wine are prominently featured. The popularity of pizza is growing and there are outlets selling pizza in major cities, but they can sell both their own homebrew products and something international like Pizza Hut.

Many restaurants offer fixed-price set menu - menú del día - often very profitable. The price includes the cost of water or wine.

Tipping and taxes

The bill does not include service charges. It is customary to tip, which can be increased if you enjoy the service very much. Usually a separate banknote is left as a tip.

In mid-range and fast food restaurants it is not customary to include taxes in the price, so you should always check the menu to see if the price includes VAT (7%, IVA in Spanish).

Spanish products

Cheese... In Spain, you can buy a large number of locally produced cheeses. The most famous is Queso Manchego. Also popular are Cabrales, Tetilla, Mahon.

Morsilla. Anise-flavored blood pork sausage offers fresh, smoked and dried sausage.

Chorizo... The most popular sausage variety in Spain, it contains pork, ham, salt, garlic and pepper. Available in many varieties, in different sizes and shapes, short and long, with spices, different shades of red, soft, dried and hard or smoked. They often contain emulsifiers and preservatives, so read the label carefully if you are allergic.

Jamon... This is an air dried ham. There are several types. Jamón Serrano (Serrano ham): canned product obtained by drying salted ham. If the front leg is taken, then the product is called "trowel" or "paletilla". It is also called jamón Iberico (Iberian) and jamón of bellota (acorn). Especially popular are ham made in Huelva (Spain), in Guijuelo (in the province of Salamanca), in Pedroches (in the province of Cordoba) and in Treveles (in the province of Granada). Jamón Iberico is made from grazing pigs only. In the Boqueria market in Barcelona, ​​Jamon Iberico costs from € 80 / kg, Jamon Serrano - about € 25 / kg.

Paella... The famous rice dish of the Mediterranean. There are many options: with seafood, with chicken and rabbit, etc. Although a dish called "paella" can be found in almost every Spanish restaurant (and you will certainly be told that it is prepared according to the "very" real recipe), real paella is found very rare: the dish should include saffron (extremely expensive) and certain seafood (whose good quality outside the coastal zones is difficult to believe). Locals advise looking for authentic paella at major local celebrations such as a village wedding, but some restaurants can still compete here.

Restaurants and cafes in Spain

Wines of spain

Spain is home to many of the world's favorite spirits. Spanish wines are no less popular than French and Italian wines, they are widely known in the world for their excellent taste and aroma. Each wine region is famous for its own centuries-old traditions and recipes for wine production.

So, the most famous Spanish wine is "Rioja" - a wine produced in the region of the same name in Spain. The Rioja region produces mainly red wines, which are aged in American oak barrels and bottled in Bordeaux. However, there is a percentage of white wines that should be drunk young, and rosé wines with a fruity aroma, which are usually drunk in the year following their creation.

Rioja wines, which have the quality status DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada), are classified by aging time: Hoven - up to 1 year, Crianza - 3 years (of which at least 1 year in an oak barrel), Reserva (reserva ) - 4 years (of which 1 year in an oak barrel + 2 years in bottles), Gran Reserva - 6 years (of which 2 years in an oak barrel + 3 years in a bottle).
Wine connoisseurs advise men and women to drink different types of Rioja. For men - Alta "gran reserva", produced in the north of the Rioja region, and for women - Alavesa "reserva" or "gran reserva", created in the south of the region and has a softer and lighter taste.

Valencia is another region of Spain famous for its quality wine (it has the DO (Denominacion de Origen) quality status). It produces excellent white wines from the Mersegera and Malvasia grape varieties, as well as the aromatic sweet Moscatel of golden color. There are not many red wines in Valencia (Monastrell, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon), and it is customary to drink them young.

Malaga

Malaga is both the name of Spanish wine and the city in Andalusia, in the vicinity of which this wine is produced. Malaga is a dessert wine with a raisin or caramel flavor, it is sweet and dry, white, golden and almost black - depending on the age. There are 16 varieties of Malaga. The best type of malaga is Lagrima, made from Pedro Ximénez grapes, which are sun-dried for several days before pressing.
Malaga is also made from Moscatel grapes.

And, of course, it is impossible to imagine a collection of Spanish wines without table wines from Galicia, full of Navarre wines, fine Alellans, rich and refined ones from Tarragona and Priorat.

Sherry

Jerez is the most famous strong Spanish wine with excellent taste and delicate aroma. Real sherry is made only in Andalusia, in the vicinity of the cities of Jerez de la Frontera, San Lucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria. Sherry is made from the grape varieties Palomino Fino, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel.

All sherries can be conventionally divided into two groups: Fino and Oloroso.
Fino is a dry sherry with a strength of up to 15-16%, made exclusively from Palomino Fino grapes. It has a pale straw color and a fresh, bitter almond flavor.
Oloroso - translated from Spanish as "fragrant", it can be not only dry, but also semi-dry and sweet, with a strength of 17% and more.
Other types of sherry, of which there are quite a lot today, in their essence belong either to Fino, or to Oloroso, or are something in between. For example, the famous Manzanilla sherry belongs to the Fino type, Palo Cortado to Oloroso, and Amontillado can be considered the middle variant.

Sherry has found wide application in the preparation of cocktails-aperitifs, it goes well with vodka, gin, whiskey, and, if necessary, can even replace dry white vermouth. It is customary to drink sherry from a glass in the shape of a tulip.

Sangria

Sangria — also wine. It is prepared by diluting dry red wine with water (plain or carbonated) or juice. Sometimes sangria is seasoned with fresh fruit (peach, apple, orange, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, melon) and spices, or sugar is added. In summer, sangria is served on ice - it perfectly quenches thirst, and in winter it is drunk warmed up (like mulled wine).
Sangria does not have any peculiarities or classifications, but the people distinguish 5 types of it: quiet sangria, fruit, white, sparkling and strong.

The first type is the simplest: dry red wine with grapes, orange and still water.

The second is the same, but with as much fruit as possible. The third type of sangria is prepared on the basis of white wine, but, paradoxically, it is still tinted with red berry juice or grenadine syrup.

Sparkling sangria is the most delicious made with cava (Spanish sparkling wine, similar to champagne), or with regular red wine with the addition of soda.

And finally, strong sangria is prepared with the addition of sugar, spirits (cognac, brandy, liqueur, vodka, gin) and spices (cinnamon, mint, ginger, nutmeg).

