Adventure Travel Blog

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Truly Travel Spain: Essential Destinations

Truly Travel Spain: Essential Destinations By Frank Johnson
Barcelona
There is no superior starting place for your travel to Spainthan the grand and enchanting streets of Barcelona. There isnever a dull moment in this city that literally never sleeps,especially in the summer months. Barcelona is studded with theunmistakable modernism of Antoni Gaudi, who single-handedlylanded the city on the architectural map. A stroll down thegrand avenue Passeig de Gracia will take you directly in frontof both Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, which are incredible featsof art and design and fully accessible to the public. Makereservations to have cocktails and watch the sun set on theAlice In Wonderland-like rooftop of Casa Mila (only availablefor the summer season). Wind your way through the narrowpassages of the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of town, untilyou find the overwhelming and unmistakable Gothic Cathedral(just remember to watch your pockets!).
Just an hour north of Barcelona in the town of Figueres isNorthern Spain's most interesting and unique museum. The Dalimuseum is so extraordinary because it was designed andconstructed by the artist himself and the collection of hisworks is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world. The coastlinenorth of Barcelona, extending to the French border, is known asthe Costa Brava and is one of the Mediterranean's most exclusiveand beautiful vacation destinations. Additionally, Catalonia'scountryside is spotted with superb Spanish wine vineyards andolive groves. Once you fall in love with Barcelona, it will beextremely difficult to leave; however, there are a few othergems in the north to explore in order to have really traveledSpain.
San Sebastian (Donostia)
A blend of cosmopolitan chic and sophisticated resort town, SanSebastian offers all the luxuries of a big city while providingthe Atlantic coastline with its most popular beach getaway. SanSebastian, the heart and soul of the Basque region, is widelyknown for its world-class restaurants and irresistible tapasbars; its location just south of the French border has added aunique flare to the culture and cuisine found nowhere else inSpain. Just a short bus ride inland takes you to Bilbao, homeof Frank O. Gehry's spectacular architectural triumph, theGuggenheim Museum. This is one stop that must be made when youtravel Spain!
Pamplona
The captivating words of Hemmingway and the dangerous art ofbull running are inescapable symbols of this historic township.Another cultural staple of the Basque region, Pamplona should bea stop on as you travel Spain in July when La Fiesta de SanFermin (The Running of the Bulls) takes place over 14 days. Thepopulation of 250,000 explodes to over 1 million, so reserve aplace to stay early or simply do what the locals do: eat, drinkand dance in the streets until the sun comes up and the bullsbegin to run!
Months would be needed to travel Spain's diverse cultures anddistinct regions. With more limited time, these fascinatingdestinations provide an intimate window into the authenticSpanish way of life.
About the Author: For more information on travel to Spain andother destinations in Europe, and discount airfare to Spain,visit http://www.cfares.com.

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