Spain, Map Spain regions

Spain from the modern European cities of Madrid and Barcelona, to the medieval university of Salamanca and the Moorish flavor of Granada, Spain and Spanish culture is far from easy to define. Its geographical location, on the Iberian Peninsula, gives it extensive Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline, which has made it one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Beyond the veneer of tourism, however, Spain is a country with a long and complicated history of Roman, Catholic, Jewish, and Arab influences. This mix has produced stunning and varied architecture, a strong tradition of academic scholarship, some of the 20th century's most influential artists, and a complex sense of modern national identity. Spain has long been a popular abroad destination for vistors from all over the world, as it is a wonderful window to the forces of history, as well as the rush of 21st-century industry, arts, sport, and multi-ethnic communities.

Barcelona, capital of the autonomous province of Catalonia, is one of the most prosperous areas in contemporary Spain. A major cultural center since the Middle Ages, it styles itself Catalan, Spanish, European, and international. There's a saying in Barcelona: "One Catalan starts a business. Two Catalans organize a corporation. Three Catalans form a choral society."
Barcelona has been home to prominent 20th century artists like Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. The experimental works of the modernista architect Antoni Gaudí are one of the city's unique attractions, and his Church of the Holy Family is the familiar symbol of the city.

Top Ten Sights

Markets

Places to Visit

Beautiful Valencia

World Heritage Sites

Things to do and see in Spain

Ten Best Things to do In Spain

Days out in Spain/Theme Parks

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Spain's Strange, Weird, Humorous, Whacky, Wonderful Festivals and Events