Stretching languidly to the south of the majestic Pyrenees, Spain works a mysterious magic. Intriguing history, stunning architecture, lively festivals and a flair for flamboyance are all evident throughout the mainland, and with six cities declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain boasts more Heritage Sites than any other country in the world.
From its Roman relics to Muslim palaces, and from Baroque cathedrals to Modernist constructions, the country is a treasure chest of artistic and architectural marvels. The capital, Madrid, boasts museums full of the works of Picasso, Dalí, Goya and Gaudí, while daring, dynamic buildings can be found in Barcelona and Madrid, to name but two.
The natural landscapes are equally impressive, from the emerald-green mountains sliding into the Atlantic Ocean in the north, to the medieval towns strewn across the interior and the glittering white villages of inland Andalucía. Rugged mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevada, are draped across the country, while the Celtic music of Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, calls to mind the misty lands of Brittany, Scotland and Ireland.
Up and down the country, a zest for life creates an intense, hedonistic vibe. And if there is one thing Spaniards love, it is to eat, drink and be merry, whether feasting on tapas over fine wine, tucking into paella or lingering over churros and hot chocolate with friends.