10 Good Reasons to Visit Spain

UK and worldwide advertising by the Spanish National Tourist Office emphasises the multi-faceted nature of the country. Different regions all offer unique landscapes, lifestyles, cuisine and opportunities for exploration.

Spain is a country of sleepy villages where the siesta is still observed and wonderful meals are served not before 3pm for lunch and 9pm for dinner. This is traditional Spain - and you don't have to travel far from popular resort areas to find it.

But of course, Spain is also the hustle and bustle of the big, modern cities - with international standard hotels, major art centres and museums. Sporting legacies from the Olympic Games of 1992 as well as the fanatically-followed football teams all add to the mix of non-stop attractions for city breaks or multi-centre visits. Of course, in Spain you will find some of the most dramatic landscapes and seascapes in Europe.

So: here are a set of Top 10 Tips which reflect the best of this fabulous country:

Beaches: From the cosy coves of the Costa Brava to the vast acres of golden sand on the island of Fuerteventura, there is a beach to suit you whether you like a busy resort or a strip of sand near a fishing village.

Nightlife: The Spanish like it long and late and you're more than welcome to join in. Try a traditional flamenco show or the latest sounds on the disco island of Ibiza.

Food: Tapas bars have brought Spanish cuisine to many countries, and you will soon discover it is as varied and delicious as anywhere in Europe. You should not miss a meal of rice-based paella, the Spanish national dish.

Wine: There are wine growing regions all over the country, the best-known being La Rioja in the north. Visit Jerez to see the home of sherry and check out the little known vintages of the Canaries.

Art: Spain has produced world-renowned painters ranging from classical Velazquez to surrealist Picasso. Madrid has some of the finest art museums in the world.

Cities: All the buzz and excitement of the country comes together in the capital, Madrid; and Barcelona, the Olympics city by the sea. Also look at up-and-coming Seville, Valencia and Palma.

Nature: Spain is home to many national parks, such as the Picos de Europa in the north and Donana in the south. Tenerife has Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide.

History: Did you know the Moorish Arabs ruled Spain for seven centuries, and that their legacy includes the fabulous Alhambra Palace in Granada? Palaces and castles abound.

Shopping: Big city stores such as El Corte Ingles rub shoulders with colourful traditional markets. The Canaries are a duty-free zone.

Touring: Hire a car or take your own, and discover the "Real Spain" along the back roads. Touring routes include the White Towns of Andalucia.

There you have it - 10 great reasons for a holiday in Spain - and 10 great reasons to go back for more.