Kava

Cava (cava) is a Spanish sparkling wine made according to technologies imported from Champagne (Methode Champenoise), mainly in the Catalan region of Penedès, which has DO status. Kava is a white wine, although small quantities of rosé wine are also produced.

Cava is produced from the following grape varieties: Pareiada, Macabeo (Viura), Charllo, Chardonnay and, to a lesser extent, Monastrei and Pinot Noir. Cava aromas include fruity and floral tones. The taste contains hints of honey and sweetness.

Kava varies in sugar content - from very dry (Extra Brut) to sweet (Dulce). There is also a classification of cava according to the number of years of wine aging in the bottle: Cava (from 9 months); Cava Reserva (from 15 months); Cava Gran Reserva (from 30 months) - usually Brut Nature and Extra Brut.

The most popular cava brands are: Freixenet, Codorniu, Segura Viudas, Juve y Camps, Gramona, Bodegas Faustino.

Cava is served chilled in tall clear glass flute or tulip-shaped glasses. It is impossible to imagine any Spanish party, wedding or banquet without cava. Cava is often compared to champagne, because it is an excellent alternative (in terms of value for money) to the most famous sparkling wine in the world and makes it a very serious competitor.

Cider

Cider (Sidra) is a low-alcohol drink made from a certain variety of apples in Asturias and the Basque Country. Juice is made from apples, which, by fermentation and without the addition of yeast, is converted into a light alcoholic drink with a strength of 2-7%. Cider has a golden or greenish color and smell of apples. According to the sugar content, ciders are distinguished from dry to sweet.

It is customary to drink cider chilled. In order to form the necessary foam layer when filling the glass, the cider is poured into large glasses from a certain height. Places of use of cider are called cidreria, and the Spaniards call the cider "the jealous bride", because this amazing drink does not tolerate combination with other alcoholic beverages.

Purchases

Spain has a rich tradition of folk arts and crafts, each province can offer tourists authentic products from local craftsmen. Thus, the best ceramics in Spain are made in the Toledo region, in Catalonia and Valencia, and Andalusia keeps the richest pottery traditions. Fine items made of gold and silver, decorated with national ornaments, are made in Cordoba, Toledo, Salamanca. Colored duvets and excellent quality carpets are best bought in Cadiz, Salamak, in the Alpujarra region. The finest laces are woven in Galicia, and the finest leather goods are produced in Albacete. Mallorca is famous for pearls and great glassware, while the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands weave wonderful baskets, hats and mats.

Local SIM cards

You can significantly reduce communication costs in Spain by purchasing a local SIM card. There are four main mobile operators in Spain - Movistar, Vodafone, ORANGE, Yoigo. But these operators mainly offer contractual terms (contrato). This means that you must have an account with a Spanish bank and the services will be paid from your bank account.

Prepaid (prepago) sim cards can be purchased from virtual operators such as HappyMovil, Hitsmobile, Legaba, Simyo and others. In addition, their tariffs are somewhat lower than those of the Big Four. For example, HappyMovil offers an interesting tariff option of 300 minutes to Russia for 15 euros, while Hitsmobile provides the first five minutes of each call for free when calling to Russia on landlines.

The main advantage of using a local sim card is the ability to get inexpensive high-speed Internet access (from 10 euros per 1 gigabyte). From the card of the Russian operator, which is in roaming, Mobile Internet extremely expensive. The Internet is also expensive when using tourist maps.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi access points in Spain are located everywhere: at airports, train stations, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Information on the location of access points can be obtained from tourist offices and from the shops of Internet service providers.

If there is no open Wi-Fi network in your villa or hotel, then you should contact any major shopping center, where you will definitely find an office of some Spanish Internet provider. Show the office workers a list of Wi-Fi networks that your device has detected. If among them there is a public network of one of the providers, take an interest in the daily rate. As a rule, the cost of using the Internet will not exceed 1-3 € per day (including VAT), and the payment will be charged only for the days when you used the Internet.

Some of the plans are:

• Movistar: Tarifa Diaria tariff - 1.77 € per day, if you have not exceeded 10 MB. Each additional 10 MB will cost you an additional 1.5 €, but no more than 10.62 € per day.
• Movistar: Unlimited Tarifa Plana Internet Mini, suitable for users who either "pump" large volumes, or just have a long vacation in Spain. Price - 19 € per month, download speed - 7.2 Mb / s up to 500 Mb, then it will drop to 64 Kb / s.
• : tariff "Contigo 2 horas". Another unlimited package, which costs 19 € per month at a speed of 7.2 Mb / s, but with a time limit - no more than 2 hours a day.

Useful phone numbers in Spain

Safety

Police

There are several types of police officers in Spain

• Policía Municipal or Local(city police), in Barcelona - Guardia Urbana. Uniforms in different cities can be different, but usually it is a uniform of black or blue color, a blue shirt, a blue cap (or white helmet) with a strip of blue and white checkers. This police unit maintains order and regulates traffic within the city; if you are lost and do not know where to go, it is best to turn to them. Although they will not accept the theft report from you, they will escort you to the headquarters of the Policia Nacional (National Police) if necessary and arrest the suspects if necessary.
• Policía Nacional wears navy blue uniforms and blue peaked caps (which can sometimes be replaced with baseball caps), but unlike the municipal police, they do not have a checkered ribbon on their headgear. They handle all crimes within the city, although other police officers can also assist a person who wishes to report a crime.
• Guardia civil(National Guard) maintains order outside the cities and regulates intercity traffic on highways. They guard government offices, patrol the roads, and you can see them there. They wear similar military uniforms, some of them may have an odd-looking black helmet (tricornio), reminiscent of a bullfighter's headdress. But most wear green caps or white motorcycle helmets.
• The high level of political autonomy in Spain has allowed some regional governments to create their own power structures, such as the Policía Foral in Navarre, Ertzaintza in the Basque Country or Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia.

All types of police, when patrolling the roads or controlling traffic, wear reflective vests that are clearly visible from a distance.

Theft

Spain is a completely safe country, but you should still adhere to some of the rules accepted around the world.

