Capital of Spain - Madrid Tourist attraction. Toledo - the ancient capital of Spain Kingdom of Spain

Islands, and small enclaves in northern Africa (Melilla and Ceuta). Contrary to popular belief that Spain is a classic maritime country with an abundance of sunshine, it is also one of the highest mountainous countries in Europe. Spain has a well-developed tourism industry with many historical monuments, an interesting culture, an abundance of fruits and seafood, beautiful beaches - all this makes Spain a favorite holiday destination for tourists from all over the world.

general information

Spain ranks fourth in terms of area in Europe - 504 thousand square meters. km. The population is 47.3 million people. The official language is Spanish (Castilian), in the autonomous regions, along with Spanish, other languages ​​\u200b\u200bare also official (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Aran). The monetary unit is the euro (EUR). 100 EUR = $EUR:USD:100:2. The time is 1 hour behind Moscow time in summer and 2 hours in winter. The time zone is UTC+2 in summer and UTC+1 in winter. Time is one hour behind the rest of Spain. Mains voltage 230 V at 50 Hz, C, F. Telephone country code +34. Internet domain.es.

A brief excursion into history

For more than three thousand years of the country's history (this is exactly the first mention of the Iberian tribes, the aborigines of the peninsula, and according to archaeologists, people settled here almost 35 thousand years ago), Iberia was Greek, Phoenician, later Roman. Then, for more than 200 years, the Vandals, Visigoths and Alans reigned here, and at the beginning of the 8th century, Arabs captured Spain. And only by the end of the 15th century, after the five-century struggle of Galicia, Aragon, Navarre, Asturias and other kingdoms for the liberation of the territory from the invaders, the country finally returned its lands and became the largest Christian state in Europe. However, the Moors during their reign contributed to the development of culture and left amazingly beautiful mosques, beautiful palaces with flowering reserves. In the same period, Spain sent its ships to the New World and conquered huge colonies, which contributed to the influx of gold into Spain, but this did not contribute to the development of the country's handicraft and agricultural production. These factors, combined with defeats in several wars and the Inquisition, which suppressed all freedom of thought, marked the beginning of the era of the decline of Spain. At the beginning of the XVII century. a major European conflict began. The struggle of European dynasties for the Spanish throne led to the War of the Spanish Succession, the Habsburgs were replaced by the Bourbons. After several revolutions in the 19th century, a constitutional monarchy was established in the country.

Climate

Thanks to the peculiarities of the climate, Spain attracts a huge number of tourists - this is one of the most warm countries Western Europe, the number of sunny days reaches 285 per year, and the air temperature averages +20. It is cold only in the northern and central regions, here there is a stronger influence of the continental climatic zone. In winter, the air temperature drops below zero. However, in different parts of the country, the climate can be quite different. If in the north-west of Spain there is a climate with high humidity, then in the south-east of the country it is dry and with significant fluctuations in air temperature depending on the season.

Relief

The relief of Spain is dominated by mountain ranges and high plateaus, which make up about 90% of the entire territory. The vast plateau Meseta occupies almost half of the territory of Spain, the average height is 660 meters, it is divided into two parts by the Central Cordillera. The powerful Cantabrian Mountains border Meseta in the north, they stretch for 600 km along the coast of the Bay of Biscay. In the central part is the Picos de Europa massif.

Nature and fauna

Due to the variety of climatic conditions, the flora and fauna of Spain is extremely heterogeneous. In humid climatic conditions in the south, features of the similarity of the nature of Spain with Central Europe appear, and the dry arid climate in the south - with Africa. Forests occupy only 30% of the territory of Spain, although in the past the territory was significantly forested. Evergreen oaks grow in the northwest, in the mountains, ash, birch, chestnut, beech, oak. Small tracts of evergreens, pines and shrubs have been preserved in the interior of Spain. Fragments of semi-deserts are found in the arid regions of the country - Murcia, the Aragonese plateau and New Castile. Typical Mediterranean vegetation is common in the humid regions of Southern Spain. The fauna of Spain, like vegetation, has common features with Africa and Central Europe. In the Pyrenees there are brown bears, wolves, foxes, lynxes, forest cats. In Spain, as well as in North Africa, the imperial eagle is found, and the blue magpie was found not only in the Iberian Peninsula, but also in East Asia.

Visa and customs regulations

For citizens of Russia and Ukraine to enter the territory of Spain, it is necessary to obtain a Schengen visa. The import of foreign currency is not limited (a declaration is required if the amount exceeds 10,000 EUR). Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of wine, a liter of spirits, food, household items and items is allowed - within the limits of personal needs.

How to get there

Transport

Domestic air traffic is quite well developed, the Iberia airline connects all regions of Spain, the most low-cost flights are offered by the Vueling airline. Rail transportation across the country is carried out by the state-owned company RENFE. The trains have two classes, and with the lowest fares in Europe. Between Madrid and Seville, the AVE high-speed train runs at a speed of almost 300 km/h. The most economical means of transportation between cities in Spain is the bus service, buses follow exactly on schedule. With the help of the ships of the state company Transmediterranea, you can get to the Balearic Islands and northern Africa. There are daily flights throughout the year. And flights to the Canary Islands are carried out once a week. Car enthusiasts can, of course, use a rented car to get around the magnificent Spanish roads. During the high season, it is better to book a car in advance.

Regions

Select from list Andalusia Aragon Asturias Balearic Islands Valencia Galicia Canary Islands Castile and León Castile-La Mancha Catalonia Madrid Murcia Navarra Rioja Basque Country Extremadura

Cities and resorts

Select from list Avila Alicante Astorga Barcelona Benidorm Bilbao Burgos Valencia Valladolid Vigo Vitoria Granada Girona Cambrils Cartagena Cáceres Cordoba Costa Blanca Costa Brava Costa Verde Costa Dorada Costa Cálida Costa Tropical Costa de Cantabria Costa de Cantabria la Luz Costa del Almeria Costa del Azahar Costa del Garraf Costa del Maresme Costa del Sol Costa do Marisco Cuenca La Pineda Las Palmas Leon Lloret de Mar Logroño Madrid ★ Malaga Marbella Merida Murcia Oviedo Gomera Island Gran Canaria Island Ibiza Island Hierro Island Lanzarote Island Mallorca Island Menorca Island Palma Island Tenerife Island Fuerteventura Palma de Mallorca Pamplona Reus Ronda Salamanca Salou San Sebastian Santa Cruz de Tenerife Santander Santiago de -Compostela Zaragoza Seville Segovia Sitges Tarifa Tarragona Toledo Torrevieja Figueres Gijón

Information

Choose from the list Ski resorts in Spain Valentine's Day under the sun... Canary Islands: the best sports... Carnival in the Canary Islands Catalan hinterland Bullfighting, paella and flamenco hot National Park "Peaks of Europe" Unexplored routes of the Canary... Plunge into happiness: TOP 7 natural... Amusement park Port Aventura Altamira Cave Beaches of Spain Sierra cheese Crestellina Top 10 places in the Canary Islands Fallas Flower battle in Valencia Organic food “La ... Escorial

For visiting museums, walking along the old streets and a long dinner with wine, the capital of Spain is perfect. Famous - one of the largest collections of European fine art. - a world-famous architectural monument of the mid-16th century, the residence of kings, a museum, a library and a historical archive. One of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid, with gloomy towers surrounded by massive rectangular walls, has always caused conflicting assessments in the hearts and minds of people, and even today there is no unequivocal public opinion - some consider El Escorial "the eighth wonder of the world", while others call it an "architectural nightmare" ". The symbol of the city is Withtattoo "Bear and strawberry tree", made of bronze and stone, and installed on the square. In Old Madrid the most important squares of the city are located, the houses of sunny yellow color are decorated with wrought-iron lattices of balconies, and the pavements are lined with time-polished cobblestones.surrounded by buildings with arcades, painted facades and iron cafe tables. The capital is home to 4 million inhabitants, which account for 17 thousand cafes and bars. Madrid people are very sociable and friendly, they talk about their city with love.

The second largest city in Spain, the capital is a beautiful city, which is the largest port on the Mediterranean Sea and has its own unique atmosphere. Barcelona impresses with its architectural ensembles, parks, museums, monuments of culture and history. The city harmoniously combines the culture of different eras: monuments of Roman architecture, medieval streets and quarters, magnificent buildings of the modernist era and avant-garde buildings of the last century. Catalan modernism has played an important role in the cultural uniqueness of Barcelona and has found its most striking expression in the work of the Catalan architect. One of his most ambitious projects is Sagrada Familia. At 50 km from, at an altitude of 725 meters, there is a center of pilgrimage for believers. It is surrounded by numerous limestone cliffs of an unusual shape, giving the holy monastery a fair share of mystical romanticism, making it a desirable object for tourists who come here not only to take a tour of Montserrat, but also walk along hiking trails on the slopes of the mountain of the same name.

Beach lovers are offered an extremely wide selection of different resorts both on the mainland coast (the most popular ones are,), and on the islands.

Fans of natural attractions and national parks should definitely go on a trip to the north of Spain. The most beautiful mountainous area in Spain is the Alhambra, a Moorish fortress built on a hill of red-pink stone. Located next to the Alhambra - the summer residence of the Moorish caliphs: beautiful gardens of plane trees, cypresses, orange trees and elms. Lush vegetation is adjacent to many fountains and canals. Alcazar, erected in the 13th century - a luxurious complex that is richly decorated with turrets, battlements, including a network of shady gardens, orange alleys, many fountains, pools, waterfalls and an abundance of various sculptures.

Mosque of Cordoba- Roman Catholic Cathedral, located in the Andalusian city, was erected as a mosque by the masters of Byzantium and Baghdad in the VIII century on the site of the ancient Visigoth basilicas Saint Vincent, which, in turn, was built on the site of a Roman temple. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Cordoba to see this unique building, which is one of the twelve wonders of Spain. The site for the construction of the mosque was purchased by the emir from the Christian community. In addition to the grandeur of the building, a feature of the mosque is the absence of walls separating the courtyard from interior spaces mosques: their role is played by slender rows of orange trees.

One of the most colorful and unusual regions of Spain is. It embodies the culture of a whole people, and also impresses with its colors, originality and delicious cuisine. It is here that you can appreciate all the charm of the Iberian region and get a fair portion of positive, traveling through the ancient regions of the mysterious, but at the same time romantic and hospitable Basque Country.

Accommodation

There is no single classification of hotels in Spain, the assigned "stars" are conditional. Basically, in Spain, urban-type hotels. Even on the coasts, hotels are small, only in certain regions (for example, Costa Dorada) there are hotels with good infrastructure, children's mini-clubs, animation and the all-inclusive concept. For sightseeing tours, 3 * hotels with "breakfasts" in the city center are usually enough. Throughout Spain, the Parador chain is distributed - a historical landmark, partially or completely converted into a hotel.

