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The Iberian Peninsula

Spain  ·  Portugal  ·  Andorra

(Spanish: España,), officially the Kingdom of Spain (Spanish: Reino de España), is a member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land boundary with Gibraltar; to the north by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay; and to the northwest and west by the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal.
Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, and two autonomous cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, that border Morocco. With an area of 504,030 km², Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union after France. Since January 1, 2010, Spain has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Because of its location, the territory of Spain was subject to many external influences, often simultaneously, since prehistoric times and through the dawn of Spain as a country. Conversely, the country itself has been an important source of influence to other regions, chiefly during the Modern Era, when it became a global empire that has left a legacy of over 400 million Spanish speakers today—making it the world's second most spoken language by native speakers.
Spain is a democracy organised in the form of a parliamentary government under a constitutional monarchy. It is a developed country with the ninth or tenth largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, and very high living standards (15th highest Human Development Index), including the seventeenth-highest quality of life index rating in the world.

Density per sq mi: 210,   Population: 40,397,842, Life expectancy: 79.7

offers a wide artistic range, influenced by the many styles that have marked the city through the centuries.

From the ruins of the ancient Arab wall, to small Gothic-style churches, and early Renaissance constructions, Madrid's development is a showcase for a variety of artistic periods. Madrid owes its name to the Arabic Magerit or "mother of the waters", which was the name given to the fortress in the bank of the Manzanares River, built by the Omayyad from Cordoba, Muhammad (823-886). Although it grew under Arab rule for two hundred years, little is left of the Arab presence: only some ruins of the wall are preserved, and a tower, which was later turned into a bellower. With the coming of the Austrias in the 16th century and the height of their splendour in the 17th century, the great monuments of Madrid began to emerge in the area that is nowadays referred to as the Madrid de los Austrias, one of the most famous areas of the city where, in addition to the Plaza Mayor, there are many outstanding spots, churches, and convents, full of art and atmosphere. The austere façades of the Baroque style contrast with the lavish interiors of the palaces.
The 18th century left its Neoclassical mark on the splendid Royal Palace complex, the Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro, located in the city centre. The church of San Francisco El Grande, the fountains of Paseo del Prado, the Toledo Bridge, the Prado Museum, and Puerta de Alcalá are also good examples of this splendid style.
The most avant-garde and modern Madrid is located in the area of newer districts, mainly along its two main arteries: Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana. Gran Vía, whose construction began at the beginning of the 20th century, is nowadays a nerve centre of shops, leisure establishments, and hotels. Paseo de La Castellana, a magnificent avenue that crosses the city from north to south, has some of the most elegant hotels in the capital, as well as the offices of many firms that have opted for modern, avant-garde buildings. As important as the architectural legacy of Madrid is, however, the city's artistic wealth is found in its art galleries.

the capital of Catalonia, is a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city that incorporates in its urban street pattern Roman remains, medieval districts and the most beautiful examples of Modernism and 20th century avant-garde art. Not for nothing were the emblematic buildings of Catalan architects Antoni Gaudí and Luis Doménech i Montaner declared to be World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Of Roman origin, Barcelona's long history and economic dynamism have provided it with an impressive cultural heritage, shown in the conservation of its rich historic and artistic heritage and in the encouragement of the newest artistic trends. Its long cultural agenda will lead the visitor through museums, exhibitions, outdoor sculptures... and an extensive calendar of music, theatre, and dance.

More than a park, it is a symbol of Barcelona. Parc Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most emblematic works, is unique in the world as it was envisaged as a monumental space where the natural environment was inseparable from the architectural elements.

The Sagrada Familia is a huge church of Barcelona, designed by the Catalonian architect Antonio Gaudí, the most important representative of the Modernist architecture in Catalonia. It is a Modernist building of an astonishing originality, and totally innovative. Gaudí became world famous without finish it. Still now, already is not finished.

Don't miss: Barcelona Cathedral, Picasso Museum, Casa Milà, "La Pedrera" House, Liceu Theatre, Palau de la Música Catalana, Auditorium National, Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)

lies in the the south of Spain, and its coasts are bathed by both the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans. It borders Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha in the north, Murcia and the Mediterranean Sea in the east, the Mediterranean and Atlantic ocean in the south, and Portugal in the west.

