Autonomous Communities in Spain.

1. SPAIN
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2. GALICIA
You'll love its landscapes full of green wooded valleys, and its
amazing beaches. All along the length of its coastline, bathed by
the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, you'll find areas of
spectacular cliffs like those on A Costa da Morte, or the incredible
Islas Atlánticas National Park.
You can visit its numerous charming villages, both on the sea
and inland, and cities such as Santiago de Compostela, A
Coruña, Ferrol, Lugo, Orense, Pontevedra and Vigo. You'll
marvel at its many monuments such as the Tower of Hercules or
Lugo’s city walls, both designated World Heritage sites by the
UNESCO.Galicia’s delicious gastronomy is one of its strong
points, and features a variety of typical produce and dishes,
including its shellfish (Dublin Bay prawns, king prawns, king
scallops, mussels, scallops, lobsters, crabs), veal, octopus “a
feira” (with potatoes), gammon with turnip greens or the almond
tart known as “tarta de Santiago”.

3. GALICIA
And to drink what could be better than two of its most famous wines,
Ribeiro and Albariño (which each have their own Wine Route) or the
popular “queimada” (alcoholic spirits set alight in an earthenware bowl
according to the typical ritual)?If you feel like relaxing, why not make
the most of Galicia’s reputation as a land of spas and open-air hot
springs? And if you fancy a little sport, you can always go to any of its
golf courses, marine resorts… there’s a whole world of options to
choose from.

4. PRINCIPALITY OF ASTURIAS
Natural paradise
This region in the north of Spain invites you to reconnect with nature and
dedicate some well deserved time to yourself and to practice the pleasure of
self care. Asturias is a good place for doing this at a gentle pace, with
delicious food and all the natural landscapes within your reach. There is a
reason that it is so well-known as a natural paradise.Asturias is, in essence,
nature and wellbeing, a trip on which you eat well, rest and go with the flow
in the rural interior of the region, enjoy the life of its cities and the charm of
its seaside towns.

5. PRINCIPALITY OF ASTURIAS
Heritage and modernity
Asturias is home to various World Heritage sites which you can visit: the
pre-Romanesque churches on the outskirts of Oviedo, the stretches of the
St James Way that pass through the region, various prehistoric caves with
cave paintings, the Holy Chamber of the Cathedral of Oviedo and the
fountain of the Foncalada (these last two landmarks are in Oviedo).The
three main cities in the region are Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés. The first of
these was the setting of one of Woody Allen's films and the inspiration for
writers such as Clarín. A stroll through its old town reveals, for example, the
Teatro Campoamor, home of the prestigious Príncipe de Asturias Awards
ceremony. Gijón is a city by the sea, with a wonderful seaside promenade
alongside its urban beach, an old fishing neighbourhood with spectacular
views and the modern Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, a cultural centre that
has revitalised the old university. For its part, Avilés boasts one of the best
preserved old towns in Asturias and the modern Niemeyer Centre, the latest
creation in Europe from the architect Oscar Niemeyer.

6. CANTABRIA
This northern part of Spain is home to various prehistoric caves, of
which the most famous of all is Altamira, awarded the World Heritage
designation and known as the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art".
Cantabria also lies on the famous Way of Saint James pilgrim route, and
its towns and villages contain a wealth of beautiful monuments such as
the Magdalena Palace in Santander, the monastery of Santo Toribio de
Liébana or Gaudí’s “Capricho” monument in Comillas.
You’ll also marvel at the spectacular landscapes, as the coast of
Cantabria offers over 60 beaches with fine white sand in holiday resorts
such as Laredo and San Vicente de la Barquera. And further inland, as
well as its various nature reserves, nobody should miss a visit to the
Picos de Europa National Park, the ideal place for adventure sports.

7. CANTABRIA
• An additional attraction when visiting this area is its first-rate cuisine.
You'll be able to sample typical dishes such as the bean stew known
as “cocido montañés”, “sobaos” (sponge cakes) and the “quesada
pasiega” cheesecake. And to relax, there are a lot of spa resorts.