• Try not to use expensive items in poor areas (although most of them are far from tourist areas and you are unlikely to be able to get there).
• Try not to show how much money you have in your wallet.
• In tourist areas, on buses, trains, in crowded places, always keep an eye on your bag or wallet. At most airports, by bus and railway stations you will be reminded by the loudspeaker.
• If possible, do not carry large amounts of money with you. Use a credit card (Spain has one of the largest number of terminals in Europe, and most shops and restaurants will accept a credit card). Of course, you need to use it carefully.
• When getting into crowded places like crowded buses or Puerta del Sol in Madrid, beware of pickpockets. If you catch a thief, those around you will usually help.
• Tourists from the Far East (especially from Japan) often become victims of criminals in Madrid and Barcelona, ​​as thieves consider them easy prey with pockets full of money.
• Report the crime to the local police immediately.
• You should remember that places with a lot of foreigners, such as the crowded resorts of the East Coast, are more likely to attract thieves than less popular regions.
• Avoid gypsies, immediately refuse their services; they will predict the future for you, ask for some money, and, most likely, you will lose your wallet.
• The “flea market” (el rastro), which takes place on weekends in Madrid, is very popular with tourists. However, it is equally popular with pickpockets who operate in groups. be extremely careful in the crowded market, as there is a very high possibility of becoming a victim, especially if you can easily be recognized as a tourist or a person with money. Try to look so that you don't stand out from the crowd, and the risk of being robbed will decrease immediately.
• Women who carry wallets should always wear them at the front of the waistband. Always support the wallet with your hand.
• Do not hang anything over the back of a chair or place it on the floor next to you.
• If you need to use an ATM, don't go alone.
• Some may try to cash in on your ignorance of local customs.
• In Spain, taxis must have a meter in a prominent place. You do not need to agree to pay a predetermined amount for travel from the airport to the city, in most cases the taxi driver will earn more money if you pay by the meter.

To call the police, firefighters and the ambulance, dial 112. If necessary, the number can be dialed from any phone free of charge.

Drugs

Drugs are banned in Spain, but drug use in private places is not prosecuted. If you bring drugs to public places, even for personal use, you will be fined between 300 and 3000 euros, depending on the type and amount of the drug found on you. You will only be arrested if the drugs found are sufficient for trafficking on the streets.

Health

• Medicines are not sold in supermarkets, they are sold in "farmacias" (pharmacies), which are easy to find by the green cross or the Hygia cup emblem. In almost every city and town there is at least one round-the-clock pharmacy, and on the doors of those that close at night, there must be a poster with the address of the nearest working pharmacy, which may even be in nearby towns - this is a requirement of the law.

• If you are injured or seriously ill, contact your doctors, according to the law, they cannot refuse to help you, even if you do not have insurance.
• Although most foreigners consider Spain warm country, it can be very cold here in winter, especially in the central regions and in the north of the country, and in some places it is very rainy in summer. Remember to bring appropriate clothing.
• In the summer, in order not to get heat and sunstroke, try not to be under the bright sun for a long time. Drink water, walk on the shaded side of the street, and keep a jar of sunscreen or lotion handy.

Where to stay

There are many different ways to accommodate tourists, from hotels, guesthouses, villa rentals to campgrounds and even monasteries.

In hotels and middle class hotels it is not customary to include tax in the price, so always carefully read the text written small print... In Spanish, VAT is spelled "IVA".

A little further from the coast, there are small villages with narrow medieval streets, charmingly quiet and secluded, which still have a good selection of restaurants and lodging at affordable prices. In such places you can find not just hotels, but also accommodate in an old inn.

By the way, in Spain, the Parador ("inn") is a state-owned hotel (from 3 to 5 stars). King of Spain Alfonso XIII founded a whole chain of such hotels in 1928. Their uniqueness lies in their location and history. Most paradors are located in historic buildings such as monasteries and Moorish castles, or in hacienda, as opposed to uncontrolled development in coastal regions such as the Costa del Sol. In paradors, the hotel business is successfully combined with the restoration of castles, palaces and monasteries, and saves the monuments of the cultural and historical heritage of Spain from ruin and desolation.

For example, the parador in Santiago de Campostela is located near the cathedral, in the former royal hospital, built in 1499. The rooms are decorated in an antique style but with modern amenities. Noteworthy are the paradors in Arcos de la Frontera, Ronda, Santillana del Mar (Altamira cave), as well as over a hundred more paradors throughout Spain. In parador you will be served breakfast (about 10 euros) and will also offer good food typical for the region(about 25 euros).

Room charges are quite high because hotels are often located in the heart of scenic spots. Prices range from € 85 for a double room to € 245 for a two-room suite (eg in Granada). The most beautiful paradors are found in León and Santiago de Campostela.

You can view information about accommodation in the country of bullfighting and flamenco (amenities in the room and on the territory, photos, reviews of tourists) in the section "Hotels in Spain Hotels in Malaga

Spain is one of the most popular and demanded tourist destinations among the residents of our country. Why are tourists so fond of Spain? In this wonderful land, hot summer reigns most of the year, which is extremely important for the inhabitants of domestic by no means the warmest and sunniest latitudes.

In addition, Spain is a country with incredibly interesting story and rich culture th - it was here that many world famous painters (for example, the surrealists Dali and Picasso), poets and writers were born and worked (just remember the passionate poetry of García Lorca). Spain is also an incredibly beautiful region, rich in natural attractions.

A place that is definitely worth a visit for lovers of history and primitive culture. In the Altamira cave, tourists can see a truly unique phenomenon - the oldest drawings of primitive people, which depict huge buffaloes, horses and other animals that surrounded ancient man... According to archaeologists and researchers, the Altamir rock carvings are 14 thousand years old.

Currently, the Altamira cave is open to the public, but getting there for a tourist is quite difficult - you need to pre-register, otherwise there is a risk of missing the ticket.

Speaking about the beauties of Spain, first of all, they mean natural attractions. Picos de Europa (or Peaks of Europe) - massive mountain range, stretching across the northeastern regions of the country. The mountains are superbly explored and explored, there are many tourist routes of varying degrees of difficulty. Breathtaking landscapes open up along the way. Tourists who have explored the Picos de Europa are absolutely delighted.

The place is definitely worth a visit to lovers of hiking, mountaineering and rock climbing, as well as to all those who cannot live without the incredible beauty of natural species. The visitor will find majestic mountain peaks covered with snow, emerald meadows and untouched forests, as well as the opportunity to see rare animals and birds in their natural habitat.

The next attraction is not located on mainland Spain, but on an island Majorca, also quite popular with travelers from all over the world. It is famous for its natural beauty and developed and accessible infrastructure. The capital of the island, Palma de Mallorca, will amaze the traveler with its ancient architecture, ancient castles and houses and graceful turrets. But outside the capital there is also a lot of interesting things.