Madrid is located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula on the Meseta Plateau (translated from Spanish as “table”), at an altitude of over 650 m above sea level, south of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, on both banks of the shallow Manzanares River (Tajo Basin). This part of the plateau is called the New Castile. In terms of precipitation, the Meseta plateau occupies one of the last places in Europe, so it can be called a real European desert. The hot dry summer is also due to the subtropical Mediterranean climate of the continental type. In winter, the air temperature rarely drops below 0 ° C. The average temperature in January is +5 ° C, in July - up to + 24.5 ° C. On average, about 440 mm of precipitation falls on this territory annually, mainly in winter. The water supply of Madrid is fraught with some difficulties, therefore, reservoirs have been created in the Sierra de Guadarrama region, from where water is supplied to the city through special channels.

In the vicinity of the capital, there is vegetation characteristic of the Mediterranean, for example, evergreen shrubs - maquis, gariga, as well as semi-shrubs - tomillars. Maquis consists predominantly of myrtle, juniper, wild pistachio and rockrose bushes. Deer, roe deer and wild boars are common in large numbers. Of the predators, wolves, foxes and Spanish lynxes predominate. The fauna of the plateau is characterized by the presence of several species of lizards, snakes and chameleons. Tarantulas and scorpions also breed well here.

Population, language, religion

The capital ranks first in the country in terms of population, which is increasing mainly due to immigrants. According to the latest data, about 16 thousand foreigners permanently live in Madrid. The population of the capital is approximately 5 million people.

The official language is Spanish. Some districts also allow the use of Catalan, Galician and Basque. Spanish, or Castilian, belongs to the group of Romance languages. Nevertheless, some elements from the Arabic language are still preserved in it, which is due to the long domination of this ethnic group in this territory. Catalan, like Spanish, belongs to the Romance branch, while Galician is close in origin to Portuguese.

The majority of the population is Catholic. The church is separated from the state. Its relations with the main institutions of power are built in accordance with the agreement concluded in 1979.

History of development

Madrid grew up around the Moorish fortress Majirit, the first mention of which dates back to 932. Until 1083, there was a fierce struggle between the Arabs and the Spaniards for the fortress. In the end, the fortress became the property of the latter. The Christian Reconquista, which means “reconquest”, “return”, was started by the Visigothic nobility under the leadership of Pelayo. In 1118 the city acquired great rights in connection with its successful completion. Of great importance for the rise of Madrid among other major cities was the marriage between Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, concluded in 1469. As a result, a gradual process of centralization began, which was completed by the end of the 15th century.

During the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the struggle for the purity of the Christian faith was proclaimed. A brutal persecution of Jews, Muslims, and somewhat later Protestants began in the capital. All over Madrid at that time the fires of the Inquisition blazed. The great-grandson of the famous royal couple, Ferdinand II, entered the history of the development of Madrid as the person to whom the city owed the status of the capital. This happened in 1561. The growth rates were so great that literally in a century the city turned into a major commercial and industrial center of the country. The strengthening of the role of Madrid was due to the political activities of Charles III, who was called the most successful king of the 18th century. During his reign, an unprecedented economic growth was observed not only in the region, but throughout the country.

The 19th century is known as the time of the struggle against the reactionary monarchy. In March 1808, Madrid was captured by French troops. Two months later, a war of liberation broke out, marking the beginning of the Spanish Revolution of 1808-1814. In the 19th century Madrid became the center of revolutions 4 times.

1868 was marked by the creation in Madrid of the Spanish group of the 1st International. The First Republic, however, lasted no more than a year. Under the constitution of 1876, royal power was limited, but the country developed slowly under such conditions.

Madrid since the First World War became the center of the political struggle of various segments of the population. Although formally Spain remained neutral, the economic crisis was growing, and the dissatisfaction of the population increased due to rising inflation. After the military coup in 1923, General Primo de Rivera came to power, who managed to ensure stability in both the political and economic spheres for 8 years. But in 1931, at the request of the anti-monarchist forces, the king abdicated, and the Second Republic was proclaimed.

In the period 1936-1939. Madrid was the place of concentration of the republican forces. Despite the fact that the south and west of the country went over to the side of the rebels under the leadership of General Franco, Madrid remained loyal to the republican government. Nazi Germany came to the aid of the pro-fascist army of rebels. In early November 1936, fascist rebels invaded the outskirts of Madrid. The inhabitants of the city held the defense until March 28, 1939. The defeat of the capital was never officially recognized, but over time this center of resistance was eliminated.

Madrid remained a place of activity for revolutionary youth in the middle of the 20th century. With the accession to the throne of the current king Juan Carlos I in 1975, there have been significant changes in the political life of the country. Spain embarked on a path of democratic development after the popular uprisings of 1981 and 1982 centered on Madrid. The last major event in the history of the development of the capital was its proclamation as a European city of culture.
cultural significance

The cultural significance of the capital of Spain can hardly be overestimated. After all, the city over the past few centuries has become the focus of dramatic and musical theaters, numerous museums and architectural monuments. The historical core of Madrid is located southeast of the area of ​​the former royal palace. Unfortunately, most of architectural monuments was lost during the reconstruction of the city in the XIX-XX centuries. The appearance of old Madrid with the irregular layout inherent in the medieval city has been preserved only to the southwest of Plaza Puertadel Sol, located on the site of the eastern gate medieval city. In this part of the capital, one should highlight such monuments of architecture of the 16th-17th centuries as the episcopal chapel (1520), the Plaza Mayor ensemble, built according to the project of the architect X. de Mora in 1629, and the church of San Antonio de los Alemanes (1624) in the Herreresco style.

In the XVIII - first quarter of the XIX century. Classicism dominated the architecture of Madrid. Architectural monuments related to this period are the Royal Palace (1738-1764), the Town Hall, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts "San Feriando", rebuilt in 1774 under the direction of the architect X. de Villanueva, the Church of San Francisco el Grande , the Prado Museum and the Church of San Antonio de la Florida, in which the murals of F. Goya are still preserved.

The rapid growth of Madrid falls on the second half of the 19th century. During this period, Madrid intensively merged with the suburbs. Leading architectural style became modern. The Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Almudena, built at the end of the 19th century, is the most striking example of this trend in the history of Spanish architecture.

In 1929, a master plan was developed for the reconstruction of Madrid, which was led by the architect F. De Escondrila. During the reign of the Republican government, intensive work was carried out to improve the city. Created in the 1950s According to the new general plan, the city was to be built up mainly in the north, east and southeast. So a number of satellite cities appeared, including Escorial and El Prado.

To replace eclecticism in the 20th century. came modern trends. A striking example of the trends characteristic of this period are the Ministry of Aviation, built under the direction of the architect L. G Soto (Syodad Jardin district, "garden city"), a university campus restored in the 1950s. Central Tuberculosis Sanatorium (1935), Hippodrome "Zarzuela" (1935), Institute of Structures and Cement (1951). The most important work of architecture of the 1960s. you can call the skyscraper "White Towers" architect F. X. Saenz de Hois.

The masterpieces of the monumental sculpture of Madrid can be admired indefinitely. The famous equestrian statues of Philip III (1613), Philip IV (1640), fountains of the 18th century, monuments to X. Columbus (1885), F. Goya (1905), two monuments to M. Cervantes (1835 and 1927), made of bronze, will not leave anyone indifferent.

Madrid is of great importance for connoisseurs of Arab-Moorish art. Here, as nowhere else, one can trace the history of its development from the very beginning to the era of its highest prosperity in the XIII-XIV centuries. There are more than 100 museums and art galleries in the capital. But calling card Madrid can rightly be called the Prado Museum, which houses priceless paintings by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Bosch, Brueghel, Goya, Velasquez, El Greco, Durer, Rubens, Rembrandt, Caravaggio and many other famous artists. In separate rooms of the Prado Museum, classical sculpture, works of jewelry art, as well as a fine collection of porcelain and coins are presented.

The Archaeological Museum contains valuable exhibits of all the cultures of Spain from ancient times to the present day. Here you can see the richest collections of ancient coins and ceramics. And in the Museum contemporary art Spain is represented by the largest private collection in Europe, the Thyssen Bornemissen art gallery. The Royal Palace is interesting because here you can see the palace halls, the Royal Library, the Royal Pharmacy, the weapons, numismatic museums, as well as the Museum of Music, Applied Arts and Painting.

The famous Puerta del Sol is located in the center of Madrid. It is popular among tourists because a bear figure made of stone is installed in the middle. Not far from the Puerta del Sol is the Carboneras Monastery, built in 1607, where the most valuable old paintings are kept. The Royal Theater, built in the 17th century, is located next to Encarnacion Square. No less famous is the convent of Descalzas Reales, founded in the 16th century. For several centuries, high-ranking persons stayed here, who donated various works of art from their collections to the monastery as payment for their stay. Thus, at the moment, the museum contains many masterpieces of world art. The Calatravas Church is distinguished by original architectural solutions. The palace of the Dukes de Useda, dating back to the beginning of the 17th century, is of cultural value. The fountain of the goddess Cibeles, which is installed on the square of the same name, is also famous for its extraordinary beauty. The composition is a chariot drawn by lions.

Madrid is home to a large number of large educational institutions. Everyone, including foreigners, is given a good opportunity to get an international standard education. These universities include the University of Madrid, the Catholic University, the Autonomous University of Madrid, the Royal College of Maria Cristina, the Conservatory and the School of Dramatic Art. In addition, there are also special educational institutions in Madrid, for example, the Royal Spanish Academy, the Royal Academy of History, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts "San Fernando", the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences, the Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, the Royal National Academy medicine. Among the research institutions, one should single out the astronomical observatory and the botanical garden.

Information for tourists

The capital of sunny Spain is one of the most unique cities in the world. The non-stop nightlife magically attracts tourists from all over the world. The economic and cultural life of the city is concentrated on Paseo de la Castellana. It is here that the most expensive shops and luxurious restaurants are located. However, for those tourists who prefer a quiet family vacation, we can advise you to wander along the quiet streets of the old Moorish quarter, which have been preserved almost in their original form, or visit one of the parks that promise coolness even on the hottest afternoon.

Bullfights are held in Madrid twice a year. According to some people, bullfighting is an extremely cruel and bloody act, but for the Spaniards, and in recent years, for most tourists, this is a favorite sight.

Toledo - the ancient capital of Spain

Toledo, located in the center of Spain, near the Tagus River, was originally a settlement of the Carpetans, an ancient Iberian tribe. In the II century. BC e. Toledo was captured by the Romans, who gave it the name Toletum (Tolet). In historical sources, the first mention of Tolet as a Roman city dates back to 193 AD. e. (Toledo is the Spanish version of the name). From the time of Roman rule, fragments of such architectural structures as the circus and the aqueduct have been preserved in the city.

From the 6th to the 8th centuries, Toledo was the capital of the Visigothic state, located on the territory of modern Spain. In 711, the city was conquered by the Arabs, who retained their dominance here until the 11th century. For three centuries, Toledo was ruled by either Arab emirs or Moorish caliphs, against whose cruel and unjust power the city dwellers repeatedly rebelled. Being the center Arab emirate, Toledo was a fairly developed city economically; here the production of metal products (in particular, edged weapons) and leather dressing were well established.

