The Spanish Attractions

Most famously known for its endless beaches and sun all year and the sultry flamenco and bullfighting bloody, Spain has oodles more to offer than that. For thousands of years, Spain has been one of the main cultural centers of Europe. What differentiates Spain from other European countries is clearly its characteristic Arab is a result of nearly eight centuries of Arab influence.

Spain's diversity is overwhelming. Its various regions are clearly different from each other, their geography and climate of their cuisine and culture. Every town and village is an eclectic mix of ancient monuments and futuristic architecture permanent reminder of centuries of Spain's ancient history and its changing times. The cities are littered with Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces, medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals.

Geography

Located in the Iberian peninsula in southern Europe, the countries adjacent to Spain were France, Andorra, Portugal, Gibraltar and Morocco. The waters around Spain include the North Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Biscay and south-west France Pyrenees Mountains. Spain has a total area of ​​504.782 kilometers with a coastline of 4.964 km. It comprises 19 autonomous communities including the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Menorca and Majorca) in the Mediterranean Sea and Melilla and Ceuta in northern Africa. Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas are three small Spanish possessions located off the coast of Morocco.

Five mountain ranges across the country adding to the huge varied landscape, green and fertile and arid areas, desert-like in others. With all the coastlines are endless, ranging from the Pyrenees to Gibraltar along the Mediterranean Sea to the east and along the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Climate

Spain's climate is mostly temperate with hot summers and colder winters in the interiors and sunny with moderate temperatures along the coast.

Language

Although Spanish is the official language of the country, there are several other languages ​​that co-exist with Spanish and are spoken in parts of Spain. These include Catalan in Catalonia, Valencia in the Valencian region, Galician in Galicia and a distinct variety of the Catalan language is spoken on the Balearic Islands.

Culture

Festivals and bullfights are indispensable elements of Spain. The seasons in Spain are defined not only by changes in temperature, but also by the different parties, there is a feast for all seasons. Each party is distinct from each other in the way it is celebrated, why it is celebrated when it is celebrated, and in which region it is celebrated holidays are an integral part of Spain you would have to pass a year in Spain to experience the true culture of Spain. While the Feria de Abril in Sevilla includes a week of dancing and singing while tapas and sherry, Semana Santa is a dark week of prayer and penance.

Flamenco is Spain itself. This musical tradition is inseparable from Spain and are therefore teg bullfights, which are an integral part of almost all parties and are a sight to behold. Not to be missed is the "Running of the Bulls" during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona.

Despite its popularity with tourists, Seville retained its old world charm with Mediterranean and has a solid reputation among travelers for lively parties, fascinating historical treasures and some of the best tapas you could hope to experience in Spain. But Sevilla influence on Spanish culture as it is known today extends far beyond architecture and chorizo. This ancient city reveals the evolution of one of the largest arts and iconic worldwide known Spanish flamenco, and while today it can be enjoyed virtually anywhere in Spain, it is in Seville you have the best chance to experience this art form at its purist.

Stirring, emotional and expressive, flamenco is a style of dance or song, or instruments, but a merger of all three together. It is an art form more than 200 years, which is still popular today, telling the stories of Spanish history through dance, song and guitar. Historians argue about the exact point in history when music was evolving in flamenco has emerged, but what remains a certainty is that it happened in southern Spain, in the Andalusian region of Seville, which remains today the center.

At first he started with the song. It was the voice of the persecuted Gypsy community in southern Spain, which came about during the late 1400s from India and Africa. Upon their arrival, and in particular the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition, shortly after, the gypsies as a race has suffered greatly. Accused of witchcraft and dishonesty, they distrusted, and therefore discriminated against by the larger community. They were unable to find work, own land or integrate into society. They lived a secular existence, and met them socially. Late at night, members of the collection would sing songs of lamentation and grief, expressing the difficulties of life they face and the desperation they felt.

