| Spain boasts long stretches of sandy beaches and | | | | hosts the world's largest bullfighting ring. |
| once you leave the spurious glitz of the tourist resorts, | | | | Barcelona: vibrant metropolis |
| you'll find the real Spain which shimmers to the strum | | | | An increasingly popular destination, Barcelona's modern |
| of flamenco guitars. | | | | face is fashionable and vibrant but still holds the |
| Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays | | | | Spanish traditional spirit. Parts of the city are haunted |
| The internet can offer some of the best information | | | | by the spirit of the eccentric genius Gaudi who |
| on the cost, range and location of Spain hotels. | | | | fantastic architecture dazzles the imagination. |
| Madrid: the city that loves art | | | | Transport: how to get there and around |
| Madrid is not a sightseeing haven like Paris or Rome | | | | Barcelona's international airport is located only 7.5 miles |
| but there are a host of attractions like the Prado | | | | out of town. It is also possible to travel internationally to |
| museum, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace. Sit at | | | | Barcelona by train. If coming from Italy or the Balearic |
| one of the many cafes and observe the passing | | | | Island another options is the ferry. |
| procession and the street artists. | | | | The town is pedestrian friendly which helps when |
| Transport: how to get there and around | | | | exploring the sights on foot. If you want a faster way |
| Madrid's large airport, Barajas, is accessible by metro | | | | to get around, the metro is an easy option. |
| from the city. Once downtown you can walk around | | | | Weather |
| as the area is quite compact. Transport options include | | | | Summer temperatures can reach a simmering 34 C. |
| the bus, metro and taxi. | | | | The most pleasant weather is between May and July. |
| Weather | | | | When October comes around it starts to cool off with |
| As a whole, Spanish weather is glorious from April to | | | | a little rain. |
| November. Madrid's summer reaches 30 C where as | | | | Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays |
| the winter can drop to 0 C. | | | | The internet can offer some of the best information |
| Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays | | | | on the cost, range and location of hotels in Barcelona. |
| The internet can offer some of the best information | | | | Attractions & Events |
| on the cost, range and location of hotels in Madrid. | | | | With 15 official holiday days annually, Barcelona likes to |
| Attractions & Events | | | | celebrate. |
| Spanish people love to celebrate, Festivals are part of | | | | *There are 10 days of fancy dress and dancing |
| their culture. You can enjoy the best of the festival fun | | | | parades during Carnaval in Feburary-March. |
| during Semana Santa and also from Sept to Oct. | | | | *Catalunya's patron saint, Sant Jordi is celebrated on |
| *The popular Carnevale is held from February to | | | | the 23rd April. |
| March. | | | | *For dancing, music and theatre don't miss Festival del |
| *During May there are two main events to mark in | | | | Grec, from June to August. |
| your diary - 2 May, The Fiesta de la Comunidad de | | | | *For something a little different, Festes de la Merce, |
| Madrid and 15 May, Fiestas de San Isidro. | | | | has a swimming race and a fire race on the 24 |
| *The bullfighting season starts in February, Madrid | | | | September. |