In 1085, Alphonse IV the Brave, who had been king of Leon since 1065, conquered Toledo and several other nearby cities from the Arabs. After that, Toledo became the capital of León and Castile. In 1479, after the unification of the Spanish provinces and the formation of a single state, Toledo received the status of the capital of Spain. In the XV century. handicraft production continued to develop in the city: the manufacture of fabrics (cloth, silk, brocade), jewelry, ceramics, etc. In 1561, the Spanish capital was moved to Madrid; the role of Toledo in the economic and political development of the country has been noticeably reduced.

During the Middle Ages, buildings were built in Toledo, which are now historical monuments. In the 9th century, already during the Arab rule, the magnificent gates of Puerta Bisagra Antigua were built in the city, and at the end of the 11th century. - Puerta del Sol. In the X century. the Bab Mardum mosque began to be built, later rebuilt into the church of Santo Cristo de la Luz, and at the end of the 12th century. - Church of Santa Maria la Blanca. By the period of the XIII-XV centuries. includes the construction of bridges-fortifications of San Martin and Alcantara, a Gothic Catholic cathedral, the Alcazar castle (royal palace). 16th century dates back to the construction of the City Hall and the church of Santo Domingo el Antiguo, created in the Renaissance style and decorated with paintings by El Greco.

From medieval times to the present day, the architectural appearance and layout of the city have not changed much, since the construction of new buildings here has hardly been carried out even in recent decades. The city is bordered by stone battlements, many branched, narrow and crooked streets depart from the historical center of Toledo, some of them rush up the mountain. From the 20th century Toledo is a national reserve of ancient architecture. The former capital of Spain has also been declared a museum city. Here is the house-museum of the outstanding artist El Greco, whose period of creativity coincides with the end of the Renaissance and the beginning of the era of new art of the 17th century, as well as the Lerma Museum, the Provincial Museum, etc.

To this day, the city remains major center handicraft production: Toledo swords and banderillas, as well as bullfighting items are widely known throughout the world. Now Toledo is the administrative center of the Spanish province of Toledo and the autopomp of the region of Castile-La Mancha. Attractions of this ancient city attract many tourists from different countries.

Useful data for tourists about Spain, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Spain, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in Spain.

Geography of Spain

Spain is located in the extreme southwest of Europe. She owns the Balearic and Pitius Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It borders with France, Andorra, Portugal.

About 2/3 of the territory of Spain is occupied by the massive raised Meseta plateau, surrounded by high mountains. In its central regions, large ridges of the Central Cordillera rise.

In the south rise the Toledo Mountains (the highest point is Mount Corocho de Rosigaldo, 1447 m). The southernmost edge of the Meseta Sierra Morena is raised to a height of about 900 m (the highest point is Mount Estrella, 1299 m). The Sierra Morena drops steeply to the vast Andalusian lowland with the Guadalquivir River. The Guadalquivir River flows into the Gulf of Cadiz; not far from its mouth is a vast swampy area national park Donana.

In the southeast of Spain, the folded mountains of the Cordillera Penibetica stretch with the highest peak of the country - Mount Mulasen (3482 m), crowned with snowfields and glaciers, which occupy the southernmost position in Western Europe. The Iberian mountains separate the Meseta from the Aragonese plateau. In places they exceed 2100 m (up to 2313 m in the Sierra del Moncayo). The low Catalan Mountains (average heights 900–1200 m, peak - Mount Caro, 1447 m) follow for 400 km almost parallel to the coast mediterranean sea.

The Pyrenees stretch for almost 400 km from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay and form a powerful insurmountable barrier between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe. The highest peak is Aneto Peak (3404 m). The western continuation of the Pyrenees are the Cantabrian mountains with the highest point - Mount Peña Prieta (2536 m).

State

State structure

A constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislature is a bicameral parliament.

Language

Official language: spanish

Local languages ​​are widely spoken in a number of areas: Basque in the Basque Country and Navarre, Galician in Galicia, Catalan in Catalonia, Valencian in Valencia (the latter is sometimes considered a dialect of the Castilian language).

Religion

The state religion of Spain is Roman Catholic. About 95% of Spaniards are Catholics.

Currency

International name: EUR

Most banks have a currency exchange office. Usually you need to show your passport for the exchange. For credit cards of the main types, the bank issues up to 300 euros at a time (per day).

Depending on the place of currency exchange, you may be charged from zero (pay attention to the inscription “No commission”) up to 10% (of the total amount) of commission. You should not exchange currency at the airport - here the percentage of banking commission is always higher.

There are many ATMs in Spain and almost all of them accept Visa and Mastercard. Many ATMs are located indoors behind a closed door, and in order to get there, you need to swipe your card through a special device by the door.

History of Spain

In ancient times, Spain was inhabited by Iberians and was called Iberia. In the 5th century BC, the Celts came to Iberia. From their mixing, the Celtiberians were formed. Spain was alternately conquered by Carthage (late 3rd century BC), the Roman Empire (late 1st century BC), the Visigoths (5th century AD) and, finally, the Arabs (8th century AD), who formed the Caliphate of Cordoba. Cordoba became the center of Arab culture. The reconquest of the peninsula, the reconquista, took about four centuries. The regions conquered from the Arabs in the 15th century united around the united kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, becoming a single state. Absolutism was established in Spain in the 16th century. Since the discovery of America by the Spanish expedition of Columbus in 1492, Spain has been a world power, reaching its highest power in the 16th century. Under King Charles I (1515–1556) and his successor Philip II (1556–1598), Spain embarked on the path of conquest of the Americas, becoming the Spanish colonial empire. And then - wars, the struggle for the Spanish throne, revolutions, the loss of colonies and colonial partitions, peace, wars again, revolution ... - the history of the state is described on the pages of many books.

After the death of General Franco in 1975, the monarchy was restored in Spain. Juan Carlos from the Bourbon dynasty became king, who laid the foundation for democratic transformations in the country. Spain has been a constitutional monarchy since 1978. The country's legislative body is the Cortes (bicameral parliament).

In ancient times, Spain was inhabited by Iberians and was called Iberia. In the 5th century BC, the Celts came to Iberia. From their mixing, the Celtiberians were formed. Spain was alternately conquered by Carthage (late 3rd century BC), the Roman Empire (late 1st century BC), the Visigoths (5th century AD) and, finally, the Arabs (8th century AD), who formed the Caliphate of Cordoba. Cordoba became the center of Arab culture. The reconquest of the peninsula, the reconquista, took about four centuries. The regions conquered from the Arabs in the 15th century united around the united kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, becoming a single state. Absolutism was established in Spain in the 16th century. Since the discovery of America by the Spanish expedition of Columbus in 1492, Spain has been a world power, reaching its highest power in the 16th century. Under King Charles I (1515–1556) and his successor Philip II (1556–1598), Spain embarked on the path of conquest of the Americas, becoming the Spanish colonial empire. And then - wars, the struggle for the Spanish throne, revolutions, the loss of colonies and colonial partitions, peace, wars again, revolution ... - the history of the state is described on the pages of many books ....

Popular Attractions

Tourism in Spain

Where to stay

Since most of Spain's income is tourism, neither money nor effort is spared for its development in the country. So, today about 10 thousand various hotels, hotels, boarding houses and other accommodation options are offered to tourists. You can choose both a fashionable hotel of one of the world's chains, stay in an old castle, or rent a room in a student hostel or hostel.

The star rating of a hotel is determined by the Spanish Tourism Administration and can be graded from one to five stars. As a rule, the number of stars means the number of services provided, and the service in all hotels remains at a consistently high level. Most of the hotels in Spain are paradors - hotels of 3-5 stars, which are owned by the state. They are located in ancient buildings - the former hunting lodges of the royal family, monasteries, ancient castles, palaces. Living in such a hotel means not only good service, but also large beautifully furnished rooms with well-restored old interiors. Accommodation prices are appropriate.

If you are planning to stay on the coast of Spain for more than a week, villas and hotel-type houses are at your service. In addition, there are always many apartments, mini-hotels, private hotels at the service of tourists.

For those who prefer a vacation at minimal cost, places are offered in youth hostels. However, in this case you must carry your Youth Hostel Association membership card with you or purchase it locally.

If you are not afraid of the Spartan environment and prefer silence and solitude, you can stay in one of the 150 monasteries. Here you will have to adhere to the traditional way of life of the monastery, in some cases, clean the room and wash the dishes after eating on your own.

Throughout Spain, and especially on the coast, campsites are equipped. There is electricity, running water, many are equipped with laundries, sports grounds, restaurants, swimming pools, and other services are provided.

Popular hotels

Tours and attractions in Spain

Spain is a hospitable sunny country with an ancient history and colorful traditions, a rich cultural heritage, fashionable resorts, and stunning natural beauty. Spain is a variety of architectural masterpieces and cultural attractions, shops and restaurants, sea and mountains and, of course, charming flamenco and bullfighting.

The capital of Spain, Madrid, is the economic and cultural center of the country, as well as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. When exploring the city, be sure to visit Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de la Villa, Paseo del Prado, Gran Via and Plaza España. Among the sights of Madrid are the most interesting Royal Palace and its magnificent Sabatini Gardens, the Cathedral of Madrid, the Palacio de Liria, the monasteries of Encarnacion and Descalzas Reales, the Royal Cathedral of Saint Francis, the Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes, the Church of San Isidro, the Church of San Nicolás, Temple of Debod, Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Royal Theater and San Miguel Market. Madrid is also famous for its interesting museums, among which the most popular are the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofia Art Center, the National Archaeological Museum of Spain, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, the Lazaro Galdiano Museum, the Serralbo Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Sorolla Museum, the Military museum, Maritime Museum Madrid and the House Museum of Lope de Vega. For travelers with children, it will be interesting to visit the Madrid Zoo, which is located on the territory of the huge Casa de Campo park and the Warner Madrid theme park in the vicinity of the city.

Barcelona - a resort city on the Mediterranean coast is considered to be the "pearl" of Spain. Barcelona impresses with amazing masterpieces of architecture, many of which were created by the famous architect Antonio Gaudi - this is the Sagrada Familia, Calve House, Mila House, Batllo House, Vicens House, Palace and Park Güell. It is definitely worth visiting the Gothic Quarter, the Royal Square, the Grand Royal Palace, the Virreina Palace, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Cathedral, the Palace of Government, Sant Jaume Square, the Leo Morera House, the Amalle House, the Spanish Village, the Palace of Catalan Music, Montjuic, Tibidabo, Monastery of Sant Pau del Cam, Royal Monastery, Church of Santa Maria de Pedralbes, Church of Santa Maria del Pi and Church of Santos Just y Pastor. Among the museums in Barcelona, ​​the most interesting are the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Frederic Mares Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum football club Barcelona and the Chocolate Museum. Also popular places in Barcelona are Aquarium, Barcelona Zoo, Botanical Garden, Maremagnum, Christopher Columbus Monument and Siudadelia Park.