8. BASQUE COUNTRY
• This area of northern Spain is perfect for an all-round trip. If you go to the
Basque Country, don't forget to try their famous “pintxos”: haute cuisine in
miniature which you will find on display in many bars. You'll also find several
restaurants run by some of the standard-bearers of the new Spanish
cuisine. And if you'd like something delicious to drink, why not try any of the
wines from the Rioja Alavesa region?
• Also worth a special mention are its beautiful coastal destinations with such
well-known places as San Sebastián, Zarautz and Getxo, as well as inland
cities such as Vitoria and Bilbao. This last location is home to such
innovative buildings as its Guggenheim Museum, which has received
international acclaim. Don't miss it, or the spectacular Vizcaya suspension
bridge, with the UNESCO World Heritage designation.

9. BASQUE COUNTRY
• What's more, if you’re culture lover, there is an event on the calendar not to
be missed: the famous San Sebastián International Film Festival which is
held in the Palacio Kursaal.And added to all this, the Basque Country has a
range of spectacular natural resources (both nature reserves and biosphere
reserves) which make this the perfect place for sports, and offer yet another
good reason to set out on the popular Way of Saint James pilgrim route
which passes through this part of Spain.

10. AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY OF
NAVARRE
Land of traditions
Popular processions, pilgrimages such as the Javierada, Rafters Day,
witches covens, and the Festival of San Fermin are the main traditions
found in Navarre.
Good food
Navarre maintains a culinary tradition that is based on the products found
in its diverse landscapes and which makes food a social occasion. The red,
white and rose wines, the pinchos, the wonderful market garden produce
and home-made desserts all await you.
The four seasons
Navarre offers a whole host of attractions all year round: Spring: the green
thaw Summer: festival time Autumn: Navarre in ochre Winter: walking
through freshly fallen snow

11. AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY OF
NAVARRE
Festival atmosphere
The main one takes place in Pamplona Fireworks on 6 July
mark the start of the festival of San Fermin and the streets are
filled with a sense of brotherhood in festivities with a cheerful
atmosphere. The festivals in the north see the street filled with
dances and rural sport demonstrations in contrast with those
in the south, where the young bulls are the protagonists.
Historical routes
Routes create history and foster traditions, and in the
Kingdom of Navarre the most important is the St James Way,
which has left an indelible mark on the customs and heritage
of the region. Other routes with centuries of tradition are the
Roman roads and the cattle tracks; Navarre also boasts a
multitude of long and short hiking paths.

12. LA RIOJA
This region is also closely linked to the famous Way of Saint James
pilgrim route, and has a whole host of cultural attractions. Apart from
its capital, Logroño, you'll be able to explore other places such as
Santo Domingo de la Calzada and its cathedral, San Millán de la
Cogolla, site of the Suso and Yuso monasteries, declared World
Heritage Sites by the UNESCO, and known for being the birthplace of
the first written words in the Spanish language.
Culture and wine together make an unbeatable combination. And add
to that some amazing natural attractions... In La Rioja you'll find
Mediterranean forests, high-mountain areas, lunar landscapes… And
don't miss the Sierra de Cebollera Nature Reserve or the Arnedillo
Biosphere Reserve.

13. ARAGON
• If you’re a culture lover, you’ll be able to visit monasteries, castles, the
various examples of Mudejar architecture with the UNESCO World
Heritage designation, and monuments such as the Basilica of Nuestra
Señora del Pilar. What's more, this area of Spain also lies on the famous
pilgrim route known as the Way of Saint James.
• Its natural attractions include such spectacular places as the Ordesa y
Monte Perdido National Park (ideal for adventure sports in the open air)
and the Pyrenean area, the perfect place for skiing in first-rate ski resorts
such as Candanchú and Formigal.The local gastronomy features wines
with their own Designation of Origin from the Somontano area, garden
produce such as borage from the fertile Ebro plain, and the famous
cured ham from Teruel.

14. CATALONIA
• In Catalonia you will find so many interesting cultural landmarks you won’t
know where to begin: unique buildings in Barcelona (known as “the capital
of Modernism”) such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral or the Palau de la
Música Catalana Auditorium, the outstanding archaeological site at Tarraco,
the monastery of Poblet in Tarragona, the churches of the Boí valley in
Lleida… all declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
• What's more you can opt to enjoy a whole range of events thanks to the
programme of world-class museums like the National Art Museum of
Catalonia and the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres.

