Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca, most commonly known simply as Palma is the largest city and port of the island of Mallorca, and is also the capital city of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. A much smaller center than many of the other cities in Spain, Palma offers all the historical aspects of the larger cities in a much more relaxed environment. As with any seaside resort area, Palma is famous for its beaches and waterfront leisure and recreational areas.
The Cathedral of Palma, Sa Seu, is a remarkable representation of a Gothic type of structure. It is well worth the day off from relaxing on the beach to tour this impressive structure and the view of the city and the waterfront from the Cathedral is spectacular. There are other numerous examples of Roman, Arabian and Gothic architecture in the various palaces, museums, religious buildings and even mansions and houses in the area. (more…)
Tags: palma de mallorca, spain-cities
May 5, 2008
Valencia
Valencia is a city as well as a province located on the eastern coast of Spain. As one of the three primary cities and commerce locations in the country of Spain, Valencia is both a cultural as well as a business hub. The city itself was first founded in 137 BC and has withstood a great many changes throughout its history.
The weather in Valencia is beautiful most of the year with lots of sun and moderate rain levels to keep the area rich and green with vegetation and flowers. The beaches are very popular tourist attractions and bring in visitors from around the world to simply relax and enjoy the sun or participate in the various water activities such as fishing and sailing. In addition the beaches are surrounded by world class restaurants, shopping and art galleries and museums, making a day at the beach a wonderful experience for everyone. (more…)
Tags: spain-cities, valencia spain
May 3, 2008
Cordoba
Located in southern Spain in the region of Andalucia, Cordoba is a city with an interesting mix of many different cultures and people. Historically the city has been home to Jewish people, Muslims and Christians and there is a strong representation of these religions and cultures throughout the churches, synagogues and temples located throughout the city. Currently the city of Cordoba is considered a World Historical Site and has an amazing array of attractions for those tourists interested in both the historical and modern aspects of the city.
La Mezquita, the third largest mosque in the world, is located in the city of Cordoba. The mosque, as well as the various additional buildings, cupolas and gardens that were added throughout the centuries, makes a fascinating day trip. Tours of La Mezquita as well as the Cathedral and La Juderia, or the Jewish Quarter, allow visitors to examine buildings dating back to the first settlement of the area. The fully modern bus and train system in both the city of Cordoba and throughout the province provides lots of opportunities for day trips to other smaller cities. As with most Spanish cities, there are a number of festivals, carnivals and markets to explore throughout the countryside and throughout the summer months there is always something to do and see. (more…)
Tags: cordoba spain, spain-cities
April 25, 2008
San Sebastian
World renowned for its beautiful beaches, San Sebastian, located on the Bay of Biscay in the Basque Region of Spain, is one of the most popular Spanish tourist attractions. In the Basque language San Sebastian is more commonly referred to as Donostia. San Sebastian is also home to one of the largest European film events, the San Sebastian International Film Festival. This film festival attracts artists and film producers from around the world to this lovely resort area.
One of the most celebrated festivals in the city of San Sebastian is Tamborrada or the feast of Saint Sebastian. It is held every year on January 20th and attracts thousands of people to the city. The celebration starts with the people of San Sebastian dressing as cooks and soldiers and marching around the city. At the same time other individuals play drums loudly, providing a festive air to the marching. Throughout the night the marchers stop to eat at special gourmet clubs that serve traditional seafoods and wines of the area. While historically an all-male event the feast of San Sebastian is now enjoyed by both men and women alike. In the morning, the children of San Sebastian wake up and partake in the celebration. The kids also dress as soldiers and march through the city and different schools may wear different uniforms during the event. (more…)
April 21, 2008
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez, more formally known as Jerez de la Frontera, is located in the province of Cadiz in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Jerez is most famous for its sherry production and the beautiful farms surrounding the city that are world renowned for their production of Andalusian horses. The city of Jerez hosts an annual horse fair that draws international attention to this outstanding foundation breed or horse.
The annual horse fair in Jerez is typically held at the end of April through to the beginning of May. During the week, long events take place as hundreds of Andalusian horses are paraded through the streets of Jerez with riders in traditional costumes and different events highlighting the athletic ability of these magnificent animals. The fair usually starts with a huge firework display and music and dancing and many other different types of horse events occur throughout the week. In addition to the annual horse fair there is also the prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where visitors can watch amazing displays of dressage. There are also the traditional Spanish bullfights where matadors and horses pit their skills and athletic ability against the specially bred bulls. (more…)
Tags: jerez de la frontera, spain-cities
April 13, 2008
Salamanca
The western Spanish city of Salamanca is known as the University City due to the presence of the prestigious and ancient University of Salamanca that was first established in 1218. The University of Salamanca is an international learning center attracting students from all over the world. The town of Salamanca and the surrounding areas are considered to be the best area to learn the pure and original Spanish language and this makes it a popular spot for language scholars as well as students interested in other academic pursuits.
The weather in both the city and province of Salamanca is very seasonal with cold and snow covered landscapes in the winter and hot and dry days in the summer months. This change in temperature makes it a popular spot in the winter and summer for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and trekkers. There are many outdoor festivals, markets and events year round in the city and surrounding areas, and outdoor restaurants and cafes that serve an outstanding variety of local and international cuisines make Salamanca a wonderful place to visit. (more…)
Tags: salamanca spain, spain-cities
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