Almost every Spanish city is famous for its abundance of unique historical and cultural attractions. Traveling through this amazing country, you should definitely visit the stunning architectural ensemble of the 13th century in Granada - the Moorish Alhambra Palace, the Grand Mosque in Cordoba, the Royal Palace and the famous Cathedral in Valencia, the Alcazar Palace and the Cathedral in Seville, the Alcazar Castle in Toledo and the majestic monument Roman era - Aqueduct in Segovia.

Among the famous seaside resorts in Spain, Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Tenerife, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa del Sol, Salou and the Canary Islands are the most popular. Spain is famous for its excellent ski slopes. 32 km from Granada in the city of Pradollano is the beautiful ski resort of Sierra Nevada, and in the Pyrenees in the Val d'Aran valley is the famous ski resort of Baqueira-Beret.

Spanish Cuisine

By and large, all Mediterranean cuisines are somewhat similar. Therefore, it is not surprising to find echoes of Italian or French neighbors in traditional Spanish cooking. For example, in Catalan cuisine, all kinds of sauces are an obligatory and even the main component, among which there are four main ones: "sofrito" (sofrito) - from garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppers, herbs; "samfaina" (samfaina) - from tomatoes, peppers, eggplants; "picada" (picada) - from garlic, herbs, roasted almonds; "ali-oli" (ali-oli) - from garlic with olive oil. Popular dishes here include roast ("casuela"), thick and fragrant soup from monkfish(suquet de peix), fried pork sausages with white beans in boiling lard (mongetes amb botifara), and capi-i-pota stew of pork head and pork feet. As well as throughout the coast, white bread is loved here, generously poured with olive oil, grated with garlic and tomato, both as an appetizer for main courses and separately.

An interesting fact - in Catalonia, the love of local residents for a dish of white sweet leek served as the birth of a whole culinary ceremony called Calcotada. The process of its preparation and consumption is turned into a colorful performance. This juicy onion with a thick fleshy stalk is baked outdoors by the Catalans on a large trellis platform that sits over a hot vine fire. Ready-made onions are served with a special romesco sauce (salsa romesco), which is prepared on a nut base with tomatoes, different types of peppers, parsley, garlic, olive oil and vinegar. The "eating" ceremony takes place at long dining tables, where there are pre-prepared plates, large ceramic saucers with romesco sauce and jugs of wine. Since the onion is baked on an open fire and a charred onion can easily get dirty, the participants of the calzotada are given special aprons and light disposable gloves. The onion is held in one hand, the soft core is removed from the middle with the other, dipped in sauce and sent to the mouth.

Valencian cuisine is also famous for typical Mediterranean dishes. The locals incomparably make paella with all sorts of ingredients (from meat, fish, vegetables and seafood) and other rice dishes, including the traditional Valencian "caldero" of fish and rice, cooked on coals in a special deep frying pan. For vegetarians, this is a real expanse: vegetables - boiled, stewed, fresh - abound in the cuisine of Valencia. For example, pisto huertano (peasant-style vegetable stew) made from beets, beans and beans enjoys special love among the locals. From sweet dishes - "turron" (halvah) and ice cream, as well as pastries are an undeniable imprint of Arabic cuisine. It is interesting that it was here, in the Mediterranean (in the city of Mahon on the island of Menorca), that mayonnaise, which became the property of many peoples, was born.

Madrid stands apart in the general list of cuisines. Madrid-style grilled meats, cod and rennet (cut into pieces and stewed innards) are equally loved here, as are the traditional cocido madrileno (pea soups with croutons). But Madrid's callos, a spiced tripe with black pudding and pepper sauce, is especially popular.

The cuisine of Meseta province is dominated by vegetables, as well as legumes (beans, peas, lentils). In Meseta, pigs are specially raised, fattening them with chestnuts and acorns, and game dishes are also loved here. In Castile-La Mancha, you can try the cuisine described by Cervantes in Don Quixote: boiled meat with vegetables, meat salad and fried cracklings with scrambled eggs. Saffron, honey and sheep cheeses are also used here.

With external similarities, the northern and southern cuisines of Spain also have their own characteristics. In the Basque country, for example, "family" cooking with "home table" dishes is very common: "marmitaco" (potatoes with mackerel) and "changurro" (clams with crabs). Another well-known product is "bacalao al pil-pil" (cod in garlic sauce or Biscay). In general, dishes with inhabitants of the bottom of the sea are very common here. For example, Basques consider "kokotxas" (fins of sea pike) and eel fry to be the most delicious delicacy, they also love all kinds of shellfish - for example, boiled octopus ("pulpo a feira"), more common in Galician cuisine. Residents of other northern provinces have beans, anchovies, all kinds of dairy products and, of course, excellent cheeses of local origin (goat, sheep, cow) in a special account. The products produced here are renowned for their unsurpassed quality. In particular, the areas of La Rioja and Navarra are known for their abundant and natural food: asparagus, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, young shoots of lettuce and other early vegetables, peaches, pears - the list is endless. The traditional dishes of these provinces are "pimientos rellenos" (sweet peppers stuffed with all sorts of fillings) and "navarro cochifrito" (spicy lamb stew). Desserts include fresh fruits in chocolate, as well as canned fruits and traditional buns. In general, it must be said that the Spaniards practically did not create their traditional sweet dishes - most of the local delicacies were inherited from the Arab culture.

Andalusian, or southern, Spanish cuisine is a fusion of the cultures of the peoples who once lived here. The famous cold soup "gazpacho" was born in Andalusia, as well as the way of deep-fried food, which is widespread in the world. This is not surprising - it is in the south of Spain that the best olive oil is produced. Of the dishes characteristic of the south, one cannot fail to mention "pescaitos fritos" - tiny fried fish eaten with head and bones, and "pinchos morinos" (thoroughly marinated and skewered meat), as well as various pork dishes (excellent habugo ham is produced in the local province of Huelva).

Spanish cuisine is endless - you can't try everything... However, in Spain you should definitely try at least classic dishes. The famous Spanish omelette "tortilla". Spicy smoked chorizo ​​sausage. Serrano ham. Sheep cheese "Manchego". Delicious special smoked ham "jamon". And, of course, cold gazpacho soup. By the way, when you find yourself at a common table with the Spaniards and making a toast, you should definitely wish health, and while clinking glasses, say "chin-chin", imitating the ringing of crystal. This is an essential ritual! If you say a few more words in Spanish, you can forever become your own person.

By and large, all Mediterranean cuisines are somewhat similar. Therefore, it is not surprising to find echoes of Italian or French neighbors in traditional Spanish cooking. For example, in Catalan cuisine, all kinds of sauces are an obligatory and even the main component, among which there are four main ones: "sofrito" (sofrito) - from garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppers, herbs; "samfaina" (samfaina) - from tomatoes, peppers, eggplants; "picada" (picada) - from garlic, herbs, roasted almonds; "ali-oli" (ali-oli) - from garlic with olive oil. Popular dishes here include roast (cazuela), thick and fragrant monkfish soup (suquet de peix), fried pork sausages with white beans in boiling lard (mongetes amb botifara), and capi-i-pota stew from pig head and pig legs. As well as throughout the coast, white bread is loved here, generously poured with olive oil, grated with garlic and tomato, both as an appetizer for main courses, and separately....

Tips

Waiters, porters and taxi drivers will not refuse tips, but they do not insist on receiving them. In a restaurant, the average tip is usually 5-10% of the bill, in a taxi - the same amount. Often a tip is added to round up the bill.

Visa

Office Hours

Most museums and historical buildings are closed on Monday. On other days they usually work from 10 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm. Some churches are open during these hours, others only during services.

Shops are open from 10:00 to 22:00, break from 14:00 to 17:00. Bakeries and bars open from 8 am. There are no breaks in hypermarkets and department stores, but they are closed on Sundays. Markets are open only in the mornings.

Banks are open on weekdays from 8 am to 2 pm, some close as early as 1 pm. In August, most banks are closed on Saturdays.

Souvenirs

Damascus jewelry, knives and swords from Toledo, pottery from Toledo, Valencia and Seville, filigree silver from Cordoba, leather bottles for wine - botas, castanets, Spanish dolls and bullfighting posters.

Safety

In Spain, as in most European countries, you can drive safely through the countryside. IN big cities the situation is more criminogenic, so it is better to keep credit cards and money in your belt, and when parking, do not leave things in the car in plain sight. If you feel unwell, first aid can be provided at the pharmacy.

Robbery attacks are rare in Spain, but a tourist should not walk alone in dimly lit places. It is better to carry a bag and a camera not on the shoulder, but over the shoulder. Keep small change separate from big money, for example, in your pocket: if you are threatened, give it to the attacker.

Spanish men on the streets often see women off with appraisal exclamations. This is just a custom, there is no desire to offend or scare behind it. Q&A

Question answer

Spain is a sovereign state in southwestern Europe, a member of the European Union. Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula. The territory is divided into 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities. The capital is the city of Madrid.

Spain map

general information

The official name of the country The Kingdom of Spain

Capital— Madrid.

State structure
The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king, who, on the advice of the prime minister, approves the members of the cabinet. Spain is divided into 52 provinces, grouped into 17 autonomous regions.

Location
Spain is a state in southwestern Europe, which occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Spain borders in the west with Portugal (the length of the border is 1214 km), in the north with France (623 km) and Andorra (65 km), in the south with Gibraltar (1.2 km). Spain is washed in the east and south by the Mediterranean Sea, in the west by the Atlantic Ocean, in the north by the Bay of Biscay (Cantabrian Sea). There are over 2,000 beaches on the coast of Spain.
The total area of ​​Spain is 504,782 km2 (the land area is 499,400 km2). The total length of the border is 1903.2 km, the length of the coastline is 4964 km.

Climate
There are three types of climate in Spain: temperate maritime in the northwest and north; Mediterranean in the south and Mediterranean coast; arid continental climate in the interior of the country.
Spain is one of the warmest countries in Western Europe. The average number of sunny days is 260-280. The average annual temperature of almost the entire Spanish territory fluctuates between 14 and 19 °C above zero. Average January temperatures vary from 8 - 10 °С in the northern and middle parts to 10 - 12 °С in the southern part. Average temperatures in July - the hottest month - reach 18 - 20 ° C in the coastal regions of the northwest and north of the country and 26 ° C - in the Mediterranean coastal regions.
The best time for tourism is from late spring to early autumn.

Population
The population of Spain, as of 2008, is 46.06 million people. Approximately 9% of the population are immigrants. The urban population is 76%. Population density - 79.7 people / km 2.

Official language
The official language is Spanish. In some areas and provinces, the inhabitants speak the ancient local languages, for example, in Catalonia, the Basque Country, etc.

Currency

Spain is a member of the European Union, the official currency of the country is the euro (€), equal to 100 cents. You can exchange currency at banks, ATMs, exchange offices, hotels and travel agencies. Most banks work Mon.-Fri. from 8.30 to 14.30, on Saturday from 8.30 to 13.00, exchange offices from 8.30 to 19.00 (some until 20.00), ATMs are open around the clock.

The highest rate when exchanging currencies in banks, at exchange offices at airports, railway stations, shops, etc. exchange rate will be less favorable.

