| With over fifty million tourists visiting Spain each | | | | and rural -then that is also easy to arrange. |
| year, thispopular West European country must | | | | Although Spain is the largestcountry in Western |
| have something special whichattracts the visitor. | | | | Europe after France, it is certainly noproblem to |
| What exactly is it ...? | | | | get around. Littered with airports - both |
| The main beauty of this lovely land can be | | | | nationaland international - it also offers a good |
| summed up in just oneword - variety - and, as | | | | train service, thoughthe cheapest and most |
| you all well know, variety is the spiceof life! | | | | convenient method of internal travel is byusing |
| Whether you are referring to its climate, | | | | the national bus/coach system. |
| geography, history,culture or cuisine ... there is | | | | For those who are a little tired of the |
| something to appeal to all tastes,ages and | | | | stereo-typed hotel chains, |
| pockets. | | | | Spain has a unique alternative on offer in its |
| The tourist explosion which took place in the 60s | | | | state-established |
| was originallydue to its marvellous beaches. And, | | | | "paradores". In these, you will find accommodation |
| with good reason, for the | | | | in convertedcastles, palaces, fortresses, |
| Foundation for Environmental Education states | | | | monasteries, convents ... |
| that "Spanishbeaches are the most | | | | The aim of the "paradores" is to offer high |
| environmentally healthy in Europe" and | | | | standards at reasonableprices in a noteworthy |
| hasawarded the much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 | | | | building or location and to help preservethe |
| of the country´sbeaches - more than any other | | | | traditions of regional cooking by serving the best |
| participating country. | | | | of localcuisine in the "parador" restaurants. |
| But maybe lolling about on the beach all day is not | | | | Which brings us on to yet another delight that |
| your thingand you prefer more action ... a touch | | | | Spain has to offer -its rich and varied cuisine. |
| of sophistication? | | | | Whichever region of Spain you decideto visit, you |
| Should this be the case then Spain´s major cities | | | | will surely encounter scrumptious Spanish food! |
| are ideal foryou ... jam-packed full of history, and | | | | What´s more, the traditional Spanish diet, with |
| an art-lover´s dream. | | | | the liquid gold ofits olive oil, its rich supply of wine |
| Yet, with their abundance of parks and wide open | | | | (in moderation!), its widevariety of fresh fruit and |
| spaces, goodshops and pulsating night-life, they | | | | vegetables, plus an abundance of seafood,all mean |
| are a joy for everyone -children included. | | | | that it is extremely good for the heart. On top of |
| So ... mooch around the truly marvellous museums | | | | that,it is affordable! |
| and monumentsof Madrid. Enjoy the bustle of | | | | Even their "caviar" of cured hams - "jamón |
| stylish Barcelona bursting withvibrant Gaudí | | | | Ibérico" - has fatunusually high in oleic acid which |
| influence. Savor the delights of romantic | | | | is known to lower cholesterollevels! Now I ask |
| Mediterranean cities such as Valencia and Alicante. | | | | you, where else can you get something |
| Or journeyfurther south to the exotic cities of | | | | pleasurable,that is cheap, and also good for you?! |
| Granada, Seville and Málaga. | | | | Even if you fancy picking between meals you can |
| Immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces, | | | | opt for theirtempting "tapas" - much healthier for |
| the brilliantcolors and sounds of flamenco, and in | | | | you than a packet of crisps ora donut! |
| the birth-place and worksof Picasso. | | | | Tapas originate from the large, southerly region |
| Maybe you hunger for the peace and quiet of a | | | | of Andalucia and itis this region that we also have |
| hideaway hotel inan unspoiled village? Then rural | | | | to thank for flamenco and the |
| Spain is for you: full offorgotten villages, bursting | | | | Spanish guitar. Which holiday would be complete |
| at the seams with medieval castles,and offering | | | | without visiting anauthentic flamenco show or |
| prolific flora and fauna, it is ideal for | | | | dancing the night away to the beat ofromantic |
| walkingholidays, painting, photography or just plain | | | | Spanish music? |
| "get away from itall" holidays. Not to mention | | | | So ... come visit this land where the warmth of its |
| ski-ing opportunities for the moreactive amongst | | | | climate is onlysurpassed by the warmth of its |
| Spain´s snow-capped peaks. | | | | people. You are bound to have a greattime! |
| Should you fancy a mix of all three - beach, city | | | | |