Set on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula between the Atlantic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain typically conjures up images of matadors, sangria, flamenco dancers and paella. While it offers all of these traditional cliches in abundance, the country's real attraction is to be found in its passionate, laid back people and its unbeatable natural beauty. Even along the well-beaten tourist tracks, there are authentic Spanish experiences to be had, traditional local dishes to sample and idyllic villages of timeless charm to explore. Like the country’s famous tapas, Spain itself is a veritable smorgasbord of thriving cities, bizarre festivals, panoramic views and breathtaking beaches - rendering it a beautiful and beguiling country unlike any other. Weird, enthralling architecture, incredible nightlife and its diversity of art and culture add to the country’s unique allure.
Lorca is an inland city in the region of Murcia in southeast Spain. It is famous for its colourful annual Holy week festival, when decorative floats holding huge religious statues and costumed revellers parade through the streets. You can take a tour of the 13th-century Fortress of the Sun and admire the panoramic views over the city from its hilltop ramparts, or delve into the town’s ancient history at the Museum of Archaeology. Don’t miss a visit to the Collegiate Church of San Patricio, with its Baroque façade, as well as the Mubbla Museum of Embroidery, housed in a converted church with an opulent gilded interior. The reconstructed synagogue and old mosque are also worth visiting. After sightseeing, Lorca’s cafe-lined plazas provide the chance to enjoy a meal or a drink and watch local life go by.
Situated in Spain’s Jaen Province, the massive Sierra de Cazorla Natural Park is the largest protected area in the country. Characterised by striking limestone cliffs, towering mountains and abundant waters, the park is a favourite among visitors to the country. Bright turquoise pools surrounded by jungle and fed by sparkling waterfalls make excellent rewards for hikers. It is also an important location for migratory birds, making it a fantastic place to watch the mesmerising creatures arrive and play and a top location for spotting Golden Eagles, Griffon Vultures, and others. Activities on offer include hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, four-wheel-drive excursions, climbing, caving, canoeing, paragliding, hang-gliding and fishing. Animal lovers can look forward to seeing a diversity of deer, Spanish ibex, wild boars, and many other species.
Ubeda is located in the Andalusia region of south-central Spain. This city boasts a bouquet of sights for lovers of architecture and history, and a tradition of making beautiful pottery. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has an abundance of Renaissance buildings (something unique to this area of Spain). You can enjoy this 16th-century architectural style right through the old city, but head to Plaza de Vazquez de Molina Square for some lavish examples such as the Santa Maria delos Reales Alcazares Church, as well as the impressive architecture of Andres de Vandelvira (Hospital de Santiago). Finally, check out Ubeda’s many museums including the Archaeological Museum, the Olive and Oil Interpretation Centre and the Paco Tito Pottery Museum (which exhibits the work of the famous potters, brothers Juan and Paco Tito).
Jaen ligt in de regio Andalusië in Zuid-Spanje. De hoofdstad van de provincie met dezelfde naam - en bekend als de 'olijfoliehoofdstad van de wereld' - Jaen is een prachtige uitvalsbasis voor het verkennen van een aantal culturele bezienswaardigheden. Beklim de imposante Santa Catalina-bergrug om het kasteel te bezoeken en geniet van een fantastisch uitzicht over de stad vanaf de verdedigingsmuren, voordat je het hart van de stad bezoekt: de 16e-eeuwse Santa Iglesia-kathedraal. Architectuurliefhebbers zullen ook de nabijgelegen UNESCO-werelderfgoedlocaties Ubeda en Baeza willen bezoeken, terwijl actieve reizigers kunnen wandelen in het natuurpark Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. Merk ten slotte op dat Jaen bekend staat om zijn uitstekende tapasrestaurants - met veel plaatsen waar deze hapjes gratis worden geserveerd aan klanten die een drankje bestellen.