15. CATALONIA
• Visitors to this area in northeast Spain should also make a
point of stopping off at the spectacular beaches of the Costa
Dorada, Costa Barcelona and Costa Brava, with such
internationally renowned resorts as Salou, Sitges, Tossa de
Mar, Cadaqués, Lloret de Mar and Roses. Catalonia also has
numerous marine resorts which are ideal for indulging in a
whole range of water activities. And if you love mountain
scenery, what could be better than an excursion to the
Catalan Pyrenees (featuring ski resorts which are tailor-made
for snow tourism) or to the National Park of Aigüestortes y
Estany de Sant Maurici?The fact that this region is home to
some of the best restaurants in the world is guaranteed to
leave you with a delicious aftertaste. Why not try some of the
traditional recipes such as “pa amb tomàquet” (bread with
tomato)?

16. AUTONOMOUS REGION OF VALENCIA
• It has a population of over 5,000,000 inhabitants, and boasts an age-old
culture which includes the celebration of numerous popular fiestas in all
its towns and villages; there are major tourist resorts along its coastline,
and it has several large cities –foremost of which is Valencia– with a full
range of services, as well as sleepy villages in the interior.
• From north to south, the Region of Valencia comprises the provinces of
Castellón, Valencia and Alicante. These are known and promoted in the
tourist industry by their four larger designations: Costa Blanca,
Benidorm, València Terra i Mar and Castellón Costa Azahar.

17. BALEARIC ISLANDS
• These are places where you wander through the streets of fishing
villages, discover outstanding natural landscapes or enjoy a range of
water sports. Minorca and Formentera, two small corners of paradise
in the Mediterranean, are absolute havens of tranquillity.
• Majorca and Ibiza are the two largest islands. The main attractions
in Majorca include its capital, Palma, the Cabrera National Park and
the mountains of the Sierra de Tramontana. Ibiza, meanwhile, has
been declared a World Heritage site by the UNESCO for its rich
biodiversity and cultural attractions, which include the Phoenician
archaeological site of Sa Caleta, the necropolis of Puig des Molins and
the historic centre of Eivissa. What's more, the island of Ibiza is known
to party-goers all over the world for its exhilarating nightlife, where the
beat of the music can be heard all night long.

18. REGION OF MURCIA
• One of the most attractive areas is La Manga del Mar Menor, the ideal
destination for relaxing and enjoying the sea and the activities in its
marine resort. You'll also find long white sandy beaches such as those
of San Pedro del Pinatar; unspoilt coves such as the ones in Cartagena,
curious landscapes such as the rock erosions of Mazarrón, or fishing
towns such as Águilas.
• The region is also known for its wide range of wellness and beauty
centres. Many of its beaches are considered open-air spas, due to the
hyper-saline waters of the Mar Menor, and its therapeutic mud. The
region is also home to several major spa resorts.

19. ANDALUSIA
• One way to discover the culture of Andalusia is by exploring the sites
which have been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage designation. In
Granada, you’ll see the Alhambra palace, the Generalife gardens and
the mediaeval Albaicín neighbourhood; in Cordoba, its historic centre
with the great Mosque; in Seville, the cathedral, the Alcázar palace and
the Indies Archive; and in Jaén, the monumental sites of Úbeda and
Baeza. You’ll also be able to experience festivals such as Easter Week,
the Carnival in Cadiz, the Rocío pilgrimage in Huelva and the April Fair
in Seville.
• You'll find a variety of natural landscapes which range from the
beaches of the Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz and Almería to the
extensive olive groves of Jaén. You can visit the Doñana National Park
–also declared a World Heritage Site–, or go skiing in the Sierra
Nevada ski resort.Finally, remember that Andalusia has a thousand
different flavours waiting to be tried. From the sherries of Jerez (Cadiz)
and Montilla – Moriles (Cordoba), to the classic platters of fresh fried
fish known as “pescaíto frito” from Cadiz and Malaga, cured ham from
Huelva and Cordoba, olive oil, and other such typical dishes as
gazpacho and “salmorejo” (a kind of thicker gazpacho).

20. EXTREMADURA
• Extremadura has three sites which have the UNESCO World Heritage
designation. In Mérida, its capital, visitors should not miss exploring
its archaeological site, which every summer is used as the venue for a
major theatre festival. The historic quarter of the city of Cáceres is
also well worth a visit, as is the Royal Monastery of Santa María de
Guadalupe in the surrounding area.
• Another of Extremadura’s attractions is its spectacular scenery,
always a particular favourite with birdwatchers. Highlights include the
Monfragüe National Park, the Jerte valley and the region’s
characteristic wooded pastures. A visit to the Jerte valley is highly
recommended in spring, when the cherry trees are in blossom and the
valleys are clothed in a blanket of white. And the pastures are used
for grazing the pigs, which then go on to make the world-renowned
cured ham from the Dehesa de Extremadura.