One of the main attractions of the Spanish island of Mallorca is the Galatzo Natural Reserve. It is comfortably located in a valley of massive mountains and pleases the tourist with excellent views. wildlife... Picturesque green forests, rocks, as well as stunning beauty of waterfalls - this is what a tourist is invited to admire in Galatzo Park.

It should be noted that the park has tourist route as well as many entertainment and leisure options.

In order to see this delightful place, you will again have to leave the mainland and go to Gran Canaria island- one of the most picturesque in Spain. Gran Canaria, by the way, is an island of volcanic origin, in fact, it is frozen lava.

Caldera de Bandama is an inactive crater of an ancient volcano, the last eruption of which, according to sources, occurred several millennia ago. You can go down into the crater - it is completely safe, since the volcano is not considered active. But the most spectacular views of the Caldera de Bandama are from above.

In the immediate vicinity of the volcano, there are small picturesque villages of winemakers and farmers. Fans of pastoral landscapes should look into one of the villages to enjoy the tranquil views and fellowship with the temperamental and hospitable Spaniards.

One of the most popular attractions in Catalonia is the small islets-rocks of Medes, located near the resort town of L'Estartit. The islands are considered a nature reserve and are protected. For this reason, unfortunately, tourists cannot land on the territory of Medas, but they are allowed to view them from the water.

It is advisable to bring binoculars, since the island is inhabited by many rare birds and watching them is incredibly interesting. The unusual relief of the rocky islands deserves attention. And, of course, the water around the islands is azure, transparent, very clean. No wonder the islands of Medas are considered the most beautiful in Catalonia.

The garden is located near the coastal town of Blanes. According to travelers' reviews, it is incredibly beautiful, quiet place... It is here that tourists can admire the flora of Spain - delightful bright flowers, majestic trees and shrubs. The garden is a riot of colors, but the main color here is emerald green.

You can refresh your knowledge of botany and escape the Spanish heat in the shade of trees in the Marimurtra Garden.

The ancient capital of Spain is known for its extraordinary exquisite ancient architecture... The city successfully manages to preserve its historical appearance and ancient buildings even today, in the 21st century.

There are amazing buildings at every step: huge old castles, cathedrals and churches, made in the Gothic style, turrets, exquisite arches and many more beautiful structures. It is worth noting that Madrid also boasts beautiful modern architecture adjacent to old houses.

An ancient Spanish city built many centuries ago. During the Arab rule, he was capital of Spain... The city is interesting because of how different cultures are intertwined in it - Christian and Muslim. Here you can see Catholic cathedrals, Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues, which are centuries old.

Cultural center of Spain. Major universities and academies are located here. The architectural appearance of the city is interesting - here, along with old Gothic and Romanesque buildings, modern buildings made in the spirit of Art Nouveau peacefully coexist.

Barcelona is far more popular than any other city in Spain. Here, literally at every step, there are incredible architectural sights and historical monuments: ancient architecture, medieval cathedrals and churches, luxurious squares, cobbled streets - all this amazes the traveler and will forever fall in love with Barcelona.

Spain is a vibrant, diverse, unforgettable country with its own special flavor. In this article, we will not touch upon such unconditionally beautiful cities as Madrid, Barcelona or Seville, many people know about them, and I will mention them once again. We want to tell you about little-known, rather remote and completely outlandish places in Spain, about which little is known to the average tourist. In addition, these places attract with their uniqueness, scenic beauty and uniqueness. Explore Spain with us!

1. A temple located in a mountain cave above a waterfall in Asturias (la Santa Cueva de Covadonga)

Surely you can find not many buildings that a person has decided to build in really unexpected places. In this article, we will add a few more examples to this list, the first of which is a sanctuary located in a cave above a waterfall in one of the Spanish provinces in Asturias.

The story of why it was decided to build a small temple in this remote place has been lost for centuries, and only a few legends have survived to this day, which we will tell a little below. The reality is that Holy Cave of Covadonga(la Santa Cueva de Covadonga; Cuadonga in Asturian) is a natural cave on El Monte Auseva with a small temple. The temple contains a rare statue of the holy virgin, called Virgen de Covadonga, or, the most popular name among the Spaniards, La Santina. She is the patron saint of Asturias and for more than one hundred years has attracted the attention of numerous travelers from all over the world.

It is a well-known fact that this natural refuge was used by the troops of the first king of Asturias, Pelayo, during the battle with the Muslims at Covadonga. This was the first victory over the Muslim troops, which marked the beginning of the Reconquista - the centuries-old struggle of the Spaniards to liberate their country.

One of the legends says that Christians secretly hid their shrine from Muslims in this cave, and this is where the tradition of venerating the Holy Mother of God began. According to another legend, the most common in our days, the Holy Mother of God helped King Pelayo and his people, who took refuge in the cave, to remain unnoticed by Muslims and leave the cave unharmed.

The first chapel was built during the reign of Alfonso I, after the triumphant victory of King Pelayo over the Moors at the Battle of Covadonga. The surrounding space among the picturesque waterfalls of Asturias was used to give the altar more sanctity, which was realized after the construction of the chapel in the cave.

A fire in 1777 destroyed the original statue of La Santina, and what you see now is a sixteenth-century statue that was donated to the chapel from the Catedral de Oviedo in 1798.

The figure of the Holy Virgin holds the baby Jesus in his left hand and a golden rose in his right. Her head is framed by a gold crown with pearls at the edges, inlaid with diamonds. On the top of the crown is a dove representing the Holy Spirit surrounded by a circle of sparkling diamonds.

In 1939, the statue of the Saint was stolen from the cave and transported to Paris. Thanks to the efforts of the Spanish Embassy in France, the statue was found and returned back to Spain. The shrine made its way back from the border in triumph, passing through many cathedrals and churches on the way home.

This unusual temple in a cave above a waterfall with its mysterious history is a great addition to the magnificent landscapes of Asturias, which delight and surprise with their unforgettable beauty. Getting to know this unusual place will reveal to you a part of the character of Spain and give an additional impetus to continue our journey.

The next place we want to introduce you to is another of the fabulous natural surprises of the Iberian Peninsula. The murmur of crystal clear water, light passing through the dense green foliage of trees and softening the tones of the surrounding landscape, fresh smells of nature - all this contributes to the fact that this amazing place was announced in 1987 nature reserve(Parque Natural Urbasa Andía). Today this place has become one of the most amazing and beautiful in the province of Navarra.