The region's scenery stands out because of its sheer diversity. Some areas are covered in mountains while others are full of plains. There are three distinct geographical structures: the sierra Morena to the north, the Guadalquivir river and Betica depression in the central part of the region, and the Betica mountain ranges in the south. The two most notable mountainous areas are the sub-Betica range, containing La Sagra massif that reaches an altitude of 2,383 metres and the Penibetica mountain range. The Sierra Nevada is also outstanding and is home to el Mulhacen, the highest mountain peak on the Iberian Peninsula reaching a height of 3,481 metres. Next comes Veleta peak at 3,392 metres.
 Andalusian rivers that lead into the Mediterranean sea are relatively short and contain small amounts of water. Amongst these are the Almanzora, the Almeria, the Adra, the Guadalfeo, the Guadalhore and the Guadiaro. The rivers that flow into the Atlantic are bigger and have more copious waters. The region's most important river is the Guadalquivir and its tributaries: the Guadalimar, the Guadiana Menor and the Genil. The Guadiana, the Odiel and the Tinto rivers also flow into the Atlantic.
The vast stretch of coast that extends along Andalusia is filled with bays and inlets, some a little more craggy than others as we near the Betica mountain ranges. The most notable geographical quirks that are found along the coast include: the steep rock summit of Farallon, Polacra point, Gata cape, the gulf of Almeria, las Entinas point, Adra bay, Sacratif bay, Malaga bay and Calaburras point. Europa Point forms the Gibraltar headland. This is where the Spanish coast begins stretching from the straits of Gibraltar up to the cape of trafalgar. Within the straits the most notable parts of the landscape are formed by Algeciras bay as well as by Marroqui (Moroccan) and Tarifa points.

The Alhambra was so called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic, («qa'lat al-Hamra'» means Red Castle). It is located on top of the hill al-Sabika, on the left bank of the river Darro, to the west of the city of Granada and in front of the neighbourhoods of the Albaicin and of the Alcazaba. The first historical documents known about the Alhambra date from the 9th century and they refer to Sawwar ben Hamdun who, in the year 889, had to seek refuge in the Alcazaba, a fortress, and had to repair it due to the civil fights that were destroying the Caliphate of Cordoba, to which Granada then belonged.

(Spanish: Sevilla) is the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia and of the province of Seville. It is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir, with an average elevation of  above sea level. The inhabitants of the city are known as Sevillanos (feminine form: Sevillanas) or Hispalenses. The population of the city of Seville was 703,206 as of 2009, ranking as the fourth largest city of Spain.

main attraction is maybe its exciting geography, full of contrasts, woods mountains ending in rocky cliffs and plains that change their colour as the day goes by. Its 252-kilometre long coast offers awesome views, small fishing villages where time seems to be stand-still, clean and endless beaches while the interior presents green valleys, magic mountains and wide ocher-coloured plains spotted with tower houses and palaces. Excellent places for trekking, bicycle or car routes.

Let's start our tour in busy Plaza Circular Square. Going down Buenos Aires Street, for the first time we will run into the backbone of the city: the estuary. While we cross the bridge, we will observe a beautiful building on the other bank. It is Bilbao's City Hall, which most outstanding element is the exotic Arab lounge, where receptions are held.
Turning right we will get into El Arenal Walk, often-visited gardens where locals love to meet and do all sorts of activities. We make our way into the Old Town walking by the facade of the church of San Nicolás de Bari. Correo Street will lead us to Plaza Nueva Square, a Neoclassical square with a 64-arched portico that houses many bars with lively terraces and a street market on Sundays.

We will walk across the square to see the Archaeological Ethnographical and Historical Basque Museum at Cruz Street, home to a collection of objects and tools used by the Basques since prehistory. Very close to the museum, Santiago's Cathedral stands at Old Town's Seven Streets. The construction is one of the best samples of Bizkaia's Gothic architecture. We will take our time admiring the church's front of the Angel, before losing yourself in the noisy bars of Seven Streets. We will run into the estuary again near the monumental Ribera Market and the church of San Anton, which appears on the city's coat of arms.
We will hang around the streets until we come to Bidebarrieta Street, which leads to the majestic Arriaga Theatre, inspired by Paris Opera House. If we cross El Arenal Bridge, we will get again to the Plaza Circular Square. Before heading up Gran Vía Street, we can have a rest in Albia Gardens where a statue pays tribute to Bilbao's writer Antonio de trueba, or go for a drink in the ancient Café Iruña.
Gran Vía Street, which original name is Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, honours Bilbao's founder and is capital's commercial and finnacial artery. Bizkaia's regional council in Moyua Square, also known as Elliptical Square, is also well worth a stop in our tour. From Gran Vía we will gain access to Parque Doña Casilda Park, whose pergola often holds open-air festivals. The park is the main lung of Bilbao and accommodates the Museum of Fine Arts that has a very complete art collection.
At the end of Alameda de Rekalde Street we will be greeted by Puppy, the cute, flowers-coated pet of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. We can give an end to our tour either by visiting the museum or by enjoying the setting. Gehry's spectacular construction stands by the Bilbao Estuary, on the opposite bank of Deusto University.

is your thing, you should already be thinking about Spain as a destination for next season. The country is ideal for the sport. There are lot of reasons to come to one of the many ski resorts to be found all over Spain. Quality snow and plenty of winter sun, along with first-rate facilities and a broad range of complementary activities are bringing more and more people to Spanish slopes every year. Why not come and join them? Spain is Europe's second most mountainous country, with a long skiing tradition, and provides all the necessary facilities for you to practise the sport. There are 35 ski resorts spread all around the country. You just have to choose which one.