It is also worth remembering that most banks take a commission for the exchange service, there will also be a commission when withdrawing money through an ATM.

Time
Time is 3 hours behind Moscow time.

Important information

Visa

Citizens of the Russian Federation, when crossing the border, must have an entry permit issued at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Spain in Moscow - a visa.

A visa is issued individually in the passport of the traveler; for issuing a visa, two blank pages in the passport are required.

In accordance with the rules for issuing visas established by the Consulate General of Spain in Russia, Pegas Touristik issues visas only for citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

Customs regulations

The importation of items for personal use (personal jewelry, cameras, camcorders, cell phones, musical instruments, etc. is not restricted, however, if a customs officer suspects that an item is being imported for sale in Spain, he may require you to fill out a declaration and make a cash deposit, which will be returned upon departure from Spain upon presentation of the declaration and the item itself.

Spanish customs officers issue, upon request, receipts certifying that the item has been brought into Spain. Duty-free import per person is allowed: up to 1 liter of spirits (alcohol content over 22%) or up to 2 liters of fortified wines and liqueurs (alcohol content less than 22%), 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco, 500 g of coffee, 100 g of tea, up to 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette, goods and items for personal use.

The import of foreign currency into Spain is not limited. If you plan to purchase for cash in excess of 5000 €, you will need an official confirmation of the legality of importing money into the country. The export of currency is also not limited, but when exporting an amount of more than 10,000 €, it is required to fill out a declaration.

Sharp objects (nail scissors, penknives, etc.) can only be carried in checked baggage.

Prohibited for import:

• drugs and narcotic drugs,
• medical preparations,
• firearms,
• ammunition,
• explosives,
• pornography,
• plants,
• animals and birds,
• food products without vacuum packaging,
• Asian poultry meat
• products containing meat and milk,
• chocolate candies.

The ban on the import of meat and dairy products does not apply to baby and dietary food necessary for people with chronic diseases (in this case, the products must be carefully packaged).

Helpful information

emergency services

• National Police - 091
• Local Police - 092
• Fire Department - 080
• Ambulance - 061
• Red Cross - 22-22-22.

The shops

Shops are open from 10:00 to 20:00, a break from 14:00 to 17:00, some shops and private shops are open until 22:00. Bakeries and bars open from 8 am. There are no breaks in hypermarkets and department stores, but they are usually closed on Sundays. Markets are open only in the mornings. In resort areas, most shops are open on Sundays. Payment for purchases can be made both in cash and by credit cards.

It is best to make purchases in large cities - Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, etc. In such cities, there are many boutiques and shops with fashionable clothes, they are usually located in the city center. Prices in stores are not higher than in supermarkets, and sometimes even lower. In the markets you can find almost everything, from groceries to antiques.

In memory of Spain, you can bring famous pottery (the Costa Dorada is especially famous for them), leather goods, guitars, traditional Spanish fans, products with gold and silver thread embroidery on velvet, olives and olive oil, wine and much more.

Transport

Spain has a well-developed transport infrastructure, which includes an extensive network of roads, railways, air and water communications. The length of roads is 328,000 km, and railways - 14,589 km. The leading place is occupied by air transport. Of the 42 airports, 34 carry out regular flights.

It is most convenient to move around Spain around the country, because. in almost all major and resort towns there are bus stations. Intercity buses equipped with air conditioning, video equipment and, in most cases, toilets. It is customary to pay for travel directly on the bus, but you can save money by buying a multiple ticket.

Railway trains are divided into several categories, depending on speed and comfort. You can buy a ticket at railway stations and train stations, or at travel agencies. There you can also get detailed information about train timetables and ticket prices.

It is more convenient to travel around the city by taxi. You can take a car in the parking lot, order by phone, call from a hotel, cafe or restaurant. Taxis are usually distinguished by a light board with the inscription taxi. Each taxi has a meter, the cost of the trip will depend on its readings. At night, holidays and weekends there is an increased rate.

In Madrid and Barcelona, ​​perhaps the most convenient transport is the metro. This is the fastest and cheapest mode of transport. Tickets are sold at the box office or vending machines at the stations.

Car rental

A car can be rented by a person who is over 21 years old, who has an international driver's license and a credit card. In some cases, they may ask for a passport. Class A and B cars are issued for cash, while in addition to the deposit, the entire rental amount for the entire period is taken in advance. You can order a car both at the rental office and through the administrator at the hotel where you live. In addition, you can order a car from Russia by ordering it from an international car rental agency in advance. Tariffs of local rental companies, as a rule, are lower than the tariffs set by well-known international ones. When renting a car for long terms possible discount.

In Spain, there are several types of roads: state highways (sign N), expressways (sign A) and municipal (marked with sign C). On the highways of Spain, every 5 km there is an SOS phone from which you can call emergency services.

Police phone number: 091. The maximum allowed speed in built-up areas is 50 km/h, on highways - 120 km/h. We recommend that you observe the speed limit, because. Spain has quite high fines for speeding. Fines are paid on the spot. When traveling by car, you must have a driver's license valid in Spain, a technical equipment passport and an insurance card.

Telephone

To make calls to Russia, dial:

• 007 (Russian code) - (area code) - (phone number).
• The dialing code for Spain is 34.
• Telephone code canary islands: +34 (922 ).

Tips

In Spain, the service is included in the price and is 10-15% of the cost of the service. If you like the service, you can add another 5% of the amount. If the tip is not included in the bill, it is customary to leave it on the table. It is customary to leave tips for waiters, maids and porters in hotels, taxi drivers, hairdressers, etc. Maid and porters leave about 1-2 euros, taxi drivers leave an average of 5-10%.

Precautionary measures

Valuables and documents are best left in a safe at the hotel. It is advisable to make photocopies of important documents (passports, tickets, etc.) and store them separately from the originals. Money and documents should be stored in different places. In case of theft or loss of a credit card, you must immediately call the bank and block the account. In crowded places (airports, train stations, squares, etc.), watch your things, do not show the contents of your wallets in public, do not give things to strangers for storage. In case of theft or other illegal actions against you, contact the police.

In case of difficult situations (problems with the police, loss of a passport, etc.), please contact the Consulate of the Russian Federation. The duty officer works around the clock. When detained by the police, do not sign any documents, do not answer questions, do not give your documents and do not succumb to provocations and do not create conflict situations. Demand to call a representative of the consulate or the host company.

Russian Embassy in Madrid:
Address: c.Velazquez, 155, Madrid, 28002, Spain
Phone: 91 562 22 64, 91 411 08 07
Fax: 91 562 97 12
Embassy opening hours: 9.00 - 14.00, 16.00 - 19.00
Email: [email protected]

BARCELONA

Barcelona is the second most populated city in Spain and is the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Here is located international Airport and there is a subway. Barcelona is a port city and is located on the Mediterranean coast. Currently, the port of Barcelona is one of the largest in the entire Mediterranean, and the city's beaches stretch for as much as 5 km.

Barcelona experienced periods of its greatest prosperity in the Middle Ages, when it reached the status of a thriving center of Mediterranean trade, and also in the 19th century, marked by intensive economic and demographic development. This stage culminated in the World Exhibitions in 1888 and 1929, which largely determined the current appearance of the city. In 1992, Barcelona was chosen to host the Olympic Games.

Barcelona is also proud of its rich historical, architectural and artistic heritage. Monuments of architectural art, buildings with historical significance and modern buildings coexist in an unusually harmonious way in the city. In 1929, the Barcelona Cathedral was declared a Monument of History and Art of National Importance. In the labyrinth of narrow streets that surround the Cathedral and form the historical center of the city, known as the "Gothic Quarter", you can find a large number of buildings of unique beauty and significance.

On the wide square of Plaza Sant Jaume rise, opposite each other, the City Hall of Barcelona - with its magnificent halls of the Salo de Sainte ("Hall of the Sta") and the Assembly Hall - and the Palace of the Generalitat (Palau de la Generalitat), with the hall of St. George and the internal Courtyard Pati dels Taronges ("Patio of orange trees"). In Barcelona, ​​you can see the creations of the greatest architect of the modernist era, Antonio Gaudí - the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, the La Pedrera building, Batllo's house.

The city also has numerous museums, among which the Picasso Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia are especially famous. The Picasso Museum is popular with tourists and is one of the most visited in Barcelona with the richest collection. The ball museum was created in 1963 on the basis of a collection donated to the city by Jaume Sabater, a personal friend of the artist, and subsequently replenished with works donated by both Picasso himself and members of his family.

The central square of Barcelona is Plaza Catalunya. From here originates the famous Ramblas, which daily attracts many tourists traveling around Barcelona. This is a pedestrian boulevard along the central alley of which stretches flower, zoological and newsstands, in the lower part of the boulevard there are street vendors, pantomime artists, artists who draw portraits of everyone from life or photographs. Here you can buy various souvenirs.

The Palace of Catalan Music, located next to Via Laetana, was built by the architect Domènech i Montaner. This building is considered the pinnacle of modernism and incorporates many elements of this style.

On the waterfront of Barcelona, ​​in the Portal de la Pau (“Gate of the World”), stands a monument to Christopher Columbus, reminding us of the arrival of the navigator in Barcelona after the discovery of America. Nearby are Drassanas (XIV century) - the best preserved of all the Gothic shipyards, and nearby - part of the fortress wall of the same era. From here, in the Middle Ages, ships were launched that participated in the most famous naval battles. Now the building of the shipyards houses the Museum of Navigation, where you can see the magnificent ships of the XIV-XV centuries. Barcelona has the largest aquarium in Europe, where you can see 11,000 marine animals from over 450 different species.

The longest avenue, Avenida Diagonal, runs through the whole city, the length of which is 14 km. Two streets pass around the city: Upper and Lower, with the help of which you can get into it from any direction without stopping at the center.

You can see an amazingly beautiful spectacle by visiting the singing fountains located on the slopes of Montjuic mountain. Also located on the mountain Observation deck with a panoramic view of Barcelona. If you want to enjoy an amazing panorama of the city, you are offered a tour on the Teleferic funicular, which leaves from Montjuic. Another way to get to know the city is to take a trip on the Bus Turistic double-decker bus, where you will be offered headphones with audio recordings excursion program in 10 different languages, including Russian. You can also explore the city by bike, which can be rented on almost every corner in the city.

Barcelona is also home to countless shops, restaurants and cafes. For grocery shopping, you can visit the popular market "La Boqueria" (or "Mercat de Sant Josep"), which is a vivid example of 18th century architecture. In the city center on Plaza Catalunya there is a large shopping center "El Corte Ingles", where on 9 floors you will find a wide selection of goods: clothing, accessories, goods for children, food and much more. In the suburbs of Barcelona there is a place called “La Roca Village”, where more than 100 outlets (discount stores) of all famous brands are collected: Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, L’Occitane, Burberry, Cacharel, Puma and many others.

For sports fans in Barcelona, ​​it is advised to visit the famous Camp Nou football stadium, as well as see the Olympic Stadium, which was reconstructed for the Olympic Games in 1992. Also, Formula 1 races are held here once a year, which attract a considerable number of tourists .