21. CASTILE- LA MANCHA
• Any trip to this area in inland Spain should definitely include a visit to
its World Heritage cities such as Cuenca with its famous Hanging
Houses, and Toledo with its cathedral and Alcázar fortress. If you like
culture and history, you're bound to enjoy its four Archaeological
Parks, some of the oldest examples of rock art in Spain, and events
such as the International Classical Theatre Festival in Almagro.
• And if you opt to explore its natural landscapes, you should bear in
mind that Castile–La Mancha is one of their territories in Europe with
the largest number of officially designated nature reserves, nature
areas and national parks, including particularly the Tablas de Daimiel
and Cabañeros. You'll love them.

22. CASTILE- LA MANCHA
• Castile–La Mancha is also home to a whole host of traditional celebrations
such as the Corpus Christi in Toledo, Easter Week in Cuenca, the Albacete
Fair, and the Drum Festival in Hellín. And as befits a land of traditional
customs, it also produces a variety of typical gastronomic products such as
honey from La Alcarria and marzipan from Toledo, as well as being the site
of numerous wineries where visitors can enjoy tasting a range of wines,
including Valdepeñas.

23. MADRID REGION
• The city of Madrid is open and welcoming, modern yet traditional, stately yet
popular, lively yet peaceful... But more than anything else it is a cultural
paradise. It is home to what is known as the Triangle of Art, which contains
within a limited area the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Art Centre and the
Thyssen-Bornesmiza Museum.
• You'll also be able to visit such impressive monuments as the Royal Palace,
places with their own particular charm like the Plaza Mayor square or the
grand avenue known as the Gran Vía, or enjoy what is considered by some to
be possibly the most exciting nightlife in Spain… as well as wander in large
green spaces such as the Retiro Park, and drop into typical bars and taverns
to sample a range of delicious tapas.But you’ll find the Madrid Region offers
much, much more. For example, the cities of Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares and
San Lorenzo del Escorial, all of which have been declared World Heritage
Sites. Or small picturesque towns such as Chinchón, and the charming
villages in the mountains.

24. CASTILE AND LEON
• It has a whole host of places which are well worth visiting, including towns like Avila,
Salamanca and Segovia (all three World Heritage Cities) and unique attractions
such as Burgos Cathedral and the Atapuerca archaeological site, which contains
traces of the first settlers in Europe. The famous Way of Saint James also runs
through the Castile-León region, and is one of the world's most important pilgrim
routes.
• If you feel like treating yourself to some truly spectacular scenery you can choose
from any of the nearly 40 protected natural spaces such as the Picos de Europa
National Park, where you’ll see some of Spain’s finest Atlantic forests. All these
areas are perfect for climbing, cycle touring, kayaking... And for a relaxing walk, why
not try Las Médulas, the largest open-air golden mine excavated during the period
of the Roman Empire?
• And when it comes to good food, the Castile-León region specialises in traditional
hearty fare, with such typical dishes as roast milk-fed lamb, black sausage, “botillo”
(stuffed cured meat), roast suckling pig… and first-rate wines such as those from
the Ribera de Duero region. Simply delicious!

25. CANARY ISLANDS
• Its beaches are its most outstanding attractions, and are perfect for relaxing in
the sun or enjoying water sports such as windsurfing and scuba diving. In the
interior you'll find amazing landscapes which are ideal for hiking, cycle touring,
rock climbing and even caving.
• Some of the most spectacular include the volcanic scenery of Lanzarote, the
beaches of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria with their sand dunes, or the
green forests of La Palma and La Gomera.The Canary Islands also offer a
range of cultural options to explore, including the monumental site at San
Cristóbal de La Laguna, which has been awarded the World Heritage
designation by the UNESCO, and the work of César Manrique in Lanzarote.
• In February is the Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

26. • Typical food
• Typical dishes
• Typical festivals
• Typical clothes
• Typical music
• Typical dances
• Interesting places
• Traditions