Each song has been transmitted orally from generation to generation, without the prior written music and performed individually by each performer. Over time, the singer would later be accompanied by the sound of a guitar, the movements of a dancer, or both. The subject of the songs gradually expanded to include themes such as love, death and celebration, even politics and humor, the development of flamenco styles that exist today. musical influences from Arabic, Jewish and even the local Andalusian culture has gradually become part of the sound. What began as a voice, was later thickened by the sound of the guitar, the movements of a dancer accompaniment, and later, the applause from the audience, which accentuates the rhythm of the music.

In truth, flamenco is an experience not to be missed, and if your itinerary includes a trip to Seville, you're likely to find a range of options that can help you discover the magic and emotion of the experience. A visit to the Museum of Flamenco Dance (Museo de Baile Flamenco) is a good place to start learning about the history of dance. Open from 9:00 to 7:00 p.m., visitors have the chance to see a collection of audio and visual presentations, permanent exhibitions, and teaching studios, spread over three floors of this multi-million dollar opened in 2006. They have seasonal performances in the evenings during summer, or you can attend courses and workshops that run throughout the year.

Those interested in dinner and drinking with performances of flamenco could verify El tablao Los Gallos in Plaza Santa Cruz, for 20 euros including drinks. Or El Arenal Flamenco Tablao near the arena in a restored 17th century building. They offer shows with or without dinner from 30 euros. There are many bars that offer flamenco evenings, sometimes even for free. They are a great way to discover flamenco without having to pay more than what you drink. You can choose to attend a music or dance only. There are many bars in the old part of town like El Tamboril Carboneria or La in Santa Cruz.

Every 2 years, the Biennial of Flamenco Festival is held in Seville, attracting artists from all over Spain and tourists from around the world. The next show is scheduled for 2008, usually around September. Those who are fortunate enough to attend a live, impromptu performance, late at night in a smoky bar on the outskirts of the city are likely to find a moving experience, as close to traditional flamenco you can get. The idea that flamenco is nothing beyond the theatrical performance of flamboyant colors and dance could not be further from the truth. Real Flamenco is not only heard but seen by the public. Some say that flamenco can not be seen, but must instead be felt. Experience of communication between artists and audience. A conversation through music.

Jerez Mini Guide:

Jerez Airport is located five miles north of the town of Jerez. The airport is served by a number of airlines including low-cost airline Ryanair, Iberia, Air Berlin, Spanair, Air Europa and Air Plus. If driving from the airport to the city, follow signs on the highway without AP4 Cadiz.

Things to see and do in Jerez:

The city of Jerez is located in the Andalusia region of Spain. The beautiful city offers a range of cultural activities and attractions which makes it the ideal destination for a city break. Jerez is famous throughout Andalusia and Spain to be the home of flamenco dance style, especially the bulería exciting, a native of Santiago and San Miguel neighborhood. Well worth a visit is the Centro Andaluz de Flamenco, which houses a museum, gallery and cinema dedicated to flamenco culture.

Must-do guided tours in Jerez Gonzalez Byass include / Tio Pepe bodega tour. Otherwise, you can attend a performance by horses of Jerez Cartujano famous Real Escuela Andaluz del Arte Ecuestre. Looking for adventure? Why not rent a car rental and explore the surrounding countryside of Andalusia? The town of Arcos de la Frontera is a road trip. It is famous for its traditional pueblos blancos (white villages), charming whitewashed villages and towns, just waiting to be discovered. El Puerto de Santa Maria is another player worthy. The city offers seafood upscale and there is also the possibility of taking the ferry to Cadiz.

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Eating Out / Nightlife / Accommodation in Jerez.

Thrifty travelers in search of cheap eats will be pleased to learn that the budget bites are widely available as tapas. Local specialties include pork shops in Jerez Oloroso sherry marinated and braised artichoke hearts. Top tapas bars to look out for include: El Gallo Azul C / Larga, Bar Juanito Pescadería Vieja and Cafeteria Arenal at Plaza Arenal.