What can you bring from Barcelona? Very tasty Spanish cuisine. For your friends and relatives, you can bring local jamon ham, chorizo ​​sausage, salchichon sausages, and various seafood to enjoy. In Spain, the production of quite tasty wine and olive oil is widespread. From local sweets you can buy Spanish halva.

COSTA BRAVA

Costa Brava, which in translation means "Wild Coast" - a strip of the Mediterranean coast in the northeast of Catalonia in Spain, the province of Girona. It extends for 160 km from the city of Blanes to the border with France. The relief of the Costa Brava is made up of impregnable cliffs and rocks, overgrown with Pyrenean pines and firs, which alternate with magnificent bays and bays with beaches of white sand and pebbles. In addition to the picturesque relief, the Costa Brava amazes guests with the extraordinary wealth of Mediterranean vegetation: thanks to the numerous streams flowing down the slopes of the Pyrenees, the land here is extremely fertile, and low mountains and hills delight the eye with an abundance of mixed - coniferous and broad-leaved - forests that go to the sea itself.

The resort is known for its ancient towns, markets and magnificent beaches. The average annual temperature on the Costa Brava is 16°C.
The history of the coast goes back over 2000 years. Here you can see the ancient ruins, the remains of the Greek and Roman civilizations. The population of the coast is about 6.5 million people. Mostly they are Catalans who speak Catalan.

Arriving in the Costa Brava, it is worth visiting the city of Lloret de Mar, which has many bars and discos, as well as the famous Marineland water park. For those who prefer walks in historical places to noisy entertainment, there is also something to see. Church of Sant Roma, which was built in 1552 in the Gothic style. During civil war, the church was badly damaged, and today only the Chapel of St. Sacramento and the Baptistery allow us to imagine what Sant Roma was before. The Chapel of Santa Cristina is located 3.5 km from the center of Lloret de Mar. The first document mentioning the temple is dated 1376.

In 1764, work began on the expansion of the temple, which was completed in 1772. The work was carried out on donations from the inhabitants of Lloret, and those who could not help financially were directly involved in the construction of the temple. The monument to Dona Marinera (fisherman's wife) is located on a rock at the end of Lloret beach. In 1966, the city commissioned the artist Ernest Maragal for this statue, which would become one of the symbols of the city. The bronze sculpture depicts a woman looking out to sea, meeting or seeing someone off. It is believed that if a person looks at the sea, just like a sculpture and at the same time touches her leg with his hand, then his desires, which he is thinking about at the moment, will certainly come true. In addition, in the city you can visit and see the Castle on the beach, the monument to Sardana, the Castle of Sant Joan, the monument to the angel and much more.

The Costa Brava is famous for its wines and liqueurs, which are relatively inexpensive here. As souvenirs on the coast, you can buy ceramic and leather products, tablecloths. In many cities, fairs are organized every week where you can buy clothes, souvenirs or fruits and much more.
From any town on the coast you can easily get to Barcelona, ​​Girona, Figueres
The most famous resorts are Lloret de Mar, Blanes, Tossa de Mar and Playa de Aro.

Costa del Maresme

Costa del Maresme is part of the coast of the Balearic Sea south of the Costa Brava, located in Catalonia, in the province of Barcelona. The resort area of ​​the Costa del Maresme stretches from Tordera and Malgrat de Mar in the north to the town of Montgat, 15 km from Barcelona in the south. This area is known for its magnificent beaches, developed infrastructure and mild Mediterranean climate.

North of Malgrat de Mar, the Costa del Maresme merges into the Costa Brava, so both coasts are often referred to as the Costa Brava. The Costa del Maresme has traditionally been a place of fishing and peasant settlements, whose inhabitants were engaged in the cultivation of grapes. The main part of the fishing industry is based in Arenys de Mar, which is the first fishing port on the Costa del Maresme. Starting from the middle of the 20th century, summer residences of wealthy residents of Barcelona, ​​as well as several hotels, began to appear on the coast. Since the mid-80s of the XX century, as part of the development of tourism in Spain, significant funds have been invested in the construction and reconstruction of the coastal cities of the Costa del Maresme. This has led to the transformation of the Costa del Marsme into a major resort and tourist center. The basis of the activity of this region is agriculture, primarily the cultivation of vineyards, as well as the textile industry.

resort towns

Malgrat de Mar
Malgrat de Mar is a coastal village located in the northern part of the Maresme district, on the border of the provinces of Barcelona and Girona. The wide beach strip, stretching for 4.5 km, is divided into three zones: Astillero Beach, Central Beach (marked with the Blue Flag) and La Conca Beach. The main activities in the city are industry and agriculture.

There are two large natural parks in Malgrat de Mar: the Castel Park and the Francesc Macia Park. Castel Park is located on a hill from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the village. The Francesc Macia Park is one of the largest parks in the region and covers an area of ​​more than 40,000 m². In October, an international music festival is held here. For three weeks, more than 20 choirs and musical groups from various European countries take part in this festival.

Among the cultural and historical monuments in Malgrat de Mar are the church of Sant Nicolau de Bari, the municipal library, buildings built in the modernist style, such as the Town Hall and the music school "Ca l'Arnau". The city center is full of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Santa Susanna

Santa Susanna is a seaside town located in the center of the Maresme district, in the province of Barcelona. The main source of income for the city is the flourishing here, thanks to favorable natural conditions, agriculture. Santa Susanna has the largest number of watchtowers, designed to protect against the frequent attacks of pirates dating back to the period of the 15th-18th centuries.

For active recreation in the city there is the Maritime Center, which offers tourists various water sports: sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing, motor sports, kayaking and others.

Pineda de Mar
Pineda de Mar is a seaside town located 56 km from Barcelona, ​​part of the Maresme district. With a long sandy beach, Pineda de Mar offers a wide range of hotels and services. Along the promenade, located in front of the beach, stretches a chain of shops, restaurants, cafes.

The historical center of the city has completely preserved its features. Here you can see the church of Santa Maria dating back to the 16th century, the restored palace of Can Halpi of the 15th-16th centuries, the protective towers of Mas Castellar and Santa Anna, and on Plaza de Catalunya you can see the most interesting buildings and palaces of the 18th-19th centuries. Also in Pineda de Mar, the remains of the Roman aqueduct Can Cua have been preserved.

The most lively centers of city life are the Plaza de les Melies (Placa de les Melies) and Paseo Maritimo promenade (Paseo Maritimo), where city festivals are held and the most popular bars and restaurants of the city are located.

Calella
Calella - located 50 km from Barcelona, ​​near the Montnegre nature reserve. It has three magnificent beaches: Garbi beach, La Platja Gran beach and La Platja de Les Roques beach - marked with a blue flag.

The city hosts a large number of cultural, folklore events and holidays, among which are: Carnival, a festival of photography and cinema, an exhibition of roses of Catalonia, children's entertainment, international days of folklore of Catalonia and others.

Calella has many large natural areas, such as the Dalmau Park located in the city center, the Manuel Puigvert alley, designed by the modernist architect Jeroni Martorell.

One of the most attractive features of the city is its commercial activity. Throughout the year, Calella has more than 800 shops offering commercial offers. One of the popular places to trade is the open-air Saturday market, located in front of the municipal market building. In local restaurants and bars, you can taste both Mediterranean cuisine and dishes from around the world. Calella is also interesting from a cultural and historical point of view. The municipal archival museum of Josep Maria Bage contains all kinds of samples and collections of decorative stones from the 17th and 20th centuries; textile machines and samples of materials produced in the city; archaeological materials from excavations of Roman ruins and historical documents. A curious element is the Barry pharmacy with all the equipment and laboratories of the 19th century, as well as the Lluis Gallart Garcia art gallery, where you can see samples of more than 200 paintings by the masters of the city of Calella, with paintings, drawings of exceptional beauty, painted using various techniques. Also in the city there is a Cultural Gallery, which reflects the history of Calella. Collections of ancient tools, paintings, photographs and other items related in one way or another to Calella.

Proximity to the sea and the presence of a nautical club allows you to practice various water sports: water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing.

COSTA DORADA

Costa Dorada (translated from Spanish as “golden coast”) is a segment of the coast of the Balearic Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea) in southeastern Spain, extending for 200 km from Vilanova i la Geltru in the north to the city located in the Ebro Delta Alcanar in the south. Costa Dorada covers the entire coast of the province of Tarragona. The relief of the Costa Dorada is made up of long and gentle sandy beaches which makes this coast popular with tourists. The beaches on the Costa Dorada are mostly long, wide, with fine golden sand and clear water. Among the large number of sandy beaches there are picturesque bays and bays, and unique rock formations. From the winds and cyclones from the north and west, the Mediterranean coast is well protected, first by the Pyrenees, and then by the Catalan mountains.

Thanks to unique geographical features and mild Mediterranean climate, this place is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are all conditions for practicing water sports, such as windsurfing, surfing, water skiing, as well as for playing tennis or golf. On the coast there are many modern hotels of various levels, health centers and entertainment facilities. In the Costa Dorada there are many fortresses and military buildings built during the wars and which are the cultural heritage of Spain, and in the cities there are many beautiful churches, monasteries and monuments through which you can trace the history of the country. Nature lovers won't be disappointed either - there is a unique nature reserve located in the Ebro Delta.

One of the main tourist attractions of the Costa Dorada is the amusement park Port Aventura in the city of Salou. Port Aventura is the second largest amusement park in Europe, its area is 115 hectares. The park consists of five themed areas with attractions for both adults and children, each of which reflects the history of one of the world's five cultures.

Over a hundred unique theatrical performances take place in Port Aventura every day, and more than 70 restaurants and eateries with a menu of traditional dishes will help you discover the world through taste.

Despite the fact that the Costa Dorada is one of the centers of mass tourism, here you can find many cities that have retained their originality. The center of the Costa Dorada is the city of Tarragona, and the most popular resort is Salou. Other cities popular with tourists are Sitges, La Pineda and Cambrils.

Cambrils- a seaside town located in the resort area of ​​the Costa Dorada and part of the province of Tarragona. In this hospitable town, new traditions brought from abroad and other parts of Spain are wonderfully intertwined with the roots of local culture. You can get acquainted with the history of the city in the museum "Mouli de les Tres Eres". One of the famous sights of the city is the defensive port, built in the middle of the 20th century, and the fishermen's park, the port tower of the 17th century, which served to repel pirate attacks, the buildings of the period of the Roman Empire, dating from the 1st century BC, are also of particular cultural interest. BC. and VI century. AD, Vilafortuny castle, port quarter and old town.

Sandy golden beaches, marked with the Blue Flag, stretch for 9 km. Along the beaches there is the Sea Promenade, along which you can walk or ride a bike. Also in Cambrils, tourists can fully explore the culinary traditions. The city is considered the culinary capital of the Costa Dorada. Fresh fish, the best olive oil and other top quality products are used to prepare exquisite and original dishes. Here you can taste typical traditional Cambrilian cuisine in the best restaurants specializing in fish and seafood. In addition to good cuisine, all restaurants offer a wide selection of wines and champagnes, as well as fresh confectionery products that can satisfy even the most demanding taste.