All along the country’s Atlantic coast, you’ll find the cities from which the great Portuguese navigators first set sail.
The voyages made in the 15th century to the Far East and Brazil brought a period of great wealth to the people, art and buildings of these coastal cities. Standing as reminders of this golden period are the Convento de Cristo in Tomar, and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém in Lisbon.
Visit these world heritage sites and you will see the symbols of these voyages of exploration, known in Portugal as the ‘Discoveries’. The symbols are the armillary sphere; the cross of the Order of Christ; branches and foliage; twisted ropes and strange shapes from the sea.
In the Algarve visit Lagos where Prince Henry the Navigator, the great mentor of all the ‘Discoverers’, once lived. He was born in Porto, in the far north of Portugal, but it was here that he founded his now mythical School of Navigation. And be sure to take a trip to Sagres. On its jutting headland, known as the ‘sacred promontory’, you’ll get a sense of why this region became the base for all these famous sea voyages.
Meanwhile no tour of Portugal’s coastal cities is complete without learning the story of Pedro Álvares Cabral in Belmonte, and that of Vasco da Gama in Sines - the great idols of the Portuguese ‘Discoveries’.

The Templar Castle and the Convent of the Knights of the Order of Christ have been witness to some of the most heroic events in the history of Portugal.

Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1983, Tomar has seen the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors, and the maritime expansion of Portuguese territory.
A town that reflects various periods of western art and history, Tomar began when D. Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king, donated the lands around the town to the Order of the Temple as a reward for their help in recapturing the territory from the Moors. It is said that Gualdim Pais, the Master of the Order in Portugal, knew that it lay at the north / south divide of what was to become Portugal. It was also the site of the right angle that linked Earth to the sign of the Templars in the sky: the constellation Gemini.
It was in 1160 that the Master began to build the castle and ordered the region to be settled. The castle is connected to the Templars’ Rotunda, an octagonal church and a gem of sacred architecture that was itself based on the temple erected by Constantine over the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Despite the suppression of the Order of the Temple in I314 by Philip the Fair, King of France, the Templars were able to continue their mission in Portugal through the efforts of the King D.

Dinis. With the approval of the Holy See, he founded the Militia of the Knights of Christ in 1319, which took over the property and privileges of the extinct order. The curved lines of the Templar cross were changed to straight ones. With their cross engraved on the sails of the caravels, the Knights of Christ joined Prince Henry the Navigator in preparing the Portuguese nation for the maritime discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries, carrying the Cross of Christ to all corners of the world.

is a city open to the sea that has always defined its destiny. Visit the beauty and history of its riverside neighbourhoods.
Begin with the two landmark monuments, the Tower of Belém and the Monastery of Jerónimos. Both have been designated World Heritage status given how they epitomise the beauty of the Manueline style that developed out of the Portuguese Voyages of Discovery. The Naval Museum is also to be found in the vicinity with its collection of 15th to 21st century exhibits. For some great views, head up the Monument to the Discoveries and admire the Wind Vane laid out below. And there always has to be time for an exceptional ‘pastéis de Belém’, an interpretation of the custard tart.
Continue on eastwards as far as the Doca de Santos, packed with terraced restaurants and bars. At the Alcântara and Rocha Conde de Óbidos ferry stations, take a look at the impressive Modernist tile panels.
Head onwards as far as another city landmark, the elegant Praça do Comércio square. It was here that the king lived throughout the era of discovery. To one side stood the Ribeira das Naus, with warehouses and a beach where the ships would be built.
Finally, the eastern section of the city is the up and coming Parque das Nações area, host to the World Exhibition of 1998. It is now a centre for recreation facilities and open air dining and drinking with a series of other services. These include the Oceanarium, the Cable Car and the Vasco da Gama Tower for panoramic views of Lisbon.

Andorra

Andorra is very rugged. High mountains (the Pyrenees), cover the entire country. No part of Andorra is lower than 3,000 ft. (900m). The highest point is Coma Pedrosa at 9,665 ft. (2,946 m). A few small, winding rivers are bordered by steep, narrow valleys.

Location: Between France and Spain, in the Pyrenees mountains. Surface: 467,76 km2. Population: 67.159 people. Currency: Euro. Capital: Andorra la Vella (20.724 people). Language: Catalan, but also Spanish and French are spoken. Government: Constitutional co-principality.