Spain has been host to more civilisations and cultures than one could point a stick at, such as the Celts, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, and evidence of the chaotic past is available for all to see including fairytale castles and unique towns. Beaches and beautiful national parks are also prolific.

Alcázar
Walt Disney loved the view of the front of the Alcázar so much that he used the image for the look of Sleeping Beauty's castle, a perfect fairytale castle. The castle has been fortified since the days of the Romans and was greatly rebuilt in the 13^th and 14^th centuries, and again in the 1800s after it burned down in 1862. What one sees today is not the original look by a long shot and is somewhat an over-the-top version mock up of it. The main highlights of the castle are the Sala de Reyes (Kings' Room), with its many sculptures, and the Sala de las Piñas. Views of the town from the castle are outstanding.

La Mezquita
The Mezquita in Córdoba is the world’s second largest mosque and a testament to great Islamic architecture. It features stunning golden mosaics, numerous red and white striped arches and staggering plays on light The mosque was started in the 8^th century and today features a 16^th century cathedral in the middle which makes it interesting. Phone +34 957 47 05 12.

Picos de Europa
Located in northern Spain, the Picos de Europa, literally ‘peaks of Europe’, is the largest solitary mass of mountain limestone in Europe and a very popular destination with hikers and climbers. In addition to the good walking are a vast collection of deep caves, while an abundance of colourful flora and fauna inhabit the rugged peaks. Have a look out for wild cats, boar, squirrels and buzzards. Wolves and bears have also been seen in the vicinity, which is best visited in spring and summer.

Saint Maurice National Park
Full title - Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici – Saint Maurice is a unique wild mountain region in the Pyrenees with 10,000-foot peaks of granite and slate, numerous glacial lakes and some wonderful flora and fauna. There are 10 huts within the park which are primarily open from the end of spring and summer. There is also some interesting architectural heritage nearby in Vall de Boí with its UNESCO Catalan Romanesque churches.

Balearic Islands
Lying off the east coast of Spain – from Valencia - the Balearic Islands are best known for their fabulous beaches and pumping holiday resorts where millions of Europeans descend yearly. They come for the fine beaches, warm sunshine, all-night party atmosphere and myriad of other attractions. Majorca is the largest and busiest island – with Palma as its noisy capital - complete with international airport and beaches all round. Ibiza is more popular with the younger crowd who come for the mega discos and hedonistic nightlife, while Minorca is a lot more laid back and quieter.

Canary Islands
The Canaries offer something slightly different from a traditional Spanish holiday in that winter sun is almost guaranteed and summers are less stifling. Of the seven islands, which lie off the northwest coast of Africa, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura are the most popular. There are hundreds of miles of beaches between the islands and a vast range of hotels and nightlife options.

Costas
The Costa del Sol (sunny coast) in the south and Costa Blanca (white coast) in the east are traditionally the main holiday regions of Spain, seeing millions of sun-seekers throughout the year. The Costa del Sol is the busiest and harbours resorts and towns such as Malaga, Torremolinos, and Marbella, while the Costa Blanca has Benidorm, Denia and Alicante. Brash party towns rub shoulders with marina-clad resorts for the rich and famous where shopping, nightlife and the all-important sun are virtually guaranteed.

Toledo
The UNESCO protected city of Toledo in central Spain displays a fine mixture of Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance architectures and features such dazzling buildings as the Alcázar fortress and the Gothic cathedral. The 13^th century cathedral also contains works by masters El Greco, Goya and Van Dyck.

Amble Las Ramblas. In Spain’s second city of Barcelona, running from the main square in town down to the pier and revamped harbour front this buzzing thoroughfare is hard to miss and was made for pedestrians. Take in the many shops, outdoor cafes and restaurants and guesthouses or nip off down a side alley and see where it takes you.

Enjoy a spot of sunbathing. This can be done on Spain’s myriad beaches. Head for the Costa Blanca (white coast) on the eastern side of the mainland, the Costa del Sol in the south, or perhaps one of the Balearic or Canary islands. There is a vast choice from the brash resorts of Torremolinos and Benidorm to the more sedate climes of western Majorca and Las Palmas.

Experience a local village fiesta. These are generally lots of fun and the perfect way to get in on the culture of the country. Fiestas can last all day long and see buzzing processions and a real party atmosphere.

Feast on tapas. Tapas are a national snack best had at the bar along with a glass of wine or cool beer. Palma de Mallorca, the Balearic Island capital, is the best place in all of Spain for tapas with more than a few establishments to try out. Apart from the aspect of staving off your hunger, eating tapas is not particularly a touristy venture and will see you rub shoulders with the locals.

Go Hiking and Trekking. Experience Spain’s vast and diverse countryside on foot, from the beautiful Picos de Europa and Pyrenees of northern Spain to the Sierra Nevada and the wilds of Andalusia in the south. Those visiting the Canary Islands also have a fantastic choice for walking owing to the stark volcanic landscape terrain while the almost year-round warmth of this region makes hiking at any time possible.

Join in with the Running of the Bulls. At this festival in Pamplona you can see everyone from matadors and ordinary street folk run down the main street with these marvellous beasts. Watching the spectacle from a safe vantage point is advised, however, as people are usually injured or even killed year on year.

See the Guggenheim Museum. View this and other Frank Gehry works to go with Picasso and Gaudi’s marvellous creations. The Guggenheim Museum is Gehry’s most famous work in the northern city of Bilbao, while those in Barcelona can discern the big copper fish on the beach.

Stamp the Flamenco. Descended from the gypsies, flamenco is celebrated all over the country but mainly in southern areas. Enjoy one of the many fiestas where the song, guitar and dance of the flamenco are shown at their best through colourful dresses.

Visit the Alhambra. Situatedin the southern city of Granada, this fabulous Moorish attraction is open year round and occupies a large part of the bustling city centre. Discern the myriad of shimmering pools and the play of light in the many fine palaces but get here early in the summer or you’ll likely be swamped by hordes of cackling tourists.