Runaway to Spain for some Sun, Sea and Sand
Ever thought about arranging some spontaneous flights to Spain? Thousands of Brits do each year, and with the southern European nation a relatively short hop across the Atlantic, you too can now see what all the fuss is about.
Spain is all about sun, sea and sand. Aside from its stunning beaches, which gently slope into the glistening waters of the Mediterranean, Spain is famed for its cuisine – and if you’re by the sea, you can do better than sampling some seafood paella, washed down with a glass of fruity sangria.
If it’s a vacation you want, you’ll no doubt be considering one of the Spanish costas, which stem from the Costa Brava in the north right the way down to the Costa del Sol in the south. Each offers its own individual attractions and charm – but for somewhere a little quieter you could visit Spain’s northern Atlantic coast.
More than a million US citizens travel to Spain each year, and many of these are drawn to the country’s two main cities, Madrid and Barcelona, in addition to its coastline. Madrid, often regarded as the most Spanish of Spain’s cities, is unusual in that it lacks instantly-recognisable monuments such as the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben – but it more than makes up for this in other areas.
Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital is the largest metropolis situated on the Mediterranean. Regarded as Spain’s most cosmopolitan country, it is home to one of the largest concentrations of Gothic architecture in Europe. Arguably it’s most famous building is the Sagrada Familia, a huge cathedral designed by Antonio Gaudi, and one that is still being built.
Since the late 19th century, Barcelona has been at the epicentre of architecture, art and style. At seemingly every corner something will catch your eye. While the city is captivating in itself, it is surrounded by the beautiful Montserrat mountain range and the clear, gentle waters of the Mediterranean.
Spain’s geography isn’t limited to the mainland. After landing at Madrid or Barcelona, it’s possible to embark on connecting flights to Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera; an archipelago known as the Balearic Islands. Ibiza, unofficially recognised as Europe’s party capital, is especially popular among young vacationers, while all four islands offer a stunning coastline and some of the continent’s most beautiful sunsets.
With a number of airlines serving Spain from the US, how much of the country will you be able to discover?
About the Author
Laura Dubois is an Independent Travel Writer
ESPANA (Spain)
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