The source of the Urederra River begins from a natural outlet from the aquifer, which is located in the Urbasa karst massif and originates in the mountains at an altitude of more than 700 m above sea level. As a result of the subsequent fall of water from a height of more than one hundred meters, the forces of nature over millions of years have formed a natural amphitheater of amazing beauty in the rocks.

The first waterfall is followed by others - with numerous pools of water of various turquoise shades. This natural phenomenon is formed as a result of the karst structure of the mountains, in which water seeps through cracks in the rocks over and over again, as if gushing from the bowels of the earth.

The special turquoise hue of these waters certainly served as inspiration for the one who named this river after Uredera... Translated from Basque, it means "beautiful water". In addition to the uniqueness of the aquatic colors, the local flora and fauna are also very diverse. Among this natural abundance, there are numerous valuable species of trees: beech, oak, elm, maple, yew and hazel. Among the representatives of the animal world, birds reign here first of all: vultures, vultures and kites, eagles, hawks and crows.

Hiking trails in the park do not present any particular difficulties, and the entire route, a little more than 5 kilometers long, runs along the banks of the picturesque river and ends at its source. The entire path is marked with signs starting from the car park at the entrance to the village of Baquedano. After you enter the forest path and pass the barrier, you will see a fork. We recommend taking the left road, as this part of the path goes closer to the river, and you can return back along the eastern path, which runs a little higher.

This amazingly beautiful part of the natural park currently, in addition to natural attractions, provides an opportunity to practice senderism. Among the picturesque nature trails, you can see the remains of ancient megaliths and recognize in them villages that retain their former charm.

And the final touch: here you can experience a rich gastronomy based on local products such as beans, lamb, cottage cheese, famous local cheeses and, of course, taste the famous pacharan- an alcoholic drink, traditional for a number of regions in the north of Spain.

3. Castle of the Templars in the province of Castile and Leon (El castillo de Ponferrada)

Templar castle of Ponferrada(el castillo de Ponferrada) stands on a hill that dominates the surrounding countryside and the eponymous town of Ponferrada below, part of the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. During its long history, the castle has experienced many sieges and threats, and today this monument is one of the legendary tourist attractions.

The place where the Castle of the Knights Templar was built is located where there was originally a Celtic settlement, and later - a Roman fortress and a Visigoth settlement.

In 1178, King Fernando II allows the Templars to establish their castle here. The Templars build fortifications and gradually expand the buildings, using them to protect the pilgrims passing along the Camino de Santiago path and heading to the city of Santiago de Compostela. The construction of the main protective structures was completed in 1282.

During the reign of King Ferdinand IV in 1307, the trial of the Templars began in France, which led to the dissolution of the order and the confiscation of its property. To prevent the possible confiscation of the castle of Ponferrada, the master of the Castilian Order of the Temple, Rodrigo Yánez, decided to transfer the fortress to the Infante Don Philippe, the king's brother.

The fortifications that we see today are the result of a long series of construction, renovation and expansion. The fortress has the shape of an irregular quadrangle and, above all, stands out for its entrance gate. The path to the castle passes through a moat with a drawbridge and then through two large crenellated towers connected by an arch. The twelve watchtowers of the castle correspond to the twelve zodiacal constellations.

In general, the entire ensemble of buildings of the Ponferrada castle is an excellent example of medieval fortification construction.

Since 1850, the castle began a period of desolation and decline. At this time, the city council sells its fortress walls, the stones from which are used to build public quarters, and the local market is attached to the remains of the once formidable fortifications. The inner part of the castle was rented out for grazing, and at a later time it housed a football field.

Beginning in 1924, the fate of the castle gradually began to change for the better: it was awarded the title of National Monument, and its gradual restoration began.

Today, within the walls of the ancient castle, there is a library that has more than 1,400 unique books, including facsimiles of works by Leonardo da Vinci. Also, research and historical centers are actively working here.

The castle accepts its visitors from Tuesday to Saturday from 11-00 to 14-00 and 16-00 to 19-00 on holidays and Sunday from 11-00 to 14-00 on Mondays - closed.
The entrance is paid 6 euros.
Address: Avenida del Castillo s / n Ponferrada, León (Castilla y León)

4. A village leaning against a mountain. Province of Cadiz, Andalusia (Setenil de las Bodegas, Cádiz)

It looks like a huge rock is about to collapse and forever bury the small white houses of a small village under it. Setenil de las Bodegas that kind of stuck to the rock. Over the millennia of existence, the Guadalporcún River has formed an imposing canyon through the cliffs, and the villagers have always sought to use every possible space to build their homes. The result is a terrace with a group of extraordinary white houses.

The main attraction of this town is, first of all, its inhabitants, who by their labor were able to combine the beauty of nature with the originality of urban development, placing their unique and peculiar buildings at different levels of height.
In the lower part of the village, the locals used the crevice created by the river in the rock for their own purposes to build their houses into it.

This semi-cave architecture is an outstanding example of an extremely simple and rational solution. It received the name "Shelter under the stones" and consists in the construction of a longitudinal stone wall, which turns a mountain crevice into housing.

5. The picturesque village of Miravet in Catalonia, crowned with a medieval castle

The small Catalan village of Miravet, frozen in the Middle Ages, continues to live its measured life in our time. The settlement, located on a rocky cliff, gradually raises its buildings from the Ebro River up the hill, and ends with the Templar Castle, which overshadows the village with its ancient fortress walls.

As is often the case in many parts of Spain and Europe, in isolated and remote areas, small settlements were strategically located important places, under the protection of the fortress walls, which guarded local residents from possible uninvited guests and enemies. The village of Miravet in question is no exception.

The fortress that crowns the top of the village was previously Arab, and after the reconquest in the XII century it was transferred to the Knights Templar. This architectural gem, once a monastery castle, is one of the finest examples of religious and defensive architecture. Currently, the castle is in the process of restoration, but from this it has not lost its majesty and is able to surprise both with its history and the stunning views that open from its fortress walls to the bend of the Ebro River. A narrow road, only one car wide, leads to the fortress from the village with very sharp turns and a steep climb.

Meanwhile, the village of Miravet itself is visually so well inscribed into the hillside that it seems to be a natural continuation of the castle of the Knights Templar. Its narrow streets, with traces of centuries of history, invite you to walk between ancient structures such as the old mill or the Renaissance church, which was built on the old foundations of the ancient walls of an Arab mosque.

