Spain has been attracting hoards of visitors for summer holidays for decades now, and for good reason.
Come summertime
hotels in Spain are packed with families, groups and couples who jet off to enjoy a week or two of sun and to experience some choice offering of Spanish culture. Away from the Costas though, Spain offers year round entertainment and options to explore. In the off season many hotels in Spain drop their prices, making the shoulder seasons amongst the best times to visit. Foe a true Spanish experience, here are a few tips for things to do in Spain.
1.
Dance the flamenco – The Spanish are passionate and vivacious people. Through the performance and enjoyment of Flamenco, their national dance, Spaniards display their love for life and fun. Flamenco includes song and dance and is popular throughout Spain. No matter where you stay, there will be a lively flamenco bar nearby. The high tempo dance originated from gypsy travellers who settled in Spain during the 1800’s.
2.
Visit Gaudi’s building – Barcelona is like a living museum of the work of prolific Spanish architect Gaudi. As well as the famous Sagrada Familia Gaudi also designed some of the most impressive building in Barcelona including the Casa Batllo and Park Guell, a complex of sculpture, tile work and Gaudi’s old house. The streets of Barcelona are awash with fine examples of Gaudi’s unique architecture.
3.
Eat Tapas – Bar snacks in Spain are practically an art-form. Traditionally tapas would be served alongside each drink as a cover to keep flies away. These days a whole evening can be spent nibbling small dishes like Patatas Bravas, baked Chorizo and fried chicken livers. Almost all bars as well as many
hotels in Spain serve tapas dishes from morning until night. Don’t stick to one place though, dot between bars to sample the speciality dish of each place.
4 .
Watch football – Renowned as being a country that produces some of the most famous footballers in the world Spain is pretty mush a spiritual home for football fans. For a really impressive look at Spanish football, the Camp Nov Stadium in Barcelona holds a staggering 99’000 fans all cheering for their team. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to Real Madrid is almost as impressive.
5.
Walk down The Ramblas – The central boulevard of Barcelona is at the centre of the city’s entertainment.
The 1.2km street is packed with bars, restaurants and attractions including the Erotica Museum, the Wax Museum and the popular Modernist Boquiera Market. The Ramblas comes alive at night when bars throw open their doors and street performers jump onto stilts and juggle fire. Note that while one end of The Ramblas is family friendly, the other is aimed at visiting adults. Some of the most popular hotels in Spain are situated in Las Ramblas.
