House of travel Spain, Portugal, Greece & Turkey 2017 | Page 12

Experience
Spain
A mention of Spain conjures up vivid colour, stirring music, passionate people, a
Fast Facts
Country Name: Spain
Population: 47.7 million
Capital: Madrid
Currency: Euros
Time Zone: 11 hours behind New Zealand
(except during daylight saving)
Electricity: Current is 220V
Plug is a 2 point round-pin adaptor
Festivals and Events 2017
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02 Feb La Candelaria, Madrid
15-19 Mar Las Fallas Festival, Valencia
21-24 Apr Moros y Cristianos Festival, Alicante
02-07 May Feria de Abril, Seville
29 Jun The Wine Battle, Haro
06-14 Jul Running of the Bulls, Pamplona
30 Aug La Tomatina (tomato fight), Buñol
24 Sep La Mercé (parade), Barcelona
history both glorious and tumultuous, and a fusion of ancient and new. About 500
years ago Spain was a world power and the home port of famed explorers such as
Columbus and Cortés. Before that, for 800 years, Spain was ruled by the Muslim
Moors. These events have left an indelible mark on Spain – glorious cathedrals and
castles built on great wealth, and the stunning Islamic architecture left behind by
the Moors in Andalucia.
For today’s travellers Spain offers the cosmopolitan delights of cities such as the
capital Madrid, extroverted Barcelona; and the fabled trio of Andalucian cities –
Córdoba, Seville and Granada – with their palaces, mosques and gardens. Regional
pride is immensely strong – in the north immerse yourself in the distinctive cultures
of the Basque, the Pyrenees and the Catalan regions.
It’s a vast land; slow down, choose a few destinations and follow the Spanish way –
revel in the sunshine and relish their art treasures, then siesta to save your energy
for evenings, cruise the tapas bars and be drawn into the flamenco.