6. An unusual village in Asturias, which can only be reached through a natural cave (Cuevas del Agua)

If one day you find yourself in Asturias near the towns of Llanes and Ribadesella, then you can visit one of the most unusual settlements in Spain Cuevas del Agua. The only way to get there is by taking the road through the Cuevona Cave.

A route that follows an underground road next to a small stream flowing inside the cave. will become an unusual and exciting journey for you. Of course, you can quickly pass it by car, but we recommend leaving it in the parking lot in front of the cave, and then go down the road to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the underworld.

The road through the Cuevona cave - the only means of interaction between the village and the outside world. The cave itself was formed as a result of a long and slow erosion of natural elements, and today natural diligence gives us the opportunity to take a short 300-meter walk, which will acquaint us with the bowels of the earth and admire the fantastic forms and structures that the great artist nature depicted on these rocks.

The Cuevona Cave is very well lit, so that its walls appear before us as real works of art. Inside the cave, stalactites, stalagmites and stalagnates form compositions, many of which have their own names: "Devil's Tongue", "Santiago's Beard", "Flag Stalactites" ...

This underground kingdom has its own life: algae, mushrooms, lichens, mosses and ferns live in the water and on stones. The fauna is represented by salamanders and some species of frogs and bats.

A walk in the cave is good fun for curious people who want to know as much as possible about Spain.

7. The landscape formed in the Autonomous Community of Castile and Leon (Las Médulas) by ancient Roman gold mines

Township Las Médulas is located near the town of the same name in the region of El Bierzo in the province of León - the autonomous community of Castilla y León. This place was once the largest gold mine in the Roman Empire. Large-scale gold mining has left an indelible man-made mark on this landscape, making it amazing.

The hydraulic system for gold mining, which was used by the Romans, is in some sense advanced even for our time. The Romans diverted water from mountain rivers and streams, and then, using canals, directed it into a special dam in the upper part of the quarry. With the help of a huge network of dug channels and the force of the falling water, they eroded gold-bearing soil and washed out gold.

The Roman-built engineering system is the largest and most striking known to us due to the amount of water used, its length, the number of channels and the volume of eroded soil. Researchers estimate the total length of the dug channels at 300 km, and the amount of gold mined, based on the records of Pliny the Elder, who worked as an administrator at the gold mines in his youth, taking into account 250 years of operation, is about 1,635,000 kg.

According to modern estimates of the Spanish professor and archaeologist Antonio García Bellido, who calculated on the basis of the gold content in local placers, a slightly lower result was obtained. During the operation of the gold mines, about 500 million cubic meters of soil were washed out. Taking into account the average yield of pure gold of 3 grams per ton, the estimate of the mined gives about 1,500,000 kg of pure gold. Pliny the Elder writes about the working conditions in gold mines: "It would be less reckless to search for pearls or purple shells at the bottom of the sea than to mine gold in these lands."

After the end of the exploitation of the mine, nature took on an unusual job of restoring the abandoned mines, and as a result, today you can see here one of the most original and beautiful landscapes on the planet. The local vegetation, represented mainly by oaks and chestnuts, again took possession of the place, and the colorful relief formed by the reddish sand of various shades harmonizes perfectly with the green vegetation.

Among the representatives of the animal world, wild boars, roe deer and wild cats now live here. As for the birds that nest mainly along the banks of the Cabrera River, there are more than a hundred species of them! Many species of orchids now grow in the calm waters of abandoned ponds that were previously used to collect water.

This amazing natural area was declared a Historical Heritage of Spain in the 1990s and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. and in 2002 it became a Natural Monument.

8. An unusual beach between the rocks in Mallorca (Sa Calobra)

This is one of the most impressive natural pebble beaches in Majorca, and therefore one of the most visited. It is located where the Torrent des Pareis gorge pushes the Tramuntana mountain range and reaches the Mediterranean Sea. If you watched the Cloud Atlas movie, then in the first frames of the movie you could see this beautiful place surrounded by mountains.

You can get to this unusual place along the dizzying mountain serpentine by car or bus. For lovers of a more relaxed journey, the route on a small boat from Port de Sóller is more suitable. The final stop for all tourists will be the small coastal village of Sa Calobra.

Sa Calobra is largely comprised of restaurants and bars offering gourmet snacks while taking in the magnificent views. While exploring the surrounding mountains, you can sometimes spot wild goats grazing on these steep slopes. The tiny pebble beach in the bay will give you the opportunity to cool off after your trip. However, once you get here, you shouldn't miss the chance to visit one of the most beautiful corners of Mallorca.

To reach the final goal of our route, you need to walk along the promenade, which rests on a tunnel cut in the rocks to the gorge itself. After a short walk through the tunnel, illuminated by colored lanterns in the floor that show us the way, you will find yourself in the Torrent des Pareis gorge. High cliffs move apart and let you go straight to the sea. The purest water literally beckons with its purity and coolness on a hot day.

9. The largest underground lake in Europe in the Dragon Cave (Cuevas del Drach) in Mallorca

On the east coast of Mallorca, just 500 meters from the picturesque town of Porto Cristo, is another of the natural wonders of the island - the famous dragon caves(Cuevas del Drach). The cave consists of three large interconnected halls. They are so huge that they bear their own names: White Cave (Cueva Blanca), Black Cave (Cueva Negra) and Luis Salvator's Cave (Cueva Luis Salvator). The length of all underground passages stretches for a distance of about 2.4 kilometers. Thousands and thousands of stalactites and stalagmites adorn the walls, ceiling and floor of the cave, and special lighting will allow you to see them in all their glory.

In one of the halls of the cave, there is the famous underground lake Martel (Lago Martel), named after its discoverer, French speleologist Edouard Martel, who explored this cave in 1896. The underground lake he found turned out to be one of the largest known underground lakes in the world. Nowadays, a unique light and music performance is regularly held on its shore. Three boats sail along the flat surface of the lake, accompanied by the sounds of classical music and the game of lighting. After the end of the unusual concert, you can take a short boat trip on the fabulous lake.

Once in Mallorca, be sure to visit this natural attraction - such an adventure is like traveling to another fantastic parallel world.

10. Majestic Arch of the Bull's Eye (Ojo del Buey) in the mountains of Asturias

The distinct contrast between the green, fertile valleys and the de-vegetated mountains is a characteristic feature of this corner of Spain. Welcome to Asturias!

