Spain - Not Just For Beach Holidays

The idea of a Spanish holiday is rapidly gaining popularity and appeal. Tourists from all over the world are discovering the richness and beauty found in this wonderful country.

Spain has a diverse history and contains far more attractions than was once assumed. Today, it is a hotspot for trends and culture exploration. Spain offers the best of metropolitan luxury and gorgeous countryside.

Whether interested in Madrid, Seville, Malaga or Saragossa (Zaragoza), there is something for everyone at any of these glamorous destinations. Despite the assumption that this is a dry and barren country, much of Spain has been irrigated and is currently farmed.

According to Reuters, Spain is an impressive second on the list of top holiday attractions around the world. Over 59 million people visited Spain during 2007, and the numbers are expected to rise during 2008. This has been attributed to lower airfares and better accommodation - perhaps the greatest reason lies in the land itself. Destinations such as Lanzarote have become popular centers for activities of all types.

Lanzarote is an island that is possibly the most unique destination of all. This area was formed from hundreds of volcanoes and enjoys a beautiful subtropical climate. One of the most popular attractions on Lanzarote is the National Park Timanfaya. This park features both live demonstrations and bus tours across the land that appears almost lunar.

Visitors can also enjoy a trip to La Geria, the wine area of Lanzarote that produces some of the most delicate flavors possible. The growers dig deep pits to grow their grapes in, which allows the plant roots to access the rich, fertile soil beneath. Tourists can enjoy many "bodegas," where wine may be sampled and purchased.

Visitors are also welcome at the island's Museum of Contemporary Art. This building in Arrecife is created from an old fortress that once guarded the harbor.

El Golfo is a strange attraction that resulted from a volcanic crater. Visitors can see a large green lake amid the blue waters. This odd coloring results from algae and has been a fascinating excursion for many visitors.

Cesar Manrique left an island legacy that is widely appreciated today. He constructed a home that reflected the traditional architecture of the island. He felt it important to conserve such elements that might otherwise be lost to time. One of Mr. Manrique's final works was The Cactus Garden. This is a place of beauty that he crafted from an old quarry.

Teguise is another attractive destination that is the former capital city of the island. It remains one of the oldest cities of the Canary Islands and many visitors appreciate the lack of more commercial structures. The greatest event of the week is the Sunday market where everyone can purchase goods ranging from pocket watches to African masks.

Visitors have plenty more to explore during their holidays. Even with all these activities there are many more just in Lanzarote. Other wonderful destinations for the traveler include Tenerife, Majorca and Menorca. The more affordable travel and accommodations open these attractions to a wider group of travelers.

These destinations are rapidly gaining popularity for helping people to venture off the beaten path and discover roads that are less taken, but are completely intriguing. When you plan for your holiday or vacation, Spain is a wonderful destination that can give your family the experience of a lifetime.