Food, souvenirs, household goods, accessories, antiques, handicrafts - all this can be purchased all year round in local shops. Most of the shops are concentrated in the narrow streets of the picturesque old town, as well as in the area of ​​the sea promenade and the port, a favorite place for walking residents and visitors of Cambrils. Once a week, a mobile market stalls open in the old town, where you can find anything, including products from local agriculture, such as high-quality Siurana olive oil, considered one of the best in the world.

Salou

Salou is the tourist capital of the Costa Dorada, which is part of the province of Tarragona. The main attraction of the city is the famous amusement park "PortAventura" - the second largest amusement park in Europe, with an area of ​​115 hectares. The park consists of five themed zones with attractions, each of which reflects the history of one of the five world cultures.

The mild Mediterranean climate, golden sandy beaches and long holiday season (from May to November) attract a large number of tourists to Salou. Active guests will find in Salou a water sports centre, a municipal football field, an indoor swimming pool, a sports center and a go-kart track. For those who prefer entertainment, Salou has many restaurants, bars and all kinds of clubs, many of which are open at night. The busiest street in Salou is Carlos Buigas Street, which is full of shops, discos and restaurants. The city is recognized as one of the best shopping and gastronomic resorts on the Costa Dorada. Salou has a wide network of stores offering all kinds of goods, both Spanish and imported.

One of Salou's most picturesque attractions is the Salou Promenade, located right along the coastline of Llevant Beach, the big beach in the city, along with Platja de Ponent, Platja dels Capellans, Platja Llarga and Cala Cranx. The beaches have the European Blue Flag, which is an indicator of the cleanliness and safety of the beaches. The most popular promenade in the city is Jaime I Avenue, which today bears the name of King Jaime I, who conquered the Balearic Islands and the kingdom of Valencia. In the center of the alley there is a monument to this king, and at the end there is a charming illuminated fountain, shining at night with multi-colored jets and cascades. From the city's port, you can take exciting walks along the coast on tourist boats that depart daily for Tarragona, Cambrils and other nearby resort centers.

At 10-12 km from Salou, there are attractions such as the city of Tarragona, founded by the Romans, with a rich historical past, and the city of Reus, where you can visit the museum of the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí.

La Pineda
La Pineda is a resort town located on the Costa Dorada. Along the sand and pebble beach, stretching for 4 km, there is a promenade, and along the streets there are many local cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops. In this city there is one of the famous water parks "Akvopolis" and a dolphinarium.

In La Pineda there are hotels of different stars, offering a variety of types of services that will satisfy even the most demanding vacationers. In the evening, you can go to a restaurant or go to the Pacha disco. The close location of the city of Salou (about 5-7 minutes drive) makes it possible to visit entertainment in this city. You can get to Salou by bus or taxi. In the immediate vicinity of La Pineda, there is the famous Port Aventura amusement park - a real world of adventure and unforgettable musical performances, which will be interesting not only for children, but also for adults.

In July and August, the city hosts entertainment events for children and their parents: in the Pinar del Perruquet park an open-air movie screening is organized, in the city square children are entertained by clowns, puppets and magicians. The park also hosts music and dance performances. At the end of July, the main summer festival- Festival of St. Jaume, which is a mixture of such components as: traditions, culture, music and dance. A variety of festive events organized on the streets and squares of the city include concerts, dances, shows for children, fireworks, open-air cinema, etc.

Canary Islands - Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria(Gran-Canaria in Spanish) is the third largest island in the Canary archipelago. From afar, the island looks like a big mountain, in the center of which rises Pico de Las Nieves, its height is 2 thousand meters. The whole island is dotted with deep ravines stretching from the top of the peak to the ocean coast. The island's capital, Las Palmas, is located in the northeast. It is the largest city of the Canaries and every four years it replaces Santa Cruz de Tenerife as the capital of the Canary Islands.
The climate of Gran Canaria is tropical trade winds, moderately dry and hot. The comfort of the climate of Gran Canaria is determined by the ocean, the cold Canary Current and the proximity of Africa. Also, the climate is influenced by the mountain range that divides the island of Gran Canaria into south and north. In one day, you can travel around the entire island, while visiting different microclimatic zones. The south coast of Gran Canaria is sunny and hot, but mountain top there may be snow. The maximum temperature in August and June reaches 30°C. These are the hottest months in the Canary Islands. In April, May, September and October the air temperature does not fall below 27°C.

Maspalomas stands out among the resorts of the island of Gran Canaria. It is the most popular and most famous resort islands. Maspalomas is able to satisfy the needs of any tourist. From almost every hotel you can get to the fashionable promenade, where the calm atmosphere contributes to a quiet walk and solitude. The resort has a huge number of various restaurants or bars offering dishes for every taste.
Puerto Rico. A small tourist town in the southwest of the island, located in a valley surrounded by gardens. Puerto Rico has long been famous for attracting lovers of sea sports. There are also a huge number of various shopping centers and a lot of entertainment, and nightlife is in full swing until the morning.

Puerto de Mogan.
Port Mogan is considered the best tourist city Gran Canaria. It is built in the style of vernacular architecture and combines port and typical fishing village. The houses, located on the slopes of the cliff, are built on the basis of local traditions: white walls and straight shapes and colored windows and doors. Puerto Mogan is so quiet and peaceful that it is the best place for couples in love who want to be together. Only here you can relax from the hustle and bustle of city life and the crazy pace.

San Augustine- a quiet town with hotels on the first line and a good beach from gray sand. It is believed that San Augustine has the best private medical clinics in the Canary Islands and one of the largest thalassotherapy centers in Europe. This resort may be of interest to those tourists who are too crowded in Playa del Inglés. This tourist town is suitable for a leisurely beach holiday.

Playa del Inglés- a place for those who are not tired of life. After all, she, life, boils here day and night. Playa del Inglés has several times more hotels and apartments than the rest of the coastal resorts combined. On the resort's three-kilometer beach of the same name, there is the Anexo II shopping center, where you can dine in one of the many restaurants and buy every little thing; next to it - water activities. On the island, you can not only relax on the magnificent beaches, but also make exciting trips to local attractions. These are botanical gardens, and historical complexes, and traditional villages and settlements. The Jardín Canario Botanical Garden is one of the main natural attractions of Gran Canaria. The garden is located near the settlement of Tafira. There are more than 5,000 species of plants found in the local nature. Bandam Peak. This is a volcano crater, the diameter of which reaches one kilometer and a depth of more than two hundred meters. From the top of the crater offers an amazing view of the capital of the island of Gran Canaria and the central part of the island.

Artenara- a mountain village located at an altitude of 1270 m above sea level. Artenara is one of the oldest villages on the island and is an architectural phenomenon: most of the old houses here are built into the rocks and at the same time equipped with all modern amenities. Of particular interest is the village church of La Ermita de la Cuevita, set in a mountain cave.

Cueva Pintada. This archaeological complex is the largest in the Canary archipelago. Cueva Pintada Cave is located in the archaeological park and consists of six communicating caves, decorated with drawings of primitive people who lived in these places.

MAJORCA

Mallorca (Mallorca, Mallorca) - the most big Island Balearic archipelago and the largest island of Spain. wonderful climate, beautiful nature contributed to the great popularity of Mallorca among both ordinary tourists and among world celebrities, some of them, such as Michael Schumacher, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, even bought houses here. Of all the regions in Spain, Mallorca is considered the region with the highest standard of living. As in all the Balearic Islands, the number of sunny days per year is more than 300. The warmest time is from July to August, the temperature rises above 30 degrees, but the Embat sea wind does not make you feel the sweltering heat.
Mallorca is considered the most environmentally friendly resort in Spain, there are about forty protected areas, the island is protected by the state.

Mallorca has a very diverse terrain. Mountains occupy the northwest and east, the highest point is Puig Major, 1445 meters, but this place is in a protected military zone and tourists are not allowed there. The neighboring peak is a little lower, this is Puig Massanella, 1352 meters, the entrance is open for tourists here. Through this mountain range(Serra de Tramuntana) passes through 13 railway tunnels. The central part is a large plain, smoothly turning into a rather rocky one. northern part islands with steep cliffs and beautiful bays along the coast. There are a lot of windmills on the flat part, which are the official symbol of Mallorca. In the eastern part of the island are the so-called Dragon Caves - unique caves with a beautiful underground lake Martel. In them, tourists are given a rare opportunity to listen to live music concerts.

The island has a lot of entertainment for almost every taste. There are several water parks (Aqualand, Western Park), Marineland Marine Park (according to rumors, the very first dolphin show in the world took place here), adventure parks (La Reserva, Jungle Park), many national parks and reserves, various shows (among them there are even jousting tournaments). Tourists can also take up various sports: windsurfing, diving, cycling, sailing, fishing, horse-drawn races and even just hiking, but special attention is paid to golf. Mallorca has more than 20 golf courses and hosts the famous Open de Baleares and the Mallorcan Grand Prix. Tourists arrive at Mallorca's Son Sant Joan airport. During the summer, this airport becomes one of the busiest in Europe.

Throughout its history, Mallorca has been repeatedly conquered by different peoples, the culture of each of which has left an indelible imprint on the island and its attractions. The island is the summer residence of the Spanish royal family, which was originally an Arab fortress and a Spanish treasury. From time to time, tourists have the opportunity to participate in official ceremonies.

Canary Islands - Tenerife

Tenerife island- the largest among the islands of the Canary archipelago. Since the middle of the last century, it has become one of the most popular resorts in Europe, and this love is fully justified - there is no such unique climate and natural beauty anywhere else. The name of the island can be translated as " white", presumably it was so named because of the peak of the Teide volcano towering over it, covered with snow. The island is divided by a mountain range into two parts: southern and northern. The climate in the south of the island is dry, almost rainless, sunny and warm with minimal fluctuations in average daily and average annual temperatures. In the north it is cooler, high humidity, air temperature is 2-5 degrees lower than in the south. But this is offset by lush vegetation and landscapes of incredible beauty. The island of Tenerife is the only resort Europe, where you can swim all year round, but this mainly applies to its southern part.

All beaches of the island are municipal and therefore free. One of the most famous beaches of the island is Playa de Las Teresitas, located near the capital. Its main difference from most of the beaches of the island is White sand brought here from the Sahara desert. Almost all beaches are covered with black volcanic sand, which is believed to have healing properties. There are especially many black beaches in Puerto de la Cruz. The coast of the resorts of Las Americas and Los Cristianos is a continuous chain of beaches, the most popular beach in the area is Playa de la Vista, with imported golden sand
One of the most famous and popular resorts is Las Americas. The city was created specifically for tourists, it is located on the coast an hour's drive from the capital. Las Americas has everything you need for a comfortable stay for tourists: many bars, restaurants, discos and nightclubs; hotels for every taste and budget. The second most popular resort is Los Cristianos. This resort is geared towards a more relaxed family holiday, so it is popular with European tourists of retirement age. Puerto de la Cruz is one of the first resorts of the island, now it has become a business center, those who are oppressed by the regularity and tranquility of resorts come here to relax. And most often, tourists come here for the purpose of shopping and sightseeing.

