Travel Ideas on Exploring the Real Spain

Travel Apetizers - Exploring Spain

If you are thinking of visiting Spain and would like to sample and experience the authentic Spanish culture then read on. Although the image of Spain has changed enormously over the past 20 years a lot of people still think of bullfighting, sometimes crowded beaches and flamenco dancing when it comes to Spain, it really offers so much more as a holiday and travel destination.

Broaden your travel horizons and explore this diverse country from picturesque country side walks and fishing outings , to exploring historic white washed villages and ancient monuments, or perhaps a wine and food testing trip is more to your liking. How about visiting areas of great natural beauty from the Pyrenees in the north to beautiful national parks in the south. These tips will hopefully inspire you to explore the real Spain.

Sea Food - Galicia
The pristine seas and picturesque estuaries around Galicia produce arguably the best sea food in Spain. Galicia is located in the north east and is also one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas of Spain. Galicia is awash with lush green countryside , small villages and hamlets , pristine sea , beaches and spectacular views.

There is a seafood festival which takes place in O,Grove during the first two weeks of October each year where you can try every type of the freshest fish and seafood you will find anywhere in Spain and join one of most important annual festivals celebrated in the area.

Try classical dishes which include, squid, cuttlefish, shrimp, cockles, mussels, hake, turbot, sea-bass, oysters, lobster, crayfish and spider crab.

The nearest airport is Santiago .

Google Map of the Rias Baixas - Galicia

Arts and Science Museum - Valencia
Probably the most popular attraction at the moment in Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences located at the end of the Turia Gardens and just a ten minute walk from the beach and port area of Valencia. Within the area of this top attraction you will find the fascinating Aquarium which houses the largest marine and aquarium park in the Europe . It is housed in a stunning building designed by Felix Candela and is reminiscent of one of Gaudi's impressive works.

As well a housing the Aquarium the City of Arts and Science is this truly a modern and stunning complex where will find the planetarium, science museum, botanical gardens and the grand opera house.

The aquarium is undoubtedly the most popular, and is divided into sections which represent the whole spectrum of the sea environment. The Mediterranean area contains the largest aquarium in Europe with almost 7.500 species to explore within several smaller aquariums. The Oceanographic area is situated mainly underground and houses the marshland, wetland areas and mangrove swamps.

The nearest airport is Valencia

Google Map of the Arts and Sceince Museum - Valencia

Strange Festivals - Tomato Fight - Valencia
Get together up to 45 thousands people, literally throw in 100 metric Tons of over ripe tomatoes and you l have the biggest food fight in the world.

This extraordinary food fight takes place on the last Wednesday in August in the In the town of Brunol ( population around 9,000 ) near Valencia, as part of a weeks long festival that includes, traditional music , fireworks, colourful parades and much partying.

It is a tradition that started in 1945, know ones how, and commences at around 10 am when trucks loads of ripe tomatoes ( from Extremadura ) are driven in and thrown out to the frenzied crowd by the bucket load.

The fight ends when water cannons are fired into the air, then shortly after a clean up of monumental proportions begins.
The nearest airport is Valencia

Google Map of the Arts and Sceince Museum - Valencia

Explore La Rioja - Hotel -Wine Tasting and Spa
The wine region of La Rioja is located in the central Northern area of Spain and is home to some of the worlds most famous wines including – Marques de Riscal.

The area not only produces some of Spain,s finest wines it is also well geared up now for quality wine tourism including, wine tasting trips, architecture, cellar tours , wine festivals and feasts. One of the most well know of the reds from this area, Marques de Riscal has one of the finest hotels in the area named after it.

The stunning Hotel Marques de Riscal is located in Elciego in La Rioja’s Alava province. Designed by Frank Gehry, this avant-garde hotel offers a Michelin-starred restaurant. All stylish rooms at the Hotel Marques de Riscal feature a distinctive zig-zag window seat with views of the valley.

The nearest airport is Vitoria

Google Map of the El Ciejo - la Rioja