Jerez has a lively nightlife, including authentic flamenco Tablaos theaters, tapas bars and nightclubs. Jerez offers a range of accommodation options, catering to all needs and budgets. If money is no object, check into the five star Hotel Villa Jerez, located just outside of Jerez in a converted Andalucian mansion. Room rates here start at a steep € 139 per night. cheap hotels are widely available too for thrifty backpackers. Nuevo Hotel Cabelleros 23 is such an institution, with room rates starting at a very reasonable € 38 per night. The two-star Hotel Plaza del Ancla the nipple is a bargain alternative budget.

Jerez is a beautiful location of the base of relaxation for tourists who want to travel further around Andalusia. Day trips can often be budget-savers rather than budget-breakers. Depending on where you want to go and how much you want to spend (or not spend), it is possible to make a day trip on a shoestring budget - and you can spend less if you hang out at the pool for a day! The following are only three possible trips that are recommended for people staying in and around Jerez.

Arcos de la Frontera

Perhaps one of the most spectacular of Spain and located pueblos blancos beautiful (white villages), Arcos de la Frontera is built along the edge of a cliff overlooking the river pure Guadalete below. Just a 30 km drive from Jerez, Arcos de la Frontera is well worth visiting - larger than other pueblos blancos Andalusia, but with the same magical charm and quiet atmosphere of the old world. The labyrinth of winding streets of the old town offer a magnificent contrast of vibrant new. The downtown area is pedestrian (be prepared to park your rental car and walk for about ½ mile), houses are sparkling white, the streets are clean and the view from the cliff top are truly remarkable.

The city itself is the attraction, rather than any building or monument - explore the twisting alleys, visit the Moorish Castle, and a coffee in Plaza del Cabildo (the city's main square) before a trip to point view of the city to observe the magnificent views of Morocco. You do not need to spend much on this day, with the only real expense being food / drink, which can be bought cheaply at some of the city's restaurants and cafes. A delightful day trip and the budget of the environment.

Seville

Driving from Jerez to Seville will take between one and two hours depending on traffic. Seville is a wonderful city. Colorful, vibrant and full of all the stereotypes typically Spanish, you can imagine, Seville is a mix of festivals and flamenco, tapas and toros, sangria and siestas ... Drive to Seville for a day exploring its many ancient sites, parks, museums, art galleries, activities and attractions. Do not miss the Cathedral of Seville / Giralda Tower, the Triana bridge or the Alcazar. There is a park called Isla Magica theme here, which provides a high-octane thrills for the adventurous among you.

For food, if you're eating on a budget or looking for cheap eats (or even if you are not, in fact), go for tapas. Seville is credited as being the city that invented the snack bar at low cost in Spanish, and there is a phenomenal choice and great value in the many tapas bars at low prices throughout Seville.

Tarifa

Over 6 miles of sandy beach Immaculate greet you in Tarifa. Lush, unspoilt countryside abounds here. Windsurfing, kite surfing, surfing regular old. Bird watching, horseback riding, climbing and hang gliding. Oh, and about the perpetual good weather. Tarifa is a fishing town on the beautiful Costa de la Luz, and is full of attractions, facilities and sites that will keep a tourist interested and amused for at least one day, if not a full week .. .

Windsurfing and kite surfing are two very popular pastimes in Tarifa, as the wind capital "offers perfect conditions for these sports. If you prefer a day trip quieter, do not worry, because Tarifa will not disappoint. Tapered cobblestone streets, wrought rejas to develop iron and bonus of colorful flowers make the town a wonderful place to stroll. Visit the Miramar Gardens for a magnificent view on the shores of Morocco, and if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can take the ferry to Tangier from Tarifa. It is pretty cheap, and you'll pay less for a slower boat, but we recommend splashing out and getting the fast ferry, which is still cheap enough to satisfy even those on a budget.