EXPLORE, ENJOY & TASTE THE REGIONS OF SPAIN


Fascinating Places to Discover


M


any of these places are otherworldly. Take slow steps.


Open your eyes wide. Lanzarote: The Fire Mountains It’s hard to choose unique


places in a destination that is already really special. Lanzarote is the easternmost island in the Canaries and despite having a volcanic landscape that looks lunar, life makes its way through in a beautiful way. You can see it if you visit the volcanoes of the Timanfaya National Park, in Los Verdes Cave (where there is a surprise in store), or in the ‘Charco de los ciclos’ (Green Lagoon), a lagoon that is connected to the sea, and which is an amazing colour.


Caldera de Taburiente National Park


On the Canary Island of La Palma, nicknamed “the Green Island”, Caldera Taburiente awaits your visit. It is named after the volcanic crater that takes up the central area of the island. The crater contains a unique ecosystem where the water produces lush vegetation in the lower part of the National Park. A true oasis, where leafy forests add to the impressive views of the La Palma summits, creating unforgettable scenery.


Teide National Park


One of Europe’s most visited national parks is in the heart of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. Here, the main star of the show is the Teide volcano, the very pinnacle of Spain, at an altitude of 3,718 metres. Keep your eyes peeled, because there’s something amazing to see every step of the way. The ecosystem formed by volcanic eruptions has created a habitat for the impressive local fauna, particularly invertebrates but also the flora that have adapted to the high mountains and unique geological formations in Europe.


La Gomera, age-old forests


In Garajonay National Park (World Heritage Site) there is a thick laurisilva (laurel forest), which is a living relic of the sub-tropical


There are places in the world that will enthral you because of their beauty, uniqueness and history. Places to visit at least once in a lifetime. In Spain there are several of such places, each more beautiful than the last


forests that could be found in the Tertiary era several million years ago. There is also another natural gem on this island that can be seen from the sea – ‘Los Órganos’ (the Organs), an ancient volcanic rock cliff that actually looks like organ pipes.


Tamadaba Nature Reserve


Tamadaba is an enormous massif which unites the ecosystems of the precipitous cliffs of Adén Verde, and the crags and slopes of Guayedra. It is also possible to observe unusual rock formations due to the erosion known as ‘God’s Finger’. Among its vegetation, pine groves of great ecological value stand out, such as those of Tamadaba and Tirma, in excellent condition and which provide a nesting place for several endemic species of birds, such as the blue chaffinch of Gran Canaria and the greater spotted woodpecker. In fact, it is catalogued as a Special Bird Protection Area. In the lower areas there are rockrose groves, Canary Island spurge and ‘tabaibas’ (old areas not covered by recent lava and in which vegetation abounds). Copses of palm trees appear in the beds of the ravines. The exceptional Canary cedar can also be observed in the park, as well as some endemisms such as the Teide daisy (Argyranthemun tenerifae) and the ‘lengua de pájaro’ (polygonum rurivagum).


Drach and Can Marçà Caves


The Drach Caves, in Majorca, hold one of the largest underground lakes in the world. The best thing about these caves is a classical music concert inside and a boat ride on the lake. Can Marçà Cave is in Ibiza. As well as the light and sound show inside, you shouldn’t miss the amazing views of the bay.


The Capital City with a Thousand Options


Cheerful and vibrant at all hours, Madrid is famous for being an open city with all kinds of people from anywhere in the world


I


n addition to its famous museums, busy streets dotted with all kinds of shops, restaurants with world cuisine or unbeatable nightlife, Madrid will surprise you with its charming, tranquil historic spots, with traditional and family-run century-old bars where friends meet up for a drink, all kinds of neighbourhoods, and cultural centres that offer an alternative type of tourism. Madrid has an authenticity that is hard to match. It is welcoming and diverse. Madrid is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s most interesting cities.