One of the most famous mountain peaks in Asturias - Peña Mea with a height of 1557 m above sea level - is crowned with its striking extraordinary beauty natural natural arch with a diameter of more than 20 meters, called the "Bull's Eye" (Ojo del Buey). The mere sight of this amazing phenomenon among the mountains amazes the imagination of any, even an experienced traveler, giving rise to many questions about how this unusual miracle of nature could have arisen.

The beauty of the local landscape and the easy climbing route make this an ideal destination for climbers and hikers.

Sunny and cheerful Spain awaits tourists in its hot arms all year round. In the homeland of the most cheerful and carefree drink - sangria, bustling Barcelona, ​​rich Madrid, the amazing Canary Islands and, of course, a hot bullfight with a sultry flamenco dance await you.

Spain is a land of diversity, where sandy beaches coexist with a rich historical heritage, and ski resorts are interspersed with the creations of the genius of Gaudí. Here you will find the fiery rhythms of Ibiza and the most reckless holiday in PortAventura.

Spain is a country with a rich gastronomic heritage. All tourists who come to the country should definitely taste the local cuisine. On a hot, sultry day, there is nothing better than a cool gazpacho soup - the creation of Spanish mule drivers. In Valencia, try the renowned paella. And in the capital of Spain, indulge yourself in the pleasure of trying the Madrid stew. Cava, sherry and "blood of the devil" (sangria) will be the best addition to the national cuisine of Spain.

The most famous places in the country

The sights of Spain are concentrated mainly in two cities: Barcelona and Madrid. At the same time, Barcelona is a more popular tourist destination than the capital of the country. And there is an explanation for this. The genius of Antoni Gaudi lived and worked in Barcelona; his architectural masterpieces remain here. The places associated with his life and work have become a magnet for tourists from all over the world.

Sagrada Familia Cathedral

Sagrada Familia Cathedral

The famous project by Antoni Gaudi is also called the Sagrada Familia. This is the most beautiful church in Spain and Europe. And although the great architect will not see the completion of the construction of his brainchild, the cathedral became his manifesto to his descendants. According to the plan of the genius, the temple should have three facades: the facade of the Nativity, from which he began construction, the facade of the Passion and the facade of the Ascension. White pillars, like fabulous trees, hold the entire vault of the cathedral. Star-shaped elements hang loosely on the ceiling. And the light, passing through the multi-colored stained-glass windows, lets colored glare on the interior of the temple. It is a crime to visit Barcelona and not see the creation of the immortal Gaudi. The cost of the visit starts from 15 euros. With this money, as well as donations, the construction is being completed.

Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

On the site of the fortress of the emirs of Cordoba and Toledo stands the royal residence of the Spanish monarchs. The palace burned several times, so during the restoration it was erected entirely of stone and the wooden decoration was abandoned. If the Spanish flag flies over the palace in Madrid, it means that Philip VI - the king of Spain, is in the residence. V royal palace the museum is located, the cost of visiting it will be 10 euros.

Park Guell in Barcelona

Park Guell in Barcelona

It is one of the earliest works by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. The park's trademark is two gingerbread houses, built for administrative needs, but looking like fabulous dwellings. The main staircase, flanked by fountains, rises directly to the Hall of a Hundred Columns. Due to the good acoustics, musical groups like to perform in this place. From the top of the stairs, there is a beautiful view of Barcelona and the sea coast.

Alcazar in Segovia

Alcazar in Segovia

At the confluence of the two rivers Clamores and Eresma, on a high cliff, stands one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. Archaeological excavations indicate that a fortified settlement dates back to the Roman era. Initially, the fortress was made of wood, then it was rebuilt into a stone one. The interior of the fortress is made in the Spanish-Moorish style. Today, thousands of tourists visit this attraction to visit the Royal Hall, see the chapel where the kings of Spain were married and climb the tower of Juan II.

Arena Las Ventas in Madrid

Arena Las Ventas in Madrid

It is the largest bullfighting arena in Spain. Its capacity exceeds twenty thousand people. The arena is built on the likeness of the ancient Roman Colosseum. The building is made of red brick with figured arches in the form of a horseshoe in the Moorish style. There is also a bullfighting museum, where unusual exhibits are presented. For example, here you can see the blood-soaked costume of the famous matador Manolete.

Interesting places in Spain that a tourist should visit

There are so many interesting places in Spain that it won't be enough for a lifetime to see them all. But it's worth trying. Spain has preserved a rich cultural heritage for its descendants. It is represented by palaces and castles, museums and national parks.

Mesquita (Cordoba Cathedral Mosque)

Mesquita (Cordoba Cathedral Mosque)

The history of the largest mosque of the Middle Ages ended during the Spanish Reconquista. The mosque has been converted into a Christian cathedral. In general, these places have always been revered as sacred since the time ancient rome... The Visigoths were the first to consecrate the temple here. Arab rulers spared no expense to decorate the mosque. Giant arches, columns, lined with precious materials: jasper, onyx, marble - all this represented a magnificent architectural masterpiece. The ceilings, walls, prayer niches and decorative elements are painted with gold.

Prado Museum in Madrid

Prado Museum in Madrid

This is one of the most visited museums in the world. The museum houses a rich collection of Flemish art, sculptures and works by artists from the Golden Age. Tourists come here to see the works of Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, Bosch. One of the most significant works stored in the Prado Museum is Rubens' painting "The Three Graces". The museum building itself is also a landmark in Spain. It was built in the style of late classicism with a reference to the ancient heritage. The cost of visiting the museum is 15 euros.

Alcazar in Toledo

Alcazar in Toledo

A fortress was erected at the bend of the Tagus River in the city of Toledo. From the south there were steep slopes that descended to the river, and from the north the Spaniards built powerful fortifications. The result is one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. The rulers of Castile once lived in the Alcazar. With the loss of independence, a prison was established in this place. Today the fortress walls offer a wonderful panorama of the whole of Toledo.

Cathedral of Saint James

Cathedral of Saint James

One of the most important shrines of the Christian world is located in Santiago de Compostela. In the historical part of the city there is a medieval cathedral, and it contains the relics of the Apostle James, a disciple of Christ. The relics of the Saint are placed in a silver shrine. An important attraction of the cathedral is the unique censer. This is the largest censer in the world. Its work requires at least forty kilograms of coal and is set in motion by 8 clergy.

Teide National Park (Tererif Island)

Teide National Park (Tererif Island)

The main pearl of the national park is the Teide volcano. The fire-breathing giant attracts millions of tourists who are vacationing in the Canary Islands. Anyone can conquer the giant on foot or using transport. There is a good road to the top, and the rest of the way can be covered by cable car. The most breathtaking views await those who decide to spend the night at the top of the volcano. The brightest stars shine here and the Milky Way is clearly visible.