El Medano is another well-known resort. It is located away from other resorts and has its own specifics. El Medano is a paradise for lovers of water sports, divers. Costa Adeje. The southwestern part of the island of Tenerife is notable for the fact that it is here that Costa Adeje is located, the resort is a continuation of Las Americas, and is extremely popular in Europe. This contributes to the atmosphere of silence and comfort. Everything here is designed for the convenience of tourists. Hotels with a high level of service, comfort, a wide network of shops and entertainment venues. In addition, there is a huge number of small shops for all tastes and budgets. The resort is also very developed sea and water sports. Playa Paraiso is a small resort area in the southwest of Tenerife. "Paradise Beach" - this is how the name of this place is translated into Russian - is located in a rather secluded place, at a distance of 12 km from the center of tourist life in the south of the island - the resort of Las Americas.

In fact, the central part of Playa Paraiso consists of four high-rise and outwardly very similar hotels on the ocean coast, in the names of which the word “Paraiso” is present. Shops, cafes and restaurants are located along the highway that crosses the territory of the resort. The rocky coast is not suitable for swimming, so tourists prefer to sunbathe or by the pools, or go to the beaches of Las Americas, which can be reached by bus (20-30 minutes) or car (10 minutes).

The capital of the island of Tenerife, and one of the two capitals of the Canary Islands, is Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The service sector is primarily developed in the city. Santa Cruz is positioned as a paradise for shoppers; in the central part of the city there are many shops popular among visitors to the island. The city has a developed network of bus routes, there is also a tram line to La Laguna. Santa Cruz has the largest seaport in the Canary Islands, and the second largest in all of Spain. Despite rich history, the city cannot boast of an abundance of historical sights. Among architectural monuments city ​​palace Palacio (Cabildo) Insular - the seat of the government of Tenerife; Palacio Carta Palace (1742, now a bank), the Church of St. Francis (17th century) in the Baroque style; Pilar Church (18th century) with a painted vault.

Ibiza island

The island of Ibiza is part of the Balearic archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is not too small, and varied enough not to be boring, and not too large; so that after a few days of rest you will feel at home there.

Since ancient times, the island has attracted conquerors and pirates. The history of the first settlements (Carthaginians) on it dates back to the 7th century BC. The Carthaginians were replaced by the Romans, then the Arabs, the Visigoths, and finally the Catalans. Each of these peoples left a mark on the history and culture of the island. Ibiza is popular not only among Western youth, but also among most of the world's beau monde: artists of all directions, movie and music stars, top DJs, models, millionaires, journalists, politicians and businessmen.

The coast of Ibiza is indented with countless rocky bays, and among the greenery of rural areas, dazzling white houses of small resort villages are scattered everywhere.
The small island has everything to please every taste of vacationers: well-maintained and wild beaches, hotels of various categories, luxury villas, campsites, tennis courts and golf courses, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, boutiques and hippie markets, an old fortress, narrow cobbled streets, wonderful landscapes, fantastic nature, pines, cacti and palm trees.

Ibiza has 58 beaches for every taste and color: fully equipped with a wide range of services, completely wild, beaches for water sports, as well as quiet and cozy - for a serene sleep after a stormy night at the club.
Ibiza is the most fashionable European resort, distinguished by its specific atmosphere, people, nature and, of course, unique megaclubs (discotheques), which are rightfully considered one of the best not only in Europe, but also in the world.

With the onset of night, the island turns into one continuous holiday. Along the embankments and central streets of the cities of Ibiza and San Antonio, a motley crowd of vacationers is moving, mixed with dancers from nightclubs dressed in carnival costumes, transvestites, drag-queens, etc. Night life Ibiza is a unique combination of European youth clubbing and Spanish traditional nightlife.

Its own atmosphere reigns in the Playa d'en Bossa area, one of the main tourist centers islands. It is here that the legendary Space club is located, famous for its after-parties. From the Playa d "en Bossa area, by two in the morning, people move to mega-clubs, famous for their foam parties, gathering up to 10,000 people every night (Amnesia, Privilege). The night party in Ibiza does not end even in the morning: "After -parties" starts at 6 am and lasts until 3 pm Then the "movement" continues in music bars and right on the beach.
Every summer, the most famous DJs from Europe and the world come to the island: D. Morales, Sa$ha, Carl Cox, etc., and in winter, DJs from the best clubs in Ibiza perform in the most famous discos around the world.

Those people who have never been to Spain often have doubts about which city is the capital of Spain, Madrid or Barcelona. Both of them are well-known, and Barcelona is probably even more popular with tourists due to its location on the seashore and convenient transport accessibility. But is it the capital?

Barcelona has the second largest population in Spain after Madrid. It is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. , Gaudí's architecture and parks create the face of today's Barcelona. The sights of the city can be listed for a long time. You can't get around them all in one trip. It's like an open-air museum. Therefore, tourists come back here again and again, never ceasing to be surprised by its diversity.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of the regions of Spain. Therefore, it is not surprising that many consider it the capital of the entire state. After all, it is a major administrative center and one of the most visited cities in the country by tourists. In addition, there is a large Mediterranean port in Barcelona, ​​which connects it with sea lines with different corners. the globe. Sea cruises from Barcelona are very popular. Once having visited this city, you keep a piece of it in your heart for a long time. It adjoins the old urban medieval buildings and new areas with wide streets. The heart of Barcelona - from which the central street of the city descends to the sea.

Madrid is the capital of Spain

In terms of its architecture and majesty of buildings, Madrid is hardly inferior to Barcelona. However, it is not located on the seashore, but deep inland. Therefore, there are much fewer tourists in it. You can visit Barcelona in one day, relaxing in neighboring coastal towns. This is what many tourists use. Of course, you won’t be able to see the whole city, but it’s quite possible to have time to walk along the main street and the surrounding area. But a trip to Madrid should be planned purposefully.

Madrid is the capital of Spain. It is in this city that government buildings and financial companies are concentrated. You can find all the diversity of cultural life in it, as in other European cities: museums with rich collections, the best nightclubs, beautiful parks and shopping centers. The city has several world-class museums, which are among the top 100 in terms of attendance. Among them are the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Art Center, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Forum Madrid. Madrid is the city of kings, which is reflected in its architectural appearance. The Royal Palace, majestic cathedrals and churches, wide streets and squares reflect the energetic face of Madrid. The history of the city miraculously shaped its atmosphere and outward grandeur.

The first mention of Madrid dates back to the 10th century. During this period, Muslim Arabs dominated the Iberian Peninsula. They built the Majerid fortress on the territory of modern Madrid, the name of which translates as "a place with many springs." For possession of it in subsequent years, a struggle broke out between the Arabs and the Spaniards. As a result, the fortress became the property of the latter. In 1561 Madrid became the capital of Spain. King Philip II, who came to power, made such a decision based on pragmatic reasons. In the former capital of Valladolid there was a strong gift, in Toledo at that time the power of the church was strong. Therefore, Philip decided to turn the small village, which was then Madrid, into the center of political life. It was conveniently located from many strong cities of that time: Segovia, Toledo, Salamanca, Avila.

In 1601, King Philip III of Spain, who had a hard time enduring the harsh winters of Madrid, moved the royal court back to Valladolid. True, only for 5 years. In 1606, Madrid again became the capital of Spain. According to legend, the reason for the return was the mists of the Pisueri River, which adversely affected the health of the king. But in fact, it's all about court intrigues.

The transfer of the capital from Madrid occurred one more time in 1936, when Valencia was declared the main city of the country. However, three years later, in 1939, Madrid regained its status as the capital of Spain.

The rapid growth of Madrid occurred in the second half of the 19th century. At this time, the city began to actively grow together with the suburbs. In 1929, the architect F. De Escondrill developed a master plan for the reconstruction of the capital, in 1950 it was finalized. The city began to be predominantly built up in the north, east and southeast. Satellite cities of Escorial and El Prado appeared.

Did you know that Madrid is the highest capital in Europe. It is located in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula.

The best time to visit Madrid is during the off-season, as it is hot in summer and cool in winter. The continental climate leaves its mark on comfortable walks around the city and sightseeing of its significant places. The area of ​​the city is 607 sq. km. and includes 21 administrative regions.

Madrid is the heart of Spain. It will leave in the memory of its guests incredible impressions from the cultural and historical heritage, from incendiary and vibrant dances, from its indescribable atmosphere.

Toledo - the ancient capital of Spain

A story about the capital of Spain would be incomplete without mentioning the city of Toledo, located in the central part of the country. On its territory was originally a settlement of the Carpetans, an ancient Iberian tribe. In the 2nd century BC. it was captured by the Romans, who gave the name to the settlement of Tolet (the modern name of Toledo is the Spanish pronunciation). Since that time, the remains of such structures as the circus and the aqueduct have been preserved. In the 6th century, Toledo became the capital of the Visigoths, and in the 8th century, like other regions of Spain, came under the rule of the Arabs.

In 1085, after the recapture of the city from the Arabs, Toledo begins a new stage of development. It becomes the capital of León and Castile. And in 1479, when the Spanish provinces were united, the city was proclaimed the capital of Spain. It was an economically strong city with a developed handicraft industry. After the transfer of the capital to Madrid, Toledo is gradually losing its role as an economic and political center. The architectural appearance and layout of the city have survived to this day since the Middle Ages. It has been declared a museum city. The opportunity to travel back in time attracts many tourists.

Now you know which city is the capital of Spain Madrid or Barcelona. And when you visit this beautiful country, you can get to know its history and culture better.

About the author: Ekaterina

On the pages of my blog you will find information about the places where I have been, secrets and life hacks of independent travel.

Similar posts

.sp-force-hide ( display: none;).sp-form ( display: block; background: rgba(224, 222, 221, 1); padding: 15px; width: 760px; max-width: 100%; border -radius: 8px; -moz-border-radius: 8px; -webkit-border-radius: 8px; border-color: #dddddd; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: auto;).sp-form input ( display: inline-block; opacity: 1; visibility: visible;). sp-form .sp-form-fields-wrapper ( margin: 0 auto; width: 730px;).sp-form .sp-form-control ( background: #ffffff; border-color: #cccccc; border-style: solid ; border-width: 1px; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 8.75px; padding-right: 8.75px; border-radius: 4px; -moz-border-radius: 4px; -webkit-border-radius: 4px ;height: 35px;width: 100%;).sp-form .sp-field label ( color: #444444; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;).sp-form . sp-button ( border-radius: 4px; -moz-border-radius: 4px; -webkit-border-radius: 4px; background-color: #ff6500; color: #ffffff; width: auto; font-weight: 700 font-style: normal font-family: Arial, sans-serif; box-shadow: none -moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none;).sp-form .sp-button-container ( text-align: left;)

Discussion: 10 comments

1. That's what got me stuck the other day. I remembered Spain, but I forgot the capital)) I sat wondering - Madrid, not Madrid?))

   Answer