Anyone in search of culture will find some of the most important museums in the world, such as the Prado,


Reina Sofía or Thyssen. But it is also home to some smaller options which are full of charm, such as the Sorolla Museum or cultural centres like the Matadero or Conde Duque, which are continuously offering innovative exhibitions, concerts and guided tours. Walking around Madrid means coming across iconic spots such as the stunning Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor with 400 years of history, the buzzing Puerta del Sol, the famous Gran Vía full of shops, or the four tallest towers in Spain. Each neighbourhood offers a different experience: La Latina is ideal for tapas while Las Letras has the perfect combination of literature and fine dining. But Madrid also means relaxing


in enormous parks such as the Parque del Retiro, and other lesser-known but equally charming parks like El Capricho. When it comes time to eat Madrid has two facets, both equally delicious. On the one hand, traditional bars where you can discover the old-fashioned, unpretentious atmosphere known as ‘castizo’, and why tapas are so much fun. On the other hand, avant-garde restaurants such as DiverXO and traditional markets converted into new gourmet spaces like San Miguel, which have become true temples of gastronomy. In Madrid, any time is a good time to enjoy a lively, urban atmosphere. For example, the increasingly famous weekend


An Inspiring Destination That Leaves its Mark In Seville, tradition is always in


fashion. From flamenco shows and Spanish guitar music to typical


ceramics and crafts, which are always a good souvenir of the city


S


eville is a city that leaves its mark, and many people define it as special. It might be because of the grandeur of its monuments. Or perhaps the charm of areas such as Triana. It may possibly be the scent of jasmine in its squares or the Spanish guitar music of its streets. Some say that it’s the tradition of its festivals while many are convinced its tapas are the real reason. You can see it for yourself in the few metres that separate the Giralda tower, the Cathedral and the Real Alcázar of Seville. La Giralda is a city icon and one of its main charms lies in its viewpoint


2


- the views of Seville are fantastic with its courtyards of orange trees, typical in Andalusia, and a close-up of the largest Gothic temple in Europe, the Cathedral. A visit to the Real Alcázar reveals an extraordinary palace full of details. If you visit in the summer, take advantage of the night visits and the festival held in its gardens. Seville is much more than its undeniable monumentality It is a city of lively streets and large open spaces such as the huge Plaza de España, María Luisa Park or the avant-garde Metropol Parasol. And if you want to enjoy the authentic


atmosphere of Seville, try going for tapas in the old town, in popular areas such as Alameda, Macarena, Nervión, Los Remedios or Triana. Marinated ‘pescaíto’ (fish), small filled rolls, typical snails, fino (white wine), manzanilla (sweet wine) or a cold beer are a must on any tapas outing.


There are plenty of shops and workshops in Triana and it’s easy to enjoy flamenco at one of the many ‘tablaos’ or neighbourhood ‘peña’ groups. In fact, Seville hosts what is perhaps the most important international festival of this art: The Biennial.


The tradition of Seville is also reflected in its more international festivals. Two good examples are the April Fair and Holy Week. The first is all about joy and passion for popular Andalusian art, an unbeatable chance to enjoy the sound of the Spanish guitar, flamenco fashion and festive Seville. Holy Week is a passionate festival full of emotional moments. To understand it, the best option is to witness one of the much- visited religious processions or hear a live ‘saeta’ (emotional flamenco song dedicated to the religious figures).


brunches in enclosed glass terraces, courtyards and rooftops.


Fashionistas will find all options: luxury stores on the Golden Mile, vintage establishments in areas such as Fuencarral, new designer markets like the Mercado de Motores, and craft shops and bookshops over 100 years old. At dusk, some of the city’s viewpoints will surprise you with unique sunsets, at the Temple of Debod or the rooftop bar of the Círculo de Bellas Artes. And at the end of the day, nightlife in Madrid is legendary with live music, all kinds of ambiences and dancing until the sun comes up. Madrid has its own beauty. Madrid stimulates and inspires. Madrid is an experience.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40