Avila city

Avila city

Ancient medieval town Avila is located at the foot of the Cordillera. Well-preserved fortress walls are considered to be the main attraction of the city. The territory of the old city was surrounded by walls more than three meters thick. Twenty-meter towers rise along the perimeter of the walls. In total, nine gates led to the city. This is a perfectly preserved example of medieval fortifications in Spain. The Avila Cathedral, which in appearance resembles a fortress palace rather than a temple, houses the works of the great Spanish painter - El Greco.

Beautiful places in the south of Spain

The south of Spain is traditionally associated with beach holidays, but this is not entirely true. Of course, most of the country's southern cities have access to the Mediterranean coast. But there are also many historical sites worth seeing. And most importantly, in the south of Spain there is a small homeland of passionate dance - flamenco.

Alcazaba fortress in Malaga

Alcazaba fortress in Malaga

In the very heart of the city, a fortress was erected by the Arab rulers. For the construction of the fortress walls, stones from ancient Roman buildings were partially used. The Roman open-air theater has survived to this day. The citadel was protected by a triple ring of fortress walls and powerful towers. A chic Arab-style palace was built inside. Today, an archaeological museum is open in this place.

Ronda city

Ronda city

This is a city over a precipice. One of the most beautiful cities in Spain is located above the El Tajo gorge. This settlement has been known since the days of the ancient Romans. White houses of local residents are paving on a high steep cliff, and a deep gorge stretches below. Fascinating landscapes open from almost anywhere in the city. The main attraction of Ronda is the oldest bullring in Spain. The great matador Romero performed here, on his account thousands of defeated bulls.

Chipion lighthouse

Chipion lighthouse

It is the tallest lighthouse in Spain. Interestingly, it is used for navigation not only by sea vessels, but also by aircraft. This became possible thanks to the design of the lighthouse, the light from which is visible not only in the horizontal plane, but also vertically. In clear weather, the lighthouse is visible at a distance of fifty kilometers around. You can visit the Chipion Lighthouse as part of an excursion.

Alhambra

Alhambra

In southern Spain, in the former capital of the Emirate of Granada, a palace and park complex in the Moorish style was built. This place was the last stronghold of the Islamic state in the territory of modern Spain. Fortress walls, palaces, mosques, houses and gardens have survived to this day. All buildings are inscribed in the surrounding landscape for a harmonious unity with nature. The palace complex is filled with light and the murmur of water. Both large bodies of water and small secluded fountains can be found here. Pomegranate and orange trees grow in the gardens, huge cypresses are planted in orderly rows. The fortress walls offer a magnificent view of the mountains and forests.

Sacromonte Abbey in Granada

Sacromonte Abbey in Granada

Just three kilometers from the city of Granada, there is an interesting attraction - the Sacromonte Abbey. They began to build it at the end of the sixteenth century on the Holy Mountain. Ancient cave dwellings have been preserved under and near the abbey. Apparently, they were the last refuge for the Arabs who fled from the Spanish Reconquista, and before them Jews were hiding in this place. Today it is a large Benedictine monastery, whose patron Saint Cecilius is considered to be.

Other Popular Places to See

There are a lot of beautiful and popular places in Spain. Most of them are in good transport accessibility, which makes it easier to visit them. History lovers will find medieval castles, ancient Roman architectural monuments, amazing cathedrals converted from mosques in the country. These places are rich in a mixture of cultures and eras.

Port Aventura

Port Aventura

It is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe and the most popular in Spain. Port Aventura is located near the city of Salou and is divided into thematic zones. There is a zone of the Wild West, Caribbean, Siberia and the latest Ferrari Land. The park will appeal to both adults and children. For the youngest visitors, there are attractions that they will like. Here you can watch the show: go hunting with the fearless Indiana Jones, or watch a cool western featuring horses. There are rides in the park for every taste, including a free fall tower, a walk along a river canyon, and a roller coaster with loopholes. The infrastructure of the park allows not only eating in themed restaurants, but also living in appropriate hotels. For example, you can stay in a hotel that is stylized as the Wild West. A full day ticket costs € 55 per adult.

Alcazar in Korodovo

Alcazar in Cordoba

This is the second most important attraction in Cordoba after the Mesquita. Here was the residence of the emirs of Cordoba. The fortress is almost a regular square with powerful towers and gates. In addition to the palace itself, there is a magnificent garden outside the walls. The best time to visit the garden is in spring, when everything is in bloom and in the evening, when the night lights turn on. After the Spanish Reconquista, the city was occupied by supporters of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. At this point they received Chr. Columbus - the great traveler and navigator. The once former royal residence was taken over by the Inquisition. At one of the towers of the citadel, mass executions took place on the orders of the clergy.

Mount Montserrat in Barcelona

Mount Montserrat in Barcelona

Mount Montserrat attracts ecotourism enthusiasts and pilgrims from all over Europe. Bald rocks bizarre shape, standing apart from the main mountain range, have always attracted attention. The area around the mountain in Spain is recognized as a nature reserve; unique species of plants and animals live here. Hiking trails for tourists pass through the most beautiful places. An ancient men's monastery was erected on Montserrat mountain, which houses one of the most important Christian shrines - the Black Madonna or the Black Virgin of Montserrat. She helps women find the joy of motherhood.

Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral

This is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Spain and Europe. A temple was erected on the site of a mosque after the end of the Spanish Reconquista. According to local belief, the cross in the cathedral is made of gold brought by Columbus from America. In this place was located, and the grave of the great navigator until his remains were transported to the territory of the modern Dominican Republic. The library of the cathedral contains documents from the personal archive of Chr. Columbus.

Dalt Vila (Ibiza)

Dalt Vila (Ibiza)

The resort town of Ibiza is presented to many tourists as a place of fun and dancing until the morning. However, Ibiza boasts not only beautiful beaches and fiery parties, but also ancient structures. In the Old City, the center of attraction for tourists has become the fortress - Dalt-Vila. Narrow streets, cobblestone streets, Ibiza Castle and the Cathedral await visitors behind the fortress walls. Castle of Ibiza, built during the times when these places were under the rule of the Arabs. It is visible from almost anywhere on the island, while the most breathtaking view of Ibiza opens from the fortress walls of the citadel. It is especially beautiful at night when the city starts to light up the lights.